A Foodie’s Guide to Cape Town.

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Some people still don’t know what an absolutely amazing foodie destination South Africa is. Seriously, book a flight and thank me later because I am here to introduce you to the best Cape Town restaurants. 

I have just returned after a three year hiatus and ate my way through the city – on your behalf of course. In this guide you will find some old classics, all the new kids on the block and my personal favorites when it comes to eating in Cape Town. 

My Favorite Cape Town Restaurants

Local & Lekker

Local produce, South African flavors and the most beloved chefs in the city – don’t miss out on these ‘lekker’ Cape Town restaurants.

Seebamboes

• Type of dining: set menu
• Location: District Six

Just in time for my birthday, a new Cape Town restaurant opened its doors: Seebamboes. 

Seebamboes (sea bamboo or kelp, at home in the waters around Cape Town) is the new enterprise by Anouchka Horn and Neil Swart, parents of the beloved Belly of the Beast and GALJOEN. They call Seebamboes a culinary conversation between land and sea. You could also call it a restaurant dedicated to surf and turf. 

That said, surf and turf is often considered a bit old-fashioned, sometimes not doing justice to either world. Luckily there is nothing old-fashioned about what comes out of Adél Hughes’ and Liebet Jooste’s kitchen. If you are okay with being surprised that is – there is no menu available at Seebamboes, you simply book a surprise menu, sit back and wait for the magic to unfold. 

And magic it is. There is a seaweed margarita and snacks to start with, snoek pate with biltong dust, flatbread with octopus, and delicious little plates like abalobi sashimi and crackling. Abalobi is a South African enterprise that supports small-scale fisheries – it doesn’t get more local than this. 

Luckily a watermelon ice-lolly works nicely as a palate cleanser before we moved on to the most delicious main of venison tataki with mussles served with dune cabbage steamed in a hollow seebamboes stem. The knives are specifically made for the restaurant with an inlay of dried kelp. 

Hard to believe but even the dessert follows the surf and turf theme: it is an ice cream sandwich with sea lettuce dust. I am still hoping they may start selling them at Woolies in a family-size pack.

The setting is equal parts cool and industrial as it is intimate and cozy. Liebet is a wonderful hostess and her staff are equally kind – while this might be the new cool kid on the block, Birkenstock-wearers and Brandy & Coke* drinkers are more than welcome here. 

*The menu even pays homage to Liebet’s father with an elevated Brandy & Coke version. 

Upper Union

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: Kloof Street

Upper Union is a breath of fresh Cape Town restaurant air. It is just off Kloof Street set in a beautiful house with an airy courtyard and conservatory, offering a great space both in winter and summer. 

It calls itself ‘expertly curated’ and ‘for the creative & curious’. Usually, I find such claims pretentious but here it seems to be true. Again, small plates are all the vibe or you can go for a shared menu, of course, expertly curated. Service is warm, friendly, and knowledgeable. 

My friend and I went for small plates with a chicken & duck pastilla and burnt aubergine yogurt. While not typical Moroccan (I happened to run into my Marrakech friend later in the evening and she confirmed my thoughts) it was delicious and I really liked the somewhat whimsical presentation. 

We also had Puglia burrata with flatbread, prosciutto, and fennel jam as well as urfa biber kingklip with curry leaf, peanut pesto, and coconut kombu cream. This one was incredible even though I don’t usually care for curry leaf. We also dared to order the ox tongue which was hearty and very lekker. The nice thing: there are plenty of more dishes I would want to try so I will definitely come back during my next Cape Town restaurant research trip!

Chef’s Warehouse & Canteen

• Type of dining: à la carte & set menu
• Location: Bree Street

Liam Tomlin’s Chef’s Warehouse is back on Bree Street, opposite its original location. Back is the concept of global tapas and while that isn’t a new concept anymore, Tomlin’s team does it just so very well. 

That said, you don’t have to order their Tapas for Two (a coined term it seems) but can simply order a la carte. I recommend the latter since portion sizes are generous and this way you can truly order what you are in the mood for. 

Current favorites include the pork dumplings, seared tuna with bonito emulsion, and definitely the venison tartare. Another must is the pork belly with charred corn salsa and spicy chipotle as well as the slow-roasted carrots with labneh and apricots. 

Service is fast and friendly, and luckily doesn’t mind if you decide after you are done to get an order of game fish ceviche or maybe a second portion of the venison. 

Winefarm fans can try the Chef’s Warehouse branche at Beau Constantia. 

Hemelhuijs

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: CBD

Hemelhuijs has been around forever but I rarely go there because it is in an odd part of downtown Cape Town. Waterkant Street is an almost but not exclusive pedestrian road, a rarety for Cape Town, but unfortunately lacks the charm and vibe that similar streets would have in Europe.

Still, Hemelhuijs doesn’t seem to be bothered by its location and makes up with vibes. Beautiful interior and a buzzing lunch crowd await. So buzzing in fact that I had to move to an outside table. To be honest, if you sit outside you may have a couple of people come up to you asking for money – this is Cape Town for you. That said, I never felt unsafe so don’t let an outside spot deter you.

