Grub & Vine is the former name of the restaurant at 103 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa. The Bree Street address now trades as Les Amis, a restaurant by Matt Manning led in the kitchen by Head Chef Aaron Subroyal. Travelers who knew Grub & Vine for its seasonal bistro cooking and South African wine focus should plan for the successor’s French-informed, shareable-plate format: classical technique, seasonal local ingredients and flavours shaped by Subroyal’s Durban and South African culinary background.
What to Expect at Grub & Vine
Les Amis retains the essential appeal of a relaxed but polished Bree Street dinner: a table for wine and several plates, or a longer meal built around the six-course Chef’s Special. Its stated approach is “classic in craft, curious by nature,” with French cooking techniques and sauces meeting South African seasonal produce. The current menu gives useful markers of the kitchen’s style: yellowtail rillettes in a yellowtail “sandwich” with tomato gazpacho and rye; mushroom pappardelle in vin blanc sauce with basil foam; and lamb flank roulade with peas, barley and mushroom risotto.
This is a restaurant rather than an attraction with galleries, exhibits or self-guided trails. The signature experience is the table: order a few plates to share, select individually from the menu, or let the kitchen set the pace with the Chef’s Special. The wine and beverage list is central to the occasion, making the dining room particularly suited to an unhurried Cape Town evening. The original Grub & Vine identity was closely associated with food-and-wine dining at this same address; the change to Les Amis means visitors should use the current restaurant name when booking or arriving.
- French-South African cooking: Classical French methods and sauces interpreted through seasonal South African ingredients.
- Chef Aaron Subroyal: The Durban-raised chef leads the kitchen and brings a family background in cooking to the menu.
- Chef’s Special: A six-course menu for diners who want the kitchen to choose the progression of dishes.
- Shareable plates: The menu is designed for a glass of wine and a few dishes, as well as full dinner service.
- Current menu examples: Yellowtail “sandwich” is listed at R195, mushroom pappardelle at R235, and spring lamb at R320.
Grub & Vine at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 103 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa |
| Neighborhood / Area | Bree Street, on the edge of Cape Town City Centre and within the central restaurant district |
| Operating Hours | Legacy Grub & Vine listing: Monday–Friday 12pm–3pm and 4pm–11pm; Saturday 11am–3pm and 4pm–11pm; Sunday closed. Confirm current Les Amis sittings when booking. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No admission fee or tickets; dining is paid. Current sample plates on the official menu range from R195 to R320. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours for dinner; allow longer for the six-course Chef’s Special. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Thibault Square MyCiTi station is roughly a 10-minute walk; use paid central-city garages or metered street parking where available. |
| Official Website / Phone | grubandvine.co.za / +27 21 216 0035 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ahead through the restaurant’s online booking page, especially for Thursday through Saturday dinner and for a group wanting the Chef’s Special. An early lunch or early dinner is the best choice for a more flexible schedule; Bree Street becomes busier as nearby bars and restaurants fill in the evening. There are no entry tickets to buy. When choosing dishes, ask the team whether the chef’s menu can accommodate dietary requirements before confirming the booking rather than relying on last-minute substitutions.
From Thibault Square, walk uphill through the city centre toward Bree Street; allow extra time in heat or rain. Drivers should avoid assuming curbside parking will be available at dinner and use a paid garage in the central business district if possible. Bree Street has city pavements and road crossings, but the restaurant does not publish a verified wheelchair route, accessible-toilet details or lift information; contact the venue before arrival to confirm entry thresholds, table clearance and stroller storage. Within a 5–15 minute walk, pair dinner with Bouchon Bistro nearby, Greenmarket Square’s historic trading square, or the Bo-Kaap’s brightly painted streets and Cape Malay heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best times to visit?
Book an early lunch or an early evening table for the easiest timing. The former Grub & Vine listing showed lunch and dinner service Monday through Saturday, but current Les Amis hours and available sittings should be checked in the online booking calendar.
Are tickets or reservations required?
There are no tickets or admission charge because this is a restaurant. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner; book through the official website. Food and drinks are paid separately, with listed sample plates from R195 to R320.
How much time should I budget?
Allow 90 minutes to two and a half hours for a normal meal with wine. A six-course Chef’s Special is best approached as a full evening, particularly if you are sharing drinks and lingering over dessert.
Is the restaurant suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families can book a table and choose individual plates, but the experience is oriented toward a leisurely food-and-wine meal rather than a children’s attraction. Confirm high-chair availability, wheelchair entry, accessible facilities and space for a stroller directly with the restaurant before booking.
When planning your Cape Town travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Cape Town, pair this stop with standout local spots including UCT Irma Stern Museum, Cape Medical Museum, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, and Bouchon Bistro (0.1 km away).
