Our Best Restaurants In Cape Town
Delight Your Taste Buds With Our Favourite Restaurants, Offering Up Unique Flavors In Cape Town
The restaurant scene in Cape Town has come a long way in the past two decades, and the city is now firmly established on the international map as a favourite destination for food lovers. With its unique combination of coastal and inland locations, the "Mother City" offers a fantastic range of flavours and cuisines to appeal to every palette.
From award-winning fine dining establishments to low-key pubs and bistros, there is something for everyone when travelling to the Western Cape.
Traditional Cape Town dishes include bobotie (a delicious curried mince dish served with savoury custard), waterblommetjie bredie (lamb stew with a unique difference), and Cape Malay curries are easy to find, and the city's restaurants boast a wide range of international options as well.
Famous for its incredible seafood dishes, the Western Cape offers some of the freshest produce in the world. Whether you are looking for succulent crayfish tails served with garlic butter or a delicious line-caught calamari stir fry, you will be spoiled for choice.
For a truly unique experience, visit one of the many beachfront restaurants and soak up the incredible views while indulging in some of the freshest seafood.
The Cape Winelands is the famed cuisine region of South Africa, and it is home to some of the continent's best dining options. Here you'll find wineries that offer tours, tastings and exquisite restaurants serving up some of the most delicious dishes in the country. The atmosphere is always relaxed and charming, providing the perfect backdrop for a luxurious meal with exceptional wine.
Cape Town has something to offer, no matter what kind of food you are looking for. With its vibrant atmosphere and global flavours, it is no wonder that the city's restaurants are so highly acclaimed.
So don your best dress, grab a partner and head out to experience some of the continent's best cuisine and food options!
NOTE: When updating this page, we are still determining which restaurants have survived; COVID has been tough on the hospitality industry here in South Africa. We will update this page once we have more clarity on the situation.
Our List Of Recommended Cape Town Restaurants
Kloof Street House
30 Kloof Street, CBD. 021 423 4413.
In their own words "an eclectic colonial-inspired restaurant and bar set in a magnificent Victorian house". That about sums it up. You come here for the atmosphere. The rooms are adorned with impressive paintings, relics and curios giving off a more Bohemian than a colonial vibe.
You will also have food with a varied menu utilising fresh local ingredients. Also most enjoyable for a cocktail on the lawn.
Azure Restaurant
The Twelve Apostles Hotel, Victoria Road, Camps Bay. 021-4379029.
In this beautiful hotel situated in splendid isolation between Camps Bay and Llandudno, you will find a restaurant which is both relaxed and opulent and an environment in which you feel immediately comfortable. With sweeping views of the Atlantic, you will eat a broad variety of dishes. Sunday brunch is a treat.
This restaurant pulls off the rare trick in which you could have an intimate tete-a-tete evening but which is also very welcoming for families.
The Foodbarn
Noordhoek Farm Village, Noordhoek Main Road, Noordhoek. 021-7891390.
In a relaxed semi-rural environment and unpretentious surroundings, you will probably enjoy some of the best French cuisines in the country.
The French chef and owner Franck Dangereux has created dishes of natural taste, smells and textures, and much character. Our personal favourite.
Sevruga Restaurant
Quay 5, V&A Waterfront. 021-4215134.
An excellent V&A Waterfront restaurant, specialising in sushi and seafood.
The interiors are lush, but you want to sit outside on the terrace and observe the world with a cocktail in your hand.
The Round House Restaurant
Round House Road (off Kloof Road), The Glen, Camps Bay. 021-4384347.
Another historical Cape building with sweeping views of Camps Bay, the Twelve Apostles Mountains and the ocean. The main restaurant is fine dining bending European cuisine with African ingredients. The wine list and pairing menus are excellent.
During the summer season, the lawns are opened up for a more comfortable dining experience with comfort foods under the banner of the 'The Rumbillion Lawns'.
Buitenverwachting Restaurant
Klein Constantia Road, Constantia. 021- 7943522.
Further, down the Constantia Valley, you will enjoy one of the finest dining experiences in the country. In this old established vineyard, the Austrian chef combines the best local ingredients (the game dishes are mouth-watering) with the best European traditions.
