On Saturday, before I braved the inevitably full malls to do monthly shopping, my mom and I decided to treat ourselves to breakfast at Alhambra Restaurant in Lansdowne.

It’s situated on the same premises as Islamia college, just off Imam Haron Road. I’d heard from people who had been there for catered functions that it was a nice place with enjoyable food.

Centre pieces on the table at Alhambra restaurant.

I didn’t expect it to be quite as busy as it was  – there was a function/party happening in one corner and other diners all around the restaurant. The music playing was loud enough to notice that there was background music (not in an unpleasant way  but we didn’t have to speak much louder in order to hear each other. There were quite a few tables where people came in large groups  – definitely a family-friendly and child-friendly environment – and the staff didn’t seem to struggle under any sort of strain from the larger crowds.

Now onto to the most important part – the food. I was in the mood for an eggy meal and I judge a good breakfast by the way the eggs are cooked. Overcooked eggs are a HUGE no for me so I was really hoping for decently cooked eggs where the yolk runs as you cut into it. I’m happy to report that Alhambra Restaurant more than delivered.

My mom chose scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and toast. I had a taste of her eggs and they were well cooked. Creamy and just set as scrambled eggs are meant to be. No rubbery, dry pieces of egg to speak of here.

Scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and toast at Alhambra Restaurant.

I ordered Eggs Benedict and the poached eggs were cooked to perfection. The only odd thing was when the waitress told me the restaurant doesn’t do Hollandaise. Instead they use a creamy cheesy sauce. It tasted good but I did rather miss the tangy, lemon flavour that Hollandaise sauce brings to Eggs Benedict.

Eggs Benedict at Alhambra Restaurant.

We both had lattes to drink. They were decent enough but I’ve had better coffees. Then again they’re not a coffee-specific place but a restaurant who happens to have coffee on the menu so I’ll let that slide.

Latte at Alhambra.

The breakfast menu offers quite a variety of meals and the service was friendly and efficient. I’d like to go back to try something off the lunch/dinner menu.

Breakfast menu at Alhambra Restaurant

The bill for our 2 meals, including drinks (R30 per latte so a big portion of the bill went into the coffee), was R210. Not bad for a breakfast treat that included smoked salmon. There are of course cheaper options available that won’t break your budget.

I’ve been told that there were previously no card facilities available but they do have this payment option available now so no need to carry cash.

While Alhambra won’t be a hipster’s haven nor a Michelin-starred mecca, it’s a warm and welcoming restaurant with good quality food that will leave you satisfied long after you’ve left.

Have you ever been to Alhambra? What was your experience like? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.