Bouchon Bistro image

Bouchon Bistro

Restaurant

👍 I am a huge fan of tapas options of late and Bouchon Bistro has a wonderful selection. I was really excited to try a few options, as several dishes caught my eye. However, my husband and I only managed 4 dishes between us.. and so I guess I'll have to return to try the rest! Great value for money!... People often mention wine, tapas, good, great, dishes, service, Great, staff, recommend, amazing,


Address

95 Hout St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Website

www.bouchon.co.za

Contact

+27 21 422 0695

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (451 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 4 to 11 pm
  • Thursday: 4 to 11 pm
  • Friday: 4 to 11 pm
  • Saturday: (Day of Reconciliation), 4 to 11 pm, Hours might differ
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 4 to 11 pm
  • Tuesday: 4 to 11 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: wine (33) tapas (26) good (23) great (23) dishes (21) service (17) Great (14) staff (12) recommend (12) amazing (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Lee-Anne C. 1 year ago on Google
    I am a huge fan of tapas options of late and Bouchon Bistro has a wonderful selection. I was really excited to try a few options, as several dishes caught my eye. However, my husband and I only managed 4 dishes between us.. and so I guess I'll have to return to try the rest! Great value for money! Tapas were generously portioned and well presented. On a Wednesday evening almost all the tables were occupied bar one, so I reckon booking is absolutely essential. I booked online. Our meal choice of the evening: pork belly 5*, beef cubes 5*, mushroom gnocchi 5*, lamb spring rolls 3*, cheesecake 4*, chocolate brownie 4*.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jim 1 year ago on Google
    Had a fantastic meal here with my wife. Very attentive staff and excellent selection of wine. I would recommend getting 6-8 different tapas dishes if you’re hungry. Highly recommend the corn tacos with braised beef. Was also a big fan of the chilli seared tuna loin.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hilton G. 1 year ago on Google
    Worlds tastiest food!! Honestly, just incredible! Went back 2 nights in a row haha! Tried 10 dishes so far, all delicious. Brownie & chocolate ice cream to end is amazing too! Is it bad manners to lick the bowl after every dish? See you again when back in CT!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luca 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing. Very nice and friendly staff, they always keep an eye on you and ask regularly if you need something (but not in the way of disturbing you). The food was very delicious, nice portions, not too big, but good balanced, btw beautiful presented. The atmosphere is very lovely as well! 👍👌
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jerrod E. 1 year ago on Google
    Enjoyed the wine, the food, and the friendly staff. A unique concept - gastro bistro that makes their own wine. The front page of the menu was so good, we didn't realize there was a page two! Walkable from our hotel and a great way to spend an evening. Fair prices - highly recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emmylou A. 2 years ago on Google
    We did the special. 3 tapas and dessert for R245. Portions were generous. Food as so tasty. Service was fantastic. We really had an amazing dinner 🍷
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 ronilo l. 1 year ago on Google
    Dining at Bouchon was stressful and disappointing in so many ways. They couldn’t find my reservation, as they had hand written my name incorrectly on their sheet. We were seated at a horrible table right next to the kitchen, and the pick-up bell was 8 inches from my right ear. I told them we would leave if they couldn’t find us a different table. They did, and apologized profusely. There were lots of apologies this evening, but nothing really changed. The food wasn’t great in my opinion, and neither was the wine. The wait staff didn’t seem to know how to describe the dishes. The mussels were served with no bowl for the shells. We had to ask for new side plates. The room was so noisy, everyone was yelling to be heard, including the chefs. The acoustics are bad. Open plan kitchens are not a great idea if the kitchen is a madhouse. And to top it off they tried to overcharge us. Maybe it was a bad night, but I doubt it. The problems run deep. A good bistro is a warm and welcoming place with honest cooking. This is not a good bistro.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 SL 3 years ago on Google
    I visited this place when it was a cheese shop owned by a passionate French owner many years ago... and much like a good cheese or wine the place has matured into something great. Loved the risotto balls. The bread was excellent too. Will definitely go back to try the changing menu! Unique spot.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing restaurant with a wonderful atmosphere and excellent service. The tapas are high quality, fresh and very tasty. We can only recommend the restaurant to everyone.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Norm M. 4 years ago on Google
    What a great find! Awesome small plates and good wine.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Dee G. 4 years ago on Google
