I was eager to write this post as soon as we got back from the restaurant! If it weren’t for the food coma and some South African red wine, I would have shared my thoughts right after returning to the Singa Lodge. This spot came highly recommended by a local. During our travels, we met a longtime Port Elizabeth resident who suggested we check it out. I’m all for local tips, so we decided to give it a try. Later, Lloyd looked it up online, and it showed up again as a popular pick. That settled it; we planned a visit after narrowly escaping the Safari Park at closing time.
For me, the place shines in two key areas. First, the atmosphere is genuinely relaxed and has a uniquely African vibe. It brings to mind restaurants in Lagos, Nigeria that focus on simply feeding their guests. There are no unnecessary distractions or bustling waitstaff. You grab your soft drink from the fridge, bring your own alcohol without a charge, and they provide ice and buckets to keep it cool. You settle your bill at the counter when you’re done. It’s all straightforward.
Second, the food is fabulous! The ribs and prawns were famous, so we knew we had to try them, but as soon as we spotted the spicy chicken wings on the menu, we decided to challenge ourselves with three meals for two people (complete with chips). I didn’t take many photos of the dishes because that’s not what this place is about—it’s all about the taste. (I’ll admit, I was too hungry to worry about snapping pics; I just wanted to dig in as soon as the food arrived!)
This place is a true South African treasure, having been around for decades. The owner, who seems to know everyone by name, is there to greet you! Nestled right in a residential area, I was doubtful we had the right address while trying to find it and thought we’d made a wrong turn. Luckily, our SatNav guided us correctly, and there it was—Cubata! (We unintentionally skipped lunch that day due to our excitement from sandboarding and the Safari, so we came ready for dinner).
Just drop by—no reservations needed. We arrived quite late, and although it was packed, we still managed to get a seat. About 30 minutes after our arrival, the crowd thinned out, suggesting it’s wise to show up later in the day to ensure a spot. If we had come earlier, we probably would have had to wait a bit. Once there, just find a space at one of the long benches. If there’s room, that’s your spot for the evening—simple as that.
