In the search for the very best restaurants in Cape Town, a great deal comes down to personal preferences, budget, tastes and even ambience. Ask any local to name their favourite restaurant, and you will get a different answer for each person you ask. The City Centre alone is filled with restaurants to suit every taste… seafood, burgers, fine dining, Indian, grill, tapas and casual dining are just some examples. Then there is the Cape Wine Route, and the Constantia Wine Route, the False Bay coast and the Atlantic Seaboard. Each area offers a huge diversity of cuisine to discover.
How do know where to find the best restaurants in Cape Town though? Which are the places that no foodie should leave off a list of places to dine? Where do you satisfy a food craving? Where to you take someone special? Keep reading to get our tips on the best restaurants in Cape Town… according to us, anyway.
The Best Restaurants in Cape Town
This guide to the best restaurants in Cape Town was published in August 2017. Please note that although we do our best to keep guides up to date, we are not responsible for any information that is outdated. To learn more about each restaurant, we suggest doing a search on Google to look for reviews and other information.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, what are our top picks for the best restaurants in Cape Town from coast to coast? Let’s take a look…
1/ La Colombe
Situated in Silvermist Wine Estate, Constantia, La Colombe offers fine dining at its best. Food and wine pairings are especially good here. For bookings and hours, contact them on +27 (0)21 795 0125.
2/ Gold Restaurant
In Green Point meanwhile, Gold Restaurant offers an incredible 14 course African style menu in a safari lodge setting complete with courtyard, live drumming and Mali puppets. Contact the restaurant on +27 (0)21 421 4653 for more information.
3/ La Mouette
La Mouette is situated in Regent Road, in Sea Point. Best known for its tantalising tasting menu and winter specials, this restaurant is surprisingly laid back and relaxed for lunches or dinners. For more information, visit them online at www.lamouette-restaurant.co.za.
4/ The Roundhouse
From its vantage point in Camps Bay, off Kloof Nek, The Roundhouse offers some of the most amazing views imaginable. For bookings call +27 (0)21 438 4347.
5/ Pigalle
Pigalle is located in Green Point. This trendy yet cosy restaurant offers the ideal setting for steaks, seafood and a range of Portuguese cuisine. Visit them online at pigallerestaurants.co.za/capetown/ or call them on +27 (0)21 421 4848.
6/ Chefs Warehouse & Canteen
On Bree Street, in the heart of the City Centre, you will find Chefs Warehouse & Canteen. To learn more about this restaurant and view its hours, visit them online at www.chefswarehouse.co.za.
7/ Pot Luck Club
Pot Luck Club is located in the trendy Old Biscuit Mill centre in Woodstock. For more information on hours and bookings, call them on +27 (0)21 447 0804.
8/ Greenhouse
Greenhouse at The Cellars-Hohenort in Constantia is excellent for a leisurely lunch. The restaurant is set on an breath-taking garden that is perfect to enjoy on a spring or summer afternoon. Call them on +27 (0)21 795 6226 for bookings.
9/ Aubergine
Situated in Gardens, on Barnett Street, Aubergine offers contemporary East-meets-West cuisine that is enjoyed in a simple but sophisticated setting that offers indoor and outdoor dining. This restaurant can be found online at aubergine.co.za.
10/ Massimo’s
Massimo’s Pizza Club, as it is officially called, is found in Hout Bay. Owned and run by Massimo and his wife, the best pizzas in the country can be enjoyed here. Find them online at www.pizzaclub.co.za.
11/ The Shortmarket Club
As its name implies, The Shortmarket Club is located on Shortmarket Street, in the heart of the CBD. For more information on hours and bookings, call them on +27 (0)21 447 2874.
12/ Azure at Twelve Apostles
Azure is located within the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Camps Bay. Here, you can enjoy mesmerising views of the Atlantic Ocean, along with a delectable menu of starters, mains, desserts and drinks. Call them on +27 (0)21 437 9029 for bookings and other info.
13/ Bukhara
On Church Street, also in the CBD, you will find Bukhara. This is where Indian food is served in traditional, gourmet style. For more details and bookings, find them at bukhara.com.
14/ Den Anker
Situated within the V&A Waterfront, Den Anker is a breezy, laid-back restaurant boasting a harbourside terrace. Call them on +27 (0)21 419 0249 for bookings and hours.
