Special Milestone Celebration at Quarterdeck

Quarterdeck Restaurant Grandwest 



Type: Buffet
Price per person: R149
Address: 1 Vanguard Drive, Goodwood
Contact Details: 021 505 7220
Trading Hours: Monday – Saturdays (18h00 – 22h00)
Sunday & Public Holidays (12h00 – 16h00)
General Ambience: Semi – Formal & Family


The Quarterdeck Restaurant is located off the main floor of the Grandwest Casino & Entertainment World (Vanguard Drive, Cape Town). It is surrounded by establishments such as Cape Town Fish Market, Roxy Revue Bar and Jackson Hall lounge and bar. This whole section is called The District and features high painted ceilings resembling the sky, trees and lampposts which creates a perfect entertainment atmosphere. Quarterdeck itself creates a semi – formal atmosphere and is perfect for family gatherings such as birthdays or anniversaries or just even for a convenient Sunday lunch.

The Quarterdeck Buffet menu appeals to all ages and is currently R149 per person and R100 for children under 12, and all drinks are then paid for separately. This is a reasonable price considering the vast food selection and the 4 hour eating time. I would not recommend bringing along children younger than 12 as they disturb the relaxing environment quarterdeck creates in which to enjoy the food.

With regards to the buffet, the different food sections found are: The Bay of Plenty (which features prawns, soups, paella and fish), The Rotisserie Theatre (featuring roast beef, pork, lamb and a selection of curries), The Taste of Italy (including wood fired pizzas and various pasta’s), Noodle Bar and Dolce Stage (desserts).

I decided to have a small and intimate supper at quarterdeck for my 21st Birthday which took place on the 14th of March 2014. Although I’ve been to quarterdeck three times, all three times being quite enjoyable, the third time for my 21st would have to have been my favourite. I was able to experience good food and great conversations with all my close family and friends.

Walking into quarterdecks buffet area always makes me feel like a kid in a candy store! I feel inquisitive and never quite know where to start. As my friends and I entered the buffet area we all huddled together in amazement about how appealing the food looked, whispering into one another’s ears and pointing at where we should start first. We all decided to start with the seafood. We filled our plates with crumbed calamari, prawns smothered in a garlic sauce and the freshest muscles. A must have is the tartar sauce that they offer on the side. Our second, third and fourth plates consisted of a selection of hot and cold dishes such as salads, curries, pizzas, lasagne, stir fry, roasted meats, creamed and roasted vegetables, casseroles and so much more. A highlight for me would definitely have to be the Dolce Stage where all the scrumptious desserts are found. Being a chocolate lover I always opt for the dark chocolate mousse first but other favourites would have to be their colourful trifle, the warm malva pudding with homemade custard and the soft serve ice cream with all those lovely toppings. Totally delicious!

Although the food is self service, there are waitresses that come around to clear any empty plates and glasses and to take drink orders. Drinks on offer are anything from refreshing sodas to warm beverages such as coffee or tea and a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. I usually enjoy a much needed, thirst quenching cola tonic. The waitresses are neatly dressed and well presented. Overall the staff is quite friendly and polite. The manager is always there to attend to whatever queries customers might have.

Quarterdeck was definitely my first choice when deciding on where to have my supper. Besides the amazing food on offer, the set up with the 4 hour eating time allows for customers to be social and to interact with one another by getting up out of their seats. Whether it being to dish another plate of food or just to move around and sit next to someone else to enjoy a good conversation. Candles are placed on all the tables, this allows for dim lighting and together with the slow background music and soft leather booth seating, it creates a relaxed, warm and homely feel. I think it’s great that quarterdeck is situated in the Grandwest Casino. Its surroundings allows for a relaxing dinner followed by cocktails and tons of laughter.


I recommend that reservations be made a few weeks to a month in advance or even much earlier if necessary as quarterdeck tends to get booked out very quickly. I myself made the mistake to leave it too late and as a result I couldn’t have my supper on my birthday. Any bottles of wine or champagne have to be bought at Quarterdeck as they unfortunately do not offer a corkage fee. If the booking is for a large number of people, a 50% deposit will have to be made which can be done by cash or card.

Overall Quarterdeck is a lovely restaurant that appeals to all tastes and all ages. With over 100 dishes to choose from, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.