Restaurants in Cape Town
The Cape, with its diverse ethnic mix, offers a range of cuisines to tempt any tastes. From the spicy Cape Malay curries to the traditional township fare, unique meats and fresh seafood, dining out in the Cape is bound to be one of your favourite memories of your visit. Food is generally reasonably priced, high quality, and well prepared.
Make sure you experience as many of the different dining opportunities as possible, to get a real appreciation for the flavours of the Cape!
This Cape Restaurants Guide gives a breakdown of what type of cuisine you could expect to find, as well as listing a few restaurants which you may like to try. More general information about food in South Africa can be found by going to our South Africa Restaurants Guide. And to help burn off some of those calories, why not enjoy some of the fantastic shopping in Cape Town - check out our Cape Town Shopping Guide for hints and tips of what souvenirs you make like to take home, and where to find them.
Cape Region Food & Restaurants
The Cape Peninsula is reknowned for its diverse and delicious cuisine. Whilst in the Cape, you may wish to:
- Savour the fragrant spices and powerful flavours of Cape Malay cooking.
- Experience traditional township meals such as morogo and "samp and beans", at places like Igugu le Africa or one of the Township B&Bs in Khayelitsha.
- Sample some unique African meats, such as the low fat ostrich steaks or even springbok or kudu.
- Travel along the West Coast where you will find the very best seafood in the Cape, although anywhere along the coast normally offers something fresh and tantalising.
Cape Malay Cooking
Curries and pastries are two of the most popular features of Cape Malay cooking. Fragrant spices are a key ingredient, and give the cuisine its distinctive taste. Particular favourites include:
Bobotie - ground beef and raisins, covered in a creamy crust made of egg
Breyani - with a spicy base made of rice and lentils, breyani also features fish, meat or poultry
Samoosa - minced meat or vegetables in a covered pastry, a popular snack
Koeksister - normal taken with tea or coffee, this is a sweet plaited pastry
African Fare
African fusion restaurants abound in Cape Town, and a number of them are excellent locations to try some African fare. Unique dishes are created by combining and experimenting with African ingredients and recipes. There is a tremendous amount of variety available on the menus, and as such surely something to please everyone. Established, well-known African fusion restaurants include Mama Africa, on Long Street, and the Africa Café, located in the City Bowl.
The Township Culinary Experiences
If you'd like to try something a bit more authentic, in terms of the types of meals eaten every day by many locals, your best option is to try some of the traditional township fare. As mentioned previously, dishes such as morogo (wild spinach) and "samp'n beans" are popular, as are various wood fired meats. A boisterous "shebeen" (township bar/restaurant) is the best place to enjoy one of these meals.
Meat & Braai (BBQ)
As is the case everywhere else in South Africa, meat is both popular and plentiful. Whether it's the juicy lamb from the Karoo, low fat ostrich steaks from Oudtshoorn, springbok, kudu or even the huge beef steaks on offer, carnivores will find themselves spoiled for choice. The quintessential South African braai is an absolute must if you are offered the opportunity - less a meal than a way of life in South Africa.
If its game meats you're after, you'd be best served going to restaurants specialising in them, such as Lobst's in Paarl and Lapa Lanterfanteer in Gansbaai. One local snack which you may also wish to try is biltong, basically dried meat. Normally made from beef, it is also made from kudu, springbok and ostrich meat. It's especially popular as "padkos", which translates from Afrikaans as food for the road.
The Cape is famous for its wonderful choice of restaurants catering to all budgets and palates. Here's just a sampling of it's best eateries (and some of our personal favourites)...
Restaurants List
Marimba Restaurant (City Centre, Foreshore)
There is something to be said for making an evening out a treasure and Marimba seems to have the ideal recipe - one that allows their patrons to spend the evening in their company rather than having to go elswhere to complete their evening....." ( Rafiek Mammon - Cape Times - 12th November 2004).
African, Contemporary, Continental, Game and Seafo
Cnr Coen Steytler & Heerengracht, Foreshore, Cape Town
+27 (0)21 418 3366
info@marimbaSA.com
00:00 to 00:00
Paranga (Camps Bay)
Paranga offers its guests the four big G's: good food, good wine, good service and great value. What more do you need? Located along the beautiful and popular sunset strip in Camps Bay, Paranga stands out with its careful selection of the finest wine, dishy waitrons and fabulous food and service.