While the interior is lovely the true beauty of Hemelhuijs unfolds on the menu (which in itself is a piece of art). The dishes feel lush and decadent and super healthy at the same time. I especially liked their page of small plates that has something for vegetarians, pescaterians, and carnivores. 

I ordered both “sea” dishes and got the most amazing panko-crusted artichokes topped with miso creamed salmon tartare and rice paper summer rolls with crab, smoked trout, and grapefruit. Both dishes were lovely and perfect for a warm autumn day. I am ready to come back, try more, and make Hemelhuijs my regular lunch spot in Cape Town. 

ëlgr

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: Kloof Street

Are you looking for relaxed fine dining in Cape Town? Then ëlgr might be just the place for you. Housed in the former location of Janse & Co. where chef Jesper Nilsson incidentally used to work, he now presents his own spin on said fine dining. Nordic flavors meet South African produce in a cool yet casual setting. 

Little dishes invite sharing (or you can just try more, also not a bad thing!) and you have the choice of ordering a la carte or go for the Chef’s Choice Sharing Menu. An absolute must-order is the Toast, Nduja, Boquerones, Ricotta and the charcuterie board if only for the incredible pâté. 

Definitely leave some room for the chocolate sorbet with olive oil and of course – drinks! Unlike many other fine dining restaurants in Cape Town, ëlgr has a great cocktail menu and not one but two incredible sommeliers. While I am usually not a fan of wine pairings, ours was bang on!

Blondie Bar

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: Kloof Street

I passed by Blondie on my way to ëlgr and my friend and I immediately decided: this is where the cool kids hang out in Cape Town. Apparently, it is a branch of the Johannesburg Blondie Bar which according to her made a lot of sense because the place is very un-Cape Town.

That is not always a bad thing and in Blondie’s case, it is actually very cool. There is an effortlessness to the whole concept that makes it fun and quite novel for Cape Town. Tiled walls, big sharing tables covered in simple, industrial wrapping paper with benches, an oversized paper-mache swordfish, and an oversized Princess Diana Portrait on the wall greet you.

The menu is confident and clever, and probably one of the last places where you can still find brandy & coke. We opted for the grapefruit ouzo slushies, the perfect Friday afternoon summer’s drink. 

The food is equally confident: a whole roasted cauliflower with tahini, stuffed and baked lamb pita, charred lettuce with parmesan, challah with trout and all the fixings. A modern take on bar food, well executed, reasonably priced, and presented with ease. And if you like what you see on the menu and you are coming with the group, you can simply choose the option explicitly stated on the menu: everything. Chances are, you will be tempted to get just that. 

Pot Luck Club

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: Woodstock

While Capetonians are still mourning the closure of Luke Dale Robert’s Test Kitchen, his second baby, the Pot Luck Club, is still going strong. 

Located in the Old Biscuit Mill you will find some stunning views at the top in an industrial chic setting. On the menu his signature sharing tapas (I am using the term tapas here as in ‘small plates’ not as in ‘Spanish food’). 

Unfortunately, the Moroccan lamb and the crunchy pigtails are no longer on the menu but there is 5-spice duck breast, braai’d fish with chorizo, and his famous beef filet with black pepper and truffle cafe au lait. 

With all the changes amongst Cape Town restaurants, it makes me happy to see that some things never change and Pot Luck Club is here to stay. 

Sea Breeze

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: Bree Street

Sea Breeze is a new Bree Street resident and as the name implies a seafood restaurant in Cape Town. Or as they call it: Fish & Shell. 

If the wind is not howling, I recommend you sit outside, one nicer options to eat curbside in Cape Town. If you are just in it for a quick ‘snack’ head to their MCC & oyster bar. 

On the menu innovative and classic seafood and fish dishes, all locally sourced. Oyster lovers will be delighted by their toppings and the fact that you can order them in pairs of two. I was delighted by their smaller dishes, perfect if you want to try a few. 

I definitely recommend the hake ceviche while my friend ordered the mussels with Cape Malay broth. While you can also get them with white wine sauce, the curry flavors were amazing and put a much-appreciated local spin on the dish. 

Massimo’s

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: Hout Bay

I make a mean pizza and to say I am spoilt is an understatement. However, I will make an exception for Massimo’s pizza, a Hout Bay classic, and what I would recon is still the best pizza in Cape Town. 

The setting is loud and lovely, the perfect place for a meal with your family. On the menu said great pizzas, also available in various gluten-free versions, pasta, and salads. They also make the best dessert even for non-dessert lovers: chocolate thimbles filled with different chocolate liquors.

The best part of Massimo’s though is Massimo, his wife, and their staff as well as their community engagement. Many of their pizzas have a good cause to them and part of the price is donated to that cause.

International Cuisines

Eat your way around the world without ever leaving the city – these are the best restaurants in Cape Town for Italian, tacos, curry, and modern Greek food.

