Where heat meets heart in the Mother City
Cape Town has long held its place among the world’s most exciting food destinations, offering a kind of culinary magic that feels both proudly local and unmistakably global. It’s a city where every meal has a story, and every experience leaves a mark. And it’s within this exciting culinary landscape that ROOI makes its mark. Tucked within the lagoon-lined grounds of the iconic One&Only Cape Town, an oasis in the heart of the Mother City, the restaurant is a love letter to South Africa’s culinary soul with a reimagined grill room experience shaped by the country’s longstanding relationship with fire, community, and the simple joy of meeting around a table.
Named after the Afrikaans word for “red,” ROOI draws inspiration from the elemental force that has shaped South African cooking for millennia. Here, fire isn’t used just to cook, it threads through the story of the space itself, in its warm terracotta palette, the subtle smokiness of its dishes, and an atmosphere that echoes the spirit of a traditional braai.
The restaurant design leans into this storytelling with a quiet, thoughtful touch. Natural materials like stone and wood create a seamless transition between the surrounding landscape and the dining room, while “horned” chairs nod to the striking silhouette of Ankole cattle. The Pincushion Protea, a symbol of resilience in the Western Cape’s Fynbos kingdom, appears throughout the space, a reminder of how fire sparks renewal and transformation in nature. In many ways, ROOI mirrors that same idea.
This sense of rebirth is reflected in the menu as well. South African ingredients take centre stage, prepared with clarity and intention. Expect local seafood, from flame-grilled tuna to south coast rock lobster, alongside prime South African wagyu, aged mutton and Kalahari venison. Vegetarians and vegans will find dishes that celebrate regional produce, while nostalgic favourites like malva pudding and pampoen kaaskoek offer a taste of tradition.
South Africa’s celebrated wine culture plays an equally important role in the experience. From ROOI’s wine loft to its dedicated tasting table, guests can explore the variety of the Western Cape’s vineyards without ever leaving the heart of the city.
What truly defines ROOI, however, is its sense of place. Though housed within one of Cape Town’s most iconic luxury resorts, the restaurant manages to feel grounded, familiar and quietly comforting. It captures the warmth of fireside gatherings and blends it with a refined, contemporary approach to dining. With its deep connection to land, sea and fire, ROOI is a space where good food, great wine and excellent company come together, a welcoming reflection of South Africa itself.