Anouchka Horn

The Belly Restaurant Group

Anouchka Horn is a Cape Town-based chef and restaurateur, and co-owner of The Belly Restaurant Group — behind Belly of the Beast, Galjoen, Seebamboes, and the soon-to-launch Quagga and No Show. Alongside business partner Neil Swart, she has helped redefine modern South African dining, grounded in memory, trust, locality, and flavour above all else. Across all their restaurants, menus are intentionally limited, inviting diners to trust the kitchen. Belly of the Beast focuses on whole animal cooking, Galjoen on local seafood, and Seebamboes on the dialogue between land and sea.

Lello's Deli isn't just street food. It's the kind of place where you can grab something quick or sit down for a proper meal — either way, you're blown away. They do Roman-style pizza al taglio and supplì, but there's real depth to the menu. Honestly, there isn't a single thing you can order that won't be insanely good. Everything feels like it's made with genuine care.

At Lello's my go-to's: the amatriciana (pizza or pasta), porchetta sandwich, and maritozzi. I also put them down as one of the best spots for drinks — their cocktails are insane. The blood orange Negroni is the best. Perfect for just popping in for drinks and aperitivo too.

At The Melting Pot — order one of everything. You won't be disappointed.

The Meantime — Sepial is unbelievable. Everything is done with intent, and the way she balances flavours is just exceptional. Every single dish I've had from any of her restaurants has been spectacular.

Mertia — I was completely blown away by both the food and the service. The main course took me straight back to my student days in Stellenbosch, in the best possible way. It's a true expression of nostalgia — something I really strive for in my own cooking — done in such a refined and beautiful way.

Anouchka Horn

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