East City Grill & Yakiniku

• Type of dining: à la carte & set menu
• Location: District Six

East City Grill & Yakiniku is a new kind of 2-in-1 restaurant in Cape Town, located on upper Harrington Street. To be honest, it is a bit tricky where to place it/them because the restaurant is a local South African grillhouse with a distinct nod to Japanese cuisine and ingredients. 

When you arrive, I recommend you linger for a bit – they have a nice seating area in the foyer, perfect for a glass of bubbles and some wagyu biltong to nibble on. A great start to your evening before you move into one of two dining areas in the restaurant. 

Yakiniku is a DIY braai affair (barbequing for you non-South Africans!). That said, it is definitely more of a Japanese braai than a South African one. You get your own little grill built into the table and choose between set menus. Each menu offers a meat as well as a bento box with snacks and starters. For your meat, you will have to set to work and get braaiing yourself. 

While the concept did remind me of a meal I had in Tokyo, I wanted to dine at East City Grill. This is where South African ingredients meet Japanese flavors. If you are a fan of wagyu, this is your place! All of their grade A8 and A9 wagyu is free-range from Elandsberg in the Eastern Cape.

The menu includes starters, salads, grills with various sauces and sides, specialty dishes, and of course, desserts. They do have a few options for pescetarians, but the menu definitely favors red meat (as the art on the walls and the tables will confirm). 

Waygu tartare, the double-baked cheese soufflé, or charred prawns with fire miso dressing, which is truly fire, start the evening. While the highlights of the mains are various grills, I had to try the waygu katsu sandwich that easily competed with the best I have had in Japan. And if you are going for sharesies, get the compressed wagyu short ribs – they are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, as is the cabbage salad with corn and furikake. 

While you could always leave some room for dessert, I recommend to leave room for a post-dinner wagyu bitterballen snack instead.

Ouzeri

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: CBD

Ouzeri has been a firm favorite of the Cape Town restaurant scene and has just been awarded a nod from the 50 Best Discovery. And rightfully so – this Greek Cape Town restaurant does everything just right. 

While you may miss a sea breeze and some kittens under the table, the location on Wale Street in the middle of the City Bowl is kept clean and modern with white-washed walls as you would expect from a Greek restaurant. 

Pewter carafes for their barrel wine from Swartland are a great start to any meal but the wine list doesn’t stop there and gets even more interesting with many unusual Swartland and Elgin wines. They also make an amazing pink pepper negroni with sour cherries, which is always a plus for this negroni-lover. 

Native ingredients from the Western Cape are allowed to shine while the cuisine focuses on Greek and Cypriot dishes. Some recipes are passed down by chef Nic Charalambous’s Cypriot grandparents, but they are anything but typical. Best you take someone to share since you will want to try everything. 

The menu changes frequently but current favorites are the tuna carpaccio, pork belly skewer, and green tomatoes with whipped feta, dill oil, and hibiscus vinegar. This surprisingly complex dish became the star of the evening, and we ended up ordering another plate. Make sure to get some of their warm, chewy bread to mop up any leftovers. As a main – do get the ravioli with Namibian crab. 

Make sure to wear comfy pants and regret nothing. 

Nikkei

• Type of dining: à la carte & set menu
• Location: Bree Street

Simply named after the fusion cuisine it serves, Nikkei is the new kid on the Bree Street block with an enticing menu of Japanese and Peruvian food. The setting is elegant and modern, only the music is trying to be a bit too clubby. But don’t you worry about that because the food makes more than up for it as do the cocktails. 

I have recently become a connoisseur of good cocktails and Nikkei’s pack a punch. As the name promises you get the best of both worlds in a glass – there are dedicated cocktails with pisco and sake as well as some classics concoctions. I cannot recommend the Dancing Geisha enough, because, despite its somewhat unfortunate name, it is a whiskey-sour perfection. We may have had a few… 

The menu offers two omakase options as well as a la carte. Okamase also known as – the chef can do whatever they want – is honestly one of my favorite ways to eat. Both options are based on two people sharing, one with eight dishes and one with nine and slightly fancier ingredients. The eight-course menu in particular is such good value for money and you will roll out of there. 

We started with the cutest amuse bouche of two edible oyster shells under a bonsai tree followed by edamame, crispy squid, tuna ceviche, and yellowtail hamachi. The highlight of the meal was an odd combination of fried tofu sushi with truffle honey and jalapenos. Sounds weird? I agree but wow, it was a winner!

Then there was chicken in mole, lamb chops, and the most tender beer braised short rib. At this point, we had to work hard to keep eating but of course couldn’t refuse a matcha cheesecake. This post-Japan new matcha fan could have used a little more green but what a lovely way it was to finish a superb meal!

Scala Pasta Bar

• Type of dining: à la carte & set menu
• Location: off Bree Street

Needless to say, I knew where I was going to go first to eat in Cape Town when I heard there was a place called pasta bar. This little pastaholic ran as quickly as she could and ordered everything on the menu…

But first things first: Scala Pasta Bar is a love child of Italian Luciano Monosilio and Justin Barker with a big dash of cool. Who cares that you will open your pants halfway through the meal and not be able to close them after? The light is dimmed and no one will see your wonderful struggles, and you won’t care either as you are too busy trying to fit another bite. 

