Beluga’s Gastronomic Revival: Discover the Swanky New Culinary Haven at V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Buckle up, folks, because Beluga is about to drop a gastronomic bombshell that will make your taste buds do the samba! The Beluga Team is practically doing the conga line with excitement as they unveil their swanky new location. Forget the struggles of COVID-19; Beluga is back, and they’re ready to bring the sizzle to summer in the Mother City. They’ve got their culinary capes on, and they’re determined to dazzle their beloved patrons once more.

But wait, there’s more! Picture this: you, on a balcony, with a front-row seat to the Cape Town Cruise Terminal harbor. It’s a view so stunning it could make even a seagull do a double take. And what’s on the menu? Brace yourself, because their new Waterfront restaurant boasts a swanky whisky bar (for when you need a drink runway), a wine-tasting section (because who doesn’t want to sip like royalty?), a sushi conveyor belt that could moonlight as a catwalk for sushi supermodels, an al fresco smoking area with a rooftop (where you can pretend to be an outdoor adventurer), and an ultra-exclusive dining space for all your clandestine rendezvous. Vegans, don’t fret, because Beluga’s famous vegan sushi is back, making sure there’s a slice of foodie heaven for everyone.

Now, let’s rewind to the year 2000, a time when Beluga burst onto the scene at The Foundry in Green Point. Euro-Asian fusion in a New York loft-style atmosphere that was cooler than a Yeti’s toenails. They even snagged a spot on Conde Nast Traveler’s list of the world’s top 60 restaurants, thanks to their sushi and those addictive post-meal jellybeans.

Fast forward to 2017, and Beluga changed hands. The new owners went all out, throwing annual launch parties, adding vegan options (because who doesn’t love food that doesn’t involve animal acrobatics?), fresh seafood platters that even Poseidon would covet, and a deep dive into South Africa’s wine wonderland.

Then, the calamity of November 2020 struck! COVID-19 threw a curveball, and like many a South African saga, Beluga had to close up shop due to government restrictions. But, hold onto your seats, because Beluga has risen from the ashes, like a culinary phoenix, and they’ve landed in the sparkling new Cape Town Cruise Terminal of the V&A Waterfront. It’s a dream come true, where the phrase “from sea to table” takes on a whole new level of significance.

The Beluga crew is ready to roll out the red carpet for their loyal patrons once again. They’re not just a safe haven in stormy seas; they’re a foodie typhoon in a port.

At their swanky new spot, just on the fringe of the V&A Waterfront, Beluga is set to blow your culinary expectations out of the water. Industrial views of Cape Town’s harbor are the backdrop to their refined whisky bar, a wine-tasting section that’s practically an art installation, a sushi conveyor belt that’s both functional and fashionable, and an à la carte menu that’s an epicurean odyssey.

Beluga’s legacy is undeniable, but their à la carte menu is a gastronomic adventure waiting to be explored. Dive into the venison carpaccio, sprinkled with baby leaves, crispy capers, a balsamic reduction, and parmesan shavings. Swim over to the seared salmon fillet, a work of art served on a mountain of crushed potatoes, spinach, and a creamy sauce. The crayfish platter? It’s like an orchestra for your taste buds, best enjoyed with a crisp glass of white wine.

And the dim sum? They’re like little warm baskets of heaven, served steaming hot, straight from the steamer. With a rainbow of wines to choose from, picking a signature cocktail is a party in itself. Don’t forget to end your meal with the chocolate beignets, affectionately known as “deep-fried balls of happiness.”

If you fancy dinner with a side of disco, mark your calendar for the last Thursday of every month when Beluga hosts “Dine and Dance with DJ Rene.” It’s the soirée of the century with deals on cocktails, mocktails, sushi, and dim sum.

Find Beluga perched on the 1st floor of the Cruise Terminal, Duncan Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. They’re ready to take you on a culinary odyssey, one delicious dish at a time.