Cape Town Restaurants and exceptional food experiences
A sure way to make your outing pleasant is a delicious meal accompanying it. What greater satisfaction it is to stumble or purposefully find a restaurant and ordering a meal that meets and exceeds your expectations. Cape Town has its fair share of restaurants and global cuisines to explore. Here is what your belly will thank you for next!
Breakfast is everything. The beginning, the first thing. It is the mouthful that is the commitment to a new day, a continuing life.
Pajamas and Jam - Strand, Helderberg
Located about 50km from Cape Town CBD, this is a worthy drive to experience the eccentric Pajamas and Jam. From the striking decor, distinctive service, and unique combination of ingredients in the meals, this eatery will definitely make the top of your breakfast or brunch list, guaranteed!
Average meal price excluding drinks - R135.
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Salmon gravlax.
Nest Deli - Constantia, Southern Suburbs
Nestled in Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, Nest Deli is a lovely and quiet deli offering meals throughout the day, however, their breakfast has the appropriate heartiness and flavor to kickstart your day, whilst you overlook the estate and enjoy the morning breeze with the outdoor setting.
Average meal price excluding drinks - R80.
No booking required.
Recommended meal to try - The Full Nest.
Four & Twenty Cafe - Wynberg, Southern Suburbs
Another fantastic spot with quick and efficient service coupled with tasty meals hence it is always buzzing with activity. Perfect for a relaxed ambiance, better enjoyed with the courtyard sitting.
Average meal price excluding drinks - R100.
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Shake-a-Leg Shakshuka.
Jarryds Espresso Bar & Eatery - Sea Point, Atlantic Seaboard
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In the heart of Sea Point where you will find many spots longing for your tastebuds’ attention, this should be one of them! Tends to be busy but there is efficiency in the madness and soon you will be seated and ready to be served.
Average meal price excluding drinks - R120.
No booking required.
Recommended meal to try - Salmon Rosti.
Coco Safar - Sea Point, Atlantic Seaboard
If you want to have a luxurious breakfast experience, this is it! From the atmosphere to the venue setting, fresh bakery & patisserie goods and hot beverages, all your senses are in for an indulgence.
Average meal price excluding drinks - R125.
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Croissant Benedict.
It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?
Kloof Street House - Gardens, CBD
Looking for a casual afternoon with a peaceful ambiance, Kloof Street House will give you that especially on live jazz Sunday. Whether indoors or outdoors, the Victorian house is a beauty and so is its food.
Average meal price excluding drinks - R185.
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Moroccan Spiced Lamb Rump.
Bistro Sixteen82 - Constantia, Southern Suburbs
A favorite in all aspects, notably being located in the blissful Constantia Winelands, Steenberg Wine Estate to be specific. All-round exquisite venue with an added bonus of indulging in some proudly South Africa wine from the estate itself.
Average meal price excluding drinks - R195.
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Roasted Pork Belly.
Cafe Paradiso - Gardens, CBD
A somewhat hidden gem, however one of the several restaurants in Kloof street. Part of the Madame Zingara family of restaurants, Cafe Paradiso provides a simple yet tasty take on food.
Average meal price excluding drinks - R180.
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Seafood linguine.
Sevruga - V&A Waterfront, Atlantic Seaboard
This lively restaurant in the hub of the Waterfront overlooks the harbour, allowing you to take in the scenery and energy all around whilst enjoying the sushi and cocktail specials they have so generously run for years. Not only do they serve sushi but a delectable seafood and grill menu options, with Asian fusion flavors.
Average meal price excluding drinks - R180.
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Any of the Elite Sushi options.
Surfshack - Camps Bay, Atlantic Seaboard
Beautiful contemporary restaurant overlooking Camps Bay Beach, perfect for a sunny afternoon outing with friends or sundowners, with a wonderful seafood and cocktail menu to keep you satisfied all afternoon long.
Not interested in going all the way to Camps Bay, visit Bobo’s in Mouille Point. Both restaurants are part of the Kove Collection, offering similar menus and aura.
Average meal price excluding drinks - R150.
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Pan roasted mussels.
Cabo Beach Club - V&A Waterfront, Atlantic Seaboard
The new hot spot to visit in Cape Town, located where Shimmy Beach Club used to be. Beautifully renovated, giving a lovely sandy beach atmosphere, with a DJ setting the vibe whilst overlooking the Atlantic.
Average meal price excluding drinks - R250.
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Whole Baked Fish.