The concept is deceptively simple: antipasti and homemade pasta dishes meant to share as well as an impressive list of negronis (no worries, if you are not a fan, there are other cocktails and an extensive wine list too). Pasta dishes are served in typical Italian pasta dish size which is somewhere in between a starter and a main. If you go with friends you order a few and share! 

We started our evening with prawn crudo in tomato consommé, sardines, and beef tartare with truffle, hazelnut, and egg yolk – the winner of the antipasti! They also make meatballs which I realized too late look more like bitterballen than Italian meatballs so I would try those next. 

For the pasta, we may have gone a little overboard but I felt it my duty to try as many as I could on your behalf. Whatever else you order you must have the Pici cacio e pepe – this one will make it onto my ‘top pasta dishes around the world list’ with ease. Almost as good: their signature Carbonara and that says a lot coming from a Carbonara snob like myself. We also ordered this one with gluten-free spaghetti and I could taste no difference. 

An interesting one was the Bottoni with lemon mascarpone, seafood bisque, and charred octopus. The bisque was incredibly dark and bitter, and I was not sure if I liked it, my friend however was a fan. 

As I said, the wonderful thing is the portion sizes so you can try a few and find your favorite – no need to pick one! Mind you, if you do hold back, then you at least have room for dessert which is always a good one. 

Carne

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: Kloof Street

Carne is a beloved classic in Cape Town and as the name implies a carnivore’s paradise. Milanese chef Girgio Nova sets the tone for quality cuts and Italian pasta in town – I remember the crayfish spaghetti and double chocolate fondant at his 95 Keerom very fondly. 

While that one is awaiting reopening, the two Carne locations are open and buzzing. Personally, I love the Kloof Street restaurant since it has distinctive neighborhood feel. For better or worse not that many tourists find their way up there, which is just how I like it. 

On a wind-free evening you can sit out on the little patio but regardless of where you sit, bring an appetite. The plating vibe is a little bit old school but that is all part of the charm and the flavors are bang on. Definitely go for one of his homemade pasta dishes (I’d say the ravioli are always a winner!) before you dig into the meat menu. This is not the place to choose a simple chicken (though it is probably great). We had the bistecca, called ‘spider beef’ on the menu and it was incredible. Don’t let the sinews and marbling put you off because this is what makes the cut so flavorful while being buttery-soft like a filet. 

Definitely leave some room for dessert – while the chocolate fondant doesn’t come as a duo anymore it is still really, really good. 

Also, a big shout out to Carne’s staff – after so many years in the business, Giorgio has managed to find the most knowledgeable and lovely team I have encountered in a Cape Town restaurant!

Curry Club

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: De Waterkant

I think no other Cape Town restaurant was mentioned that often upon my return as Curry Club. Apparently, they started as a cook in your garage and delivery business during lockdown but have now morphed into a full-on Indian restaurant in the middle of town.

The concept calls itself “London style Punjabi flight kitchen” helmed by a kitchen team from Mumbai and a London owner who would be able to sell sand in a desert. The interior comes with just the right amount of color and kitsch to be cool, and there are a few tables outside for when the wind doesn’t howl.

On the menu various curries that are presented in an almost building block system. You choose your level of spiciness, pick between rice and cauliflower rice and vegans will get a version without cream. They also offer some interesting specials sometimes like goat curry, swordfish curry, or one full of freshly foraged mushrooms. 

Another good thing: they are not licensed and thus BYOB making for a proper cheap & cheerful meal in Cape Town. Head to Harley’s or Publik before to pick up a nice bottle or a few beers – the restaurant will gladly provide glasses and ice.

el Burro Taqueria

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: off Kloof Street

El Burro is a Cape Town staple when it comes to good Mexican food. Their little sister restaurant is El Burro’s Taqueria where you will find tacos, ceviche, and margaritas on the menu. It’s fun and colorful and really yummy. 

If you are in the mood for some solid tacos and you don’t have the chance to pop over to Mexico – this is your place!

Bao Down

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: Green Point

Okay, I will include Bao Down with one caveat: don’t get the Korean fried chicken baos. Other than that Bao Down has been a firm staple of the Cape Town restaurant scene for a few years and has now taken over the old premises of El Burro in Greenpoint. The setting and decor are lovely, especially when you come early enough to get a seat on their covered balcony. 

The menu is tiny with various Asian-inspired sharing plates. We ate tuna tataki, aforementioned baos, prawn toast – thick and delicious – as well as a cauliflower cake with mushrooms. 

Some dishes aren’t a hundred percent yet but if you come with a group just order them all and find your favorite – service and vibe make more than up for it. And since Korean fried chicken seems to be on every Cape Town menu at the moment you can simply skip it here and get your fill somewhere else. 

Restaurants in the Waterfront, Cape Town

I have long struggled to find you Cape Town Waterfront restaurants that I could wholeheartedly recommend. I don’t even mind that many of them are touristy and overpriced, but I do mind when the food isn’t good. There is absolutely no excuse for sub-par food in Cape Town, especially if you are paying above-par prices. 