    I was so excited to try this restaurant after hearing so much about it. Unfortunately it really did not live up to my expectations. While the service was fantastic, the food was pretty terrible. We ordered 4 plates between 2 people (with the intention of ordering more if needed). Only 1 of the plates was cooked to an acceptable standard - the mussels. The pork belly was tough and dry, the Mongolian beef was burnt round the edges and completely dry, and the duck was inedible - couldn't even cut it off the bone it was so overdone. We complained to the manager as we only ate 1 of the dishes. He brought us another version of the beef which I have to say was cooked to perfection but was rather annoyed that it didn't come like that the first time round. Will give it to the manager, he took the food off our bill without us even asking for anything which was a nice gesture, but I honestly would have just preferred to eat dinner. Extremely disappointed. The wine was nice though......
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arit O. 5 years ago on Google
    Bouchon Bistro was perfection! Staff were both professional and pleasant and the food! Where do I start. Every meal was delicious and cooked with love and care. We ordered 5 tapas between 2 and it was more than enough. The manager was very pleasant, he told us the history of the space and offered us a tour of the cellars. Excellent place! Can't wait to visit again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shabana R. 6 months ago on Google
    The entire experience was awesome. The food was amazing. We had the 3 plate special and it was enough to fill you up and enjoy a variety of different tastes. The wine list is very interesting as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jane W. 5 months ago on Google
    A fantastic find on a quiet little street. Great atmosphere and lovely vibe. Food was AMAZING, we had tapas, all great flavours. The tapas came to our table 2 at a time, which was just brilliant, rather than feeling overwhelmed by them all arriving at once!…. It made the meal feel unrushed. The service was perfect.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zach B. 6 months ago on Google
    Our recent visit to this restaurant made for a memorable evening for several reasons: • The menu offers a wide variety of tapas-style dishes. • The ambiance is cozy and romantic. • The service was exceptional. • We sampled dishes like wild mushroom gnocchi, fried calamari, beef carpaccio, beef tacos, duck risotto, and camembert cheese with honey and bacon. In short, it’s a great spot for a special night out, but some dishes were better than others. Worth a visit!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bella B. 6 months ago on Google
    Reservation: I’m from the Philippines and been visiting South Africa for the 3rd time now and wanted to celebrate my birthday as well as my first year since I came and met everyone. So I decided to look for a restaurant and Bouchon was the 3rd on my list. The first place I emailed isn’t open on Mondays and the second one, I received no response. And Bouchon did so in less than a day. I reserved a table for 20 pax. Ms Lauren promptly assisted me from then on through emails. Since I wanted to treat my special guests, we went for 3 tapas for 265 per person and covered the 50%. The kitchen is a bit snug so they asked us to pre-order the food 2 days before the date. They don’t allow corkage and there is a cakeage of 25 rand per person. They also asked us to pay 200 rand per person in advance deductible in the bill. On the day of my birthday dinner: So we are allowed to arrive earlier than the reserved time as we got the wine cellar spot. You’ll be seated there if you’re 12 or more people. Ms Lauren told me that it’s only exclusive if you’re 25 as it could seat 30pax comfortably which I disagree and my guests too. It’s already feeling tight with 20 people that night. The table is ready at 4:30pm and we booked 7pm. You’re allowed to bring balloons, candles and flowers, no confettis if you want to do some decor. We had only one server which I think it’s not enough to serve 20 people. We had 3 meals each person so the service was a bit slow and had gaps before your next dish. Place: I wanted an intimate dinner with quaint and Cosy vibe and the place was perfect. We could talk to each other as it’s separated from the main dining. And plus point to the clean toilet👌🏼PS the chairs aren’t that comfortable for a long seating. I invited my boyfriend’s parents and Oom had pain so it’s sad that he had great food but went home with pain due to the chair so hopefully you have better chairs to not spoil your customers experience especially the oldies. Worth noting Food: They were all amazing and heard great feedbacks from my guests as well. They arrived all fresh and served hot. From other reviews, I don’t think the servings are that much though. And not all people would want wine. They’d go for food so hopefully you add more to your beverage menu for more drink options. Service: Kudos to the kitchen for giving us wonderful dinner experience. My first 3 course tapas meal is amazing and Ms Lauren for the assistance. The server is friendly although 20 people is too much for 1 person working. Price: The food are priced reasonably except the wines. And they have 12% service charge.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 N v. 1 year ago on Google
    Quaint and intimate. French feel. Tapas only. Good portions and amazing tastes. Well done chefs. Situated inside a small winery. Local and on premises wine making

