A Foodie’s Guide to Kloof Street Restaurants.

Updated April 2023

Where to eat in Cape Town? There are plenty of options depending on what you are in the mood for. Especially hip Kloof Street and its surroundings have so much to offer that you will have some tough food choices to make without ever leaving the zip code. 

There are always new restaurants in Kloof Street, Cape Town popping up but luckily a few old favorites stay put too – enough options to come back for a few lunches and dinners. 

Technically you can walk from the bottom of Kloof Street to the top but be warned: it gets quite steep in parts. As far as safety is concerned, I would say that Kloof Street is a lot less dodgy than Long Street but if you are walking at night be mindful of your surroundings, don’t walk alone, and don’t flash your phone and other valuables.

Read this for your Cape Town holiday:

What to do in Cape Town Winter
5 Day Cape Town Itinerary
Where to stay in Cape Town? Best accommodation!
The best winefarms in Constantia, Cape Town.

So where to eat on Kloof Street and around? Check out my favorite restaurants & cafes: 

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY – KLOOF STREET RESTAURANTS

Blondie Bar

Blondie Bar is a new Kloof Street restaurant that’s definitely worth checking out. To be honest, I was intimidated at first – it seemed way too cool for me. But eventually, my friend and I decided to come for an early lunch and we were so glad we did. Despite an Uber-cool crowd, the food is confident and yummy. 

The tables are for sharing as are the dishes. Filled pita pockets, a whole grilled cauliflower, fried lettuce – as I said, the cooking is confident, modern, and unpretentious. The same goes for the drinks menu – in summer the ouzo grapefruit slushies are a must. They will remind you of Greek summer holidays as a child; if children were allowed ouzo slushies that is. And with that feeling, Blondie has become one of my favorite restaurants in Cape Town!

71 Kloof Street, www.blondie.bar

Carne

Carne restaurant is an Italian carnivore’s dream in Cape Town, with its high-quality cuts of meat and delicious Italian pasta. The Kloof Street restaurant’s founder, Milan chef Giorgio Nova, has a reputation for serving some of the best Italian food in the city.

Carne has two locations in town but my personal favorite is the Kloof Street restaurant. It has a unique neighborhood feel and is not often frequented by tourists, which I find appealing.

The interior is clean and modern but still works in the old Kloof Street house and on a wind-free evening you can sit on the small patio in front. 

The dishes and their plating have an old-school charm, but the flavors are always spot-on. The homemade pasta dishes are a must-try, with the ravioli being my personal favorite. Obviously, the pasta dishes are served in the appropriate size here so you can have your main after. Meat is a must at Carne as the name implies and they have quite a few interesting cuts on the menu – when in doubt ask Giorgio or his team for a recommendation. 

And whatever you do, leave some space for the chocolate fondant which is always a winner!

153 Kloof Street, carne-sa.com

ëlgr

Another one of the new restaurants in Kloof Street is ëlgr, housed in the former Janse & Co location. If you’re looking for a relaxed yet sophisticated dining experience in Cape Town, it might just be the perfect spot for you. They offer a blend of Nordic flavors with South African ingredients, all served in a casual yet very cool, dark setting.

Small plates are perfect for sharing, but it’s hard not to want to try everything on the menu. Guests can choose to order a la carte or opt for the Chef’s Choice Sharing Menu. A must-try dish is the “Toast, Nduja, Boquerones, Ricotta” and the charcuterie board with their amazing homemade pâté. While some dishes need a bit of fine-tuning there is much to love on the menu – apparently, even the pizzas are very good. 

Not the cheapest, but be sure to leave some room for the dark chocolate sorbet with olive oil. 

Unlike many other fine dining restaurants in Cape Town, ëlgr offers a great cocktail menu to start your evening. Afterward, you can ask their two talented sommeliers to help you find the perfect wine to pair with your meal.

75 Kloof Street, elgr.co.za

KLOOF STREET HOUSE

Kloof Street House is located at the bottom of the street and is set in a beautiful old Victorian house. It has seen a few owners over the past but luckily the last one seems to stick.

People in Cape Town go gaga over Kloof Street House while I think it is a tad bit overhyped. But maybe I am just too old. The waitstaff is incredibly hip and quite aloof at times and the whole place is just very … busy. I can’t quite put my finger on it but I think it wants to be both a bar and a restaurant, a concept that can be slightly overwhelming at times.