Mantra Cafe - Camps Bay, Atlantic Seaboard
Overlooking Camps Bay beach, another fantastic restaurant on the Camps Bay restaurant strip. With greenery filling the space to give a relaxed atmosphere, the pinnacle is watching the sunset reflecting on the sea.
Average meal price excluding drinks - R250.
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Pork Belly.
The Nines - Sea Point, Atlantic Seaboard
The new restaurant is located at Station House (same building as Sonny & Irene) and overlooks the sea view within Sea Point including the mountainous backdrop, The Nines has beautiful neutral tones to enjoy the summer and feel like you are at a resort.
Average meal price excluding drinks - R250.
Booking advised - R400 deposit is required per person over the Festive season.
Recommended meal to try - Seafood Risotto
The very sight of a teapot (think tapas) puts a smile on the face of most people…They are a subtle reminder of all that is good in this world
Si Cantina Sociale - V&A Waterfront, Atlantic Seaboard
Delicious food served to share tapas-style. Think bonding with friends, company lunch, or a treat yourself moment - relish the fresh ingredients transformed.
Average meal price excluding drinks - R115.
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Grilled Calamari Tubes, Moroccan Chicken.
Asoka - Gardens, CBD
“Our menu comprises of tasting plates that have been designed around the 5 elements: Earth(vegetarian), Water (seafood), Wind (chicken & duck), Fire (meat) & Nirvana (dessert) which are all put together to offer a unique & varied taste experience with influences from international cuisines and cultures.”
Average meal price (tapas portion) excluding drinks - R150.
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Duck spring rolls, Asian beef tartare.
Silk Asian Fusion - Cape Town CBD
A quaint little restaurant offering an assortment of Asian fusion dishes. They also have a special in-house cocktail menu that offers a similar fusion experience.
3 tapas dishes excluding drinks - R285.
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Salmon tartare, sesame-dipped tempura prawns.
Food is not simply organic fuel to keep body and soul together, it is a perishable art that must be savoured at the peak of perfection
Tang - V&A Waterfront, Atlantic Seaboard
Tang finally comes to Cape Town and you get to indulge in upscale Asian cuisine in style - sushi, dim sum and more. Let the sensual atmosphere romance you as you satiate in the heart of V&A Waterfront.
Average meal price excluding drinks - R350.
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Lobster Stir Fry
Saigon - Gardens, CBD
Vietnamese cuisine with a broad menu to choose from in a large yet intimate setting. Indulge in one of Asia’s delicious distinctive flavors right in the heart of Cape Town.
Average meal price excluding drinks - R180.
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Caramelised Kingklip or Angry Duck with crunchy seasonal vegetables.
Utopia - De Waterkant, CBD
This restaurant lives up to its slogan of Dining Elevated, from the scenic view of Cape Town - City, Harbour, or Lion’s Head, from the 15th floor of The Capital Mirage building to a tastefully decorated establishment. This is all made complete by the meal you are guaranteed to savor.
Average meal price excluding drinks - R260
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Short Rib.
Villa 47 - Cape Town CBD
An Italian and Mediterranean Cuisine restaurant coupled with a three floor culinary concept, this venue gives you choice. The Locanda middle floor is preferred of the three floors, providing an Italian bistro experience.
Average meal price excluding drinks - R180.
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Gnocchi / Tortellini.
Jakes- Tokai & Noordhoek
Lovely spacious restaurant suiting any occasion, providing an all round pleasant experience. Jakes in the Village (Tokai) is an endeared restaurant spanning decades!
Average meal price excluding drinks - R150.
Booking advised.
Recommended meal to try - Pork Belly.
La Colombe - Constantia, Southern Suburbs
Named Restaurant of the year, La Colombe walked away with Top restaurant in South Africa 2019 at the Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards. There is a very good reason why! First-class service and food that one should experience. Be aware portions are tasting portions, however, you will not be disappointed.
If you feel like treating yourself or celebrating a special occasion, this is the restaurant to choose!
Fixed menu excluding drinks (subject to change) - starting from R695pp
Booking advised, 50% required to secure the reservation.
Additional noteworthy restaurants
The Black Sheep Restaurant - Gardens, CBD The Hussar Grill - Several locations
Lily’s Restaurant - Mouille Point, Atlantic Seaboard Mulberry & Prince - Cape Town CBD
Beyond Restaurant - Constantia, Southern Suburbs Tashas - V&A Waterfront
Burger & Lobster - Cape Town CBD Grub & Vine - Cape Town CBD
The Waterside - V&A Waterfront Stefan’s - Somerset West
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of the plethora of restaurants within Cape Town. The list is based on restaurants experienced by the writer.
