I’ve been meaning to write this blog post for years and now it’s come about by necessity. I am constantly asked for recommendations about where to eat in Cape Town from internationals that follow DrizzleandDip.com and friends and acquaintances that visit the mother city.
This is a comprehensive list based on where I love to eat and where I tend to eat again and again. There are restaurants out there that are really great and I’m still trying to get there. This is my list based on my experience and no offence to any restaurant that isn’t featured here.
I have started two restaurant guides, which I will continue to post my recommendations to as regularly as I can. They are my Facebook Taste & Titbits page @EatCapeTown, and my Instagram @EatingCapeTown page. I post interesting dishes, favourite restaurants and various specials I find along the way. Follow along for all the deliciousness I manage to hunt down.
I’m dividing this up by area and then adding a few other categories at the end, like best places for drinks, breakfasts, casual eateries, sushi, pizza etc.
CAPE TOWN CITY & GREEN POINT
You can’t book at this popular restaurant as guests are seated on a first come first serve basis, but this will be the best food you will eat in Cape Town without a reservation. If you get there early (around 6pm) you should get a table easily or you can relax in the bar downstairs and order a drink. It’s worth the wait. The environment is very relaxed and if it’s a nice evening in summer you can sit outside and look at all the hustle and bustle of the street. Food is tapas style. This is one of my very best restaurants, and to be put on the top of the list for anyone visiting Cape Town.
The Test Kitchen (in the Eastern precinct of the city in Woodstock)
Ranked as the top restaurant in South Africa for six years by Eat Out, and second this year the Test Kitchen is a definite if you can secure a reservation in advance. Diners are treated to a world-class tasting menu experience in a small and intimate setting. The theatrical experience roves from a dark room to a light room and has many surprises such as butter churning and unique cocktails paired with food. The restaurant is only open for dinner and reservations open six months in advance.
Situated on lower Bree, La Tete is extremely popular amongst chefs and foodies alike. Giles Edwards knocks out amazing dishes from an ever-evolving seasonal menu that focuses on nose to tail dining. He spent a lot of time at St JOHN in London, so you can expect a similar pared-down uncomplicated, but delicious flavours. You can see all my pics and review here.
The Shortmarket Club (closed pending a reopening)
This is a stylish restaurant in the inner city for lunch or dinner. Urban dining that could be in New York, Paris or London. It has the quirkiest décor; one wall is made of butterflies created from old receipts. It has a delicious menu which changes frequently. Make a reservation, but if they are full you could still try to get in as they keep a few tables each day for walk-ins. Check out a few of my images of some of their 2017 winter menu and the 2018 Winter menu
Review coming soon
I love this stylish eatery that reminds me of being in New York. The menu is innovative small plate dining so go with friends and order as many dishes as you can. This gem is tucked away down Pepper Street just off the upper parts of Bree Street.
Arguably the best seafood restaurant in town, this is where you will find exquisite Japanese cuisine. It’s also the only place I know that serves fresh wasabi in the city. There is a focus on quality and the sushi is of a very high standard. It has a very calm and pampering atmosphere with good service. In winter they offer a special menu that makes things a little more affordable.
This is a great spot for breakfast or lunch in the city center. The menu in this stylish restaurant always includes a few South African flavours and has a carefully curated menu. Particularly popular amongst interior designers, architects and style lovers.
If you are looking for delicious Indian tapas in a beautifully designed setting, then this is the place to be. It’s one of Liam Tomlins restaurant and has a similar menu setup to the Chefs Warehouse & Canteen. You order the tapas for two, which includes 8 innovative tapas dishes. It is cosy and intimate with a lovely outdoor courtyard.
If you like local and quirky owner-run spots, this is the best in town. Small with vintage kitsch it is always buzzy. There is a small menu of delicious modern Asian food, which include popular street food favourites like Bao with pulled pork. This is highly recommended and reservations are essential.
The Potluck Club (just out of the city in Woodstock)
Highly acclaimed Asian inspired tapas menu. Housed at the top of a grain silo, New York warehouse loft styled, it has magnificent views. Difficult to get into as they book up far in advance, but you could try lunchtime if you can’t get in at night. They do the most fabulous long Sunday brunch paired with bottomless bubbly or bloody Mary’s.
El Burro (Green Point)
This is my favourite Mexican restaurant and I love their ceviche and fish tacos. The pork chilorio is also delicious if I can ever get away from the first two. Booking is advisable in the evening and essential on weekend nights and asks for a balcony table. They have a big selection of tequilas and mescal too. Their sister restaurant; El Burro Taqueria on Kloof Street is another fab spot for a quick bite on the run.
