Upper Union joins Kloof Street restaurant scene

Among those Kloof Street restaurants taking Cape Town by storm, our very own Upper Union alongside Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel stands out as a hot new eatery offering foodies an innovative shared-dining concept…

Fairy lights adorn the trees that frame the crisp white heritage building where Upper Union serves up her intoxicating dining experience curated for the curious and creative.

It’s a whimsical introduction to what lies beyond the courtyard where patrons sit soaking up balmy Cape Town evenings with a signature Cape to Casablanca or Haute Union cocktail.

Stepping into Upper Union’s glorious emerald-green, ochre and black and white interior is a feast for the eyes. From the huge graphic of Table Mountain and one-of-a-kind mosaic ‘carpet’ at its entrance to the Cabinet of Curiosities and Victorian-inspired stained-glass windows, the love and attention to detail that has been poured into making Upper Union’s décor its very own conversation starter is immediately apparent.

As best restaurants in Cape Town go, she is the epitome of exquisite; magnetic even. And you’ll feel completely and utterly captivated by her philosophy of bringing people together around good food, fine wines and bespoke cocktails. An experience to be shared and one over which you simply must linger.

And linger you shall, pondering the exotic flavours that pop into your mind as you scan the menu comprising a selection of unusual starters and large plates designed to be shared. It is this shared menu concept that sets Upper Union apart from other Kloof Street restaurants. The entire experience is intentionally designed to encourage connection, conviviality and curiosity.

Even the bread course is an event. Warm and freshly baked, it arrives with melt-in-your-mouth Makhani butter. A selection of four “first” or starter courses could see you savour delicate white bait with sweet-pickled shallot or Malay mussels with nduja and dhania cracker, among others.

Served potluck style, the hearty “second” or main course could be a choice between vegetarian, fish, chicken and meat depending on the selection of the day. From southern-fried chicken to blackened beetroot, rose and harissa lamb rump to kingklip and vodka tempura, every morsel is packed with punchy flavours which, true to Upper Union’s philosophy, are shared.

Complimenting the culinary offering is an interesting and intriguing wine list featuring small-scale and boutique local wineries and wine makers, along with a cocktail menu created by the team at award winning, Just Short cocktails. These are shaken and stirred at what must be the sexiest new bar in Cape Town guaranteed.

You could choose to spend a blissful Friday afternoon on the patio of Upper Union with a crisp Underdog Chenin and your bestie or retreat into the plush interior on a chilly winter’s evening for a hearty dinner and good conversation. It’s all part of the carefully curated experience.

This new addition to the diverse collection of Kloof Street restaurants has her heart set on creeping into your heart, and she’s starting right where she should… your stomach.

Upper Union is open daily for lunch and dinner: www.upperunion.co.za