WINDHOEK'S NEWEST CULINARY TREASURE Donkiesbaai Sushi and Seafood

In the heart of Namibia’s capital city, a new culinary gem has emerged to tantalise sushi and seafood enthusiast’s taste buds. What makes this new opening even more exciting is that it is an addition to the Stellenbosch Restaurants family tree. The Stellenbosch Wine Bar and Bistro has wowed visitors for more than fourteen years, with their championing of perfectly prepared Namibian meat and first-rate South African wines, and is a staple among locals and tourists alike.

Now, under the guidance of the Windhoek Collections expert restaurateurs and hoteliers, a new restaurant has been welcomed to the fold, that being Donkiesbaai Sushi and Seafood. Donkiesbaai wines is owned by Jean Engelbrecht, who is one of the three owners of the Windhoek Collection, which includes the Stellenbosch Wine Bar and Bistro, the Stellenbosch Tasting Room, The Windhoek Luxury Suites and Hillside Accommodation. Donkiesbaai wines are named after the place where his family has holidayed for four generations. Their wines hail from the unassuming region of Piekenierskloof in the Western Cape, where a warmer climate and cool evening winds create a welcoming wine that is perfectly paired with seafood.

At the Donkiesbaai Sushi and Seafood grand opening event, a group of loyal patrons had the privilege of sampling the new menu, crafted by Chef Nick after a week of inspiration from a renowned sushi establishment in the Western Cape of South Africa. I was fortunate enough to be among those who savoured the offerings of this exciting new eatery, where each dish reflects the chef's commitment to culinary excellence.

Located in the former Stellenbosch Market space, a beloved neighbourhood coffee shop, the restaurant has undergone extensive renovations to emerge as a completely transformed dining destination. During the evening's welcome remarks, Engelbrecht, shared that while the coffee shop once served a crucial role in the community, the market had become saturated with similar offerings. This realisation sparked their vision to reinvent the space, filling a gap for seafood-based fine dining experiences in the area.

Beyond its delectable bites of sushi, Donkiesbaai Sushi and Seafood offers an exceptional dining atmosphere characterised by bold yet tasteful decor. A personal favourite of mine is the wall with fish scale tiles, also known as mermaid tiles, adorned with giant fish motifs that add a whimsical touch to the space. That, and the oversized pendants resembling solid porcelain fish traps, casting a warm and inviting glow in the space.

Another exceptional highlight worth mentioning is the attentive staff, who go above and beyond to ensure your visit is truly memorable. Whether you're enjoying a romantic evening for two or celebrating with friends and family, this new restaurant is poised to become a cherished favourite.

What’s more, in keeping with what this location first became known for, even amidst its transformation, patrons can still savour a perfect cup of coffee. At the end of a scrumptious meal, I relished a cappuccino that continues to uphold the standards that initially earned this location its renown.

After sampling the opening night offerings, my verdict is that Donkiesbaai Sushi and Seafood is set to become a cornerstone of our city's dining scene. It will surely secure its place among Windhoek's best restaurants while it celebrates the flavours of the sea that pair so well with an excellent glass of wine.

Kirsty Watermeyer