Marble: A Steak Club's Verdict at the V&A Waterfront

As seasoned members of the Cape Town steak scene, we've grilled our way through countless cuts, from humble pub steaks to opulent wagyu wonders. Our latest carnivorous quest led us to Marble, the new chic eatery gracing the picturesque V&A Waterfront. Billed as a "celebration of fire-cooking and carefully sourced meat," Marble certainly sets the bar high, especially with its undeniably stunning location in the jewel of Africa. The anticipation among our club members was palpable, eager to see if this stylish newcomer could truly deliver a sizzling steak experience.

Upon stepping into Marble, you're immediately struck by the sheer elegance of the space. No expense has been spared in crafting a truly beautiful restaurant. The ambiance is top-notch, full and buzzing with an energy that perfectly complements the breath-taking views of the waterfront. It’s a lovely space, designed to impress, and it certainly does. The vibe is sophisticated, the kind of place where you’d happily linger over a glass of wine – or in our case, dissect the merits of a perfectly seared ribeye.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the steak. Our steaks were good, but honestly, it failed to deliver that "wow" factor we came to expect, especially given the menu's premium prices. For a restaurant that prides itself on fire-cooking and boasts such a reputation, we had higher expectations. It was a slight disappointment for a few in the group of dedicated steak enthusiasts.

Some of starters dishes stole the show, the four little wagyu tasting cuts were a delightful introduction, setting a high standard for what was to follow. But the real revelation was the lightly coal-touched tuna with egg, sweet chili crunch, and avocado – it was absolutely delicious. This dish alone showcased the kitchen's flair and ability to create truly memorable flavours beyond just red meat. And yes, the fries were great too!

Where Marble seemed to stumble slightly was in the service department. While it felt like there were more staff than diners, our waiter was okay. For a restaurant of this calibre, we anticipate a more refined and attentive experience. Meal deliveries were a bit scrappy, and the pepper sauce for our steaks arrived quite late. Perhaps most surprisingly, our waiter didn't check in to see how our meals were, a basic courtesy we’d expect. For our large table, more dedicated service would have been appreciated.

While the setting and ambiance are undoubtedly luxurious, some average steaks coupled with average service made the overall cost feel a little steep. You're certainly paying for the prime location and the exquisite décor, but the core experience of a steakhouse – the steak itself and the accompanying service – didn't quite justify the price tag in every aspect for us.

Despite some mixed reviews on the steak and service, Marble still scored well overall within our club. It's a gorgeous establishment with an undeniable charm. While it may have had a few "misfires" for a restaurant that champions fire-cooking, the spectacular non-steak dishes and the incredible setting certainly make it a noteworthy addition to the V&A Waterfront's dining scene. We’ll be back, perhaps to explore more of those amazing sides and give the steaks another chance to truly shine.

Steak      7.2/10
Sides       3.9/5
Value      2.6/5
Service  4.1/5
Ambiance 4.4/5
Total        74%
 
Marble
V&A Waterfront, 1 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred
Waterfront, Cape Town
021 002 8484
marble.restaurant