Bao Down Restaurant

"Bao Down is a popular Asian-fusion small-plates restaurant now on the first floor of the Exhibition Building on Main Road in Green Point, just off the city centre. It opened in Oranjezicht in 2018, built a cult following, and relocated to Green Point in 2020, joining the El Burro and Jason Bakery hub on the strip, and it also sells its sauces at markets around town. As the name suggests, its signature is the bao, a puffy steamed bun in fillings like Korean fried chicken, pork belly, and sweet potato, with a dessert deep-fried bao to finish, alongside a wider spread of inventive small plates. The space is stylish but relaxed, with lush plants, warm lighting, and a large airy balcony overlooking the lively Green Point strip. It is known for big, bold flavours at gentle prices, with standouts like the prawn toast, beef tataki, Thai-style mussels, and a lemon-and-miso tart, plus a good Cape wine list and cocktails."