Housed inside the old Reserve Bank building at the entrance of St. Georges Mall, Mint Restaurant and Terrace sits in the exact room where they used to mint coins back in the olden (and golden) days. Earlier this year, the eatery that forms part of Taj Cape Town, received a revamp to attract new patrons and provide a change of scenery for loyal regulars.

The unpretentious dining room has been extended onto St George’s Mall with a new Terrace, offering comfortable couch seating, suspended umbrellas and a modern bistro-inspired feel, making it the perfect spot for a summer cocktail, guilt-free breakfast, lazy luncheon or fabulous dinner.

Served alongside the new interiors is a new all-day menu by Executive Chef David Tilly, who has 19 years of experience behind his name. His aim with the new menu was to deliver an accessible, comfort food-driven offering that reflects the cosmopolitan nature of Taj Cape Town.

Glancing at the halal friendly menu, it can be described as contemporary Indian cuisine with Middle Eastern and European touches. The choices are grand, with a selection of classic dishes featuring seafood, meat and poultry grills. The wine list offers a string of South African icons and favourites.

The kitchen, glassed in and visible to diners, produces the kind of elegant food for which Chef David Tilly gained high regard at his previous international establishments: modern dishes (and a few traditional favourites) that have been meticulously considered and cooked — but that, for all the thought and precision, remain bright, fresh and full of flavour.

Here are the dishes we had for lunch during a recent visit.

Starters

Mains

Dessert

Surrounded by plates of delicious culinary treats, we forgot to save some space for dessert, but menu options include baked Oreo cheesecake, chocolate fondant with salted caramel ice cream and baked lemon tart, only to mention a few.

Since the refurbishment, Mint has quickly climbed up the ranks as a popular spot for special occasions. Rumour has it that the Democratic Alliance (DA) recently celebrated its anniversary with a private dinner party on the swanky mezzanine level. Open for both breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s a spot that’s as good for a business lunch as it is for a special date.