  • 5/5 Willem D. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food, great vibe.

  • 5/5 Frank A. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent

  • 4/5 Mbali D. 4 years ago on Google
    Dishes to try include the camembert, oxtail with gnocchi, beef tataki 😋

  • 4/5 André S. 4 years ago on Google
    Food was good, wine was great, price & value for money was average.

  • 5/5 Maylen M. 4 years ago on Google
    Date nights! Tapas and a great selection of wine and gin. Looking for a cosy romantic night or a intimate night with friends Bouchon is the place to be.

  • 5/5 Marlene S. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing place for tapas and wine! Plates and portions were adequate and service was impeccable! We address about 8 different plates and all were pleasing to the palate. Graham our server was kind and offered us a tour of the tasting room and cellar.

  • 4/5 Gareth A. 4 years ago on Google
    Great spot. Hidden gem. Well priced

  • 5/5 Miriam G. 4 years ago on Google
    The food was wonderful thankyou

  • 5/5 Adi K. 2 years ago on Google
    We were here because of October Restaurant Month, the food were surprisingly beyond my expectation. I'm very happy to know that they have various asian menu (even it didn't taste like Asian food at all). Lovely!

  • 5/5 Cape J. 2 years ago on Google
    We visited first time with my team yesterday. We ordered more or less all from the tapas menu along red and white wine. I cannot express enough what an amazing experience this was. And we have been in nearly all places in Cape Town over the past 5 years. The ambiance and decor (funny calk boards by the way), the service, the kitchen and fellow guests. The food is beyond delicious and I was surprised when I got the bill. High quality for money. That's my number one spot in Cape Town from now on. It is honestly the best, welcoming and awesome place I have been to in town.

  • 5/5 J B. 2 years ago on Google
    I can't recommend this place enough - a true hidden gem at the heart of the city. We had tried it initially over the weekend and decided to pop again two days later to experience more of the menu (we'll most probably come back again and again). Quaint, succulent and just perfect.

  • 5/5 Rob H. 4 years ago on Google
    Had another excellent meal and the cob dish was the best I have ever tasted Please do not take this off the menu Great service Please consider opening in Johannesburg

  • 5/5 Nicholas J. 1 year ago on Google
    A great little place for good food, wine, and ambience. They have a wide range to choose from, which is impressive considering the food's quality. This diversity, coupled with the meals being tapas, makes it the best place for sharing dishes between couples (plus, you get to try so many options!). The tapas portions were perfect, but don't be surprised if you're fighting to have more! The wine selection was good and everything was reasonably priced. Would recommend any day of the week!

  • 5/5 Musa T. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my best food experiences in Cape Town really. Food was just superb. Went there on a whim without a reservation, one of the waiters told us we couldn't have a table, but I think the chef told him to go fetch us outside he had a table. I will most certainly be coming back for another experience, with reservations next time 😂

  • 5/5 Nancy N. 1 year ago on Google
    What an incredible restaurant with French about which has delicious tapas! 6 of us had a large variety of dishes, everything was absolutely fantastic. Ox tail gnoochi and the triple cooked chips where my personal favourites! Great staff! Will be back again and again

