“ Had my birthday lunch here and it was raining but Cape town is a special kind of beautiful in the rain. The food was delicious and we can't fault them on anything. Thank you. ”

“ On Thursday afternoon, my business partner and I made our way to the beautiful Hiro Izakaya at Constantia Uitsig. It felt like the heavens had blessed us with the perfect weather after all the rain. We moved our reservation outside to the patio, where it was calm, peaceful, and just the right mix of sun and shade. We had a stunning view of the mountain and lush greenery. I loved the rustic wooden tables, and the single red rose on each added a touch of elegance. Our waiter told us about their amazing special, 8 plates for R500! Normally shared between two, but Tumi and I each ordered four each (no sharing!). Their menu is split into Sea, Land, Earth, and Sweet, so we went with one from each. First up, chilli salt Patagonia squid. Not your average calamari, this was crispy, tender, and topped with a soy and sake reduction I would drink if I could. Even the microgreens added that perfect fresh contrast. Next, short rib gyoza. Three golden, juicy dumplings glazed to perfection. Heavy and packed with flavour. The wrapper was crisp yet chewy, honestly, they didn’t stand a chance. Then came my surprise favourite: chilled soba noodles. I didn’t expect much but wow. A sweet chilli sauce coated every bite, and the cold temperature balanced the spice so beautifully. It was refreshing, delicious, and possibly the best noodle dish I’ve ever had. We were silent the whole time. Even though I was full, I had to end with the chocolate fondant. I mean, how could I not? The centre was warm, rich, and gooey, paired with a scoop of cool vanilla ice cream. Classic and so satisfying. This lunch was beyond what I expected. Stunning location, peaceful vibe, great staff, and every plate was special. Hiro isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. Do yourself a favour and order the noodles. You’ll thank me later. Thank you Hiro! Till next time! ”

“ So this place is a very small place in a 'street' of 'restaurants ' in Constantia Uitsig wine farm. It has a small range of alcoholic bavarages and can be on a costly side,however,the food . We had a chance to take 8 dishes where you get to choose 4 dishes per person for only R500. It is small portions packed with so much flavor. Every dish we ate was like fairies dancing in our tongues. The toilet is outside,which is a little inconveniencing, also didnt like the lighting inside(was too dark for me) . This Japanese cuisine small spot is worth a sunday afternoon chill with a friend. ”

“ Lots of surprising and delicious treats on the menu in this small but wonderful restaurant. There was a winter special with 8 dishes between people for r500 which was insane. The food was delicious and I will 100% visit again in future. Lots of options for fish, meat and veg eaters. We ordered nearly all of the ‘earth’ options and they were incredible. Picture are tuna tataki and the duck croquettes and after that I was too busy stuffing my face to take pictures! ”

“ The food was mediocre for the high standard they set themselves to and the price, the pork belly was exceptional. But everything else was overly spiced with turmeric. More of a tapas vibe then semi fine dining ”

“ Absolutely amazing - cannot recommend enough. Their drink and 2 course breakfast menu is exceptional and only R120. We tried everything on the menu and I would have it all again. Can't wait to go back for dinner! ”

“ In my book, Cheyne Morrisby’s restaurants have always been true ‘local secrets’ - offering world-class experiences and excellent value.

Chef Cheyne works with top quality and inventive skill in food, prepared and served by savvy and passionate staff, in beautiful relaxed settings - all richly and lovingly detailed. The latest offering, HIRO IZAKAYA, exceeds his own high bar. His proven concept of a menu of tapas in distinct categories (snack starters, veg-based, meat, seafood and sweet) here takes inspiration from Izakaya: not a Xhosa homecoming, but Japanese venues for casual dining to accompany the drinking of rice wine, beer and other relaxants. It’s a dizzyingly array of choices of proper fusion cooking, combining dinkum but lesser-known Japanese forms (kushiyaki skewers, yatsu bar snacks like cooked edamame, lightly-seared tataki) with endemic ingredients through cunning global contemporary twists. While there are options for virtually any diet and preference, just reading the menu is an adventurous experience and makes for some tough choices so be ready to negotiate with your partner… For established fans there are some best-of hits from his prior establishments (raw tuna tacos, aubergine tempura) with fresh adjustments and complete surprises. The star anise and ginger short rib gyoza may be the best dumpling I’ve ever had; the deep fried milk with coconut cream and ginger lime-leaf green chili caramel is a refreshing savoury delight. Heavy primary flavours are avoided to allow layers of subtler scents and tastes to emerge. His famous cocktail list - one of the few around of strictly original creations, and all are worth trying - endures, alongside solid and reasonable options for wine, beer and of course sake. 
Cheyne is a world-travelled chef who wields cuisine as entertainment; respect for traditions as well as refinements of fun experiments show up in a balance. Constantia Uitsig makes for a surprisingly suitable winelands setting, just a short drive from the city centre. The eponymous panoramic views of the (non-rice-)wine valley surround the restaurant’s verandah. It’s part of a lively row of period cottages, each hosting a business, alongside a stately garden. (It’s worth visiting for lunch or their superb breakfast (for another review!) to walk through the sculpted scented roses and fynbos while it’s open (before 16:00). 

By some mad sorcery the new venue maintained another Cheyne tradition - a R500 winter special, offering your hard-to-pick selection of eight dishes. 
That is absurdly good value for two diners (or a single starving one!) - very solid meals of exciting, nourishing, diverse dishes, an impressive date outing or meeting, and memories we enjoyed long after our feast. Joined by friends for a double date, we flooded our table with sixteen wonderful dishes to share and try.
The name HIRO appropriately can mean “abundant, generous, tolerant or prosperous".

Cheyne’s partner Danielle handles hosting and managerial duties with the warmth of close family and a no-problem attitude. While requests can be made as to the serving order of dishes, the pace of the meal may be slower than diners are used to. It gives time for appreciating each mini-meal, Izakaya-style sipping and socializing.
It is a small kitchen - a seat inside can offer views of the action - but be prepared to take your time, especially if you arrive during a busy rush. As a couple who really enjoys cooking, we were immediately inspired to explore and experiment more boldly with ingredients, processes and styles. But Cheyne and co’s magic is that you and yours can feast like a newlywed shogun while you relax like it’s your lunch break, free from fears of ambush by an alien monster dish or Godzilla-scale bill. Itadakimasu, kanpai! ”

“ I hosted a birthday there for 30 people. The team created a long table for us which was perfect. The vibe was awesome particularly on a cold winters day, the moody ambience inside really added to that. Food was excellent! Loved it! Highly recommend it and can’t wait to go back. ”