The food is an extensive bistro menu with classics like steak tartar, calamari, steak, and risotto – nothing wrong with it but nothing to write home about either. Still, if you want to see what Capetonians consider one of the best Kloof Street restaurants – book a table. Do call before 5 pm though otherwise you will be told off.

30 Kloof Street, www.kloofstreethouse.co.za

ASOKA

There are plenty of cool Kloof Street restaurants and bars and Asoka is one of them. While it is mainly known as a bar/lounge, they also offer an extensive tapas menu. The seating is plush and the light is dim, Asoka is definitely still more of a bar than a Kloof Street restaurant. But ask for a table in the separate dining room if you are not ready for dancing yet and you will be pleasantly surprised by the menu. 

The dishes are made for sharing and plentiful, the cuisine is modern and local, and the extensive cocktail menu just makes it a well-rounded evening.

68 Kloof Street, asoka.za.com

Some more Kloof Street restaurants & local favorites

Tiger’s Milk // “Dude Food Made Real Good” – personally I don’t necessarily consider pizzas and burgers dude food and let’s not even talk about the underlying sexism here but Tiger’s Milk has obviously found its niche in the South African food scene. 

What I like about their Kloof Street location is the atmospheric beer garden in the back, not something you find often in Cape Town. 

55 Kloof Street, tigersmilk.co.za

Black Sheep // Is it Asian, is it African? It is honestly hard to put a finger on what Black Sheep wants to be but maybe it doesn’t even matter. This Kloof Street restaurant is so popular that you shouldn’t dare to get in without a reservation and diners are loving the whole very mixed menu. So why not just go with it and have some pork trotter to start followed by a Burmese pork curry or a bowl of ramen? 

104 Kloof Street, blacksheeprestaurant.co.za

Cafe Paradiso // A bit Italian, a bit Greek, a bit South African – Cafe Paradiso has it all. Part of the Madame Zingara family it is another Kloof Street classic and probably a favorite if you are looking for a sheltered location to dine outside. 

They are also perfect for families with kids and have a few fun cooking activities for little ones while parents sip on Kir Royale. 

110 Kloof Street, www.cafeparadiso.co.za

Rick’s Cafe Americain // Rick’s Cafe Americain got a new location and this time directly on Kloof Street. That doesn’t change the menu which is still decidedly un-Moroccan except for some tagines and harissa-spiced dishes. Still, I don’t care – Rick’s is a classic and we’ll always have (it in) Cape Town. Hopefully.

103 Kloof Street, rickscafe.co.za

RESTAURANTS ON KLOOF NEK ROAD

While technically not Kloof Street as some smart-ass date was trying to tell me before, Kloof Nek Road is straight off Kloof Street and offers some amazing options which are too good not to include because of a technicality.

It is a tiny road but really packs a punch when it comes to restaurant density and variety of cuisines. 

KYOTO GARDEN SUSHI

Kyoto Garden will forever be one of my absolute favorite places in Cape Town. I have not ever had a disappointing meal here. The ambiance is as zen as the menu – Japanese cuisine at its best with some of the freshest seafood and sushi.

If you want to indulge in abalone, toro, sea urchin & Co this is the place to be. Definitely, order a side of mixed mushrooms and the cold noodle soup – both dishes were absolute revelations and I am drooling even thinking about them.

11 Kloof Nek Road, www.kyotogardensushict.com

EL BURRO TAQUERIA

The little corner of Kloof Nek Road and New Church Street has a high density of really cool Cape Town restaurants and bars. Now that Taqueria has its liquor license its glory is complete. While I personally don’t think that El Burro is the best Mexican in town (that honor used to go to San Julien which has unfortunately closed down so I guess El Burro can have it now) I do think they are doing something right in terms of branding, great food, and the friendliest staff.

Little Taqueria has followed suit and firmly established its place in the golden triangle for hipster hangouts. Great tacos, great ceviche, and now great margaritas as well. Happy donkey days!

1 New Church Street & Kloof Nek Road, www.elburro.co.za

PUBLIK

Publik has been the hippest wine bar in town run by the hippest people in town for quite a few years. They have now relocated to Kloof Nek Road into a small space formerly occupied by Hallelujah. 

This is the place for unusual wine from small and mainly unknown wineries. Some natural wines you will have to work for to like while others are beautiful, easy drinking, and just a little different. 

They do have a lot of great options by the glass but you can also stock up for the fridge here. In addition, they offer a few tapas and nibbles including an amazing cheese and charcuterie platter with offerings from a few local favorites.

