R E S TA U R A N T

welcome
Our story begins back in the seventeenth century, when the Cape of Good Hope was born –
a stopover at the tip of Africa for ships of the Dutch East India Company on their way to and
from the East. Immigrants from Europe, slaves from Mozambique, prisoners from Java – the
population of the seaside village soon included a multitude of nations, each bringing with them
their unique cooking styles.

A multi-ethnic cuisine emerged, leaving us today with a legacy of highly spiced dishes with
C AT E R I N G
Dutch, Italian, Portuguese and Oriental roots. The Malay influence comes through in our curries
and chillies, and the extensive use of spices such as ginger, cinnamon and turmeric. More Malay
magic emerges in the use of fruit cooked with meat, the marriage of sweet and savoury flavours,
with hints of spice, curry and other seasonings.

At Cognito we celebrate this diverse food heritage.

Having grown up with pap, sosaties, bredies, melktert, Hertzoggies and other rich traditional
fare, we couldn’t help falling in love with food. We love thinking about it, creating it, serving it –
we just love everything about it.

Drawing inspiration from our African roots, the melting pot of cultures in South Africa and global
food trends, we bring you Cognito Restaurant’s food: not boring, everyday, run of the mill – not
even close. Cognito’s food is unique: a rainbow of spices, fresh local ingredients and the best
meat around. No wonder we were voted one of the “Best T O ULocal
R S Kos” restaurants in the country
(EatOut People’s Choice 2010)!

We trust you will feel right at home and enjoy our African hospitality and truly African-
fusion food.

Your hosts,
Diani & Anien

PATRONS PLEASE NOTE

No split bills. No cheques accepted. Deviations from the menu will result in a 15 minute delay.
10% service charge will be added to bills for tables of 6 and more people.
A R35 wine-service fee per 750 ml bottle will be charged if you wish to bring your own wine.
RIGHT OF ADMISSION RESERVED
light meals
wraps

Chakalaka R50
Spicy peppers, aubergine, onion, tomato and garlic pan
fried and stuffed into a flour tortilla wrap with local smoked
mozzarella, basil pesto and rocket

Flavour-Fusion Beef R55

Flour tortilla filled with marinated beef fillet, whole-kernel
corn-and-red onion salsa with a burst of fresh mint and
coriander, and a sweet rice wine vinegar dressing

salads

South African Caesar R50

Baby spinach leaves with semi-dried cherry tomatoes,
bacon and croutons tossed with a Caesar-inspired creamy
dressing flavoured with bokkoms

Egyptian Chicken R55

Crisp salad leaves with chicken strips, flaked almonds,
*avocado, feta, cherry tomatoes and a creamy dukkah
dressing

panini

Chicken Mayonnaise R45

Creamy chicken mayonnaise with a dollop of basil pesto
and tomato chilli jam

Bacon & Gorgonzola R50

Smoked bacon and rich gorgonzola cream served with
*avocado slices and rocket

*avocado – subject to seasonal availability

famous burgers
Beef or Chicken Burger R55
Accompanied by potato and sweet-potato chips. Why not
add a sauce of your choice?

Mushroom-and-Feta Burger R65

Our home-made beef patty, filled with marinated
mushrooms and Danish feta. Accompanied by potato and
sweet-potato chips and spicy onion rings

Bacon-and-Cheese Burger R65

Our home-made beef patty, filled with bacon and cheddar
cheese. Accompanied by potato and sweet-potato chips
and spicy onion rings

sauces

- Creamy biltong sauce R15

- Parmesan sauce
- Mushroom and mustard sauce
- Three-peppercorn sauce
- Cheddar cheese sauce

snacks
Boerewors chipolatas with spicy tomato mayo R30

Crunchy basil pesto and feta pastry wheels with sweet R20
chilli dip

27 cm Pita bread topped with garlic, herbs and feta R27

Spicy nuts R25

Popcorn tossed with mild curry-dusted salt R15

Delicious beef biltong R25

start
Akara Fritters R35
Traditional Nigerian black-eyed pea fritters served with
five dipping sauces inspired by Africa:

- Tunisian-inspired harissa mayonnaise

- Turkish-influenced spinach tzatziki
- Spicy pepper relish
- Aubergine caviar
- South African pear chutney

