A torii is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the profane to the sacred (as per Wikipedia).

The renaming of The White Room at Dear Me to Tjing Tjing Torii is apt, as it introduces you to adulthood: The service is attentive (there’s always a sommelier on duty), the wine list and food are exceptional, your surroundings are elegant and even the music and lighting is just so.  You are so comfortable, it’s not too loud, no brash noises, no cigarette smoke polluting the air.

Tjing Tjing Torii is a spot to relax after work with a glass of Richard Kershaw 2013 Clonal Selection Chardonnay (R130) or while away the evening playing backgammon with your friends and quaffing a bottle of Rijk’s CWG Chenin Blanc 2009 (R420) and nibbling away at treats like tempura oysters (R75 for 3) and panko beef tataki (R70).  The pork belly skewers (R45), Karaage chicken (R55) and the crispy rice cubes (R45) are our favourites.  This is not a restaurant, but rather an upmarket bar that serves incredible food.

The wine list is the star of the show: more than 10 by the glass options (ranging from R45 for the delicious Leeuwenkuil Family White Blend to R150 for a serving of Mullineux Straw Wine); Cape Winemakers’ Guild wines, older vintages and international wines (yes; riesling!) – all on an ever-evolving list that will change regularly.

The whiskey/whisky afficianados need not fear; they have not been forgotten.  Tjing Tjing Torii has a huge list of spirits available, like Aberlour 16 yrs (R70 per tot) and Isle of Jura 8yrs pure malt (R99 per tot) and even the faithful Jameson’s (R25).  Brandy, cognac, rum, vodka, gin and grappa are mostly of the not-run-of-the-mill variety.

Back to the wine list: Bin Ends & Rare Wines caught my eye: Anyone for a Rustenberg Cabernet Sauvignon 1982 in magnum (R3500)?  That Domaine Jamet Côte Rôtie 2006 is calling my name…

165 Longmarket Street

021 – 422 4920 to book

[Category: Restaurants, Aberlour, by the glass, Cape Town, crispy rice cubes, Dear Me, Domaine Jamet Côte Rôtie, Isle of Jura 8yrs pure malt, Karaage chicken, Leeuwenkuil Family White Blend, Longmarket Street, Mullineux Straw Wine, panko beef tataki, pork belly skewers, restaurant, Richard Kershaw Clonal Selection Chardonnay, Rijk’s CWG Chenin Blanc, Rustenberg Cabernet Sauvignon 1982, South Africa, tempura oysters, The White Room, Tjing Tjing Bar, Tjing Tjing Torii, Torii, Wine, Wine Bar]