Winter 2026: Upper Union returns to the flavours that shaped its beginning: bold, generous dishes designed for sharing around a warm table. Our seasonal menu leans into deep spice, slow-cooked comfort and vibrant condiments, bringing together influences from North Africa, the Middle East and beyond.
At the heart of the menu is a sense of warmth and generosity. Our executive chef, Amori Burger, describes it as our winter heartbeat: layered, comforting and full of the flavours that define the restaurant. The kitchen has revisited some of the dishes and ideas that first made Upper Union feel like home, while bringing fresh energy, visual playfulness and a renewed focus on flavour-packed sauces and condiments.
The result is a menu that feels both familiar and new. With the return of head chef Jason Jonker to our team, the creative dynamic in the kitchen adds another layer to the experience, combining Upper Union’s signature intensity with globally inspired flavour combinations and dishes that surprise from first glance to first bite.
Explore the season through two set menus, Garden and Pasture, each showcasing the restaurant’s flavour-led approach in a different way. The Pasture Menu embraces rich winter depth with dishes such as yellowtail with bokkom XO, pomelo salad and trout roe, as well as lamb kibbeh nayyeh with red onion, guindilla chilli and paratha. Mains include beef cheek tagine with meebos, green harissa and prune, served with fragrant Hyderabadi rice and punchy accompaniments.
The Garden Menu offers a vibrant plant-led take on winter, with dishes such as king oyster mushroom with hummus, pomegranate and salsa macha verde, and chaat rosti with tamarind barbecue sauce, coriander sambaram and toasted chickpea. For mains, lentil terrine with red zhug and naartjie marmalade continues the story, balanced by fragrant rice and bright, pickle-led sides.
Both menus are available with either a recommended wine pairing curated by our head sommelier Tongai Charie or a non-alcoholic cocktail pairing developed by Just Short. Our drinks offering complements the menu with standout local wines and thoughtful alcohol-free options, while fireplaces and the warmth of the heritage space make it an inviting destination throughout the colder months.
Why Visit Upper Union This Winter in Cape Town?
Looking for a warm and memorable winter dining experience in Cape Town? Upper Union combines seasonal comfort food, curated wine pairings, non-alcoholic cocktails and a heritage setting with fireplaces to create the perfect cold-weather dining destination.
We’re open seven days a week for lunch and dinner – so come, settle in and experience a winter menu built around comfort, flavour and a sense of occasion.
