Strangers are gathering to eat at long tables around the city. Seth Shezi tried three NaturalisAfter a long period of media excitement, innovative food maverick Luke Dale-Roberts's new conceptual "test kitchen" is finally open. It has a single, long timber table at which no more than a dozen guests share delicacies in a modern smorgasbord-style of eating.Housed in a set of containers designed by architect Greg Scott, Naturalis is a model of upcycling and sustainability, with food experimentation at its core. "The whole Naturalis concept centres around the idea of old cooking methods, fermentation, curing, brining, culturing and drying," Dale-Roberts said.Top tip: Naturalis serves up the best terrines in the city.Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock, 021-447-2337Reverie Social TableTalented young chef Julia Hattingh transformed a dreary space into the charming little eating spot it is today. The lunch crowd can look forward to an ever-changing selection of plats du jour, while for dinner Hattingh whips up a five-course meal paired with wines to be enjoyed at the restaurant's 18-seater table.Socialising with fellow diners is encouraged, so expect a rambunctious evening of strangers and friends sharing laughs over delectable dishes.Top tip: Hattingh has worked with chef David Higgs at Meerendal, and chef Margot Janse at Le Quartier Français, as well as with chef Gregory Czarnecki at Waterkloof.226A Lower Main Road, Observatory, 021-447-3219SpasieCape Town's celebrated "underground" supper club restaurant is the brainchild of New Yorker Greg Zeleny of SecretEATS. Spasie is frequented by Instagramming diners in search of something new to arouse their palates - a perfect crowd for chefs to cook with more imagination and dexterity than in a mainstream restaurant kitchen. A long-table set-up ensures patrons can meet like-minded foodies over inspired menus and clever wine pairings.Top tip: Spasie also hosts wine- tasting evenings, where guests enjoy a guided tasting by top winemakers accompanied by an art exhibition and some snacks - all the makings of a cultural night out.97 Church Street, Cape Town, 021-422-1492..