Fodor's Expert Review Babel

Set on the grounds of one of the Cape's oldest Dutch farms, Babel and the Babylonstoren boutique hotel are a vision in white surrounded by lush fruit and vegetable gardens with a gorgeous backdrop of mountain views. Everything about this farm is stylish: the restaurant is in a converted cow shed, and no expense has been spared in the creation of this spectacular venue. Aiming to use as much of its own produce as possible, Babel's menu includes inventive categories; for example, the salad menu is defined by colors. The Red Salad features warm pickled beetroot, salmon gravlax, blood orange, pomegranate, and pink oyster mushrooms. Green is made from braised bok choy hearts, kiwi, fennel, and white oyster mushrooms drizzled with a blue cheese dressing. Scrumptious main courses include grilled almond-crusted line fish, and lamb cutlets with a roasted garlic sauce. Expect bold flavors and unusual combinations like poached guava with beetroot crumble, or baked Brie with olive tapenade and strawberry crisps for dessert.