11D Kloof Nek Road, www.publik.co.za

Miller’s Thumb

Miller’s Thumb has been around for almost 30 years so they obviously must be doing something right, still the restaurant is a bit of an enigma to me. But if you are in the area and are in the mood for something wholesome and delicious check it out. 

It ain’t hip and happening but there are some great grilled fish options on the menu with more unusual dishes like chili con pesce and classics chicken livers and springbok carpaccio.

10B Kloof Nek Road, millersthumb.co.za

Soi Bar

I guess it was an interesting location choice to open a restaurant like Soi Bar right next to Kyoto Garden. While both technically offer Japanese and sushi they couldn’t be further apart when it comes to the execution. This is not necessarily a bad thing and I guess both will have their own target audience.

Soi Bar is westernized Asian in the best way possible. Some California rolls, some bao buns, some Thai curry, Peking duck, and deep-fried ice cream – you can take a trip around Asia on a plate at this Kloof Street restaurant. Wash it all down was some very interestingly presented cocktail so don’t forget to take a picture to post it on Instagram!

9 Kloof Nek Road, www.soibar.co.za

The Power & the Glory

Back in the day, the Power & the Glory was the coolest hangout in Cape Town. Craft beer and hotdogs, good music, and an overall appropriate hipster vibe. Has that changed or have I? I am not too sure, but if you are young, don’t mind noise, and waiting for your drink check it out and report back to me. And if you hate it you can always pop next door to Publik for a more sophisticated glass. 

13 Kloof Nek Road, www.allyoursco.com

BREAKFAST SPOTS & KLOOF STREET CAFES

Do you want to have a good start into the day or linger over a boozy brunch? Check out these breakfast spots and cafes on Kloof Street.

OUR LOCAL

Our Local is still somewhat new on the block but has already conquered the hearts of fickle Capetonians in search of the best Eggs Benedict. Our Local is an absolute Instagram heaven, something that I may count against them but it just manages to look undone and flea-markety enough to get away with it. 

Lots of greenery and plants await at this Kloof Street cafe, a nod to its former life as a nursery. In addition, some comfy old armchairs and a large communal table. We came for breakfast which was simple but really good – eggs, avo, sourdough, and for me cheesy toastie!

They are open for breakfast and lunch but also offer a weekly chef’s table for dinner which I am super keen to try. This place is not only great for a catch up with your girlfriends but also if you want to work away a few hours on your laptop while sitting amongst the cool kids. 

117 Kloof Street, www.ourlocal.co.za

YOURS TRULY AND TODAY & TOMORROW

Those places are another local favorite and it is easy to see why: nice decor, nice staff, and decent food. I personally liked that the menu isn’t too big, something that tends to confuse me especially when it comes to breakfast.

I am still a bit fuzzy on the details of what differentiates the two and I think it might just be a case of – oh we are running out of space, let’s buy the place next door. Yours Truly, however, does turn into an outdoor pizza place and bar at night, and considering how scarce cool outdoor restaurants in Cape Town are it is much appreciated even if they put up fairy lights.*

*Which I secretly love but am too cool to admit.

73 Kloof Street, www.yourstrulycafe.co.za

TAMBOERSWINKEL

It is a short but steep walk to Tamboerskwinkel from the bottom of Kloof but well worth the effort. They used to have the best deconstructed chicken pie in town but unfortunately, the new owners changed the decor and the menu. I get that a new owner may want to do that but man, they were known for this chicken pie!

But they still do a great breakfast with a selection of eggs, sandwiches, and of course, great coffee – a little wooden hipster heaven of all things yummy and organic. Come back in the evening as Tamboerswinkel frequently offers wine tastings and is overall a great spot for a glass or two.

3 De Lorentz Street & Kloof Street, www.tamboerswinkel.com

MANNA EPICURE

Manna Epicure has moved and is a bit more central now. They still serve a mean burger, the best non-alcoholic drink (tea, Appletizer, and berries), and my favorite breakfast in Cape Town: poached eggs, salmon, avo, and homemade coconut bread which is worth every single carbohydrate calorie it comes with.

Burnside Rd, www.mannaepicure.com

Arnold’s

Arnold’s calls itself an iconic Kloof Street restaurant and I guess they are not wrong. They are mostly known for feeding hungover breakfasters at any time of the day since their legendary breakfast (their words not mine) is served until 16h30. 

Little did I know they also serve lunch and dinner with unusual local dishes like smoked warthog ribs, eland steak, and crocodile tagine. 

60 Kloof Street, www.arnolds.co.za

Pin for later!