---
title: "‘Nelson’s Eye kindness has stayed with me for years’"
description: "Reader Jacqui Thomson writes to sing the praises of Nelson’s Eye, the famous veteran Cape Town steakhouse."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "READER’S LETTER"
author: "TGIFood Readers"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/tgifood-readers/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-07-17-nelsons-eye-kindness-has-stayed-with-me-for-years/"
published: "2026-07-17T09:40:00"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 271
---

# ‘Nelson’s Eye kindness has stayed with me for years’

> Reader Jacqui Thomson writes to sing the praises of Nelson’s Eye, the famous veteran Cape Town steakhouse.

By TGIFood Readers · Published 17 July 2026, 11:40 SAST

## Key points
- Reader Jacqui Thomson reminisces about her first dining experience at Nelson’s Eye, a renowned Cape Town steakhouse.
- In the 1970s, she enjoyed regular visits, celebrating special occasions in a vibrant atmosphere while recognising impeccable service led by Karl.
- An impactful memory arose when, despite apartheid restrictions, Karl welcomed her assistant G, allowing her to experience dining out for the first time.
- Thomson emphasises the lasting kindness and great value of Nelson’s Eye, solidifying its place in her “happy memory box”.

## Content

In 1974 age 23 I came to live in South Africa. The first restaurant I went to was the Nelson Eye.

Wow! Coming from the UK I was completely won over with the quality of steaks and from then on in managed to go at least once a week. We had fabulous birthdays, leaving parties etc. Best food and atmosphere in Cape Town.

Karl was running the restaurant and ran such a good business on every level.

At that time I was working in Head Office of one SA’s major clothing/food retailers.

Coming from the UK I found it difficult to fathom how I could work with people of colour but laws prevented me from dining and socialising.

We were having a departmental celebratory lunch at the Nelsons Eye. My clerical assistant – G – advised me she would not be able to join us. And she had never been able to take part in any departmental lunches/dinners.

I called the Nelsons Eye and spoke to Karl and asked him if we could bring G along.

He responded with an emphatic YES…

He also said if anyone complained he would ask THEM to leave!

We had a fabulous time. G had never been to a restaurant before – never had a steak – and she so enjoyed the experience.

That kindness was something that has stayed in my mind all these years later.

I am attaching a menu from all those years ago. I have kept it in my “happy memory box”.

Regards,

Jacqui

(PS: And Karl was rather gorgeous.

And I forgot to say what good value it was!) **DM**