15/ Paranga
On Victoria Road in Camps Bay, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you will find Paranga. Menu highlights here include sushi along with a range of tasty international dishes. Visit www.paranga.co.za for more information.
16/ 95 Keerom
Just as it says in the name, 95 Keerom is situated on Keerom Street, in the City Centre. The restaurant boasts contemporary pale-wood and glass fittings, with a menu that focuses on a modern interpretation of Milanese cuisine.
17/ Beluga
In The Foundry, on Prestwich Street in Green Point, Beluga can be found. Here, you can savour contemporary South African and Asian fusion meals, which include specialities such as sushi and dim sum. For bookings, visit them on www.beluga.co.za.
18/ Reuben’s at One&Only
Head to local chef Reuben Riffel’s restaurant at the One&Only hotel in Dock Road, Waterfront for a superior dining experience. For more information, call them on +27 (0)21 431 4511.
19/ Fork
Essentially a tapas bar, Fork is located on Long Street. This spot is ideal for lunch or dinner, with a laid-back vibe that is ideally suited to tasting. For more information on menus, hours and bookings, contact them on +27 (0)21 424 6334.
20/ Manna Epicure
Situated on Kloof Street in Gardens, Manna Epicure is a trendy eatery that serves a fusion of French and South African cuisines, with an Argentinian twist. Visit them at mannaepicure.com.
21/ Buitenverwachting Restaurant
One of the finest wine estates in the Constantia Wine Route, Buitenverwachting’s in-house restaurant offers fine dining in a vineyard setting. Contact them on +27 (0)21 794 3522 for bookings or menu enquiries.
22/ 1890 House Sushi and Grill
Heading out of the City Centre and into the trendy neighbourhood of Observatory, you will fine 1890 House Sushi and Grill. Contact the restaurant directly on +27 (0)21 447 1450.
23/ Marco’s African Place
In the Bo Kaap, on Rose Street, lies Marco’s African Place – a fantastic African themed restaurant. Marco’s is open for lunch and dinner. Contact them on +27 (0)21 423 5412.
24/ Harbour House Kalk Bay
Harbour House in Kalk Bay offers an elegant dining option. Situated on Main Road, this restaurant serves a range of seafood dishes along with salads and fine wines. Call them on +27 (0)21 788 4136 to make a booking.
25/ Baia Seafood Restaurant
Within the V&A mall, you will find Baia Seafood Restaurant. Visit them online at baiarestaurant.co.za to get a better idea of their menu and opening hours.
26/ Bo-Kaap Kombuis
The Bo-Kaap Kombuis (Kitchen in the local Afrikaans language) is a charming family-run restaurant that specialises in traditional Cape Malay cuisine. For more information, visit them online at www.bokaapkombuis.co.za.
27/ The Crypt Jazz Restaurant
On Wale Street, in the heart of the City Centre, The Crypt Jazz Restaurant offers a great dining choice for those who appreciate jazz, blues and soul. There is a cover charge of R100, but it is well worth the price. Visit them on www.thecryptjazz.com for details.
28/ The Bungalow
Situated within the Glen Country Club in Camps Bay, The Bungalow is an excellent choice for relaxed lunches or dinners. Contact them on +27 (0)21 438 2018 for bookings and further details.
29/ The Lookout Deck Hout Bay
In Hout Bay, on Harbour Road, The Lookout Deck offers al fresco dining and drinks, on wooden deck that looks over the harbour. For more information on menus, bookings and hours, contact the restaurant on +27 (0)21 790 0900.
30/ Company’s Garden Restaurant
Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, The Company’s Garden Restaurant offers a range of meals and drinks in the peaceful setting of the VOC Company’s Garden in Gardens. Visit them online at thecompanysgarden.com for more information.
31/ The Slug & Lettuce
The Slug & Lettuce Kloof Street branch is located in the City Bowl, offering relaxed ambiance along with a pub style gastro menu that is sure to be enjoyed. Contact the branch on +27 (0)21 422 5325 or [email protected] for more info on bookings, hours and menu.
32/ Jonkershuis
Jonkershuis is situated within the Groot Constantia estate. Here, Cape Malay style cuisine is served in an elegant but low-key historic wine bistro environment. For more information on hours, menus and bookings, find them online at www.jonkershuisconstantia.co.za.
33/ El Burro
On Main Road in Green Point, El Burro offers a fun dining experience with plenty of authentic Mexican charm. Contact them on +27 (0)21 433 2364 for details.
