Think Camps Bay and you think pretentious and overpriced, right? At the relaxed restaurant, Bungalow (as its name dictates), the vibe is certainly different to your run-of-the-mill tourist traps in the area.

Slanting more towards Caprice, just with better food, Bungalow is chilled enough for cocktails and tapas, but quality enough to enjoy a fine dinner and a distinguished glass of wine.

The evening my partner and I visited, the last rays of summer sunlight sank into the sea, ushering in the end of the season. Seated anywhere inside the restaurant you have an awesome view of the ocean and sunset —who would have thought the old petrol station would have had such a prime view?

Bungalow and Kove, sister restaurants, both newly-opened, have taken over this space; Kove is Bungalow's more refined older sibling, while Bungalow sports a more after-the-beach kind of feel.

Its stark white décor is contrasted with hints of pale blue — soothing colours of sea and sand. There are no frills, except perhaps for some interesting seating in addition to the standard tables — couches with a built-in tables, perfect for putting your feet up with sundowners and a few snacks (just don't wear a skirt).

Serving up a storm

What's even more out of the ordinary for this part of the world is the service, our waiter Rudi answered each one of my questions with a wealth of knowledge, which was surprising since the restaurant really hasn't been open all that long.

But as Executive Chef Gabriel Le Roux said to me on arrival, Bungalow always finds out what customers like and improves on their dishes according to their customers' recommendations, rather than serving up some fancy foam concoctions that don't touch base.

Gabriel is also the chef behind Pepenero's in Mouille Point, which is a good all-rounder for steak, sushi and even Italian fare.

An afternoon in Camps Bay dictates cocktails, and Bungalow has some fresh and diverse additions to the regulars on its menu.

Being a Mojito man, my partner Richard decided to be slightly adventurous and tried the Pomegranate Mojito (R50), which had a very subtle hint of pomegranate, not detracting too much from the already ideal Mojito.

I decided to go all out and opted for the Mad Melon (R50) — sparkling wine with freshly diced melon, Galliano, vodka and triple sec, with a hint of Midor. It was a great idea, a little sweet but certainly fresh and fruity.

Hmm... what to share?

We were a little spoilt for choice when it came to starters, Bungalow's menu is designed for those who want light meals or to share. They have a myriad of salads from the classic Caesar (with the option of pan-fried prawns, grilled chicken or smoked ostrich and blue cheese) to the more exotic Tropical Fruit and Crayfish (R130).

You can get away with R50 for a basic salad, with most of the salads in the range of R80, which isn't really a train smash if you're sharing. Going it alone however, may dent your wallet a little.

I had flashbacks of the Knysna Oyster Festival where I saw creative oyster options on the menu — Oysters and Lime, Oysters and Caviar.... not something one often sees at Capetonian establishments. At R25 a pop you could shovel one or two before moving on to something slightly more filling.

Then there are the shared dishes, tapas style. I love this option as you can taste a bit of this and that — no food envy here. This is where our fabulous waiter Rudi stepped in, as it's extremely overwhelming when you're faced with choices like Parma ham and Melon Salad, Grilled Ostrich with Potato Rosti and Sautéed Norwegian Salmon, and the list goes on...

The shared meals come as three small portions, Rudi suggested the Sautéed Norwegian Salmon with grilled Aubergine and Pea Sauce (R60). The salmon was juicy and soft, flowing with flavour, with the pea sauce not as ghastly as it sounds.

Richard insisted on trying the Smoked Duck Breast with Warm Goat's Cheese and Walnut Vinaigrette (R50) — a rich combination which works well with the addition of rocket. It's definitely a must-try and had Richard groaning for more...

Lastly, we shared the Tempura Prawns (R55) which came with the most flavoursome warm sweet soya sauce for dipping.

Fish of the day

I was torn when ordering mains, everything just sounded so appealing. It was time to call on Rudi again... his expertise was needed. He suggested the Norwegian Salmon. But what to drink with it? I felt like a red wine, but alas it wouldn't do the fish any justice...

"Pinot Noir?" says Rudi.

"Sold!"

I had the Meerlust Pinot Noir (at R110 a glass you simply have to savour it), which was wonderful, but was somewhat sidelined by Rudi's perfect food recommendation as the salmon was simply superb.

Bungalow has a fantastic wine list, I think because it's totally unique, with some distinguished varieties on the list, which are not often seen at other establishments.

Many wines are also served by the glass, which I always give a thumbs up. You won't however get away with a cheap glass of plonk here with nothing under R45, but then again, I am all for respectable wine, and most restaurants do double the price of the wine unfortunately.

Richard had one of the specials for the day — Linguine Pasta with Beef Fillet. I am not sure if this is a compliment or not, but the pasta was outstanding, and even outdid the fillet, which, for me, is simply unheard of. But Gabriel is a bit of a whizz with Italian food, which is perhaps why.

Main courses average R130, which is reasonable considering its location and the standard of the food.

Something sweet

Before we even looked at the dessert menu, Rudi said we just had to try the Chocolate Fondant with Orange Sorbet (R60), and after his previous recommendations I wasn't planning to gamble on anything else. It was splendid, as expected — decadent chocolate contrasted with a refreshing sorbet.

Other dessert options include Milk Chocolate Mud Pie with Honeycomb Ice Cream (R45), Coconut Crumble with Banana Ice Cream (R50), Bungalow Toffee Apples (R45), along with the usual.

Worth a try? Definitely. Even if it's just to share tapas and have a cocktail or two.

Bungalow, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, +27 21 438 0008.