When Societi Bistro moved from the V&A Waterfront to 50 Orange Street, it underwent a complete change of style and personality. A beautiful Edwardian heritage house, superb food, a warm, happy and welcoming atmosphere and voila, the ultimate neighbourhood restaurant was born.
Situated just a few minutes walk away from the arched entrance to the Mount Nelson Hotel and across the road from the University of Cape Town Art School, Societi Bistro's red and green sign beckons. How lovely to walk up to the front door along a narrow path flanked by a guard of honour of carefully trimmed small trees and bushes. On one side there is a patio which on any fine day is abuzz with guests enjoying drinks and meals.The dimly lit interior has the air of an elderly aunt welcoming you into the warm bosom of her home. Walls painted in shades of teal contrast most effectively with plain unplastered brick walls while yellow wood floor boards creak underfoot. An antique cast iron fire place spans two rooms providing warmth and congeniality. Lovely high ceilings and thick outside walls with deep inset windows lend a mellow patina of age.
