Tryn, named after Steenberg’s spirited 17th-century founder, Catharina Ras (or Tryn, to those who knew her best), is anything but a relic.
- With bold interiors, sweeping views, and a menu curated by Executive Chef Kerry Kilpin, this dining destination pulses with contemporary flair.
- Think authenticity meets artistry, with seasonal ingredients spun into flavour combinations that take diners on a sensory journey.
- Tucked into the lush, sun-drenched Constantia Valley just 30 minutes from Cape Town’s city centre lies a farm with a story to tell – one that dates back to 1682.
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Steenberg Farm, the Cape’s first farm, has certainly evolved over the centuries, now standing as a full-bodied estate experience with the elegance of a 5-star hotel, a world-class winery, and two celebrated restaurants. On a recent whirlwind culinary tour of the Mother City, The Sandton Times made Tryn its final port of gourmet call before boarding a FlySafair flight back to Johannesburg. And what a grand finale it turned out to be.
While the day of our visit was a little breezy – Cape Town winds doing their usual performance – we braved the outdoors to soak in the spectacular views of vineyards framed by dramatic mountains. Honestly, even if your napkin threatens to take off mid-meal, the setting is more than worth it. Besides, our waitress more than compensated for the gusty gusts, providing service that was as warm and sunny as the afternoon itself.
Let The Lunch Begin
Tryn’s seasonal lunch menu is generous but impeccably curated. Each course begins with a charming amuse bouche, teasing the tastebuds for what’s to come. And come, it did.
To start, we chose the Confit Duck – a delightful layering of pulled duck and crisp potato mille-feuille that walked the tightrope between rustic comfort and culinary refinement. A tangy rhubarb compote kept things fresh, while a black cherry jus added a depth of flavour that sang against the delicate belnori mousse. It’s a starter that’s confident in its complexity without trying too hard.
Equally impressive was the Truffle Infused Mushroom Ravioli, which arrived bathed in a silky porcini velouté and crowned with delicate shimeji mushrooms. Add a parmesan crisp for texture and, for those feeling a little indulgent, three prawns can be added to amp up the decadence. It’s umami-rich, velvety, and vegetarian-friendly – unless you spring for the prawns, of course.
Main Course Marvels
Tryn doesn’t just flirt with flavour – it marries it, then invites you to the reception. Case in point: the Ethically Sourced Fish, plated atop a creamy fennel purée, flanked by crisp-tender greens, quinoa fritters, and a lively aubergine atchar. A Cape Malay velouté danced gently across the plate, bringing a whisper of local spice and heritage.
The Grilled Beef Fillet proved that even a classic can be turned into something extraordinary. Cooked to perfection, the fillet arrived with golden duck-fat potatoes, artichoke and shallot purée, and a show-stealing Gruberg and broccolini salsa. But it was the black truffle jus that sealed the deal – rich, indulgent, and utterly luxurious.
For good measure, we ordered a side of Truffle and Parmesan Fries – because sometimes, too much truffle is just enough.
A Sweet Send-Off
Dessert at Tryn is less about the sugar rush and more about the art of balance and detail. The Ivoire Cheesecake was a masterpiece in texture and temperature. The cheesecake itself was smooth and light, enhanced by passionfruit namelaka (a silky ganache-like cream), a salted coconut almond crumble for crunch, and a dollop of apricot ice cream that brought just the right level of chill. Passionfruit gel streaks added zing, making each bite an exploration in contrast.
Alternatively, the Cheese Platter leaned into local flavour, with an elegant presentation of South African cheeses. The Gorgonzola Catalan brought blue cheese flair, while the Boerenkaas beignet added a playful twist. With pickled apple, sultana chutney, marinated olives, and melba toast, it’s a dish that invites slow appreciation.
The Verdict
From its quietly luxurious setting and thoughtfully curated menu to the seamless service and stunning surroundings, every detail contributes to a sense of ease and indulgence. Whether you’re a Capetonian in search of a special occasion spot or a Sandtonite squeezing one more meal out of a Cape escape, Tryn delivers.
And while the breeze might lift your menu, the food will ground you. Bold, beautiful, and full of heart – much like the legacy of Tryn herself. Open daily for breakfast (8am to 11am), lunch (12pm to 3pm), and dinner (6pm to 10pm). Book ahead. Trust us on this one.
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