However, times are slowly changing. So here is my advice if you want to eat at a V&A Waterfront restaurant: ignore the tourist traps right by the water, i.e., Harbour House, La Parada, or Life Grand Cafe. Instead, check out these Cape Town Waterfront restaurants below that I cannot recommend enough. And don’t worry – there is something for every budget! 

Marble Restaurant

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: V&A Waterfront

David Higgs is a South African household name when it comes to good food. Marble, with restaurants at the Cape Town Waterfront and in Rosebank, is one of his current endeavours. He calls it a celebration of quintessential South African fare and celebrates the country’s obsession/love of cooking with fire. 

Marble Restaurant at the V&A Waterfront has not only a showstopper in the shape of a wood-fire grill from Grill Works in Michigan, but views for days. It is located on the second floor and boasts a huge window front with uninterrupted views of Table Mountain on one side and the harbor on the other. 

I got to enjoy my lunch date with Table Mountain on a beautiful, sunny autumn day. Obviously, Marble, technically being a steakhouse, features meat prominently on the menu. Still, there is a good amount of fish and seafood options as well as some vegetarian dishes. Meat lovers can choose between premium South African cuts as well as USDA Prime Gold beef. 

I wasn’t in the mood for meat, so I went for the wood-fired octopus with lemon atcha, and Malay curry sauce. While the accompanying crispy potatoes were a bit much for a starter, the octopus was tender and the atcha added a nice bite of acidity. 

This being a South African restaurant, the wine menu is obviously extensive but there are some nice cocktail options too. I was delighted to find some carefully crafted mocktails as well. No icecubes, no straw in sight, and it didn’t just taste like juice – a rarety with most mocktails available these days.  

For my main, I went for the lobster risotto which was actually a rice and sweetcorn risotto with saffron tomato, and preserved lemon. As it was one of the more expensive dishes on the menu, I was worried if I’d get my money’s worth, but the lobster portion, including claws, was more than generous and so very delicious too. 

Luckily, the kind staff didn’t blink an eye when I asked for a doggy bag because I couldn’t finish everything. If you have room for dessert, I recommend you actually go for the cheese. You can choose between different cheeses from the cart with various condiments, all thoughtfully put together by another South African culinary icon, Karen Dudley. 

PIER

• Type of dining: set menu
• Location: V&A Waterfront

PIER is part of the La Colombe restaurant group and is their elegant water baby. It has established itself as the Waterfront restaurant in Cape Town; however, it is still wonderfully understated and uncrowded. 

The location is prime property, but regular visitors will just pass by. Head upstairs into a little maritime haven with stunning views of the harbor – the seals may even put on a show for you!

The 8-course menu is called an ode to the ocean, though it features both meat and seafood, and there is even a full vegetarian version. The tableware is fully ocean-inspired, though, and makes for a wonderful backdrop for the dishes – both are pieces of art. 

Start with a cocktail from their signature library while reading the note from chef John Norris-Rogers, a tiny message in a bottle. The first food act: assorted snacks, for lack of a better word. The menu is, of course, seasonal and will change, but we got a yuzu dashi, buffalo oyster, a classic ice cream cone filled and decorated with crab, and a modern take on a takoyaki, better than any I had in Osaka. 

The bread course deserves an honorable mention because the sourdough was made from the original La Colombe starter. And instead of regular butter, you get butter, freshly melted tableside, with lemon atchar and curried hake because – why not?!

The next few dishes are all surf and turf: tuna tataki with pork crackling, smoked mussels and bacon in very cute edible shells, and quail with langoustine. Honestly, it is hard to pick a favorite, and luckily, you won’t have to. 

Another honorary mention goes to the palate cleanser: ho ho ho and a bottle of rum! Not quite, but instead a fancy tequila shot you take at the bar. Instead of regular tequila, you get mezcal from the Karoo, popping candy salt, and homemade lime sorbet in its peel. Even if you are not a shot fan or a twenty-something, it is a worthy interlude. 

We still managed to find space for the most delectable lamb dish afterward, which was served with wild garlic, chimichurri, and the probably best potato purée I ever had. And of course, there is dessert with guava, blood orange, and macadamia as well as a proper treasure chest full of petit fours. Chances are, you will feel like a very special pirate when you find out that you can have more than one… 

Waterside

• Type of dining: set menu
• Location: V&A Waterfront

Downstairs from PIER, you will find its little sister, Waterside. Though honestly, little sister doesn’t do it justice – head chef Roxy Mudie dishes out an ocean-inspired feast. 

You can choose between a multi-course chef’s menu or a slightly shorter lunch menu; both are available for vegetarians as well. The setting is relaxed but elegant – if you catch a windless day, I recommend asking for a spot on the patio right by the ocean for a bit of typical Waterfront flair.

While there are some fun cocktails on the menu, I’d definitely go for the wine pairing at Waterside. Especially at the moment, because the motto is “Women in Wine,” showcasing the best the female South African wine makers have to offer. Especially noteworthy were the Nemrac red blend by Carmen Stevens, owner of the first black-owned winery in Stellenbosch, and a very delicious Blaauklippen port, tasting very un-porty (a good thing in my books). 

