It’s a wondrous experience stepping off Shortmarket Street in Cape Town and into a world inspired by the creative mind of Wes Anderson, transformed into a classic French bistro, The Wes Bistro & Bar. Once through the doors, guests become part of an atmosphere that feels lifted from The Grand Budapest Hotel, a place where Fantastic Mr. Fox and Captain Zissou feel right at home.
At the heart of it all is owner and mastermind Megan Kritzinger, the entrepreneur behind Stellski Coffee, whose distinctive vision has shaped every corner of the space. From the whimsical artwork and pastel palette to the warm, effortless hospitality, The Wes feels like a natural extension of her creative personality, blending cinematic charm with classic French bistro culture.
Heading up the kitchen is Chef Dennis Luke and his team, who have created a menu rooted in the traditions of a classic French bistro, inspired by French travel and built on traditional techniques, with a subtle contemporary edge and an emphasis on quality local ingredients.
No sooner had we taken our seats we were shown the hand-written specials board. French classics such as Boeuf Bourguignon and Mousse au Chocolat sat comfortably alongside the main menu. We were there for one thing, however: The Wes’ winter special. A three-course journey through classic French cooking, reimagined in a pastel-toned Cape Town setting.
What stands out most at The Wes is its sense of elevated simplicity. In a dining landscape often driven by over-complication, foams, ferments and unnecessary theatricality, there is something genuinely refreshing about a menu that simply focuses on doing the classics properly, with confidence and restraint.
That same philosophy carries through to the cocktail list. There is no unnecessary pomp or performance here. Instead, classic cocktails are made well, with balance and intention, while a small selection of signature drinks allows for a more playful expression of creativity.
I started with one of the creative signature cocktails, specifically Mr Fox’s Sly Bourbon, a clever blend of Woodford Reserve bourbon whisky, brown butter, aromatic bitters, fresh orange, lemon and cherry. It’s rich and warming, slightly nostalgic in character, and a perfect example of how creativity here is used to enhance rather than overwhelm.
To begin the meal, I chose the soup du jour: French onion soup. Deeply rich and comforting, it arrived under a generous layer of melted cheese and crisp croutons, exactly what you want on a rainy Cape Town afternoon. It is simple, traditional, and executed with care. Across the table, the salmon tartare offered a brighter counterpoint and a fun ode to another classic French appetiser. Zesty, clean and precise, it allowed the quality of the ingredients to speak for themselves without unnecessary distraction. It was a restrained but confident start to the meal.
The mains continued in the same spirit. The steak frites, comprising perfectly cooked ribeye and crisp chips, arrived with Café de Paris butter and a fresh rocket salad, delivering exactly what it promised: a well-executed bistro classic done properly and without compromise. For those leaning away from meat, the Wild Mushroom Medley was a standout. Built around olive oil, pea purée, grilled courgettes and truffled pommes boulangère, it was earthy, generous and deeply satisfying. It never feels like a “vegetarian option” so much as a dish that confidently holds its own.
Dessert is where The Wes quietly over-delivers. The crème brûlée may well be one of the best in Cape Town. Silky, delicate and perfectly balanced, it avoids excessive sweetness and instead leans into texture, restraint and finesse. Alongside it, the profiteroles offered a more indulgent finish. Filled with ice cream and served with a warm dark chocolate sauce, they stayed true to French bistro tradition while still feeling generous and comforting.
What makes The Wes’ winter offering so compelling is its quiet confidence. This is a restaurant that understands its identity and expresses it with clarity: classic French cooking, local ingredients, warm hospitality, and a dining room that feels almost cinematic in its detail. The aesthetic may draw you in, but it is the food and the passion behind it that keep you there.
The Wes Bistro & Bar Winter Menu
Where: The Wes Bistro & Bar
Menu: Three courses including starter, main and dessert – lunch & dinner
Price: R495 per person
Highlights: French onion soup, steak frites, Wild Mushroom Medley, crème brûlée
Bookings: www.thewes.co.za | 082 770 3573
Available throughout winter, this offering is an easy excuse to gather, slow down and spend an afternoon in one of Cape Town’s most visually distinctive dining rooms.