The Local Grill

The re-energised Woodstock neighbourhood sees the addition of another restaurant to its ever growing portfolio of cafés and restaurants. Woodstock had for many years been a neglected area of Cape Town, but this all changed a decade ago as local businesses began a rejuvenation project. Woodstock is now one of the hottest districts in Cape Town, and the place to be seen. And if you’re looking for a place to enjoy a butcher-style eatery, then head on over to The Local Grill.

The multiple award-winning grill house has opened its first branch in Cape Town, in the now very hip Woodstock neighbourhood. It forms part of their trifecta of restaurants, and one of the most popular destinations for meat-lovers in Jozi.

The local Grill has been rebuilt and restored into a clean, modern design with big windows and neat face brick walls. Beneath the restaurant you will find Andre Viljoen’s state-of-the-art craft brewery and taproom. Excellent steak and craft beer within spitting distance of one another; our resident Steak Boyz gusher was starting to gush.

After early drinks at the bar, our evening kicked off with a kitchen tours by Popi - a comprehensive insight into how wholesome ingredients are at the core of the eatery. We tucked into some delicious biltong while she explained how their grain and grass fed beef is sourced directly from the farm, and dry or wet aged in the display meat locker. She explained how our steaks would be cut to order, rubbed (steaks are seasoned with a blend of freeze dried herbs and spices) and finally brushed with salted butter while grilling. Popi then wowed the crowd with some Wagyu beef, grilled on a Himalayan salt slab - cut from ancient salt deposits and are considered the purest form of salt.  They impart a rich flavour to anything you cook on them and not just a salty flavour. Our Gusher was at it again.

A thoroughly enjoyable experience – and fantastic to see such passionate and knowledgeable entrepreneurs. We also ha d a quick tour of the brewery - where Viljoen guided us through his brewing process and enjoyed some sample tastings. We certainly had high expectations for the evening.

On to the main event. With a full rugby team of carnivores at our table, a wide range of steaks had been ordered. Feedback varied from average – to “one of the best steaks I’ve had”. Steaks came with the usual fare of sides (pap, mashed potatoes, veggies, onion rings, shoestring fries). Service was smooth, and the waiters are very friendly, and eager to assist.

Our bill was above average, but we were enjoying (more expensive) craft beers. A nice touch is the ample and secure parking; its great not having to worry about your car parked in a dark street. There’s no doubt that The Local Grill is a welcome addition to the East City scene.

Overall:    6.9 (average of scores)
Steak:      6.4
Sides:      7.6
Service:   8.1
Value:      6.1

local-grill.co.za
+27 21 447 0934
252 Albert Road, Woodstock
Cape Town