This newish mid-level priced seafood has fast become the go-to seafood restaurant in the city. Situated in trendy Bree Street, they only buy fresh sustainable seafood. They have a lovely bubbly and oyster bar with inside and outside (weather permitting) seating area. They also do a daily oyster happy hour from 12 – 1pm and 5 – 6pm.
Starting as a wildly popular pop-up in 2019, The Melting Pot has taken up permanent residence in Wale Street. The menu rotates in 4-week cycles and expect gourmet street food dishes designed for sharing or not. I personally try to eat the whole menu. The place is run by a trio of chefs with the best credentials so you know it’s going to be good.
Owned by the people that brought us La Mouette here you will find local Cape Town flavours weaved into an innovative small plate menu that changes with the season. This is a good place to bring people that are looking for some locally inspired dishes.
IL Leone Mastrantonio (Green Point)
I have only ever had amazing pasta at this popular spot and I always eat their seafood or prawn linguini. They serve the very best and thinnest flatbreads that are so crispy and delicious, they are worth visiting for alone.
This is my current favourite place to meet for drinks in Cape Town and the food in the restaurant is rather good too. Perfect for sharing. I love the decor, the vibe, the upstairs balcony and the downstairs lounge for a late-night razzle.
Simple bistro fare served in a cosy inside space (fireplaces in winter) and lovely patio outside area (great in the day and in summer). Their risotto is legendary, and through winter they run a weekly menu special with a focus on either Italy or France paired with specific wines. Their wine list is very good. They also make the best-fried chips in Cape Town if you happen to land up in their cosy bar called the Snug adjacent to the restaurant.
SOUTHERN PENINSULA
CONSTANTIA
Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia
The third of Liam Tomlins restaurants and located on Beau Constantia wine estate with exquisite views over the Constantia Valley. World-class food under the watchful eye of head chef Ivor Jones. You can check out my full review and pics here.
One of my all-time favourite restaurants in Cape Town nestled high up on Silvermist Estate, this well-deserved winner of the 2019 Eat Out Best Restaurant of the year award is benchmark fine. Deservedly seen by many as the country’s finest restaurant it is an experience not to be missed. The highly innovative tasting menu changes with the seasons and expect it to delight all your senses with touches of theatrical food theatre. They offer a really good winter and spring special menu too which is slightly pared-down but still amazing.
See my review of the 2019 Chefs menu
This is a beautiful fine dining space located in a garden setting on the grounds of the iconic Cellars Hohenhort Hotel. Elegant and sophisticated, the kitchen is headed up by Farrel Hirsch who trained under the mentorship of Peter Tempelhoff. Having garnered a few awards under his belt already, his food philosophy centres around telling a story and foraging sustainably using hyper-local plants and ingredients in the menu. Expect a playful and generous amuse course and a bread course that includes tiny monogrammed brioche rolls with innovatively flavoured butter. See my review of the 2019 Spring menu.
This cosy bistro with a buzzy open plan kitchen serves an innovative small plate menu that is perfect for sharing. There is a cheese and cured meats pantry for viewing and the ambience is cosy and intimate. In summer there is seating outside on a leafy pavement in a small centre next to Groot Constantia. The dishes change with the season and you can choose a selection or have a fixed menu.
Housed on Steenberg next the winery is a modern bistro with designer elements. I love this restaurant for breakfast, lunch or evening tapas. Here you will find delicious food with an Asian thread in a beautiful setting overlooking the mountain and vineyards. Be sure to have a wine tasting on your way in (or out). For more about Steenberg, check my post here.
This quaint little neighbourhood Parisienne-style cafe in the heart of charming Wynberg Chelsea is always buzzing. It’s one of my favourite places for breakfast, tea or lunch in the Southern suburbs. They are committed to sourcing local and seasonal produce and their large menu is peppered with innovative touches which has something for everyone. They also host small functions for fifteen to thirty 30 guests offering a set menu
KALK BAY
Kalk Bay is one of my favourite areas to visit in Cape Town and my all-time favourite place is Olympia Café. Slightly worn and grungy it is like eating in your grandmother’s kitchen. You are seen as a friend, not a customer and staff have been there for many years.This 20 odd-year-old iconic eatery is super casual and focuses on amazing seafood dishes. You will always find a few vegetarian dishes, salads and pasta on the menu too. I tend to only order the linguini di mare, a dish they have had on the menu for as long as I can remember and it’s one of my tastiest dishes in Cape Town. Their mussels served with freshly baked ciabatta from their own bakery next door are also delicious.