  • 5/5 nik 11 months ago on Google
    These are not your usual tapas. We were lucky to spontaneously get a table on a Friday evening. This was some of the best food I had in a while. They recommend to order 3 dishes per person at least. We went for 5 and a dessert. The beef cubes were perfectly tender and the bearnaise sauce as good as it can be. The lamb ribs were fall off the bone. The handmade gnocchi with mushrooms were delicious as well. The risotto with pulled duck was great. The shrimps were a bit dry, but the sauce was very good. Finally the cheese cake was amazing, very moist and and harmonized perfectly with the raspberry sauce. To make it simple: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Beef cubes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lamb ribs ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mushroom gnocchi ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Pulled duck risotto ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cheesecake ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Seared shrimps The only thing I did not like much was the micro greens garnish on every dish. Service was very friendly. Very affordable. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Schlieder C. 3 months ago on Google New
    Very good food - tapas style which is great to try out different aromas and dining family style. They have a very good wine card however the gin cart was a cute gimmick and our waiter was excellent at presenting the different gins they had on the menu. Would only recommend moving the cutlery station for the staff to a different area of the restaurant (now right in the middle and just next to our table) in order to avoid noise distractions.

  • 5/5 Alice T. 4 months ago on Google
    Fantastic good food. Really a Waw experience. Service was hum-hum… Dishes came too fast, my husband was eating one of his favourites and the next one was already on the table, but I kept waiting for my choices… Also, pay attention to: they keep filling your glasses at a fast tempo. Very soon you will be ordering a second bottle for only 2 persons .. 😉

  • 5/5 David T. 5 months ago on Google
    One of the best hidden gems of CT. The tapas menu is incredibly diverse, offering seasonal goodness. Don't underestimate the size of the portions, three is plenty food for one person. The house rosé is delicious too. This place is great for date night!

  • 5/5 Andrea O. 8 months ago on Google
    Delicious small plate choices… mushroom gnocchi, pan seared baby squid, pulled duck risotto Yum! $265R for 3. Nice ambience and friendly staff👍🏼👍🏼 Oh, and definitely get the sticky toffee pudding, you’re welcome.

  • 2/5 Matthew K. 4 years ago on Google
    Its a hit and miss with some dishes. Some dishes are fantastic (gnocchi, King Prawns), but others are very average. Portion sizes are also inconsistent. Overall the tapas are overpriced (~R88) each, which makes it hard to really "try everything" without being sad if the each tapa you order is not 4-5 star.

  • 4/5 Charlene R. 5 years ago on Google
    We stumbled upon this little gem. Loved it! The food was delicious -- especially the paella (my fave) and the beef gnocchi (my husband's). Wine also yum and great selection. An interesting setting too. Service was excellent.

  • 5/5 Cédric S. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice environnement food is very good as mix of tapas dishes wine list with few french wine as well very good service and affordable price

  • 5/5 Sherine G. 3 years ago on Google
    It's my 2nd visit, the waiters know the product, you don't have to wait long for your dishes, good wine, good food, overall experience, top class, a must go. Thank you to all at Bouchon for making our experience memorable.

  • 4/5 Micheal B. 5 years ago on Google
    Bouchon creates an eccentric vibe, filled with beautiful decor, gin trolley, humidor, and a wine collection that is to die for. The food is delicious, well priced and tasty. Choose your dishes carefully, you can only have so much. Wines from Stellenbosch highly rated. Ask for a table in the middle of the restaurant, and see the chef create his magic. Highly recommended, and a repeatable experience.

  • 5/5 David P. 3 years ago on Google
    Fantastic venue. Enjoyable sharing platters of great tapas with friends.

  • 5/5 Lisa W. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely superb food and service... a lovely wine bar tucked down a street. The waiters and waitresses were friendly, funny, professional and just brilliant. The food was superb. We were recommended 4/5 different tapas dishes to share between us but we ended up with 6 because the mussels were out of this world as were the pulled pork fajitas. The food was just so tasty. Really recommend this restaurant if you are in Cape Town ;-)

  • 5/5 Jithin G. 5 years ago on Google
    Excellent little hidden gem in the heart of the district area. The entrance to this place is very unsuspecting. You walk upto a gate and then open it and walk directly into a very nice restaurant with a wine distillery and a wine tasting area at the back. It gives a very exclusive feel and the ambience is really good. The food comes in tapas style and we ordered the entire menu including the specials. The food was great, wine was excellent and the staff were very courteous. Absolutely loved the experience.

