Riboville Restaurant & Cellar

A SURE BET

By Karen Watkins

After seeing people come and go through the beautifully engraved granite doorway, curiosity got the best of me and one day I went to explore. It was like walking into a Humphrey Bogart movie.

Not that I’ve ever walked into or out of such a movie or any other movie come to think of it. But that’s where my imagination seemed to take me, to a timeless world of luxury and extravagance, an era where buildings were constructed with loving care by experienced craftsmen.

Situated in the heart of Cape Town, this 1893 historical building used to be the home of African Bank Corporation (ABC) and, after seven painstaking years has been beautifully preserved and tasteful restored to become Riboville Restaurant & Cellar. 

Under management of F-SH Group, Riboville is the latest addition, alongside restaurants like the Codfather and Yo Sushi. Tastefully decorated and boasting high ceilings with wood-carved skylights and soft lighting enhancing the warm ambiance and soft hum of conversation - the perfect venue to enjoy exquisite food.

With comfortable seating, perfectly arranged to ensure privacy and comfort, Riboville pays meticulous attention to detail. After feasting your eyes on the décor detail, it’s time to select a bottle of wine. At first glance the 43-page list is a bewildering compilation of wines from more than 70 estates, including those from little-known farms. To make things easier, you have a number of choices:

Descend to the cellar, once the bank vault, on an adventure to select your own wine from the 12 000-odd bottles.

Riboville Restaurant & Wine Cellar works in close partnership with wine farms to offer its clients well-priced bottles of good-quality wines. The wine cellar also offers wine-tasting every Saturday between 1 – 5pm.

With the wine selection over, the food creates a dining experience that equals the splendour of the surroundings. With 20 years experience, executive chef Evan Coosner, along with his well orchestrated team, skillfully prepares a flavoursome feast in front of your eyes. From top class Sushi to juicy steaks, seafood to Asian delights, Riboville caters for the most discerning diner.

On the ground floor there are three separate kitchens where food is delivered straight from the stove, and while meals may arrive at the table at different times, the freshest, best quality is assured.

Apart from the sushi bar, with Vietnamese flair and producing meat, chicken, duck and vegetarian options, there are also prime cuts of fresh fish and seafood on display in front of the immaculate show kitchen.

And the name? George Sinovich senior, who never backed a horse in his life, placed a huge bet on a rank outsider named Riboville in the 1974 Durban July – and won royally! The name has become integrated into the fabric of the Sinovich family life and, like his late father, George believes that Riboville at ABC will be a sure bet.

After your meal, take the antique wooden lift to descend to the basement and old bank vault, which has been converted to a restaurant and wine cellar. With the produce of 70 vineyards on display, you’ll most likely find your favourite wine. Cellar manager Gerald Elliott, will give you a tour if you wish and also explain the history of the vault and fortune 500 room, once the safety deposit boxes and office holding trays of gold coins, now home to bottles of vintage foreign wines.

Back in the lift, ascend to the first floor and visit the cigar and cognac bar, its plush furnishings reminiscent of gentleman’s club style and the after dinner retreat. 

Located on the second floor is the Brown Room, a private venue with its own kitchen and chef, for private functions for 25 – 30 people. An evening with friends, business meetings or those cherished family gatherings will surely be a memorable occasion.

Future plans include another restaurant for larger, private gatherings as well as a design centre, with guest artists and craftsmen working on the upper floors of the building. Their creations will be on display in designated areas of the restaurant – food for the soul while you dine in historical magnificence.

Even the restrooms are an amazing experience, and apparently costing the same as most small restaurants – but you must visit Riboville to experience these. With delectable cuisine, excellent service, a trendy vibe and a piece of Cape Town’s history preserved – Riboville Restaurant & Cellar is a sure winner!