Fairly Traditional Chicken Livers R45

Chicken livers fried with smoky bacon and flambéed with
brandy, then smothered in a rich, creamy rosemary sauce.
Served with toasted ciabatta slices

Fish Cakes R36

Light, flaky fish cakes with fresh herbs and a creamy
lemon mayonnaise

Panini Platter * R60

Oven-fresh paninis accompanied by home-made dips
and pâtés:

- Creamy biltong pâté

- Dukkah and goat’s cheese parfait
- Peppadew-and-red-pepper chutney
- Date-and-peanut pesto

* Serves 2

Trilogy of Spring Rolls R46

Three golden spring rolls individually filled with gorgonzola
and walnuts, creamy brie and almonds, and fresh goat’s
cheese and dukkah, complemented by strawberry
sauce, Cape gooseberry sauce and honey
main
Please ask your waiter for our creative flavour selections of the day to accompany your
choice of main meal.

200 g Beef Fillet R125

200 g Line Fish R90
250 g Rump R95
200 g Ostrich Fillet SQ
Vegetarian R75
Chicken R80
Prawn and Chicken Curry R100
Pasta R75

create your own

200 g Beef Fillet R90

200 g Line Fish R60
250 g Rump R70
500 g T-Bone R100

sides

- Leek-and-spring-onion polenta R20

- Sautéed potatoes
- Fluffy white rice
- Crispy green salad
- Warm potato salad with garlic and pan-fried onion
- White-truffle-scented mashed potatoes
- Steamed green veggies tossed with toasted almonds

sauces

- Red-wine-and-marrow jus R15

- Creamy biltong sauce
- Spicy harissa mayonnaise
- Parmesan sauce
- Mushroom-and-mustard sauce
- Three-peppercorn sauce
- Salami-and-mozzarella sauce
sweet
Crème Brûlée R32
An Africa-inspired rooibos-and-honey-flavoured dessert.
Experience it!

Boeber R32
Cape Malay sago-based dessert flavoured with
cardamom, cinnamon, sultanas and almonds, served
hot with freshly baked cinnamon biscuits

Caramel Cheesecake R35

Our mind-blowing baked cheesecake decorated with a
mini toffee apple

Chocolate Pudding R34

Oven baked, liquid centered, served with a home - made
citrus marmalade

Chocolate Brownies R34

Delicious brownies studded with chocolate and roasted
walnuts and served with vanilla ice cream
kids
BBQ Chicken R30
Pan-fried chicken strips coated in a home-made BBQ
sauce, served with sautéed potatoes or fluffy white rice

Frikkadelle R30
Deliciously fragrant meatballs on top of mashed potatoes

Cheezy Pasta R30

Perfectly cooked pasta smothered in a creamy cheddar
cheese sauce

Stir fry R30

Seasonal veggies tossed with either beef or chicken
strips, served on white rice
sparkling wines & méthode cap classique
Stellenbosch EIKENDAL BRUT R105
Fresh, green apple, grass and earthy aromas carry
through from nose to palate, revealing the wine’s
Sauvignon Blanc origins. A hint of Chardonnay is well
integrated and adds tropical fruit flavours. Refreshing
acidity, medium body and a lingering, crisp finish.

Stellenbosch SIMONSIG KAAPSE VONKEL R175

Lively mousse with very fine and delicate bubbles.
Lovely floral aroma with the mouth-watering berry
flavours of red grapes. The yeasty bouquet follows
through to the unmistakable character of freshly baked
bread on the palate.

chenin blanc
Stellenbosch DE WAAL YOUNG VINES R75
A refreshing, mouth-watering wine. Ideal for summer
lunches. Slight hint of light wood on the palate adds a
wonderful dimension to this wine.

Stellenbosch SIMONSIG R85

The nose explodes with exotic tropical fruit salad aromas,
which follow through as wonderful pineapple and pear
flavours on the palate. The taste sensation ends with a
rich fruity finish.
sauvignon blanc
Franschhoek LEOPARD’S LEAP R80
An elegant, well-structured example of this varietal,
created by gentle and reductive winemaking methods.
Hints of lime and grapefruit flavours are delicately
combined with a light green pepper mouth-feel. A zesty
after-taste completes the experience.