The food focuses on local ingredients with some nods to international flavors and techniques – homemade dumplings, anyone? Roxy’s handiwork is incredible, as is the crayfish filling and umami dashi broth. Her signature dish is yellowfin tuna with ponzu and avocado though. While it may sound like something you have seen a million times, the dish becomes the epitome of morish and well-balanced. More! 

Honorable mentions go to the very generous main of linefish, chorizo, and mussel, and the fun cactus garden palate cleanser. And definitely go for the optional oysters with chipotle foam, apples, and cucumbers to start with. After all, you cannot not eat oysters at a Cape Town Waterfront restaurant! 

Both PIER and Waterside are part of Cape Town restaurant week with special offers, and also plan to have winter offers with reduced-priced menus. 

ROOI

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: One & Only Cape Town

I am rarely impressed by hotel restaurants, but when the One & Only invited me, I couldn’t refuse. While the One & Only Cape Town is also home to a Nobu restaurant, I was excited to try ROOI, a truly South African grillroom. 

We started our evening at the Vista Bar in the hotel’s very grand lobby. The name is the game here: you won’t find a bar with a better view of Table Mountain. On the bar menu, cocktails representing South African mythological creatures, in case you are keen to find out what a sea dragon tastes like. Obviously drinks are served with some biltong to tide you over until dinner. 

ROOI, meaning red, stands for fire and flame, thus everything on the menu has been touched by flame in one way or another (similar concept to my favorite Skool in Bali!). And while it does call itself a grillroom, everything is elevated as you would expect from a One & Only restaurant. This starts with the interior, which is “African” without being kitschy. 

First up are typical South African breads: Mosbolletjies and Roosterkoeks. When deciding on starters, do add an order of their oysters. They are served with spekboom and chokka tentacles aka squid, and are delicious. We also had the tuna and bone marrow tartare. This was fillet tartare served in the bone with a side of bone marrow aioli – another not to be missed dish!

For mains, you have a few different choices, including dishes like lamb shank potjie and Bo-Kaap chicken. That said, I recommend you check out the grill section with prime beef, wagyu, cuts for the whole table, and a ROOI selection. While my friend loved her rump, I am still dreaming of the Kalahari venison loin which was a springbok. I ordered it with Malay-spiced fries and Béarnaise sauce, though to be honest, I preferred it just as it was. 

While prices are definitely on the higher end for steaks in Cape Town, I reckon the dishes are well worth their price. I recommend you make a weekend out of it, get yourself a room at the One & Only, so you can just fall into your bed upstairs once you are full. This is an especially good idea if you have some of their wonderful house bubbles, a Cap Classique created with Simonsig, and maybe a glass of the house red (or two) from Mischa Estate. 

Tip: If you wanted all the One & Only feels in a slightly more relaxed setting, eat at the Vista Bar. The menu is curated by South African culinary legend Karen Dudley!

Seven Colours Eatery

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: Battery Park

If you are looking for a casual South African restaurant at the V&A Waterfront, Seven Colours Eatery is the spot for you. They are a bit off the beaten tourist track by the canals behind Battery Park. If you are coming from the V&A, you can easily walk there. 

Chef Nolu Dube-Cele dishes out South African classics, perfect if you want to learn more about and try proper South African food. Taste the rainbow should be the motto of the menu. 

So what can you eat? First up are the meats that include all the things you would usually find in a South African home: boerewors, umleqwa chicken, ulusu (tripe), and various stews. In addition, typical grains like pap and amazimba, breads like vetkoeks and roosterkoeks, and a rainbow assortment of vegetables like chakalaka, beetroot, and leafy greens. 

For lunch, they always offer a plate with a meat, a grain, and an assortment of veggie sides, but in general, this is an affordable restaurant at the Cape Town Waterfront and a true South African dining experience. 

Cape Town fine dining

Cape Town fine dining has slowly made itself known amongst international foodies and there are some great eateries in town where you can leave some serious cash and explore the best South Africa has to offer on the plate.

beyond

• Type of dining: set menu
• Location: Constantia

If you want to have a Winelands feel, but not a long drive, Constantia wineries are your best bet. Usually, I would recommend Buitenverwachting as a great but busy option for a picnic and for families with kids, as they have plenty of space to run around. However, look beyond the picnic-ing crowd, and you will find beyond, an elegant yet relaxed fine dining restaurant by Peter Tempelhoff. 

The venue is simply stunning – I was so happy to see that beyond is yet another vineyard restaurant to incorporate huge glass walls giving you an uninterrupted view of the vineyards. Perfect to soak up the atmosphere while still sitting sheltered from the sun (or torrential downpour in our case). 

Unlike so many other fine dining restaurants in Cape Town, you can choose between menus with 2, 3, or 6 courses. While the 6-course menu is a chef’s tasting menu, you can choose your own courses when you get the 2- or 3-course menu. This is also great for vegetarians or pescetarians as starters and mains come with a choice of fish, meat, and vegetables. 

