Rabbit in the Moon in Illovo is the perfect cosy dinner spot*
I don’t write about every restaurant that hosts me, only the ones I am properly impressed by, or believe has a unique element you should experience. Through my work for the Sunday Independent, I try tons of restaurants and I’d be writing blog posts non stop if I wrote about every single one.
My latest discovery is Rabbit in the Moon, situated in the Thrupps centre in Illovo. I noticed it a while ago, I’m talking probably a year ago.. but never thought to try it. They went through an extensive renovation last year, and a few weeks ago I was walking to Beefcakes and passed RitM. I was taken by the new decor and thought the ambiance was lovely, so I decided to review it last weekend.
It’s a small restaurant, with a very “European bistro” type of vibe, soft lighting, the PRETTIEST signage outside, and a lovely menu. On the menu, you can expect to find pizza, pasta, meat and fish dishes. I was impressed at the fact that the menu was different.. for example, the calamari I ordered was done in a mint and lemon sauce… I’m so over the normal lemon butter calamari you get everywhere else.
The menu is also fairly well priced. I wouldn’t say it’s cheap, but it’s not very expensive either. A main will set you back R70- R130, which is fair I think. The wine list is also well priced.
I thought the starters were just above average, maybe 6/7 out of 10. My bruschetta was tasty, but homely (ie something I could have made at home) and Rishav’s salad was a tad bland, but the mains were AMAZING.
Rishav ordered the Grilled Fillet Mignon, with oven baked potatoes and caramelised onions. I loved the presentation, so often steak is just served in a plate with a side of veggies or chips. I have to tell you that he is even fussier than I am, and in between every bite he kept saying how good the meal was. He said the steak was incredibly tender and he enjoyed the sides it came with too.
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| This was my calamari main- it wasn’t oily/ rich at all and it was bursting with flavour |
Service was a bit slow, but there was a 20 seater party happening so I think the waiters were under a bit of pressure.
I have to tell you about our dessert. I’ve never tasted anything like this before, anywhere.
It was like a custardy sponge cake topped with cream and berries. The cake was so delicious, it literally melted in our mouths. DIVINE. And unique, too.
So this is definitely a restaurant I’d recommend for a special dinner out, it’s great for dates too. Needless to say, I already tried booking a meal tonight for a friend’s birthday but they’re fully booked all weekend.
Try it- promise, you won’t be disappointed.
Rabbit in the Moon Contact Details:
Thrupps Centre
198 Oxford Road
Illovo
011 447 6720
Bookings essential!
Let me know what you think 🙂
x
H
April 12, 2013 @ 11:21 am
And the owner is such a Peach!!! 🙂
April 24, 2013 @ 8:06 pm
Dropped by for coffee and dessert…. Divine!!! Place was packed for a Wed, best to book.
April 25, 2013 @ 6:30 am
Zukiswa: I know, he’s such a honey 🙂
Dixi: Did you have the cake I reviewed? Glad you enjoyed 🙂