Stellenbosch STELLENRUST R90

Flinty, smoky, grassy nose with full tropical fruits and hints
of gooseberry and lime on the palate. Well-rounded,
creamy mouth-feel with a lingering finish of blackcurrants
and wonderfully crisp acidity. Our wine has become well
known for offering exceptional value and good quality.

Stellenbosch BRAMPTON R100

This wine reflects inherent Sauvignon Blanc characters of
passion fruit and green herbal notes with a hint of flint on the
nose. Selection and blending of various batches allowed
the winemaker to create a complex wine with a structured
yet elegant palate containing slight green pepper and a dry,
crisp finish.

Stellenbosch TOKARA ZONDERNAAM R115

Aromas of freshly cut grass, nettles and ginger offer insight
into this confident wine. Lemongrass punctuates an already
heady aromatic offering and provides focus. The nose is
complex and sophisticated. A wine to savour on its own or
to pair with refreshing summer meals.

Hemel-en-Aarde ATARAXIA R155

This wine favours individuality ahead of pure fruit, but
still shows assertive gooseberry, green asparagus and
grassy aromas. These are effortlessly reflected on the
palate and are complemented by a zesty acidity, which
underpins a classy structure, culminating in a wine of
great poise, length and charm. Everything about this
wine is absolutely beautiful.

PATRONS PLEASE NOTE

A R35 wine-service fee per 750 ml bottle will be charged if you wish to bring your own wine.
chardonnay
Franschhoek GRAHAM BECK WATERSIDE R80
Beautiful lime-green hue. Wonderful, fresh tropical fruit
with hints of lemon drops on the nose. Good firm acidity
with an elegant, refreshing palate of citrus and melon
flavours and a delightfully crisp finish.

Stellenbosch DE MEYE UNWOODED R95

Tantalising aromas of apple, pineapple and apricot
characterise this wine. The palate is delicate and flinty,
with loads of dried apricot. This wine has a long finish
with well-balanced fruit and acidity.

Stellenbosch HARTENBERG R165

This is Hartenberg’s flagship wine. It is buttery, complex
and bursting with aromas of citrus, with long, lingering
fruity flavours and an unmistakably toasty oak finish.

other cultivars
Franschhoek LEOPARD’S LEAP Chardonnay/Viognier R75
This refined blend is produced to be an elegant,
medium-bodied wine with an abundance of tropical fruit.
The combination is enhanced with tones of apricot and
melon from the Viognier.

Darling GROOTE POST OLD MAN’S WHITE R90

A light, refreshingly crisp white blend of top-class
Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Semillon. A slight
lemon and lime aroma with a delicate palate of Granny
Smith apples and a bracing minerality for those long and
languid summer days.

Stellenbosch HARTENBERG WEISSER RIESLING R120

The aroma shows fresh, floral, pineapple, honey,
jasmine and overripe pear characters. All this flows
through to a full-flavoured, multi-textured perfumed
finish where the fruity richness is well balanced by
the lingering acidity. A wonderful accompaniment to a
sweet Malay curry.
cabernet sauvignon
Stellenbosch MAN VINTNERS R85
A bold and juicy red wine with red-berry fruit aromas
and a touch of oak spice. Classic Cabernet cassis
and red-currant fruit flavours with silky tannins and a
long finish.

Franschhoek LEOPARD’S LEAP R90

Beautiful, classically styled wine that has rich blueberry
and plum flavours, with a dash of cassis and the
support of lingering toffee undertones. Leopard’s
Leap is a proud sponsor of The Cape Leopard Trust,
which seeks to protect the magnificent Cape Mountain
Leopard that makes its home in the mountains of the
Cape winelands.

Franschhoek BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF R120

PORCUPINE RIDGE
The wine has a deep crimson colour. Cassis and cedar
flavours dominate the nose and follow through to the
palate. The wine is complex with a medium to full palate,
and can be enjoyed while still young.

shiraz
Stellenbosch MAN VINTNERS R85
Aromas of ripe plum and spices, mouth-filling sweet
red-berry flavours and gentle tannins characterise
this wine. A touch of Viognier was co-fermented with
the Shiraz for the aromatic lift it gives to the wine,
which emphasises the berry fruit and spice aromas
on the nose.

