Restaurants

Café Zest Fine Dine

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

24 Schroder St, Upington, 8801, South Africa R 300–400
4.5
743 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Café Zest Fine Dine is a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Upington at 24 Schroder St, offering an exquisite fine dining experience that local patrons simply cannot stop raving about. This gem is renowned for its remarkable blend of contemporary South African flavors, highlighted by masterfully prepared steaks and a carefully curated menu designed to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere at Café Zest is both inviting and sophisticated, enhanced by essential air conditioning that provides a refreshing oasis from Upington's warm climate. The décor strikes the perfect balance of trendy and cozy, creating a zen-like ambiance that encourages guests to relax and savor their meal in comfort.

The menu is a celebration of expertly cooked dishes, with the steak being the undeniable star. Customers frequently praise the steak for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and impeccable seasoning. One diner fondly recalls how their rump steak was cooked to absolute perfection—a true testament to the kitchen’s skill. Sauces accompany the dishes beautifully, with subtle suggestions to amplify flavors, such as a slight increase in blue cheese content, only adding to the anticipation of future visits.

Service at Café Zest Fine Dine elevates the entire dining experience. Friendly, attentive, and intuitively timed staff, like the beloved waiter Joy Mureyani, skillfully balance warmth and professionalism. Guests feel genuinely cared for, with just the right amount of attention, ensuring a seamless flow from starters to decadent desserts and perfectly paired drinks—like the refreshing IPAs that delighted one enthusiastic patron during their visit.

More than just a meal, Café Zest offers a memorable experience marked by impeccable service, delicious food, and an atmosphere that invites you to unwind and truly enjoy every bite. Whether you arrive with a reservation or take a chance without one, the management and staff go above and beyond to accommodate and delight their guests.

If you find yourself in Upington craving a flawless blend of taste, ambiance, and outstanding service, Café Zest Fine Dine is unquestionably a destination worth savoring. Your palate—and your spirit—will thank you.

Contact Information:
24 Schroder St, Upington, 8801, South Africa
Phone: +27 54 337 8546

03 Notes from regulars

743 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.5
Based on 743 verified notes
5 489
4 181
3 47
2 12
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All Creme Brulee Fine Dining Calamari Early Opening Food Presentation Affordability Craft Beer Omelet Cozy Place Espresso
Tracey H.
3 month ago
My waiters name was Joy Mureyani, you could not ask for better service, he knew just when to pop by and ask “do you need anything else?”, so yes 3 IPA’s later, I’m writing my review. The food was awesome, my steak was melt in your mouth tender, the sauce could maybe have had a bit more blue cheese (or maybe the IPA’s killed the taste buds) but overall I can see why they have won trip advisor awards for 2018 and 2019.
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Neal AltonSA.
4 month ago
A fine well run restaurant, with great range of breakfast and lunch options. The ambiance is equally appealing, with essential air conditioning for the hot days in this trendy place. No wonder it is so popular with the locals. Meals are all excellently presented and tasty. Definitely worth a visit when in Upington.
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Candice.
4 month ago
Hubby and i rocked up without a reservation last night (unaware we needed one) There was no hesitation on the waitress nor managers part to arrange a spot for us. Really Good Service , fantastic food and zen atmosphere will be the reason ill be going back there. Worth the visit. Awesome place. Walked in feeling skeptical and left feeling completely satisfied
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Sikhulele Mlobeli.
4 month ago
It was an awesome experience ì had there. Their friendly staff and their smile offering gives me pleasure and makes me want to come back again. There is a guy there called Basheen at the front reception, I hope I pronounced his name correct, this guy is very much awesome with a great personality, I have had an opportunity to chat with him and the way he attended me and showing interest in customers makes us (customers) feel the warm welcome in your space. Thank you Guyz for your warm welcome
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Dion Anthony.
5 month ago
The best rump steak I've had in 8 weeks. Cooked to absolute perfection.
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Waldo Pretorius.
5 month ago
Very friendly staff. Café Zesta has a great ambience and the decor is very nice. Food is fantastic and very tasty and the drinks as well.
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Sam Wong.
5 month ago
Service by Ronaldo was great. Very attentive and friendly. We ordered the half chicken and calamari. Both great to the taste. The deep fried pop and chalulaka was good too. Clean resto with lots of choice on the menu. Thank you for making our dinner night easy and pleasant after coming in on the plane.
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Stephan de Klerk.
5 month ago
Excellent and very fine dining. Gina is a exceptionally friendly waitress with very good service!
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday 07:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 07:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 07:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 07:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 07:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 07:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday (today) 08:00 AM - 09:30 PM
Finding the door

24 Schroder St, Upington, 8801, South Africa

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Highlights
  • Fireplace
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great tea selection
  • Great wine list
Popular for
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Hard liquor
  • Late-night food
  • Private dining room
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegan options
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Quiet
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Upscale
Crowd
  • Groups
  • Tourists
Planning
  • Brunch reservations recommended
  • Lunch reservations recommended
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Kids' menu
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Parking
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