Many of us locals might have heard of and enjoyed a few nights on the rooftop bar of Tjing Tjing House, with it’s fantastic cocktails, red lights and open air nights in the city vibe. But to get to the top of Tjing Tjing you have to pass the eye-catching first floor restaurant, Torii. Maybe you vowed to return on a less boozy night to this Japanese-themed street food style restaurant but haven’t had the chance- or maybe it was too busy to get a seat (they don’t accept reservations). If it’s the former, this is your push.
If it’s the latter, the secret is to come during the day, before 12 for a midday East Asian feast of gyoza (dumplings), donburi (rice bowls), ramen and yakitori (skewers). If this is your first time hearing of this three-story Cape Town restaurant/bar, join me on a tour of the first floor, make a reservation for the weekend on the classy second floor and on both days end it off at the rooftop bar.
TORII
Torii’s menu is described as casual Japanese street food (yokocho) and it’s decor is a mix of old and modern day Tokyo. Take a seat at the high chairs in front of neon red lights with your boo, at a wooden booth with your friends or at a long table for a party. My boo and I arrived overly hungry and therefore unable to settle on just a few items, so we asked the chefs to serve us their selection of favourites and this is some of what arrived:
Our favourites were the sesame broccoli (which shines as a sidekick to any main, or as a tapa), the sticky pork belly skewers (enough said), both the chicken and veg dumplings (which we dipped in the sticky pork belly skewer sauce) and cucumber and wakame salad. We got to enjoy a crumbed chicken bao burger which was a special at the time, but keep your eye out for the specials which are displayed on their blackboard and updated regularly! We did not have space for dessert which is unfortunate because their Japanese cheesecake and mochi doughnuts are a MUST I’m told.
View the menu
TIP: If you feel like taking a breather after your feast, head outside next door to Tjing Tjing and Molten Toffee’s coffee shop and Japanese dessert love child, Mochi Mochi. Grab a seat at the window while you sip on excellent coffee and devour a selection of their ever-changing mochi flavours. Read my review here.
MOMIJI LOUNGE
Just a flight of stairs up, you can settle into the sunken cushions of the Momiji lounge. From Tues-Sat the bar is open and offers intimate seating with an extensive Japanese whisky list and Japanese folk-lore inspired cocktails. You might recognize the setting from my latest partnership with PUMA for the Mayze sneaker. 😉
The sun has set and maybe you’re looking for something a little less casual. Momiji is ‘a tranquil and meditative space offering a more formal Japanese dining experience” which offers a five-course Omakase (chef’s choice) menu on Saturday and Friday only (PS: reservations are essential).
View the menu
ROOFTOP
Passing Momiji on your right you’ll take a right at the top of the stairs, pause for a look at the selection of Japanese posters and art on the high wall, and continue into the ambient bar area. Pick a place to settle into on the couches, or on a pillow at a bench outside and choose from a selection of cocktails and a bar menu that is anything but the usual. Furikake popcorn, yakitori and okonomiyaki fries go down well with any of their bespoke cocktails, to the tune of indie and electronic music and laughter.
Kanpai (cheers)! 🍸🥂