Enjoy your meal with the excellent wines of the estate and take your time. This quality cannot be rushed. A tasting menu is also available.
Bistro 1682
Steenberg Vineyards, Tokai. 021-7132211.
One of the oldest vineyards in South Africa hosts one of the most contemporary buildings and raises the standard of casual dining restaurants.
Whether it is the tapas menu or the raw bar with dishes of sashimi, gravadlax, ceviche, carpaccios and oysters, you will be impressed by the quality and originality of the food. This place is a must visit even if it's only for a cocktail.
Shark Cage Diving Cape Town
Experience the majesty of one of nature's most magnificent creatures with shark cage diving in Cape Town. With "Shark Diving", you can get up close and personal with great white sharks as they swim around the boat looking for bait.
Whether you want to dive yourself or just observe from the deck, this thrilling activity offers a unique opportunity to appreciate these powerful animals in their natural habitat.
You will also learn more about how humans are affecting their environment and why conservation efforts are essential for protecting them.
Design in Cape Town
Cape Town is experiencing an exciting wave of investment, community involvement and physical regeneration due to its designation as the World Design Capital 2014.
This has been evident in the seaside suburb of Muizenberg, where dead corners and buildings have been transformed into vibrant areas full of life.
The murals, sculptures and shops that are popping up all over town are a testament to the power of good design and art in revitalising this once down-at-heel resort.
Muizenberg Beach Cape Town
Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town, South Africa, is a beautiful seaside town that has experienced both decline and resurgence.
From the late 19th century until the 1960s, it was one of the most popular resort areas in South Africa.
In recent years, however, Muizenberg has undergone a transformation as law-abiding citizens have reclaimed the area and invested heavily in its revitalization.
Cape Town Kite Festival
The 19th annual Cape Town Kite Festival was held at the beginning of November in Muizenberg, bringing together over 20,000 people for a two-day event.
The festival featured stunt kiting exhibitions, Japanese-inspired Rokkaku kite battles, and a Heritage Kite Competition that encouraged children to build South African swallow or bat-style kites from scratch.
In addition to the fun activities on offer, the festival also supports Cape Mental Health charity and provides an opportunity for local businesses and visitors alike to experience the beauty of Cape Town and Muizenberg.
Cape Town Sightseeing Bus
Explore the stunning city of Cape Town in a budget-friendly and time-efficient way - The City Sightseer Bus.
This double-decker 'topless' red bus offers travellers several routes to take in all the attractions, including Blue Route from the City to Hout Bay, Red Route for Table Mountain Cable Car and Purple Route through Constantia Vineyards.
With the guided tour commentated in 15 different languages, this is a great day out for both kids and adults alike!
Constantia Winelands, What to Do?
Escape from the hustle of Cape Town and immerse yourself in South Africa's famous wine culture by visiting Constantia Valley - only a quick journey away!
For centuries, Constantia Valley has been the home of some of South Africa's oldest and most renowned vineyards and wine farms.
Among these renowned wineries are Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Constantia Uitsig and Buitenverwachting – each with its own unparalleled atmosphere and exquisite wines.
Mount Nelson Hotel In Cape Town
The Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town is a luxurious 5-star resort known for its stately entrance, magnificent views of Table Mountain, and nine acres of landscaped gardens.
Recently the hotel has completed a winter refurbishment program that includes enhancements to the façade and bathrooms, as well as light refurbishments to all remaining luxury rooms and suites.
Guests can enjoy activities such as garden walks with the hotel horticulturalists, indulging in morning or afternoon tea on the terrace, or meeting up with friends at Planet Champagne Bar.
Helicopter Flight over Cape Town
Experience the beauty of Cape Town from a whole new perspective with an amazing Helicopter Flight over the city!
Get ready to take off and explore the stunning coastline, Table Mountain, Camps Bay Beach and more - all while taking in spectacular views that can only be seen from above.
Soar through the skies on a 12-13 minute flight or opt for one of the longer flights available to Hout Bay, Cape Point or even out to the Cape Winelands.