It’s not often that the most criticism I can offer is that a restaurant’s music is too soft (!) and that the coffee, though decently extracted, is bitter. But so it was with my first visit to Henri’s – which is, I gather, a bit of a best-kept secret with those living in the Somerset West area. Henri’s is a very well-turned out establishment, ample in space and featuring a lovely bar with a proficient barman. Two rooms, one with booth seats, the other with a cosy fire and free-standing tables, are done out in neat dark wood, stone and artworks to set a modern bistro tone. There’s also a small alcove room for a group.
Service is a good few notches up from keen-though-clueless, and builds on the sophisticated tone that the space initiates. The wine list is good, and there are a few really well-priced “bin end” gems on the first page. The menu, created by Laura Norton (who was part of the opening team at 96 Winery Road), is meat-orientated, but this is no grill house; it’s comfort food with modern influences from around the globe. Pork belly with a marmalade and vegetable spring rolls to start, both good, and the spring rolls with chilli sauce that actually contained some fresh cut chilli (so simple yet so rare). Grilled fish was served atop a very fresh vegetable stir-fry; while king prawns came with perfectly steamed basmati. The steak is served with great onion rings and the side of pepper sauce was just right – as was the waiter’s recommendation of a small avocado salad on the side. A good praline and poached pear for dessert.
So an all-round success of a meal, and with starters at around R40 and mains R100, the value is excellent. As to the music, for some reason on the night it was just uncomfortably soft. I am no lover of intrusive music, but at this volume the larger spaces of the half-full restaurant were not warmly filled. So get here, and if my review is not enough, they are running a winter special for R120 that even includes a bottle of wine… Only open evenings Mon-Sat.
Corner Lourensford and Main Road, Somerset West. 021 852 6442
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2 Comments
Dinner here again and Henri’s remains a very good restaurant – as many happy locals know. Though it is a meat specialist, the kitchen has a dab hand at seafoods, and the bar is a great spot for cocktails. They are again running their winter menu, and at R135 for three courses with wine it is one the best around.
JP — we went on the basis of your last review, taking a party of eight from out of town and it was spot on. Meats were cooked perfectly, fish dishes went down well and the service was attentive and warm. It’s unpretentious and has a great atmosphere for pretty much any occasion. Worthy of a recommendation.