Borage Bistro is a new favorite hidden gym in the heart of downtown Cape Town. It’s tucked away in the side of the huge Portside Tower building in the city center, so it’s really only accessible to those in the know. It’s a fine dining brasserie serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks, and the prices are great for the quality. There’s also a Friday night dinner option.

The chef, Frank Marks, trained with renowned Luke Dale-Roberts of The Test Kitchen fame and the similarities in flavors and even restaurant layout are apparent. Like The Test Kitchen, Borage Bistro has an open kitchen plan that lets diners see all the gourmet preparation going on in the back. The menu focuses on fresh ingredients and fine dining tastes, but the restaurant is homey and comfortable. It’s clearly a favorite with business diners working in the foreshore.

Options for breakfast include a short list with the usuals, like eggs benedict or English breakfast, with a few more interesting things thrown in, like French toast with caramelized banana and crispy pancetta. They’ve also go fresh croissants, brioche, and pain ou chocolate on offer. Lunch is a selection of warm or cold sandwiches, a few nice looking salads, and some options from the regularly changing specials board. I sampled the beef tartar from the specials board and was really impressed. It was a very generous portion of steak topped with a herb parsley concoction and served with beautiful fried capers, pickles, and slices of toasted bread. It was just the right amount for a quick, light lunch. The cappuccino was great as well.

Service was very friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is really nice and relaxing. The décor is contemporary but very comfortable. It would be a great spot for a business meeting or a working lunch or breakfast.