Grills, International, Seafood, Sushi
Shop 1, The Promonade Camps Bay
+27 (0)21 438 0404
+27 (0)21 438 0828
info@paranga.co.za
09:00 to 13:00
The Food Barn (Noordhoek)
One of the top ten 'Everyday Eating' picks from '2008 Dine Magazine South Africa Restaurant Guide'. All organic ingredients, prepared on property - delicious take away and sit down options.
Delicious Fun
Noordhoek Farm Village Village Lane
+27(0)217891390
http://www.noordhoekvillage.co.za/Pages/The_food_Barn.htm
00:00 to 00:00
Azure (Camps Bay)
If you're in the mood for some of Cape Town's finest indigenous and international cuisine - Azure Restaurant will provide you with a variety of exquisite dishes including meat, seafood and vegetarian options.
Using the best organic ingredients, Azure offers its guests everything from smoked ostrich and green fig salad, freshly shucked oysters or spinach and barlotti bean tortellini and much more. Azure proudly introduces its' innovative Fynbos cooking to the South African food scene.
Indigenous and International cuisine
12 Apostles Hotel & Spa, Victoria Road
Camps Bay
+27 (0)21 437 9000
+27 (0)21 437 9055
nlinde@rchmail.co.za
http://www.12apostleshotel.com
08:00 to 22:00
Ayanamkela (Guguletu)
Ayanamkela can be found in Montana, just outside of Guguletu. The restaurant offers traditional food accompanied by live performances from traditional dancers, jazz groups or the local community choir. Booking ahead is essential.
Xhosa
33 Friesland Crescent, Montana
+27 (21) 934 6147
00:00 to 00:00
Mama Africa (City Centre, Long Street)
For a truly magical African experience visit Mama Africa's where you will have the opportunity to sample some of the counties best dishes. With African grills, seafood and game on offer, the quality of the food is superb. To complete the evening, the feast is complimented with lively musical entertainment. All visitors will leave having had an African experience that they will never forget.
For accommodation near Mama Africa's, have a look at Urban Chic, Inn Long Street and Daddy Long Legs.
African
179 Long Street
+27 (21) 426 1017
19:00 to 00:00
Sinn's (City Centre, Gardens)
Contemporary Global Fusion
Wembley Square Mc Kenzie Road Gardens
+27 21 4650967
sinns@wembleysquare.co.za
09:00 to 23:00
Mandela's Evening Cultural Experience (meet in City Centre, dinner in Hout Bay Township)
The atmosphere is light hearted and welcoming, the food is good quality and the drinks are cheap! For ZAR 225 pp all inclusive, Mandela's will even pick you up from The Long Street Cafe in Cape Town and drop you off at your hotel afterwards.
African
Long Street Cafe pick-up
+27 (21) 790 5817 for bookings
00:00 to 00:00
Igugu le Africa & Imvelo Xhosa Restaurant (V&A Waterfront)
Run by esteemed chef Abel Bokwe, this traditional Xhosa restaurant serves up tasty lamb and chicken stews with pap, samp and beans, delicious fresh mixed vegetables and Xhosa bread.
Traditional Xhosa
Igugu le Africa - Khayelitsha Imvelo - Clock Tower Precinct, V&A Waterfront
+27 21 421 8666
abebokwe@webmail.co.za
09:00 to 23:00
Wakame (Green Point)
Wakame has a spectacular view stretching from the Old Lighthouse at Moullie Point to the twinkling lights of Table Bay. With the best view of Robbin Island in Cape Town and the occasional dolphins and whales entertaining the crowds this restaurant takes scenic dining to the next level.
With a team of young innovative chefs behind the wheel, the restaurant offers an exciting blend of Asian fusion, a hint of French and Western influence and Pacific Rim.
