Aubergine Restaurant: A Culinary Journey Through Time and Taste

Aubergine Restaurant is housed in the historic 1830 former home of the first Chief Justice of the Cape, Sir John Wylde, in the Gardens area of Cape Town. It has been impeccably restored to combine a rich history with contemporary style.

Chef and Owner Harald Bresselschmidt grew up on a dairy farm in the pristine Eifel Region of Germany, which instilled in him a love of the land and an appreciation for fresh produce. He started training as a chef in 1980, working in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland and London, before doing his Masters in Gastronomy and Cooking. He moved to South Africa in 1992 and in 1996, he opened Aubergine Restaurant and has been offering innovative food and wine experiences ever since.

His goal has been to create a culinary haven in the heart of Cape Town for discerning locals and international visitors to enjoy a unique, sensory dining experience. The chef’s team uses classic cooking techniques combined with a dedication to balance and artistry inspired by Harald’s creativity.

The A la Carte menu offers a varied selection of choices and the Degustation Set Menu has wine pairings for the four or five course choice. All menus at Aubergine Restaurant are created with local, seasonal products.

The Chef’s latest innovation is the ‘Small Plate’ dining concept inviting a more spontaneous style of dining. Enjoy tapas, antipasto and mezze-style dishes with a selection of wines by the glass or a cocktail in the stylish newly refurbished bar area of the restaurant.

Food and wine pairing are integral to an Aubergine experience. The ‘Star Wine List’, guide to great wine bars and wine restaurants around the world attests to the Aubergine having one of South Africa’s most outstanding and extensive wine lists. The very best local and international wines are carefully chosen to enhance Harald’s innovative culinary creations. Wines are only chosen for the cellar if they reflect authenticity, a distinctive personality and a true sense of place and ‘terroir’. A wide range of Champagne, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese wines and German Rieslings are available. Sommeliers guide guests through the journey and geography of the wine list to find wines that best complement chosen dishes.

In addition to Aubergine Restaurant, a function venue, Auslese, is conveniently situated in Hope Street. This beautifully restored home embodies old world charm with stylish, understated décor and is ideal for exclusive, private dining, corporate functions and product or wine launches. It can accommodate 20-40 guests for a sit-down dinner and up to 60 guests for a cocktail-type event. Please have a look at the website for more details.