  • 5/5 Constanze G. 4 years ago on Google
    One of the best dinners I have ever had. Exceptionally delicious food. Great products. Each dish we tried had its unique character. All were wonderful. Very friendly staff. Would always recommend to go there.

  • 5/5 Craig M. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice

  • 5/5 tony p. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place with fantastic staff.

  • 5/5 Cristina C. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very charming place, dishes to share of very good value for money. I recommend that you try their Syrah wine from Dorrance. Romantic, very good service. We will repeat without a doubt. (Original) Lugar con mucho encanto, platos para compartir de muy buena calidad-precio. Os recomiendo que probéis su vino Syrah de Dorrance. Romántico, muy buena atención. Repetiremos sin duda.

  • 5/5 Liza U. 3 years ago on Google
    The most amazing, carefully paletted together Tapas that leave you wanting more! Thanks Chef Nic and staff!!

  • 4/5 Henk van den b. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) On the advice of a South African, we have reserved a table here. Delicious dishes prepared in a special way. The dishes are for sharing but I myself would go for the food for 1 dish. The house wine is excellent, (Original) Op aanraden van een Zuid-Afrikaan hebben we hier een tafel gereserveerd. Heerlijke gerechte op speciale manier bereid . De gerechten zijn om te delen maar zelf zou ik gaan voor het eten voor 1 gerecht . De huis wijn is uitstekend ,

  • 5/5 Sebastiaan van der W. 3 years ago on Google
    Great food, cosy atmosphere and lovely service.

  • 5/5 prevesh p. 4 years ago on Google
    Very tasty food in a great setting

  • 5/5 Cherezaan R. 4 years ago on Google
    Delicious food with a lovely wine selection. Very decent tapas portions and well priced.

  • 5/5 Jack W. 4 years ago on Google
    Incredible small plates and would definitely return next time we’re in CT. The Oxtail gnocchi was especially memorable! Brilliant, make sure you go.

  • 4/5 Missy V. 4 years ago on Google
    Another lil gem! Tasty, memorable, yum!

  • 5/5 Edna N. 4 years ago on Google
    Fabulous! Food ambience etc

  • 5/5 Alje van H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great vegan options but not always shown on menu

  • 5/5 Roxanne A. 4 years ago on Google
    Loved the ambience and amazing tapas! Excellent service as well! Can't wait to go back🙌

  • 5/5 Sofie M. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Fantastic tasty food, very friendly service. Perfect (Original) Fantastisch lekker eten, heel vriendelijke bediening. Perfect

  • 5/5 Peter E. 4 years ago on Google
    Fabulously

  • 5/5 Llewellyn P. 4 years ago on Google
    Tasty

  • 5/5 Kobie H. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beaujolais event (Original) Beaujolais event

  • 5/5 Godfrey S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great eating place with deep demonstration roots in wine industry. I ate amidst casks of wine and winery... Great food great service and the sea food was tastefully delicious... presented well enough to tease my picky taste and done well enough for me to have several helpings. BB is in the center of the city and for group you might need to book with the awesome mgt. Prices are really good and place is very safe with taxi access so easily available. For a lesson in Cape Town wine making industry and a good food evening for tourist, visitors I would recommend it 5 Star 🔥

  • 5/5 Evans N. 4 years ago on Google
    Classic

  • 5/5 Beverley S. 4 years ago on Google
    What a fantastic dining experience - great staff, excellent gin trolley and the tapas are amazing - try the Oxtail Gnocchi and don’t leave without ending the meal with the cheese cake 🤩

  • 5/5 Kevin B. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food

  • 4/5 Peet B. 3 years ago on Google
    Fantastic intimate and cosy atmosphere especially during buzzling artwalk this week. Delicious tapas and great wine. I especially enjoyed the lamb.

  • 5/5 Luan V. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food and lovely service. Nice decor and atmosphere. Highly recommended!


Call +27 21 422 0695 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery

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