Stellenbosch DE WAAL YOUNG VINES R90

This popular wine is velvety soft, with flavours of
creamy blackberries and an overwhelming mouth-feel
of delicious ripe plums. It definitely over-delivers on
value and taste.

PATRONS PLEASE NOTE

A R35 wine-service fee per 750 ml bottle will be charged if you wish to bring your own wine.
shiraz (continued)
Stellenbosch GUARDIAN PEAK R115
Bright ruby red. A beautiful fruit-driven nose with
a smoky undertone. The rich aromas of fruit cake,
liquorice and candyfloss complete the bouquet. This
wine is well integrated with several layers of spice
and fruit.

Stellenbosch TOKARA ZONDERNAAM R135

A clear, deep ruby hue with a red rim. The nose shows
intense dark red fruits, cassis and cherries, with an
underlying hint of Karoo bush and earthy notes. It offers
intense berry flavours coupled with hints of sage and a
black pepper spice aftertaste.

merlot
Stellenbosch DE WAAL YOUNG VINES R90
This easy-drinking Merlot is a velvet-soft wine with
flavours of creamy black berries. The wine opens up with
a beautiful fruity nose and slides down with a smooth
finish. The well-balanced tannins enhance the dark red
fruit on the palate.

Stellenbosch AUDACIA R95

A unique-style Merlot. Flavours of freshly picked plums
and blueberries rounded off by chocolate and roasted
coffee on the nose and palate. A crisp acid with a very
dry finish.

Stellenbosch MOOIPLAAS R135

The Roos family has been making wine on Mooiplaas
(beautiful farm), situated in the heart of the wine district,
since 1963. The style of the wine is approachable and
soft, definitely fruit driven. The oak flavours are well
balanced on the palate by the wonderfully fragrant cassis
and berries.
pinotage
Stellenbosch DE WAAL R100
A full, fruity wine with flavours of ripe plums and cherries;
rich with a persistent finish. Harmonious balance noted
by an elegant structure.

Stellenbosch HARTENBERG R140

This is definitely one to try, whether you’re a Pinotage
fan or not. Outgoing with delicious berry fruits, a smooth
palate and good underlying structure.

Wellington DIEMERSFONTEIN R165

This is the one! The original coffee/chocolate Pinotage
now in its seventh great vintage.
It befriends – It converts – It seduces.

other cultivars and red blends

Franschhoek LEOPARD’S LEAP Pinotage/Shiraz R90
Blend of 50% Pinotage and 50% Shiraz. Soft and
medium-bodied, this wine reflects the distinctive
characteristics of both varietals in the blend. Plum and
mulberry flavours are supported by vanilla undertones,
while the character is spicy and peppery, with a firm
tannin structure.

Darling GROOTE POST OLD MAN’S RED R100

A down-to-earth, easy-drinking red, which is soft and
smooth. Merlot-based, the nose has a faint touch of
white pepper and spice, with abundant berry and rich
plum flavours on the palate.

Stellenbosch HARTENBERG Cab/Shiraz R110

Peppery and spicy, with rich berry aromas and fruit
flavours, this wine has style and elegance that belies its
price. You’d be pressed to find a better value-for-money
red wine in South Africa.

PATRONS PLEASE NOTE

A R35 wine-service fee per 750 ml bottle will be charged if you wish to bring your own wine.
cocktails
Tickled Pink R32
A refreshing blend of cranberry juice and Triple Sec,
charged with Eikendal Brut and lemonade and garnished
with a lime twist.

Camps Bay Mojito R35

A sophisticated take on the Cuban classic: all the
ingredients of the Mojito, with Eikendal Brut, and served
in a champagne flute.

Dawa R38
Swahili for magic potion
A double measure of vodka and fresh lime wedges
served with creamed honey to muddle as you like – a
Cognito favourite.

Exotic Fruit Piña Colada R35

Fresh seasonal fruit (i.e. papaya, sweet melon, pineapple
chunks) blended with Malibu and topped with fresh
passion fruit – African style.

Cognito Blush R34

Strawberry Liqueur poured tall with wild berry juice,
spiked with a shot of vodka and splashed with lemonade.
Wonderfully refreshing!

