Set back from the road and with very unobtrusive signage, I had passed Cheyne’s a number of times without realizing a restaurant was there. When we finally did arrive for this lunch time review we were both expecting more of a bistro/burger joint. We were going to be proved very wrong with this impression.

Inside, the restaurant is cozy with three different rooms, bare wood tables on cement floors, with dark walls providing a contrast to the array of bright canvasses from local artists.

Service was immediate and we were greeted by Cole, our waiter, who quickly set us up with a glass of 2013 Bushvine Pinotage for myself and a 2014 Sunnybrook Sauvignon Blanc for my partner, whilst we studied the unusual menu.

Cheyne’s provides Tapas that are meant to be shared by all at the table. This is a great concept allowing everyone to taste a variety of dishes and to eat as little or as much food as they want. The Tapas are divided into four menus entitled Sea, Land, Earth and Happy Endings.

From the Sea Menu we selected Firecracker Crayfish with Sriracha, Kimchi and Yakaniku Dipping. Yes, we were also mystified but this dish gave the most amazing burst of different but complementing flavours and rates as one of the best dishes I have ever tasted. We also ordered the Chilly Salt Squid with Lime Pepper QP and Smoked Salt Seven Flavoured Pepper. These flavours contrasted with the Crayfish making the tasting varied and interesting. Also from the Sea menu we ordered a Chilli Tamarind Seared Salmon with Pickled Plum and Edamame Purée. Tender and flavourful, it offered so much more than normal grilled Salmon which is always good in most restaurants anyway.

The Land Menu has the meat dishes and we were hard pressed to make a decision, finally settling on the Tokyo Beef Slider with Szechuan and King Oyster Cream with Air Dried Wagyu. This tender piece of fillet had a peppery sauce and was served on a type of bread with a deep fried onion ring on top. The Mumbai Chilli Beef dish was served with Cardamom and Ginger Syrup and Toasted Coconut Flakes with more interesting and exotic flavours.

The Earth Menu is vegetarian and we had another hard choice before selecting Pan Fried Shiitake and King Oyster Mushrooms with a Cashew Nut and Garlic Purée. All the descriptions looked exotic but the reality was even more amazing. The dishes provided a fusion of flavours that we have not experienced before, with each new dish being an absolute delight.There were so many other dishes that looked incredible meaning a return visit is guaranteed.

Happy Endings offered a treat of dessert dishes from which we chose 70% Dark Chocolate Blocks infused with Tonka Bean, Chocolate Pebbles, Miso Butterscotch with Banana Ice Cream.

If you want to give your taste buds the experience of a life time, go to Cheynes. After this, other food will taste bland. Best enjoyed with a crowd of friends and lots of different dishes for a truly informal but exotic meal.