Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof proudly announces the grand opening of Ongetem, an innovative dining experience brought to life by acclaimed South African chef, Bertus Basson. A visionary in the culinary world, Basson’s approach to food celebrates South Africa’s rich heritage while embracing a contemporary outlook. Located in the vibrant Longkloof district, Ongetem is set to redefine Cape Town’s dining scene with its bold flavours, masterful craftsmanship and a dynamic social atmosphere.
Known for his unapologetic love of South African cuisine, Basson brings a distinctly untamed spirit to the Canopy by Hilton brand. “We’re trying to change the perception of what a hotel restaurant can be. This space is built for the neighbourhood. It’s approachable, it’s real, and it’s got heart,” says Basson.
With a celebrated portfolio of award-winning establishments including Eike, Chorus and Spek & Bone, and a larger-than-life personality familiar from popular TV shows like The Ultimate Braai Master and In Die Sop, Basson is a chef who takes his food seriously – but never himself. “At Ongetem, we’ll take the food seriously, but not the mood. No pea shoots. No foam. No drama. Just great produce, well-cooked, in a space that feels like home.”
Ongetem: Butcher. Baker. Cocktail Maker.
Anchored by the guiding philosophy of “Butcher, Baker, Cocktail Maker,” Ongetem offers a bold, yet unpretentious menu celebrating the best of South African flavours with a modern twist:
- The Butcher: A tribute to braai culture, featuring grass-fed local beef, free-range poultry and open-flame cooking.
- The Baker: Cape-inspired loaves, nostalgic South African pastries and baked comfort foods done with flair.
- The Cocktail Maker: A bar where local botanicals and handcrafted spirits meet old-school hip hop vibes and down-to-earth indulgence.
“This is a space you can visit for a morning espresso, a cocktail after work, or a soulful dinner with friends,” says Basson. “We’re inspired by Cape Town’s multicultural food scene, and we’re not afraid to mix it up – from chakalaka to peri-peri, classic soufflés to curry leaf cocktails.”
A Restaurant for Locals, First
More than a restaurant, Ongetem is an open invitation to the Cape Town community. “We build our restaurants for South Africans first,” says Basson. “If international guests find us and love us, that’s amazing – but our real goal is to create something locals can own.”
Ongetem flips the script on hotel restaurants with its accessible pricing, flavour-forward menu and communal energy, it brings people together without pretension. “Good wine, good people, good music – that’s what it’s about. If you leave feeling inspired, like you’ve had a proper escape, then we’ve done our job.”
Untamed Design. Unforgettable Moments
Housed within the design-forward Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof – the first of its kind in South Africa – Ongetem is an extension of the hotel’s vibrant, neighbourhood-first ethos. The interiors are being reimagined in collaboration with local artisans, with custom ceramics, bespoke steak knives and playful iconography (think: a cocktail-loving monkey and a cook-sister-eared baker rabbit) bringing personality to every touchpoint.
As Basson puts it; “We’re building something quirky, something layered with story – not just another restaurant, but a space where people can be themselves.”
Coming Soon: Music, Wine & Community
In the months ahead, Ongetem will host a series of community-driven events, from inner-city wine festivals to chef’s tables, sunset sessions and culinary collaborations that bring the neighbourhood together. “We’re excited to create moments that go beyond food,” says Basson. “At the end of the day, we just want people to hang out, connect and feel at home and Canopy by Hilton, Cape Town.”
For reservations and more information, visit dineplan or follow them on Instagram.
Read more about Canopy by Hilton at stories.hilton.com.
