Well ahead of the highly anticipated opening of the Tintswalo Summer House boutique hotel in April 2026, food lovers already have reason to visit Glencairn. The Summer House Eatery, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, is now open for lunch and dinner, offering a relaxed yet refined seaside dining experience along the False Bay coastline.
Set in the charming coastal village of Glencairn, the restaurant marks the latest addition to the Tintswalo Collection, known for its character-rich destinations and warm, detail-driven hospitality. Following a careful renovation, the historic property has been reimagined as a luxurious seaside retreat that honours its past while embracing contemporary elegance.
Opened in December 2025, The Summer House Eatery champions fresh, honest and uncomplicated food in an atmosphere that feels both timeless and welcoming. The interiors draw inspiration from classic French bistros, pairing European charm with unmistakable South African soul. Diners are treated to sweeping sea views on one side, balanced by a striking feature wall of antique dinner plates on the other — each seemingly echoing stories of meals enjoyed long before.
At the heart of the restaurant is an open-fire dining concept, where flame and flavour take centre stage. Under the guidance of Head Chef Thando Jaxa, the menu celebrates the Cape Peninsula’s diverse culinary heritage through a Mediterranean lens. Designed for sharing, dishes showcase the best of the Western Cape’s farmers, artisans and coastal waters.
Expect generous plates of open-flame steaks, fresh prawns, vibrant salads and vegetable-forward dishes. Standout favourites include a large pot of classic moules-frites, a showstopping 1.2kg dry-aged Black Angus T-bone alla Fiorentina, and a fragrant Cape Malay-style chicken served with curried yoghurt.
Complementing the food is a thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail list by Sommelier and Joint General Manager Jabu Ngwenya, featuring a wide selection of South African cultivars and regions, alongside quality house wines from Lomond Wine Estate in the cool-climate Cape Agulhas region.
Next door, the much-loved Sports Bar remains an integral part of the experience. Retaining its vintage character — from black-and-white checkered floors and an antique fireplace to a beautifully crafted timber bar — it opens onto a sea-facing terrace and continues to serve as a gathering spot for locals. The menu here is relaxed and comforting, with classics such as fish and chips, a pressed beef burger, and the ever-popular prawn roll.
Chef Thando Jaxa’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in respect for ingredients and seasonality. He began his career in the scullery at Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel at just 17, rising through the ranks within the group before joining Tintswalo Atlantic in 2017. After gaining further experience as a Brand Chef overseeing multiple kitchens, he returned to Tintswalo to lead the transformation of the former Deep South Eatery into what is now The Summer House Eatery.
With its blend of coastal charm, open-fire cooking and soulful hospitality, The Summer House Eatery offers a compelling reason to head south — no hotel check-in required.
Restaurant bookings are available via Dineplan.