Forget Spur, Treat Yourself & Your Kids at Strolla in Sea Point [Review]

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I don’t have kids but I do have two rather boisterous nephews and keeping them entertained when I’m tasked with looking after them is a challenge of note. Just one morning spent with the two high-energy lads is enough to have me reaching for the wine bottle come lunch time so I can only imagine what it must be like for parents who have the joy of keeping their little ones entertained and fed all day every day. For years, Spur has been a refuge for long-suffering parents who need a moment to themselves, but let’s be honest, Spur isn’t exactly the most glamorous of places and the food often leaves little to be desired. Well ladies, I am here to tell you that your days of hiding out at Spur are officially over (hallelujah!) because there’s a new family-friendly hang out in town. Designed with discerning parents and kids in mind, Strolla restaurant in Sea Point is everything you wished Spur was and more.

Located at the end of Sea Point’s popular Promenade at the Peninsula Hotel, Strolla is a haven for both parents and the kid-free looking for somewhere to unwind. What really struck me about my first visit to Strolla, the sister restaurant to Mouille Point’s Sotano, is that there were loads of kids around but you couldn’t hear them and you rarely saw them. The oh-so-chic restaurant is designed so that parents can have peace of mind knowing their kids are in a safe space (and having fun) while they enjoy a delicious meal and a glass of wine but it also caters to those who don’t have kids or parents heading out for a date night.

The trendy spot boasts a huge indoor kid’s play area in one corner of the restaurant and it is here that little ones can have fun playing games, watching TV, or meeting new friends. Two huge, soundproof glass windows overlook the restaurant floor, allowing the kids to see their parents while they play and parents to keep a watchful eye on them too. Child minders also ensure that kids are cared for while they are in the play area so parents can enjoy their lunch or a drink without a care in the world. There’s also a kid’s pizza area where little chefs can craft their very own pizzas for dinner or lunch.

And, as I said, if you are kid free then you’ll love this place too. The boyfriend and I visited on a Friday night for a romantic dinner and while there were loads of kids enjoying the play area we hardly noticed they were there. Depending on what time you visit, diners can choose to sit outside on the terrace at the Strolla coffee bar to soak up the sun, at the bar area for a festive vibe, upstairs on the deck for a sunset like no other, or inside for a more intimate feel. No matter where you sit, you’ll immediately notice the relaxed atmosphere at this spot. It’s all about taking a moment to enjoy the good things in life and with everything from light cafe-style eats to coffee, cocktails, and mouth-wateringly good meals on offer, Strolla aims to be your go-to spot all day, every day.

The lunch and dinner menu at Strolla is indeed impressive. To start there’s a wide selection of small plate meals which can be enjoyed as a starter or tapas style if you’re looking for some light snacks to enjoy along with drinks. We chose to share the Spicy Chicken Koftas (served with chilli chutney – R85) as a starter. The koftas are served on a kebab stick and the spicy chicken pairs beautifully with the chilli chutney. If you love a bit of spice then I would also recommend trying the Chilli Poppers (served with a sweet chilli sauce – R85). The Nachos with Guacamole (R90) also sounds like a great option if you’re looking for a snack to enjoy along with sundowners.

As for mains, Strolla offers some pretty impressive meals including pizzas, burgers, salads, soups, grills, seafood, and more. I opted to try the Butter Chicken Curry (served with Jasmine rice and sambals – R130) while the boyfriend set his sights on the Italian Pizza (a trip of sausages, olives, and mozzarella – R125). My curry was beautifully creamy and was served with a generous amount of juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a crispy over-sized sambal to soak up the sauce. The portion size of the curry was enough to share between two people if you’re looking for a light lunch and is a great choice as a main dish all on your own if you’ve arrived hungry. As a bit of a pizza connoisseur, the boyfriend wasn’t overly impressed by his pizza – while the toppings were delicious, the base was a bit too floury for our taste and in the end we decided that we would rather try one of the other fabulous dishes on the menu the next time we visit.

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We finished our meal with a delightfully large serving of Khalula and coffee Tiramisu (R65). I don’t ordinarily enjoy coffee flavoured dishes but this dessert truly blew me away and the boyfriend and I both agreed that it was the best Tiramisu we had ever had. The dish is a sort of Mille Feuille/Tiramisu hybrid with crunchy biscuits between each creamy layer. The dish is served with cherries and coffee flavoured jelly cubes on the side, over-sized white and dark chocolate shards on top, and a dusting of dark chocolate and is a flavour sensation of note. The combination of the coffee jelly and dark chocolate in this dish cut through the rich cream to offer a dreamy mouthful of pure dessert heaven every time.

Strolla’s menu is seasonal so they’re always trying to add new and exciting dishes to the menu. The restaurant also offers a dedicated kid’s menu as well as regular specials including their now famous Wednesday Rotisserie special which offers half a chicken, served with buttered corn and spicy potato wedges, at just R72.50.

Find Strolla at 313 Beach Road Sea Point. For more information on Strolla visit their website.