Harbour House has a lofty aerial view over the Kalk Bay harbour and provides diners with a working harbour view. Crisp white tablecloths and interiors provide an opulent relaxed experience. Harbour House has a larger and more sophisticated menu that its more casual sister downstairs (Live Bait). You can’t fault either in terms of their location and they serve delicious seafood dishes at both. I love the beach house feeling that is quintessentially Cape Town and the harbour with waves crashing right against the side of the building is noteworthy.
Other things to do……
If you are in Kalk Bay in summer make sure you go for a swim in Dalebrook tidal pool
NOORDHOEK
Housed in a modern barn on a farm village you can expect a rustic yet modern atmosphere with really good service. This is one of my personal favourites and I’m a big fan of the cooking of chef-owner Franck Dangereaux, who was at the helm of La Colombe for many years. He also does amazing cooking demonstration dinners and chef’s table Friday lunches where a menu is paired with a specific wine estate. Expect solid French cooking flair blended in with local ingredients in a stylish but casual bistro setting.
This is a family-friendly restaurant on the greens of Noordhoek Farm Village. A casual lunch under the oaks in a whitewashed cottage makes for a perfect leisurely afternoon and if you have children they have free reign. They frequently have very popular live music on weekends and evenings. Check the schedule for any line up that might coincide with your visit.
HOUT BAY
If you find yourself in Hout Bay I recommend eating at Cheyne’s. Charcoal walls highlight Asian décor notes in a cosy setting. Here you will experience Asian inspired dishes described as Pacific Rim cuisine that are super innovative and packed with exciting umami flavours and delicious textures.
SEA POINT
I live in Sea Point and there are a lot of restaurants and casual eateries around here. I won’t put many of them in my must-visit places, but there certainly are a few great spots that I got to from time to time.
I Enjoy:
Sea Points answer to fine dining restaurant and they offer reasonably priced tasting menu’s that change through the seasons. Delicious food served in an old Tudor House on Regent Road.
This is my fave local deli and where I get my bagels. They do really good breakfasts too but space is small so there is often a queue on the weekend.
This is a new food emporium that has opened in Regent Road Sea Point and is a great place to visit if you want to taste a variety of dishes from small producers. They often have live music in the central seating area so there is a vibe. Nice views over the Sea Point pool too. I love the oysters and mussels from the Mussel Monger and the sushi from Manga. The Burgers from IYO are tasty but the chips terrible. The Poke bowls from Hokey Poke are my fave and the thin-based pizzas from Earthfire are delicious. Baskin Robbins has an ice cream shop there, so I don’t need any convincing to swing past for a scoop (or two)
Delicious Indian tapas dishes served at this busy local restaurant. Their Pondicherry Kingklip curry is sublime. They don’t take reservations
This is a world-class espresso bar and couture patisserie spot where you can experience possibly the best coffee in Cape Town. Outstanding pastries and incredibly innovative Rooibos infused drinks in a luxurious setting.
STELLENBOSCH
I love Bertus Basson’s food and I love this restaurant on Hidden Valley Wine Estate. You can expect a few innovative uses of South African flavours and ingredients in his dishes. Great views and wine too. Just go.
Jordan – at Jordan Wine Estate
Another of my favourite restaurants and I ate one of the best meals of 2016 there. I love the cooking of George Jardine and the setting is absolutely beautiful with jaw-dropping views over the Overberg Mountains.
This is George Jardines more casual restaurant in a quaint heritage building in the heart of Stellenbosh town. You can expect the same type of innovative dishes as Jordan though and is highly recommended.
Delaire Graff Restaurant on Delaire Graff Estate
I like nothing more than to sit on this terrace under the oak trees and gaze at the spectacular views in summer. The food ranges from casual to more fine dining style dishes, and delicious. They have a lovely wine tasting room in an opulent setting so you always feel quite spoilt when you go there. You can read all about the restaurant here.
This is the second restaurant at Delaire Graff Estate and is exceptional. All my pics and review of the recent new menu launch here and past review here.
This country eatery on Joostenberg Wine Estate is only open on a Sunday and offers a superb weekly set menu. The food is served family-style in their outside courtyard. See the full review & details of how to book (essential) here.
The Tokara restaurant is now under the helm of Head chef Carolize Coetzee and the menu is produce-driven with ties to traditional South African cooking (recipes, ingredients, techniques). Tokara is a truly beautiful restaurant/wine estate with breathtaking views over Stellenbosch.
If you are looking for a lighter meal or breakfast in the Winelands this is a beautiful restaurant with a gorgeous view.