Obviously, wine pairing is available, and I am glad to report that they not only have Buitenverwachting wines on the menu but bottles from the whole Constantia area. In addition, they have some really good cocktails. I recommend you start with a glass of Ambeloui, bubbles from Hout Bay, have the cocktail with plum bitters, and order wine by the glass from there. 

We opted for the 6-course tasting menu, which luckily started with their artisan bread selection, including some very yum Parmesan grissini and wonderful ciabatta. I usually never fill up on bread, but this was so worth it. 

After we had the assortment of starters with a braaied snoek and hake galantine that came with the most delicious mussels (my friend and I were fighting whether the tempura or pickled mussel was better), smoked duck breast, and goat’s cheese. The latter gets an honorary mention – I am a sucker for innovative, fun vegetarian dishes, and this one was just that. 

For mains we had a Cape fish and to my utter delight an off-the-menu springbok with cauliflower variations before cheesecake and roasted pineapple ice cream for dessert. Let’s just say if you come for lunch, you will probably be able to skip dinner. Not that I am complaining… 

Terrarium

• Type of dining: set menu
• Location: V&A Waterfront

The V&A is one of the busiest areas in Cape Town and tourists simply love it here. Needless to say, the search is on for great restaurants at the Cape Town Waterfront. Unfortunately, it is a tricky one – places are usually overpriced and tend to live off their location. While I don’t mind paying good money for good food, I don’t like the feeling of being ripped off – something many V&A Waterfront restaurants do… 

Luckily there is a new kid on the block who may just change things up: Terrarium. 

Terrarium is a new restaurant at the V&A Waterfront and at home at the stunning Queen Victoria Hotel. It was dreamed up by chef Chris Erasmus and offers an elevated farm-to-table concept that focuses on seasonal, local ingredients. 

You can choose between a Flora menu and a Fauna menu. Rarely will you see a fine-dining restaurant in Cape Town that offers a whole vegetarian menu, so this was something I really appreciated. If you are dining with a friend or a partner, I recommend you try both menus. 

The star of the meal was on both menus: tomato tartar with peach achar, whey vinaigrette, and chili oil. I can appreciate a veggie-only dish that is new, exciting, and just super delicious. Luckily it is also available as one of their “small plates” for lunch if you don’t want a whole testing menu. 

Still, I can recommend it. Fauna sees bone & yeast, charred kinglip with fermented blueberry, and the most delicious venison with black garlic. While the main for the Flora menu was a bit underwhelming the melt-in-your-mouth leek and sourdough with forest mushroom butter made more than up for it. 

Wine pairing is available, and while I didn’t quite understand the concept of using only magnums, the pairing was well balanced and the portions more than generous. I’d recommend you book yourself a room at the Queen Victoria so you can just roll into your bed afterward. 

SALSIFY

• Type of dining: set menu
• Location: Camps Bay

It has been years since I have been to the Roundhouse and I remember the place fondly for the incredible setting and a bottle of Pinot Noir I still dream of. Now it has a new owner and is called Salsify but that doesn’t take away from the loveliness – this is a spectacular setting!

Ignore the crowds on the Lawn and head straight to the elegant building which is an old hunting lodge. If you can, try for a table by the windows so you can enjoy the views – Salsify is definitely a restaurant I would prefer for lunch because the panorama is just so beautiful.

For lunch, they offer a four-course meal which comes with two options for each course. It is incredibly well-priced thanks to various amuse-bouches and petit fours you get in addition. On the note of amuse-bouche: if you ever wanted to taste a South African smiley* but are terrified by the idea, this is the place to give it a go!

*Boiled sheep’s head, a traditional Xhosa dish.

My favorite of our four dishes was the beef tartare and the buttermilk curd with leeks. I am still hoping the chef will tell me his recipe for the quinoa hollandaise which came with it.

Another highlight for both my friend and me: the cocktails. So often it is not a given that a place can stir up a good cocktail beyond a G&T, not even at a fine dining restaurant in Cape Town, so we were stoked with our margaritas and of course, ordered seconds!

FYN

• Type of dining: set menu
• Location: CBD

FYN is no longer new in the Cape Town restaurant scene but has recently won a big accolade by gaining a spot on the World’s Best 50 Restaurants list. 

I absolutely adore its location in the middle of town which works just as well for lunch as it does for dinner and is not only super sleek but also has great views of Lion’s Head.

The food is contemporary with local produce and Japanese touches and is as good as it gets in Cape Town. Since I am often a solo diner I loved to see that there were no issues for a fellow solo diner who was enjoying the whole menu by herself. In addition, there are plenty of seats at the long bar counter, an awesome spot to watch the cooks at work, and always a great spot if you are eating alone.

La Colombe

• Type of dining: set menu
• Location: Hout Bay

For years and years, La Colombe led the league of fine dining in Cape Town and if you are looking for the ultimate indulgence it is still the place to go. Located at the Silvermist Estate between Hout Bay and Constantia it offers various tasting menus in a sleek setting. 

