Having taken Johannesburg by storm since its debut in 2016, Marble is renowned for its bold flavours, exceptional ambience, and innovative approach. Now, the iconic restaurant has expanded its reach, bringing its culinary excellence to the V&A Waterfront in the Mother City.
Chef David Higgs and restaurateur Gary Kyriacou have transformed the rooftop of the Union Castle Building into an impressive 800m² dining space. With this new venture, Marble injects fresh energy into Cape Town’s already stellar restaurant lineup, offering a captivating destination for those seeking exceptional cuisine. The experience not only delights the palate, but engages the eyes and mind, inviting guests on a truly sensory journey.
View from the top
From the moment you step into Marble’s sleek, airy space, it’s clear that this is a restaurant designed to make a statement. The 360-degree views of Table Mountain, the harbour, and the Atlantic Ocean greet you like an ever-changing work of art, with the floor-to-ceiling glass façades ensuring nothing gets between guests and Cape Town’s iconic vistas.
The interior design, led by Irene Kyriacou, Creative Director for the Marble Group and owner of Oniroco Interiors, heavily draws inspiration from the city’s elements: wind, sea, and earth. This connection is immediately apparent in the selection of bespoke art, furniture, and textures that dominate the space.
MEET THE TEAM: Design Team: Reddeco, Irene Kyriacou | Branding: Grid Worldwide
The finer points
Art plays a crucial role in cultivating a strong sense of place. Kris Rossow’s striking photographic works adorn the walls, each capturing one of the city’s natural elements with an abstract yet deeply emotive quality. These images invite viewers to experience Cape Town not only as a city, but as a living, breathing embodiment of the nature that defines it. Enhancing this visual dialogue, Michael Beckurts adds his distinctive voice through three large-scale digital artworks. His pieces offer fresh perspectives on the surrounding views — Table Mountain, the inner city, and the V&A Waterfront — reframing these landmarks through a kaleidoscope of bold contemporary vision.
The interiors are punctuated by subtle references to the sea, with wall sconces by Coote and Wench Design Company inspired by seashells, and a custom crystal chandelier by Mash.T Design Studio, which divides the dining and bar areas. Above, a mesmerising stainless steel water ripple ceiling plays tricks with light and perception — its undulating surface mirrors the ocean’s restless spirit while cleverly creating an illusion of infinite height. In the bar area, four handcrafted sofas by Casamento provide sanctuary, their forms suggesting both artistic installation and intimate comfort zones.
Every element is carefully considered, from the marble tables that echo the restaurant’s name to the textured Delft-style custom carpets designed by Grid, inspired by the natural beauty surrounding the city. This attention to detail extends to the finest touches: African Jacquard’s meticulously crafted table linens murmur of luxury rather than shout it, while the service crockery and outdoor planters — with select pieces bearing Irene’s personal creative imprint — complete the sensory journey.
Open flame, open kitchen
Marble is known for its bold approach to cooking with fire. The open kitchen takes centre stage, allowing diners to witness the food preparation firsthand. The smell of wood smoke and the sight of flames over cuts of premium meat evoke a sense of nostalgia, of meals shared around a fire, while still offering the sophistication of a high-end restaurant
Chef Matthew van Niekerk’s approach combines this elemental cooking method with Cape Town’s celebrated seafood traditions, creating a menu that balances the warmth and richness of fire-grilled meats with the delicate flavours of fresh local seafood.
Adapting to the moment
What sets Marble apart is how the space shifts throughout the day. With its wraparound patio and open-plan layout, it offers an entirely different experience depending on the time. Early in the day, natural light floods the dining area, creating an atmosphere of casual elegance. As the evening draws in, the lighting softens, transforming the space into an intimate, moody setting, perfect for an elegant dinner or cocktails.
Despite heritage building hurdles stretching the project to two years, the result is unmistakably forward-looking. Constructed in 1919,the Union Castle Building now hosts a different kind of union — one between fire and ocean, tradition and innovation, Johannesburg confidence and Cape Town flair. Atop this heritage landmark, Marble’s team have created a culinary observatory where food, design, and landscape collide in spectacular fashion.
SUPPLIERS: Oak flooring: Oggie Hardwood Flooring | Marble: Marble Classics | Outdoor umbrellas: Cape Umbrella | Reception chairs: La Grange Interiors | Wall sconces: Coote and Wench Design Company | Chandelier: Mash. T Design Studio | Custom sofas: Casamento | Table linen: African Jacquard | Carpet: MONN | Planters: Prêt-á-Pot
