Sotano’s revamped menu, stunning location, and epic live tunes will leave you breathless.
By Milou Staub
Having been a regular at Sotano for a decade, ever since I first stepped foot in the Mother City, it’s incredible to see how this iconic spot has evolved. From a sleek interior revamp to an updated menu that’s better than ever, Sotano has firmly solidified its place as a crowd favourite. And that’s not even touching on the epic live music they’ve got going on every Friday and Sundays – the groove is real, and it lifts the atmosphere to a whole new level, making you want to order another drink and linger a little longer.
Location, location, location…
I can’t stress this enough – Sotano’s location is absolutely unbeatable. Just metres away from the stunning promenade and the ocean, with the iconic Sea Point lighthouse in the background. The restaurant is part of the vibrant Mouille Point neighbourhood, surrounded by attractions like the Green Point Park, V&A Waterfront, and Table Mountain. As a popular spot for both locals and visitors, Sotano is the perfect place to unwind after exploring the city. With plenty of nearby parking, getting to Sotano is easy and stress-free.
Welcome one and all
What makes Sotano truly special is the thoughtfulness that’s gone into creating a welcoming space for everyone. Have a pooch with you? No problem – Sotano is dog-friendly and will even bring your furry friend an ice-cold water bowl. Feeling a little chilly? Blankets are available on demand to keep you cosy. If the sun’s getting too much, the roof’s shutters are automated to give you the perfect amount of shade.
For those who enjoy smoking or vaping, there’s an outdoor area designed specifically for that, so you can relax without feeling out of place. And for anyone who might be feeling a bit antisocial, or in the mood to work like a digital nomad, there are private booths inside that allow you to focus in peace – this place really caters to all moods and needs.
Let’s talk food
Sotano has always been known for its Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and the new seafood and sushi menu additions are a true highlight. With fresh Cape seafood, skilfully crafted sushi, and signature cocktails, this is the ultimate spot to indulge in the bounty of the ocean.
A special shout-out to the tapas – the calamari squid heads are absolutely delicious, and the oysters were so fresh they practically danced on my taste buds. The mussels come with an unbelievably tasty sauce; and we ended up using the mussel shells to scoop up every last drop of it. Pure bliss.
If you’re a fan of flatbreads, the calamari flatbreads are a must-try. For the meat lovers, the steak tartare is a showstopper. It’s deconstructed so you can mix your own finely chopped condiments – and let me tell you, for a moment, I felt like a chef myself. The sense of playfulness in assembling your own dish was a fun, unexpected touch.
The table next to us ordered the sirloin on the bone – an absolute monster of a dish with a bone marrow topping that looked like it belonged in a steakhouse museum. Portion sizes here are generous, and you definitely get your money’s worth.
Sotano also offers dishes like the Seafood Espetada, which is served with king prawns, grilled octopus, Patagonian calamari, and line fish on a skewer, all drenched in a rich lemon butter sauce. The Spanish Paella is another standout, packed with saffron-infused rice, chicken, chorizo, prawns, calamari, mussels, and a white wine seafood broth. For those craving something lighter, the West Coast Sole, grilled on the bone, is a perfect choice.
Sushi enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice, with standout options like the Asian Soya Salmon – thinly sliced raw salmon served on a bed of red cabbage, dressed with sesame seeds, soya, and roasted garlic. For those seeking a bit of crunch, the Crunchy Calamari Roll is highly recommended – a tempura calamari and avocado roll topped with panko-coated calamari strips and sweet chilli mayo.
A big thank you to Sean, our waiter, who was an absolute gem. Attentive, friendly, and radiating positive energy, he struck the perfect balance – not too pushy, not too distant – making him the ideal person to look after our table. It’s little touches like this that elevate the dining experience.
We ended up staying way longer than planned and, honestly, it was hard to leave. The atmosphere is so relaxed and cool, the food is irresistible, and the live tunes keep the energy upbeat. Sotano has mastered the art of creating a vibe that makes you want to linger, and let’s face it – who needs to rush when everything’s this good?
Kudos to Sotano’s team for creating an unforgettable dining experience. You’ve absolutely outdone yourselves!
Book your table now! www.sotano.co.za