You can choose between various menus and there are plenty of vegetarian options as well. What they have in common: delicious flavors and an almost whimsical presentation. 

Find a room at Silvermist Estate

Out of Town & worth the trip

Great food doesn’t stop in Cape Town. There are some of the most amazing restaurants along the coast and in the Winelands. These are a few of my favorite restaurants that are worth the trip!

Wolfgat

• Type of dining: set menu
• Location: Paternoster

Wolfgat is considered the best restaurant in South Africa by many. Reason enough to plan a trip to Paternoster, two hours up the West Coast from Cape Town. Paternoster itself is worth a trip, and there are enough additional restaurants and cute-kitschy shops to make a weekend out of it. 

Make sure to get your reservation to Wolfgat first, though, because owner Kobus van der Merwe offers 5 lunches and 2 dinners per week, one sitting each for only 20 diners. Everything else is casual as it should be for a self-proclaimed Strandveld eatery.

What’s on the menu? After our dinner at Wolfgat for my birthday, I called it the Noma of South Africa. Then the news about René Redzepi and his misconduct broke, and I quickly retracted my statement. Because while Wolfgat is incredibly cool, it is also wholesome. There is little dogma but rather a profound appreciation for showcasing indigenous ingredients specific to its West Coast location. 

You can only book the set 7-course Strandveld signature menu, which is R1450 per person (about $86) and needs to be paid in advance. Dishes include local fish and shellfish, foraged herbs, succulents and seaweeds, and sometimes lamb or venison. You can book a vegetarian menu; however, you must do so in advance. 

Our dishes included delicious mussel mousse, and limpets served in their own shell, abalone and mushrooms, and the most delicious bread with melted bokkoms butter straight from the pan. We also had mussels in a wild garlic masala broth and of course, we had oysters as well as springbok tartare and Cape Bream followed by various sorbets for dessert. 

The wine menu is weird and wonderful, with many natural wines, and you can order quite a few wines by the glass. Each glass is distributed in three portions, a unique system. Of course, Kobus is omnipresent, but his staff is just as wonderful and knowledgeable – it seems that everyone is in charge of everything, a truly one of a kind and wholesome concept. 

Tip: I recommend you stay in this stunning holiday house on the beach in Paternoster. For lunch, head to the Noisy Oyster, and for breakfast, you have to have a grilled sandwich at the Hobbnobbery. 

The Beach House Restaurant

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: Yzerfontein

For my birthday we recently took a drive to Kraalbai in the West Coast National Park. On the way back I took my gang to the newly opened Beach House Restaurant in Yzerfontein. The restaurant belongs to the same team that is behind the Stellenbosch fine dining restaurant Dusk. Reason enough to give it a go. 

As the name implies the Beach House Restaurant is overlooking Yzerfontein beach. The guests make up an eclectic crowd of linen & loafer wearers and those in their still in dripping wetsuits. If you are coming on the weekend, a reservation is essential. 

On the menu: beach classics with fish and seafood. That said, everything is prepared to perfection. Crispy and juicy fish n’ chips, delicious fish ceviche, of course, fresh oysters, and generous seafood platters. Get some chilled rose or a margarita – honestly, if you are looking for a leisurely Sunday lunch option by the beach it doesn’t get any better. 

The service is also incredible – friendly, attentive, and on it – even when things get busy. For dogs there is a special patio section you can reserve. 

Babel

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: Winelands

Still one of my all-time favorite Winelands restaurants is Babel at Babylonstoren. It is one of my favorite restaurants in the area set in the beautiful Babylonstoren gardens. On the menu – a harvest from the gardens of course. Meat and fish are the sides while the vegetable dishes take center stage here. 

Obviously, everything is seasonal and accompanied by their own wine or herbal non-alcoholic concoctions. Do leave space for dessert – they are usually floral, a little savory and so so good! 

Babylonstoren recently increased their entrance fee to ZAR 80. If you have a restaurant reservation you will not need to pay this. Chat with them if you are trying to get a walk-in table so they will waive your fees (and you can use it to get another glass of Viognier instead!) 

Or stay the night! Find a room at Babylonstoren

wThe Foodbarn

• Type of dining: à la carte
• Location: Noordhoek

The Foodbarn always pops up on Cape Town’s best-of lists but somehow quietly so. Maybe because it is in sleepy Noordhoek, set in an understated barn, or because it just refuses to be loud and flashy, gawking for publicity. All of that makes it even more charming and the food is a revelation.

If you can take something great like an oyster and turn it into something even better when combined on a plate, you are a hero in my books. And the dessert… I am drooling and crying (because I am far away) was one of the best I have ever had. Don’t make the mistake to order only one to share. Do not ever share the dessert here!*

*Unless you have had your own before and decide to have a little second dessert (which I may or may not have done here before). If hobbits can have a second breakfast, you can have a second dessert.

Keen to plan a Cape Town holiday? Check out these posts: 

A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR YOUR CAPE TOWN HOLIDAY. WHERE TO STAY IN CAPE TOWN. 50 FUN THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN. CAPE TOWN ITINERARY FOR 1, 3, OR 5 DAYS.

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