Amarula Spike R32

A large measure of Amarula Liqueur (marula fruit cream)
blended with creamy vanilla ice cream and a splash of
dark rum.

Mojito R32
Muddled mint and Bacardi Carta Blanca stirred cold with
crushed ice, topped with a dash of Angostura Bitters
and fresh mint.

Cosmopolitan R35
Vodka and Triple Sec shaken cold with cranberry juice
and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, finished with an
orange flame.

Strawberry Daiquiri R42

Back due to popular demand (seasonal availability)
A handful of freshly picked strawberries blended with a
generous amount of Bacardi Carta Blanca, strawberry
liqueur and crushed ice.
wines of the month
Every month we present some of our newest “finds” or just a selection of truly amazing
wines. We trust you will enjoy these wines as much as we do.

Diani, Anien & Anneke

* Limited stock available

Franschhoek LEOPARD’S LEAP FAMILY COLLECTION R160

Shiraz/Mourvèdre/Viognier 2006

Part of the Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg and Hein

Koegelenberg wine portfolio, this premium Family
Collection wine celebrates the commitment to the
conservation beliefs of internationally respected business
leader Dr Anton Rupert, who was involved in the launch
of Leopard’s Leap.

This elegant, well-structured wine is an excellent example

of the Rhône style. The nose is dominated by red berry
flavours with spicy undertones, and a ripe but elegant
tannin structure with a lingering finish.

Franschhoek RUPERT & ROTHSCHILD R190

CLASSIQUE 2007
Classique displays a deep ruby colour with distinct cherry
and mulberry flavours and subtle hints of coriander, spice
and pecan nuts. Elegant and well integrated with youthful
tannins and a lingering aftertaste.

Stellenbosch RAINBOW’S END SINGLE R205

VINEYARD 2008
A beautiful red wine with berries, Christmas cake, dark
cherry and bacon notes. At first, there is sweetness, with
ripe, red fruits followed by a full, rich and well-integrated
palate. Produced by an enthusiastic family team, as
flavourful as this wonderful wine.

PATRONS PLEASE NOTE

A R35 wine-service fee per 750 ml bottle will be charged if you wish to bring your own wine.
wines of the month (continued)
Stellenbosch WATERFORD KEVIN ARNOLD 2007 R280
Waterford Estate’s Shiraz, made by and named after one
of the true masters of this variety. Black cherry with hints
of mocha and spice on the nose. Smoky, cured ham
and truffle notes. Pairs well with venison and spicy, North
African-style meat dishes.

Stellenbosch WATERFORD 2006 R240

A true expression of the Helderberg Mountain Range.
The delicate fruit and spice of the wine is backed by
an earthy backbone, completed with smooth, subtle
tannins. We can recommend this as the ultimate
food wine.
news

catering
Cognito Catering was honoured to cater and coordinate Henk & Annelize
Kotze’s (regulars at Cognito) beautiful autumn wedding at Molenvliet.
The evening was centred around music, entertainment and, of course,
food. With a French-inspired theme, the bespoke menu included smoked
snoek cupcakes with preserved watermelon frosting, wild mushroom
soup, salmon tournedos with warm lentil salad and mini crème brûlées. It
was an absolutely dazzling affair!

warm wine evenings

Adding to our winter value will be a series of exclusive wine and food
evenings. We are always having trouble selecting wines for our wine list,
because there are just so many wonderful wines to choose from! The
solution: pair these exquisite wines with specially designed dishes to
experience the full force of the flavours – and then decide. In this way we
get the opinions of the customers who will be drinking these wines and
we make informed decisions.

From the end of June we will be hosting food and wine evenings in
conjunction with famous wine farms in and around Stellenbosch.

Please leave your details with your waiter so that we can inform you of
upcoming events, or send us an email at info@cognitorestaurant.co.za

R50 curry mondays

Cognito was recently awarded the “Best Local Kos” award by EatOut. In
keeping with this achievement, we decided to declare “Curry Mondays”.

We are offering our fabulous Prawn and Chicken curry, a normal chicken
curry and a beef curry at the ridiculous price of R50. Please book a table
to avoid disappointment.