Bao Down

After starting off in Gardens in a tiny space with just a few tables, this small-plates restaurant grew into a much larger space in Green Point, overlooking the vibey main strip. Husband-and-wife team Graham and Phillippa Oldfield have created a family-friendly, Asian-fusion restaurant serving the eponymous bao and dumplings, as well as other plates made for sharing. The bao (Asian steamed buns) are available with different fillings including pork belly, Korean fried chicken, hoisin aubergine and beef shortrib, all served with piquant pickled cucumber that perfectly complements them. Other options include excellent prawn toast with lemony mayonnaise, super-fresh tuna sashimi with a spicy tamarind-and-coconut cream dressing, and beef tataki with a soy, lemon and ginger dressing. For dessert, the lemon-and-miso slice with cornflake crumb and double-thick cream comes highly recommended. It’s the perfect spot for a bite before an event at the nearby stadium, or on a weeknight to satisfy a craving.

Don't leave without trying:
The Thai red curry mussels, pan-fried cauliflower cake with mushrooms, edamame beans, baby spinach and spicy soy dressing (add a side of egg-fried rice) and the bao, of course.