Having just arrived from Portland, OR, known for its culinary scene focused on local ingredients and authentic expression, we were delighted to find Emazulwini. Located in an incubator space for local food entrepreneurs, be prepared for a meal that outstrips its setting. This is like a fine dining “pop up.” Seven small plate courses for a very reasonable prix fixe left us amazed. Zulu inspired ingredients and dishes but inflected by classic French technique. Several nice wines to choose from. This place is a hidden gem and deserves a much wider following. You won’t be disappointed.

Like other reviewers I cannot stress enough of what an exceptional dining experience this place offers. Food is amazing and is a unique take on wholesome traditional dishes. The service was attentive and offers real insight in story behind the food. Go and go now.

We loved the story that Mmabatho’s menu told. Most importantly in between all the fancy cooking techniques the originality and heritage of African foods was presented in its essence!

We‘ve been there yesterday and had a lovely evening. Remarkable african haute cuisine at an uncommon place (waterfront is not where you would expect this authentic and great restaurant). Service is excellent and they also had an well-informed sommelier who guided us through the wine paring. The Owner is as far as I know also the Chef and brings her own history of food to the tables.

An amazing fine dining experience, in a very different setting that is not commonly associates with fine dining...a food market! The small restuarant is thoughtfully put together,celebrates our South African heritage. The food is out of this world! Proudly local,yet presented in such a unique manner to how we usually enjoy our local dishes. We had a 3 course meal and each plate was exquisite in taste and presentation. Amazing service from our waiter,she was super attentive and had that proudly South African warmth.THIS IS A MUST EXPERIENCE!!! Super proud of the ladies that run this establishment. 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

They are promoting Zulu cuisine in the most fine dining approach imaginable. It was oh-so-tasty and totally under priced, maybe in part the result of being on the outskirts of a food market, though still create a lovely and intimate atmosphere. The wine list is short but works great with the offerings, excellent choice. The staff couldn't be kinder and more welcoming, I've recommended this restaurant to all my friends possibly planning trips to Cape Town. They can certainly hold their own in competition with CT's Michelin landscape.

The food tastes fresh, flavourful and is an adventure because each plate is like an art piece. The service is brilliant, loved the white wine on offer and the restaurant boasts beautiful views of the harbour. I’ll be returning a million times.

I was here during Cape Town's Restaurant Week and cannot recommend this place enough. An absolute must-go, original, tasty and inspiring experience. Outstanding African cuisine with an innovative and modern twist. This 100% female-led and female-run restaurant will make you come back for more!

Our fine dining experience at Emazulwini far exceeded our expectations. The food is incredible and is a true credit to the chef. We were recommended by a couple we met to eat here and we are so grateful to them for recommending such a wonderful place. The service from all of the staff was amazing and we left very happy. Thank you so much

I really enjoyed Chef Mmabatho’s tasting menu showcasing millet in every dish creatively. The food was very delicious, carefully thought out and beautifully presented. The wine pairing also went very well with each dish. Service was very good as well and all staff were extremely friendly. Next time I’m in Cape Town I’ll be sure to make another visit!

This was clearly the best restaurant we went to on our trip through South Africa. It was perfect in terms of food, ambience, and service. We did not expect this kind of caliber in the location. The food was delicious and sometimes surprising. The Canapes where tantalising, the Sweet Corn mouse amazing, and the Corned beef tongue the best dish on the menu. And these were only the starters! The mains and dessert were more classical, but perfectly prepared. As we were there for lunch, we only wanted wine by the glass. Some wine by the glass on the menu was not available, but we were suggested some replacement that was not on the menu... The service was to the point. Everything at the right time, friendly but not professional. Probably the best service we experienced on our trip. And the gimmick with the menu in a letter from home was a nice touch.

1. Had the 5-course menu and two glasses of wine. Wine list is pretty limited (I didn't recognise any of the wines by the glass, and the waiter had no knowledge of them either). That said, I enjoyed the wine I finally ordered. 2. Presentation fantastic. 3. Service average. Waiter apologized in advance for being new to the service industry. He seemed nervous but polite and friendly. 4. Ambience awful. There was so mich noise in the main part of Maker's landing (some sort of event) that I had to shout ro speak to my friend over the table. Also, could barely hear the waiter explain the menu. Also, the people standing outside on the deck drinking and taking selfies were a bit distracting. Might be better to visit on a quieter day (mid-week, perhaps) Decor is very attractive, though. 5. The food was kind of average. I am not a fine dining expert so take this comment with a pinch of salt... I really love the concept of having traditional Zulu food in a fine dining setting. Wish I could rate the experience more highly but I will visit again and hopefully up my rating!

Firstly, I love the concept. It feels like the owner/chef takes her clients seriously and takes great care with presentation. The flavours were new and interesting, but the food was colder than I expected. It was overall a good experience!

We had an amazing meal at Emazulwini while in Capetown for our honeymoon. The food was incredible, felt like fine dining, in a unique space near the Cruise Terminal. Very interesting dishes unlike any other food we have had in Capetown. A must stop on any visit!

My mom and I went here for dinner and absolutely loved it. The attention to detail is spot on and the food was phenomenal. Great flavor combinations and extremely precise plating.

This is my favorite restaurant in the WORLD. The food is divine and really takes me back home to KZN. I always have the set menu which is an experience every person should have (in my opinion). I would recommend it a million times over!

Delicious food, fine dining experience. Waiter was really friendly and knowledgeable. Chef went out of her way to accompany not eating lamb, which was really appreciated. Nice view of the harbour

This is one of the most unique and authentic experiences in culinary Cape Town. Some of the best food I had here. Exquisite. A must by any measure

This spot is amazing, and chef Mmabatho has definitely curated an exceptional experience. Her meals are surprising and absolutely delicious. Would recommend to anyone!

This was one of the best meals my husband and I have ever had. To top it off, the service was also superb. Every detail that went into the food was perfection and so elegant and DELICIOUS. I never write reviews but this place deserves all the recognition. Thanks for being part of our honeymoon and making our dinner so special and tasty!

Such a unique dining experience and absolutely stunning food. It's genuinely a fine dining Zulu cuisine experience. Our waitress was also an absolute darling. Really hope it grows in popularity because it deserves to!

I'd give them another 5 stars if I could. Unique dining experience that really showcased South African cuisine in an unpretentious setting. Each dish had elements of childhood familiarity and comfort food but presented like art. The service was excellent and attentive. These ladies are so talented and I'd be excited to return again and again.

Delicious food from beginning to end. Four stars because izingila were too salty and sparse lamb in the main dish. Will recommend and visit again.