Fodor's Expert Review Planet Restaurant

Occupying one of Cape Town’s most glamorous spaces at the iconic Mount Nelson Hotel, this restaurant with its whimsical design, smooth service, and exceedingly fresh and well-considered menu offers diners a beautifully understated fine-dining experience befitting its elegant location. With a galaxy of starry lights cascading from the high-domed ceiling and tall bay windows looking onto bucolic rose gardens, this gorgeous, all-white space rarely fills to capacity, but it's a great choice for an intimate and stylish night out. The chef makes fantastic use of local ingredients in dishes like the wild mushroom carpaccio with bee pollen, or grilled springbok with a pomegranate pecan praline. Frequently hosting good-value "wine and dine" evenings, and one of the few fine-dining locations serving excellent vegetarian and even vegan tasting menus, the Planet is one of the city's most underrated upscale finds.

For a more informal and interactive culinary experience, inquire about the Chef's Table, where you enjoy lunch or dinner in an alcove of the hotel kitchen, watching the chefs prepare your meal and discussing each dish with them.