Terroir on Kleine Zalze Wine Estate
This is a popular restaurant that has stood the test of time under the leadership of chef Michael Broughton. Expect classic dishes with fine-dining touches that can be enjoyed on their pretty patio under the oaks on a nice day. They always offer fabulous winter menu specials, so this is a great place to visit in the cooler months. Their wine list includes their own range as well as a good selection from other estates.
If you find yourself looking for a casual spot for lunch or supper in Stellenbosch town, Spek and Bone is another of Bertus Basson’s restaurants and offers a small plate menu in a wine bar environment. Tucked away in a historic building next to Oom Samie se Winkle it very quaint and well worth a visit.
I am a fan of chef Michael Deg’s cooking and I really enjoyed Cavalli. It’s a very modern restaurant with a minimalist feel set on a beautiful stud farm. The wines are excellent too. They do a winter menu that is really good value. You can check out all my pics from this year (2019) winter menu.
FRANSCHHOEK
Amongst my favourite fine dining restaurants in South Africa, this stunning spot in La Quartier Francaise is a must-visit for a top-end dining experience in Franschhoek. You can read all about their 2018 Winter menu here
Die Werf Restaurant on Boschendal Wine Estate
I love this beautiful restaurant and the honest farm to fork food philosophy of chef Christiaan Campbell. Make sure you make time to take a wander through their lovely kitchen garden and around the estate. If you are looking for something more casual they have a lovely deli that also sells amazing produce from the farm. Their summer picnics are legendary too.
This is Liam Tomlins latest Chefs warehouse restaurant now in the old Kitchen at Maison space. Beautiful and edgy food in a lovely restored old house overlooking vineyards. Highly recommended.
I’m a fan of Chris Erasmus’s food and his utterly unique restaurant is superb and deserving of its place amongst the top 10 in SA.
PAARL
I loved this restaurant when it was under the helm of Chef Eric Bulpitt. He has subsequently left and I have not experienced the new chef’s dishes.
I have eaten in the restaurant and it’s totally unique and lovely dining experience but complicated to get into as a non-resident. They block book most of their tables for their hotel guests, but if you are prepared to take a chance you can put your name down and hope that from about 1.30pm onwards tables will become available. They do take bookings from 2 months in advance if you are planning ahead. A walk through their gardens is an absolute must either way for any visitor. I’ve put it under Paarl because it’s actually located in Paarl although it’s often classified as being in Franschhoek. It’s located on the way to Franschhoek from Cape Town.
SOMERSET WEST
Waterkloof on Waterkloof Wine Estate
Brilliant and inspiring food and worthy of their top 10 Eat Out status. There are spectacular views over False Bay. Worth visiting for a wine tasting and or cheese board if you are pressed for time.
Camphors at Vergelegen
I’m putting it on here even though I haven’t been. It’s in the top 10 and I really need to go soon. It’s located on Vergelegen Wine Estate, which is one of my favourite places to see the big trees.
DURBANVILLE
PATERNOSTER
A bit further afield but if you find yourself in Paternoster up the West Coast visit:
Hyper-local Strandveld dining experience by acclaimed chef Kobus van der Merwe.
This is another must-visit when in Paternoster. A convivial local eatery with amazing oysters.
Best places for fancy drinks
The Silo Rooftop bar (reservations required for non-hotel guests) or the Williston Bar at the Silo Hotel
The Planet Bar at the Mount Nelson
The Vista Lounge at the One & Only
Bascule Bar at the Cape Grace Hotel
La Perla in Sea Point
Best place for casual drinks
Love Thy Neighbour in Bree Street
Hanks Old Irish – on Heritage Square Bree Street (next to Love Thy Neighbour)
The Power & The Glory – Kloof Nek Road
The Village Idiot – on Loop Street
The secret gin bar behind Honest Chocolate (Wale Street)
Orphanage – on Bree Street
Outrage of Modesty cocktail bar in Shortmarket Street
Favourite Bakery
Jason’s Bakery in Green Point
Coco Safar in the ARTEM centre Sea Point
Fave casual eateries for a burger, hot dog, drink etc
Clarkes on Bree
Jerry’s Burger joint
Jason’s Bakery
Best ice cream
Unframed on Kloof Street (totally amazing)
The Creamery
Favourite casual Asian and Dim Sum
Bao Down
South China Dim Sum Bar
Saigon on Kloof Street
He Sheng in Sea Point (great value dim sum in my hood)
Obi – Long Street
Best sushi
Kyoto Sushi Garden
Nobu – The One & Only
12A at the 12 Apostles Hotel
Willoughby & Co – V & A Waterfront
Obi
Best Tea
The Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Best Breakfasts
Four & Twenty (Wynberg)
Bistro 1682
Olympia Cafe
Hemelhijs
The Loading Bay
Jason’s Bakery
The Foodbarn Deli
Kleinsky’s Deli
Tasha’s – V&A Waterfront
Best Food Markets
Oranjezicht City Farmers Market at Granger Bay – – every Saturday 9am – 2pm. This is my preferred farmers market as its local and less busy than the Biscuit Mill which gets unbearably busy
Neighbourgoods Market at the Biscuit Mill – This market is the most famous Cape Town food market and definitely worth visiting if you haven’t been and for tourists visiting the city. They have some amazing food producers, it just gets unbearably busy especially over the holidays. To avoid the hectic rush, best to go really early.
