Situated along Cape Town’s picturesque Atlantic Seaboard, SÓTANO restaurant in Mouille Point has unveiled an exciting new menu.

• SÓTANO has become a trusted go-to for locals and visitors alike, offering high-quality, uncomplicated food with a European sensibility.
• Even four-legged friends are welcome, with a dedicated “Fur Babies” menu offering treats like meatballs and beef stew.
• This unassuming Mouille Point spot serves up the right balance of quality dishes and uncomplicated dining.
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Situated across from the historic Green Point Lighthouse, this beloved eatery has long been known for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Now, with fresh Cape seafood, sushi creations, and an inviting selection of signature cocktails and South African wines, SÓTANO looks to elevate its offering to showcase the rich bounty of the ocean.

The Sandton Times paid the restaurant a visit ahead of the busy Summer season to experience first-hand what SÓTANO has in store for those wanting to try this new line-up that celebrates the best of seafood and sushi.

For 14 years, SÓTANO has been a cornerstone of Mouille Point’s vibrant promenade culture. Co-owners Brendon Crew, Jean Muller, and Marc Langlois infuse the menu with inspiration from their annual culinary pilgrimages to Mediterranean coastal destinations like Barcelona and San Sebastián. These influences blend seamlessly with the coastal charm of Cape Town, offering a menu that celebrates the flavours and simplicity of seaside living.

The revamped menu at SÓTANO delivers a variety of seafood dishes expertly crafted by Head Chef Eugene Marinus. We’re told a must-try is the Seafood Espetada, featuring king prawns, grilled octopus, and line fish skewered alongside seasonal vegetables and baby potatoes, all served with a rich lemon butter sauce.

Another highlighted showstopper is the Spanish Paella, a medley of saffron-infused short grain rice cooked with peppers, tomatoes, chicken, chorizo, prawns, calamari, mussels, and a white wine seafood broth. For a lighter option, diners can enjoy the West Coast Sole, grilled on the bone and served with twice-cooked baby potatoes, green beans, and lemon caper beurre blanc.

There’s also luscious oysters, Classic Fried White Bait with garlic aioli, and paprika-dusted Squid Tentacles with harissa aioli.

SÓTANO’s sushi selection is equally as impressive, combining traditional favourites like Rainbow Rolls and California Rolls with innovative chef’s specials. Among the highlights are the Asian Soya Salmon, thinly sliced raw salmon on a bed of red cabbage dressed with sesame seeds, soy, and roasted garlic. The Crunchy Calamari Roll, featuring tempura calamari, avocado, and sweet chilli mayo, is another crowd-pleaser.

SÓTANO in Mouille Point delivered a culinary journey that perfectly balanced bold flavours and coastal charm. Our meal began with the Hot Honey Halloumi, where golden grilled halloumi oozed with chili-infused honey and paired wonderfully with coriander yogurt atop a soft yogurt flatbread—a delightful starter, though the coriander might not be for everyone.

The Squid Tentacles, dusted in paprika flour and fried to perfection, were served with a smoky harissa aioli and a charred half lemon, whose syrupy acidity elevated the dish. For mains, the sushi menu stole the show, with fresh and generously portioned platters featuring Salmon Roses, Vegetarian and Salmon Hand Rolls, and the standout Seared Tuna Fashion Sandwich—a spicy, creamy delight with teriyaki accents that perfectly suited a sunny Cape Town afternoon. To end, the Crema Catalana brought a sweet touch of Spain. Though initially imposing in size, its delicate, caramelized custard layers proved the ideal conclusion to a satisfying meal.

The restaurant’s beverage offering is also inviting and includes an extensive wine list featuring South African favourites and a family-made wine from Franschhoek. Signature cocktails round out the experience, making SÓTANO a popular spot for a sunset drink or a celebratory meal.

The restaurant’s interiors have been thoughtfully refreshed by Lauren Slinger of Lauren Slinger Design, who added subtle marine-inspired elements to the décor. A highlight is a striking shoal of white ceramic fish swimming across the main wall, crafted in collaboration with ceramicist Angela Gomes. Hanging pendant lights resembling sea urchins and marine-themed artwork further enhance the coastal aesthetic, while colourful ceramic sardines from Portugal add playful vibrancy.

Open daily from 7am to 10:30pm, SÓTANO offers all-day dining that caters to every occasion, from breakfast to late-night drinks.

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