It’s been a punishing year for the restaurant industry, with many of Cape Town’s longtime, local landmarks closing their doors for good due to financial struggles related to the pandemic. Savoy Cabbage shut down after a 22 year run, while Perseverance Tavern, the oldest pub in South Africa, officially called it quits after 212 years. The list goes on…

Yet, even as the future for food businesses looks dire, new restaurants are opening their doors in the Mother City. The latest: Zsa Zsa Restaurant & Bar, located in the historic building where Savoy Cabbage and Macau Asian used to be.

Celebrating Hungarian born actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, the star most famous for being her fabulous self, the upmarket Mediterranean-inspired eatery and cocktail bar aims to bring high-energy glamour and classic charm to the Cape Town social scene.

Inspiration Behind The Name

Always ready with a quick-witted remark and a lady who never turned down a little party, Zsa Zsa Gabor is best known for her role in the 1952 Moulin Rouge and her extravagant lifestyle. The witty quotes that encapsulate the playfulness of her persona, is what the restaurant is all about and displayed throughout.

The Vibe

Zsa Zsa offers the best environment in which to kick back and relax, in your best wear of course. The rich velvet interiors resurrect the sensuality and sultry and glamour of the 1960s and `70s, with bespoke murals and sensational lighting. The double volume space features restaurant tables and booths, a cocktail lounge, and a DJ booth. Visitors can expect incredible music with superior acoustics which fills the space with elegant sound but allows for a superior and convivial atmosphere. 

The Cuisine

The menu draws inspiration from all along the French and Italian Mediterranean coastline. The Italian influence is visible in popular dishes like pasta and pizza, while delicacies prepared from locally grown vegetables, seafood, fresh herbs and olive oil bring flavours of the French Riviera to the table.

Zsa Zsa is the highly anticipated social experience where guests can expect a lot of old school glamour, a touch of naughty and ridiculous amounts of fun.

“I believe that in life you should always take the serious things lightly and the light things seriously. This attitude of mine gets me into a lot of trouble.” 

Zsa Zsa Gabor

Zsa Zsa Restaurant & Bar is open on Tuesdays – Saturdays from 12pm till late. Don’t miss the half price pizza specials and happy hour cocktails throughout the week.