Hout Bay Market This is a lively and popular lifestyle market in Hout Bay Harbour with a good vibe over the weekend.
Fave dive bar
Lefty’s on Harrington Street (the beetroot falafel is my favourite dish on the menu)
Best Pizza
Col’caccio – in the Foreshore. I’m a fan of their vast menu and very thin-based pizzas. I love the Foreshore branch (also their first).
Massimo’s in Hout Bay- Haven’t been for ages because I don’t live anywhere nearby, but this used to be a fave.
Best fast food
If you are looking for fast food with higher-grade ingredients and free-range meat try (both in Gardens):
Junior
Stacked Diner
****NB I will not allow comments on this post from people trying to promote other restaurants. I am not looking for further suggestions to those that are mentioned here.
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31 Comments
Fabulous! Thanks Sam. We don’t know Cape Town very well and will be there in November. Just what we needed.
Page bookmarked. Going to go through this list one-by-one!
Amazing photos
This is a fabulous, comprehensive list. Will save it for next time I’m in Cape Town! Thank you.
Hi! Thanks for mentioning Hallelujah here! Please note we are open on Saturday nights again since the beginning of the year ?.
Thanks for letting me know Emma, I have updated.
Great list thanks. you have to try all the excellent restaurants in and around stanford to complete this list. It’s becoming a gourmet destination.
Fantastic guide and experiences and information.Many thanks
Awesome thanks for doing this! Some of my favourite restaurants and some I am definitely going to investigate
What an amazing list! x
Thanks a lot for this great list
What an amazing post! Thoroughly enjoyed reading this!
Capetown is such a beautiful place. I long to visit Capetown with my wife and children. Soo. So so awesome. Peter Oluoch, https://vc.uonbi.ac.ke
Thanks Peter and I hope you get to visit soon.
Great list! It’s as if I had written it myself, as it’s got all my favorites on it. One or two I haven’t tried that I will check out, thanks.
Best places for coffee in Cape Town? I have my favorites but would love your feedback in case there are any I am missing!
Hi Simone, I should have mentioned that there are no coffee shop recommendations because I don’t drink coffee so don’t feel like I can honestly recommend them. Sorry.
Great list, Sam:)..have tried many and they are superb!!! Who, in your opinion, does the best afternoon tea, please? Many thanks!!
Hi IIana, I’m still going to add in the best high teas, but for now I would say The Mount Nelson, One & Only and The Cape Grace.
Thanks so much Brigitte
Fantastic!!! But what about the best scones??
Hi Diane, no idea as I haven’t done research into this specific baked item 🙂
HI Lotter, thanks so much for your comment, but as mentioned in my post, Im not publishing comments that promote other restaurants. I have been flooded with people spamming this post with THEIR recommendations whereas this is my guide.
Thank you for this list makes choosing a restaurant for date night so much easier!
It’s a pleasure enjoy!
Hey Sam. Great list, thanks, will definitely help at the guest house. Someone commented about destinations in Stanford, did you explore that at all or could i somehow get a hold of that lady, Helen? We are going there for a girl’s weekend and want to see what is still open in May. Thanks!!
HI Brooke. My fave place in Stanford has closed down – it was Mariannas and it was brillliant (the only place I ever went to). I will ask my friend who has a house there what they can recommend. I think GRootbos is nice to visit – a beautiful property not sure about the food these days as ate there ages ago
This list is awesome, wife and I are en route to SA right now, really appreciate you putting this together! If you’re ever in the states we’d be happy to point you in the direction of some great grub to reciprocate 🙂
Thanks Todd and enjoy!
Sam, such a comprehensive list, one really needs no more. Each chosen by someone who really knows her way around food. Love, Michael
Thanks, Michael, can you imagine how many calories I have consumed to get to this article 🙂