Bilboa by Kove Collection

Capacity

Style

On-site stay

Catering

It was a disappointing experience overall. 1: My booking was wrong event though I confirmed multiple times on all confirmation requests (across platforms). I paid the booking fee for 7 and we were assigned a table for 6 (fortunately one of my guest fell ill and did not attend). 2. It took 15 minutes before someone took our drink orders. The server was inattentive and didn't notice that he walked off before taking my order. It took about 10 minutes to catch his attention. The were 30 mins between my guests ordering and receiving drinks. 3. My food order was wrong. I ordered a 600g bone in rib eye and received a 300g ribeye. No sides or sauces were offered, and no recommendations made. Overall the food was disappointing considering the price. On the Seafood platter and glazed lamb shank was executed well and delivered on expectations. 4. With dessert. We ordered 4 and the server forgot he took my order and kept pressing me about how I hadn't ordered, when I did. It felt like he was not paying attention or considering the customer experience. 2 guests ordered the chocolate mousse and were disappointed. Overall when comparing our Bilboa experience to Bungalow,, or even Surf Shack it is chalk and cheese. If the restaurant was full, it would be easier to have grace and understanding. However, the place was only about 80% full. I cannot in good faith recommend the establishing. Which is disappointing as I often have customers and colleague visiting Cape Town from abroad and few locations beat Camps Bay beach front. Photo for context: a steak simply slapped on a plate.

At first, we thought we’d made a good choice. The atmosphere was lovely, and it was a bit quieter upstairs than down on the street. When we went upstairs, the best tables were by the railing. Unlike the interior, these were rather sparsely furnished (no table mats, no cushions for the very hard plastic chairs). Not a problem for us in itself, but the restaurant does command a premium price and the rather luxurious-looking interior in the main part of the restaurant suggests a higher standard. The starter (from the daily menu) looked very carelessly presented and wasn’t particularly tasty at all (minced lamb in flatbread). Unfortunately disappointing, as it really did sound special. The main course that followed looked very appealing at first, but in the long run the flavour was very bland. It also lacked variety and sophistication. To make matters worse, I paid the price for it at home, as the grilled baby squid must have already been off. I struggled with a strong food poisoning all night and the following day, to the point of circulatory collapse. Even now, when I think back to that meal, I feel sick. My partner was fine, so it must definitely have been the baby squid. He doesn’t eat fish, and just the thought of it makes me feel sick all over again. So, all in all: this place is all style and no substance, both in terms of the atmosphere and cosiness, and in terms of the quality, freshness, sophistication and creativity of the food. It’s a shame, and unfortunately I can’t recommend the food – though I definitely would recommend the view. I hope this review has a positive impact, so that no one else ends up feeling as physically unwell as I did afterwards. I don’t just want to speak ill of the place here, but rather use my review to encourage some positive change.

It's a really lovely place and a cute meal. I haven't had many meals in South Africa to where I left hungry. I only had breakfast there and it was yummy but it was not anything special. It's great to make a social stop but not a place I would want to go to eat and be full. The view is absolutely beautiful as you are upstairs viewing Camps Bay. I've enjoyed it and I am glad I tried it but it is not somewhere I would care to go twice.

Very good food and delicious cocktails. The staff was very kind and helpful. If it’s weekend, I recommend making a reservation. Enjoy