The Waterside at the V&A Waterfront is an innovator's delight

Taking up residence in the old Alba Lounge space (a favourite Friday evening after-work drinks venue, from some decades back that we suspect became a victim of the covid-related lockdowns) is The Waterside restaurant - part of the growing La Colombe Group of brands.

Led by Head Chef Roxy Mudie, the set 10-course dinner menu is a delightful fusion of flavours, colours and textures that transports you on a thrilling exploration of the senses that in so many ways holds valuable lessons for anyone tasked with the job of designing a practice of innovation.

As an experience, it feels as if Roxy and her team have carefully thought about every aspect of 'the show' from the perspective of their customers. Each course is carefully curated as a complete package of taste and texture, which includes the cutlery and crockery that is selected for each dish. The service team are attentive without being overbearing, and most of all - what they have successfully packaged is a night out at a top-class Cape Town restaurant that's completely unique. The idilic location also doesn't harm, but 'as a holistic retail experience', it's one of the best examples we have had in ages in the city.

For that...you obviously pay a premium, but its a price that's easily justified by what you end up walking away with...great memories of a fantastic night out.

The Waterside is what innovation done right, feels like.

Most of what makes it great passes by without anyone consciously noticing it, but it's the attention to detail (napkins refolded after guests leave the table, water glasses that are constantly topped up without too much fuss, the distinct lack of audible music) and the purpose-driven intent of the establishment that pulls it all seamlessly together.

There are other restaurants where the audaciousness of the 'ingredient foraging' is more extreme; or you can book a table at places where the decor is the standout feature or where the venue's ambiance is more vibrant. But none of them seem to entirely deliver on the balance that you get at The Waterside - nothing that is a part of the experience overpowers anything else.

You can read an expensive textbook about business creativity, or do one of those random online courses to learn about the theory if you must, but we would far rather personally experience and learn from people who have clearly mastered the discipline by reserving a table here.