The Alba Restaurant Lunch Boat Cruise

Please note: This post is a review done for the Alba Restaurant in 2018, and Inspired Living SA is not directly affiliated with the business. We cannot take bookings, and the restaurant is no longer in business to our knowledge.

The Alba Restaurant

This exclusive fine dining restaurant boat, at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, can accommodate 72 seated guests or a 100 for cocktail functions. The Alba Restaurant offers various cruise options ranging from brunch to a dinner cruise.

We opted for the three-course fine dining lunch cruise, which takes guests for a leisurely cruise around the Table Bay Harbour while enjoying a delicious meal. The boat, designed to be smooth & stable in the water, has large glass windows, as well as air-conditioning. I must confess I was a tad nervous about lunch on a boat, my fears, however, were quickly put at ease once we boarded.

Lunch Cruise

The two-hour dining cruise includes bubbly on arrival, as well as a three-course wine paired menu. There is also the option of selective beverages, including coffee & tea. I do recommend that you arrive hungry because the portions are rather generous.

As well as delicious food and wine you can expect breath-taking views of Cape Town, including Table Mountain, the “working” harbour, as well as the yacht marina in the V&A Waterfront.

The Experience

Welcoming staff were quick to get us settled with a glass of bubbly. After a briefing on emergency procedures and we were underway. I must confess I felt very much like a kid at Christmas; the excitement was real!

On The Menu

For starters Grant went with the Karoo Springbok Carpaccio, with mixed baby greens, shaved Grana Padano, red onion & vine ripened tomatoes, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic cream. A stunning dish, full of flavour.

I chose the Citrus Cured Salmon with a beetroot puree and baby greens. It was a delicious combination of flavours, the earthiness of beetroot complimented the salmon beautifully.

For mains, I could not resist the sound of the Beef Fillet Medallions, served with a mixed berry and roasted bone marrow jus, truffled mashed potato, grilled beetroot & mange-tout. It was every bit as amazing as it sounded. The beef fillet was pure perfection, one of the best I have tasted in a while, and truffle mash and grilled veg were delicious.

Grant opted for the Seabass, marinated in citrus, coriander and chilli and served on a bed of ratatouille accompanied by a cauliflower purée. The flavours in the dish were terrific; the only negative was the fish was a bit dry.

Not that we had much space for dessert, but it sounded much too decadent to turn down. Oh Boy was I right, the Dark Chocolate Mousse topped with orange zest, was heavenly, and the Milk Chocolate Truffles rolled in pistachio with a touch of chilli, a real taste explosion.

Wine Pairing

Each course was paired with wine from the Durbanville Hills Rhinofields range. The wines were impressive, in particular, the 2016 Pinotage. If wine is not your thing, you can opt for draught beer or choose from a selection of cold beverages.

Overall Impression

We had a truly memorable experience aboard The Alba Restaurant; it was great to do something different and see a different part of the V&A and the harbour. The staff were excellent, very attentive but not intrusive. As far value for money, I do not think that R595 per person is over the top, as it covers the cruise, a three-course meal, as well as wine or other drinks. It is something I would recommend for a special occasion as options include brunch, lunch, high tea or dinner cruise, there is something for everyone.

Contact Details and Location

To make a booking or for more details on cruise options, visit their website or phone +27 (0)65 975 8060 or email [email protected]. Location: Pierhead, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.

Images: Second boat image supplied. ©2010 – 2018 Inspired Living and Fiona Rossiter. {Please do not use any images featured on this website without written consent from the copyright holder and owner}

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Disclosure

Wine and lunch were complimentary. We have no material connection to the brands, products, or services mentioned in this post. Care has been taken to ensure that all information provided, including prices, are deemed correct at time of publishing. Please note that all opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.