Please note: This post is a review done for the Alba Restaurant in 2018, and Inspired Living SA is not directly affiliated with the business. We cannot take bookings, and the restaurant is no longer in business to our knowledge.
The Alba Restaurant
This exclusive fine dining restaurant boat, at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, can accommodate 72 seated guests or a 100 for cocktail functions. The Alba Restaurant offers various cruise options ranging from brunch to a dinner cruise.
We opted for the three-course fine dining lunch cruise, which takes guests for a leisurely cruise around the Table Bay Harbour while enjoying a delicious meal. The boat, designed to be smooth & stable in the water, has large glass windows, as well as air-conditioning. I must confess I was a tad nervous about lunch on a boat, my fears, however, were quickly put at ease once we boarded.
Lunch Cruise
The two-hour dining cruise includes bubbly on arrival, as well as a three-course wine paired menu. There is also the option of selective beverages, including coffee & tea. I do recommend that you arrive hungry because the portions are rather generous.
As well as delicious food and wine you can expect breath-taking views of Cape Town, including Table Mountain, the “working” harbour, as well as the yacht marina in the V&A Waterfront.
The Experience
Welcoming staff were quick to get us settled with a glass of bubbly. After a briefing on emergency procedures and we were underway. I must confess I felt very much like a kid at Christmas; the excitement was real!
On The Menu
For starters Grant went with the Karoo Springbok Carpaccio, with mixed baby greens, shaved Grana Padano, red onion & vine ripened tomatoes, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic cream. A stunning dish, full of flavour.
I chose the Citrus Cured Salmon with a beetroot puree and baby greens. It was a delicious combination of flavours, the earthiness of beetroot complimented the salmon beautifully.
For mains, I could not resist the sound of the Beef Fillet Medallions, served with a mixed berry and roasted bone marrow jus, truffled mashed potato, grilled beetroot & mange-tout. It was every bit as amazing as it sounded. The beef fillet was pure perfection, one of the best I have tasted in a while, and truffle mash and grilled veg were delicious.
Grant opted for the Seabass, marinated in citrus, coriander and chilli and served on a bed of ratatouille accompanied by a cauliflower purée. The flavours in the dish were terrific; the only negative was the fish was a bit dry.
Not that we had much space for dessert, but it sounded much too decadent to turn down. Oh Boy was I right, the Dark Chocolate Mousse topped with orange zest, was heavenly, and the Milk Chocolate Truffles rolled in pistachio with a touch of chilli, a real taste explosion.
Wine Pairing
Each course was paired with wine from the Durbanville Hills Rhinofields range. The wines were impressive, in particular, the 2016 Pinotage. If wine is not your thing, you can opt for draught beer or choose from a selection of cold beverages.
Overall Impression
We had a truly memorable experience aboard The Alba Restaurant; it was great to do something different and see a different part of the V&A and the harbour. The staff were excellent, very attentive but not intrusive. As far value for money, I do not think that R595 per person is over the top, as it covers the cruise, a three-course meal, as well as wine or other drinks. It is something I would recommend for a special occasion as options include brunch, lunch, high tea or dinner cruise, there is something for everyone.
Contact Details and Location
To make a booking or for more details on cruise options, visit their website or phone +27 (0)65 975 8060 or email [email protected]. Location: Pierhead, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.
Images: Second boat image supplied. ©2010 – 2018 Inspired Living and Fiona Rossiter. {Please do not use any images featured on this website without written consent from the copyright holder and owner}
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Disclosure
Wine and lunch were complimentary. We have no material connection to the brands, products, or services mentioned in this post. Care has been taken to ensure that all information provided, including prices, are deemed correct at time of publishing. Please note that all opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.
Good day
I trust you are well.
I would like to make a booking for sunday the 2nd Dec 2018 from 12h00 pm onwards for about 27 adults and 17 kids. but I would first like to know more about it, pricing, food, boat ride trip.
Thank you so much.
Hi Shauna, thank you for your comment. Inspired Living SA is an independent online publication and this was a review done on the Alba Restaurant. If you would like to make a booking or for more details on cruise options, visit their website or phone +27 (0)65 975 8060 or email [email protected]. Hope you enjoy your experience. Kind regards Fiona
Please could you send me dates and prices for dinner cruises for 22to29 April
Hi Grant, thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, you will need to contact the Alba directly as this was a review post, I am not directly affiliated with the company. Thank you. Kind regards Fiona
Hello can i book for tomorrow 10 of May
At
For 2 ppl
Hi Sara, Unfortunately, you will need to contact the Alba directly as this was a review post, I am not directly affiliated with the company. Thank you. Kind regards Fiona
I would like more information. We want to go on a cruise on the 26 November 2022 if possible. We are 5 adults you can Send me info on Karen. [email protected]
Hi Claudine, Unfortunately, you will need to contact the Alba directly as this was a review post, I am not directly affiliated with the company. Thank you. Kind regards Fiona