34/ Hemelhuijs
Open for breakfast and lunch, and later for dinner, Hemelhuijs offers sophisticated cafe fare. Find them online at www.hemelhuijs.co.za for more info.
35/ Blowfish Restaurant
Blowfish is situated on Marine Drive in Tableview, offering exceptional seafood and sushi in a sophisticated setting. For bookings and other info, contact them on +27 (0)21 556 5464.
36/ Bombay Brasserie
If fine Indian cuisine is your cup of tea, so to speak, you are sure to love the Bombay Brasserie at the Taj Hotel. Situated on Wale Street, this restaurant has an elegant setting complete with chandeliers. Contact them on +27 (0)21 819 2000 for details.
37/ The Dog’s Bollocks at YARD
The Dog’s Bollocks has something of a cult-like following, and for good reason. This low-key burger joint is situated in YARD, on Roodehek Street in Gardens. Contact them on +27 (0)82 885 5719 for more info.
38/ Pierneef a La Motte Restaurant
If you are out in the Cape Winelands town of Franschhoek, be sure to stop for lunch at Pierneef a La Motte. This restaurant is located within La Motte winery. The food here is delightful, while the setting is equally charming. To learn more or make a booking, contact the restaurant on +27 (0)21 876 8800.
39/ The Village Idiot
For laid-back food served in a trendy yet unpretentious setting, The Village Idiot on Loop Street is a good choice. This CBD restaurant serves a wide range of dishes from braai (BBQ) boards to boerewors burgers and other South African flavours. Call them on +27 (0)21 418 1548 for info.
40/ Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room
Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room is situated on Bree Street in the City Centre. Open all day, for breakfast, lunch, dinner and light meals, this restaurant has a lively atmosphere with live music, TV sports and a great drinks menu. For more info, visit them online at www.clarkesdining.co.za.
41/ Addis in Cape
On the corner of Long and Church Streets in the CBD lies Addis in Cape. This restaurant offers cultural dining with tasty Ethiopian dishes that are served in woven basket tables and eaten by hand. For more info, contact them on +27 (0)21 424 5722.
42/ Haiku
On Burg Street in the City Centre, Haiku serves tapas style Chinese dim sum and stir fry along with Japanese grills and sushi. Contact them on +27 (0)21 424 7000 for details.
43/ Kloof Street House
As the name implies, Kloof Street House is situated on Kloof Street in Gardens. Eclectic food is served in a quirky home-style setting. Visit www.kloofstreethouse.co.za for more information.
44/ Rick’s Cafe Americain
Rick’s Cafe is situated on Park Road, just off Kloof. Offering a relaxed menu along with an excellent wine list and regular happy hours, this is a great place for lunch or dinner. Call them on +27 (0)21 424 1100.
45/ HQ
On Heritage Square in the City Centre lies HQ aka Headquarters. The focus here is simple – steak, salad, chips and dessert. For more information, visit them at www.hqrestaurant.co.za.
46/ Dear Me
Dear Me is a trendy eatery located on Longmarket Street in the CBD. They serve delicious breakfast and lunch here Monday to Friday, but close for dinner. Contact them on +27 (0)21 422 4920.
47/ Black Sheep
Situated on Kloof Street in Gardens, Black Sheep is a modern restaurant focusing on seasonal ingredients and blackboard specials. You can contact them on +27 (0)21 426 2661.
48/ Nobu
Nobu is situated within the One&Only hotel in the V&A Waterfront. The cuisine here is contemporary Asian, with sushi and other dishes on offer. Visit them online at www.noburestaurants.com/cape-town/.
49/ Royale Eatery
On Long Street, you will find Royale Eatery, a trendy retro style burger joint that is open for lunch and dinner. Call them on +27 (0)21 422 4536
50/ Primal Eatery
As the name suggests, Primal Eatery specialises in primal, meat focused dishes that are served in a laid-back yet modern setting. They are found on New Church Street in Gardens. For more information, contact them on +27 (0)21 422 3232.
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We hope that you have enjoyed this list of the best restaurants in Cape Town. If you need any further help finding or booking tables at any of the best restaurants in Cape Town, and you are a guest at a ComeToCapeTown.com property, let us know. We are always here to help our guests, whether it is booking at the best restaurants in Cape Town or arranging tours.
