BOMA on Bree

Jaffles, lucky packets, secret bar & more 

Last updated: 15 July 2024 

Combine the desert oasis of the Karoo with the urban jungle of Bree Street and you get BOMA. The restaurant, which is spotted with cacti, weathered stone pots and photos of African plains, serves some of the most curious cocktails and dishes on Bree Street. 

Here’s 10 things about BOMA that will keep you coming back, and back again (Steven Kitshoff is one of them). 

BOMA’s menu is an eclectic mix of traditional flavours and inventive dishes. Image: BOMA on Bree 

1. IT’S AL FRESCO DINING ON BREE STREET  

It’s easy to spot BOMA on bustling Bree Street, Cape Town’s dining mecca with its eclectic mix of cafés, restaurants and bars. Look out for the neon green cactus sign. The arrow points you straight to BOMA. 

You can dine inside (with its low ceilings and wood panelling) or al fresco style under tassel umbrellas, cocktail in hand and a bowl of popcorn to share. 

 Look out for the neon green cactus sign. It will point you straight to BOMA. Image: BOMA on Bree

2. THERE’S FAVOURITE LOCAL FLAVOURS   

Everything at BOMA is cooked over an open flame (fitting, considering its name). There’s lots of South African flavours and favourites on the menu, like the braai platter. 

It’s a feast for four people, with lamb ribs, steak, a half chicken, boerewors, lamb sosatie and three sides. 

Everything at BOMA is cooked over an open flame, how lekker. Image: BOMA on Bree

3. STEVEN KITSHOFF MIGHT POUR YOUR BEER    

Some of the meat is sourced from the Springbok’s father-in-law's farm in the Karoo (see Oom Eddie’s skaap rib on the menu). 

Once a month on a Thursday Steven visits BOMA to pour some beers, if he’s not away at a game. His Bomb Squad lager is served on tap. 

Steven Kitshoff pouring a Bomb Squad lager. Image: BOMA on Bree

4. SO MUCH MORE THAN BRAAI MEAT, TOO   

BOMA’s small plates continue the trend of local flavours, and are just as moreish as the mains. 

The Swart Kat is smoky chargrilled broccoli with peanut butter, lime, chilli and ginger. And the gem lettuce salad, which is a twist on the typical Caesar, is made with bokkoms instead of anchovies. 

5. MIGHT BE THE BEST COCKTAILS ON BREE?nbsp;

South Africans love a Milk Stout, and at BOMA, you can try a Milk Stout Whiskey Sour (made with Jameson and a funky rice paper design on top).

Other locally inspired cocktails include a Swart Kat Old Fashioned (peanut butter-washed bourbon and bitters) and a Koeksister Negroni.

Milk Stout Whiskey Sour. Image: BOMA on Bree

6. ITS MOST POPULAR COCKTAIL  

The Frozen Cactus Sunset, made with tequila, mango, pineapple, thyme and chamomile tea, is like a refreshing slushie. It’s served in a handmade stone mug. 

This is the most popular cocktail at BOMA. Image: BOMA on Bree

7. THE NOSTALGIC LUCKY PACKET   

On the dessert menu you’ll find a lucky packet filled with nostalgic South African sweets. Think apricot balls, faces (or gesiggies), Chomps, Fizzers, chocolate eclairs… 

8. WHO REMEMBERS JAFFLES?nbsp; 

The nostalgia doesn’t stop there. BOMA’s jaffle, filled with tomato, aged cheddar, onion, and chutney, is so simple, and so nostalgic, you can’t help but want to try it again.

The jaffle is one of the most unusual (and popular) menu items. Image: BOMA on Bree

9. SECRET BASEMENT COCKTAIL BAR 

As if BOMA wasn’t cool enough… It has a tropical island-themed bar hidden underneath it. There’s brightly coloured parrots, tiki skulls and drinks served in shrunken monkey heads. And the cocktails are mighty strong. 

Make sure to arrive at Tiki Tomb early (it opens at 8pm), or have dinner at BOMA for priority entry. It’s good to know that it's 25+. 

The cocktails have cool names like Witch Doctor, Jungle Bird and Pagan Idol. Image: BOMA on Bree

10. THERE’S ALWAYS SPECIALS   

There’s always specials at BOMA, and happy hour gets you 30% off on beers, frozen cocktails, spirits and house wine (Tuesday to Saturday 4pm to 6pm). 

For current specials, make sure to check BOMA’s Instagram page, @bomaonbree.  

VISIT BOMA ON BREE 

BOMA on Bree is open: Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm to late

Find it: 107 Bree Street (next to Burger & Lobster and Grub & Vine)

Book: Via Dineplan
See more: @bomaonbree, BOMA on Bree website, BOMA on Bree Facebook page

By Julia Rowley 

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EXPLORE CITY NIGHTLIFE  

Read our guide to Bree Street.  

These are some of the most curious cocktails in Cape Town.  

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