Inside Figo: A Rooftop Celebration of Fire and Flavour

There’s something undeniably appealing about arriving at a rooftop restaurant just as the light begins to soften and the city slows its pace. Figo, perched on the eighth floor of The Cole by Kove Collection in Sea Point, strikes that balance between laid-back coastal dining and polished urban energy. From the moment I stepped out onto the terrace, it felt like the kind of place designed for lingering — unhurried, convivial and confident in its offering.

The menu leans Mediterranean, with an emphasis on charcoal-fired cooking, fresh seafood and comforting classics elevated through careful technique rather than fuss. It’s food that invites sharing, conversation and appetite — something that becomes immediately clear once the first dishes arrive.

We began with the charcoal-roasted garlic prawns and beef carpaccio, and it didn’t take long to identify a frontrunner. The prawns were, quite simply, exceptional. Smoky from the grill and generously coated in fragrant garlic, they delivered bold flavour without tipping into heaviness. Each bite felt indulgent yet balanced, the kind of dish you keep thinking about long after the table has been cleared. Unsurprisingly, they became the highlight of the evening — and a must-order in my book.

The beef carpaccio offered a quieter moment of refinement. Thinly sliced, delicately dressed and clean on the palate, it was a refined contrast to the assertiveness of the prawns. Together, the two starters set the tone for the meal: confident flavours, thoughtful execution and impressively generous portion sizes.

For mains, we ordered the fillet with broccolini and the whole grilled sole with crispy potatoes — a pairing that showcased both the fire-led heart of the kitchen and its lighter, seafood-driven side. The fillet was cooked beautifully, tender and juicy with a subtle char that enhanced rather than overwhelmed the meat. Paired with broccolini, it felt hearty yet composed, satisfying without being heavy. This dish, alongside the prawns, stood out as a clear highlight — comforting, indulgent and deeply well executed.

The whole grilled sole was equally confident in its simplicity. Perfectly cooked and delicately flavoured, it allowed the quality of the fish to shine. Served with crispy potatoes, it felt generous and honest — the kind of dish that doesn’t need embellishment when the fundamentals are done right. Again, the portion size was notable, making it ideal for sharing or for those with a healthy appetite.

Despite the abundance, dessert still felt non-negotiable. The wild honey panna cotta arrived silky and softly set, its sweetness restrained and nuanced, while the cheesecake delivered classic comfort with a creamy richness that rounded off the meal beautifully. Both desserts felt thoughtfully portioned — indulgent without tipping into excess — and provided a gentle landing after such a robust main course.

What makes Figo particularly enjoyable is how effortlessly it brings everything together: the open-fire cooking, the generous plates, the relaxed service and the elevated rooftop setting. It’s a space that feels equally suited to a long lunch, a celebratory dinner or an easygoing evening spent sharing plates with friends. The atmosphere is polished but unpretentious, allowing the food to take centre stage.

I left feeling thoroughly satisfied — not just by the quality of the dishes, but by the overall experience. The charcoal-roasted garlic prawns and the fillet remain standouts, but the consistency across the menu, combined with those notably generous portions, makes Figo a restaurant I would happily return to.

In a city filled with excellent dining options, Figo stands out for its warmth, flavour-forward cooking and sense of ease — a place where good food, good views and good company come together without trying too hard.

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Images: Courtesy of Figo Restaurant