Le Bistrot de JAN Opens at the InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town

French bistro elegance has officially met the soul of the Mother City with the opening of Le Bistrot de JAN at the InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town, perfectly positioned within the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

After months of anticipation, Cape Town’s iconic V&A Waterfront has welcomed Le Bistrot de JAN to its Atlantic harbour setting. Inspired by the beloved original bistro in Nice, now more than a year into its success, the Cape Town restaurant brings Michelin-star chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s signature combination of French flair and South African heart to one of the city’s most recognised landmarks.

This new chapter encapsulates the ethos of Le Bistrot de JAN, rooted in Jan Hendrik’s early culinary years. He reflects on the nostalgia that anchors the space: “A return to Cape Town couldn’t be more fitting. I tasted my first French cognac at this very bar, a moment that transported me into a world of dreams, to places I longed to visit and explore. That spirit of curiosity and connection is exactly what Le Bistrot de JAN is about, and bringing it home feels like completing a circle.”

French Technique, Cape Town Personality

The menu, conceptualised by Jan Hendrik in partnership with Executive Chef Giles Edwards, celebrates the meeting point between classic French bistro comfort and the vibrancy of Cape Town’s local ingredients. Guests can expect refined starters such as West Coast oysters with mignonette, pastis-steamed mussels with bacon and parsley, and pickled octopus. Generous shared dishes channel the conviviality of Côte d’Azur dining, featuring tourte au poulet with truffle sauce, couscous royal layered with lamb, and an impressive steak florentine served with frites and a crisp wedge salad.

A dedicated cheese room encourages diners to linger, while desserts invite nostalgia — from Giles’ made-to-order madeleines to a comforting malva pudding accompanied by house-made bay leaf ice cream. A relaxed bar area extends the experience with bespoke cocktails and weekly live music, lending the space a distinctly South African rhythm despite its French temperament.

Jan Hendrik describes the intention behind the restaurant: “We wanted to create a space where detail and indulgence meet, where you eat brilliantly but also laugh, and allow the performance of dining to unfold around you. There is art in precision and freedom in play. At Le Bistrot de JAN, you can enjoy both.”

The Stage Is Set

Stepping inside, guests encounter a world meticulously composed. Designed by Source Interior Brand Architecturein close collaboration with Jan Hendrik, the space balances warmth with refinement through decadent timber panelling, brass tile accents and layered stone details.

These textures are unified by the signature JAN Hague Blue walls, created with Farrow & Ball, which become a backdrop for custom artworks by acclaimed Cape Town duo Jana Hamman and Koos Groenewald of STUDIO Jana + Koos. Their playful illustrations inject charm and remind diners that joy is an essential part of the experience.

Every material and object has been intentionally chosen — from vintage cutlery sourced by Jan Hendrik from French street markets to locally crafted furniture and upholstery. Framed by sweeping harbour and ocean views, the space is designed not just for dining, but for storytelling.

An Icon Along the Water

The arrival of Le Bistrot de JAN marks a pivotal moment for the InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town, as the hotel prepares to debut 306 newly designed rooms and suites from 15 December. Each offers panoramic views of Table Mountain, the harbour and the Atlantic Ocean. With direct access to the vibrant V&A Waterfront — home to world-class shopping, dining and entertainment — the hotel positions itself as an unrivalled gateway to Cape Town’s most celebrated experiences.

General Manager Joanne Selby reflects on the hotel’s new era: “As we open this next chapter, our vision is clear: to create a place where every moment feels elevated, personal, and unmistakably Cape Town.”

With renewed energy and standout signature venues such as Le Bistrot de JAN, InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town is poised to redefine luxury for both travellers and locals seeking exceptional experiences at the city’s edge.

Reservations for Le Bistrot de JAN are now open.