Company's Gardens: Cape Town's Historic Green Space

Name: Company's Gardens
Address: 15, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001, ZA
Rating: 4.3

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Company's Gardens: Cape Town's Historic Green Space

Overview

The Company's Gardens, established by Dutch settlers in 1652, is a stunning green space in the heart of Cape Town that offers visitors an educational glimpse into urban farming. Originally created for the Dutch East India Company to grow produce for ships, this beautifully restored garden features intricate cast-iron gates, oak tree-lined pathways, and a variety of ornamental and edible plants. Visitors can enjoy the rich history of the gardens, highlighted by the oldest cultivated pear tree in South Africa, a historic sundial, and the restored Bothy cottage from the 1850s. The gardens also house a delightful restaurant, an aviary filled with diverse bird species, and several themed garden areas, including a Japanese garden and herb garden. With meandering pathways and informative exhibits at the Visitor Center, the Company's Gardens offers a serene retreat that beautifully combines nature and history.

Reviews

Sibusiso Mokoena

South Africa

I had a really disappointing experience given the cost. I ordered some toasties and hot drinks. Our grilled cheese was not grilled at all; it was just a cheese sandwich. It was the saddest grilled cheese ever! And to top it off, I waited so long for my tea and had to go in search of milk and sugar myself. Ultimately, I ended up with cold tea and a cheese sandwich for R400 in a beautiful park.

Michael Nkosi

South Africa

The place is beautiful for relaxing and having a picnic. However, the food, especially the spinach, was terrible. It tasted like bitter leaves. The prices are high, and overall, the food lacked flavor and was not visually appealing. Personally, I wouldn't want to dine there again!

Thandiwe

South Africa

We had an amazing experience here! The fish special, highly recommended, was a triumph of flavors, and the Buddha bowl was beautifully presented with all the delights that plant lovers enjoy. The kindness and gentleness of the staff surpassed even the fantastic food. Plus, we sat under a jasmine vine - what a treat!

Lunga Mthethwa

South Africa

My recent visit was quite disappointing. Though my last experience was amazing, this time it was falling apart. The toilets were filthy, and the staff seemed uninterested in cleaning tables or providing proper service. They were very rude, and the sandwich was terrible. Despite having more than enough staff, the service was lacking.

Nomsa Van Tonder

South Africa

I took a lovely walk through the gardens and was pleasantly surprised by this little restaurant. The service was fast and friendly, and the atmosphere was very relaxed, especially sitting among the trees listening to the children playing. Since it was the day before Heritage Day, we enjoyed the performances of the youngsters in their traditional outfits.