40 Winks, Olaf's Guesthouse, Cape Nelson's Guest House and Winchester Mansions are just down the road from Wakame!
Sushi
Cnr of Beach Rd & Surrey Place, Moullie Pt. Green Point
+27 (21) 433 2377
info@wakame.co.za
12:00 to 22:00
Wasabi Restaurant (Constantia)
Rather than the traditional cluttered Asian restaurant, Wasabi prefers to keep things simple. Instead of over the top decor, the focus has been placed in the details. The food is prepared to perfection and the warm and welcoming atmosphere will have you coming back for more.
Asian and Sushi
Constantia Village
+27 21 794 6546
info@wasabi.co.za
12:00 to 22:00
Blowfish (Table View)
Sushi, Seafood
Dolphin Beach Hotel, Table View
27 (0) 21 556-5464
info@blowfishrestaurant.co.za
07:00 to 23:00
Africa Cafe (City Centre)
African
108 Shortmarket Street, Heritage Square
+27 (21) 422 0221
19:00 to 23:00
Lola's (City Centre, Long Street)
If you're looking for the funky, lively bars and restaurants that you have heard so much about in Cape Town, head no further than Long Street. With ultra trendy retro furniture and tasty veg fare and fresh fruit juices on offer, Lola's stands out from the crowd!
Vegitarian
228 Long Street, City Centre
+27 (21) 423 0885
08:00 to 11:00
Mesopotamia (City Centre)
For an evening of ambiance and entertainment take a step inside Mesopotamia. With belly dancers hypnotising guests and delightful Mezze and main courses available you are bound to have found the perfect way to spend the evening.
Kurdish
Corner Long and Church Streets, City Centre
+27 (21) 424 4664
18:00 to 11:00
Mzoli's Place (Gugulethu)
If you want to unwind from all the hassles that comes with work or studies, then Mzoli's place in Gugulethu is definitely the place to be and have a great time over the weekend.
This local butchery has been turned by many into a club and a sport bar where you can watch soccer and rugby, and is a good place to network, mingle and meet different folks from different places ranging from your ordinary locals, artists, musicians, actors, politicians and many others. Mzoli's Place - local cuisine at its best.
Buy & Braai (BBQ)
NY 115 Shop 3 Gugulethu, Cape Town 7751 Western Cape South Africa
+27 (21) 6381355
00:00 to 00:00
Bibi's Kitchen (Wynberg)
Voted one of the top ten South African Restaurants for everyday eating by Wine Magazine. Upmarket Indian, draped cieling and Indian music. Specialties include seafood, curry, tandoori and prawn chaat and naans.
Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 10pm. Sunday 9am to 5pm
Malay/Indian
Broad Road Medi Centre, Broad Road, Wynberg
021 761 8865
09:00 to 22:00
Aubergine (City Centre)
In our never-ending pursuit of excellence, we place great emphasis on the quality and service of our food and wines. Many have judged the result and bestowed every kind of accolade upon the Aubergine.
Despite the recognition, Harald Bresselschmidt, Chef and owner, never rests on his laurels. New and ever more exciting dishes are continually being created.
The Dine Awards 2008 placed Aubergine in the top ten in the Delux Category for its offering of high-skill, innovative cuisine, exceptional winelists, high levels of wine knowledge, magnificent décor and faultless service
Sophisticated Dining
39 Barnet Street Gardens Cape Town
+27 - 021 465 4909
+27 - 021 461 3781
info@aubergine.co.za
18:00 to 23:00
Bon Appetit Restaurant (Simon's Town)
Voted one of the top 10 Smart Casual restaurants in South Africa by Dine Magazine SA.
Candelight fine dining in the heard ot Simon's Town, occupying the ground level of the British Hotel.
Closed Sundays & Mondays.
French
90 St Georges Street Simon's Town
+27 21 786 2412
12:00 to 22:00
RIboville Restaurant & Cellar
This high-end dining experience is set in the old ABC Bank building of downtown Cape Town. Delicious cuisine ranging from Fresh Seafood and Dim Sum along with over 14,000 wine choices. Guests are invited to visit the vault to choose their own wine.
Classic Fare & Wine Bar
ABC Bank Building 130 Adderley Street
021 4260324
18:00 to 23:00
