Thanksgiving is a cherished and celebrated holiday where people take the opportunity to give thanks to the harvest and the upcoming year, to each other and to the many cherished memories they have had the opportunity to make. But more than that, it is about sharing. Sharing love, life, happiness and good food with the people you love most. If you’re still on the lookout for that perfect family spot for a memorable thanksgiving dinner, here are 8 Cape Town restaurants you should definitely consider and are sure to add that extra special touch:
1. Azure Restaurant at the Twelve Apostles Hotel: Camps Bay
Image: 12apostleshotel.com
A Thanksgiving Dinner with a spectacular view and sensational food is exactly what you’ll get at this magnificent fine dining restaurant based right in the heart of Cape Town. Known for its finest indigenous and international cuisine featuring a delectable range of exquisite dishes including meat, seafood and vegetarian options, it truly is a culinary work of art. Executive Chef, Christo Pretorius, aims to take all of his guests on a flavour adventure as they taste their way through the courses, truly engaging all the senses. Thereby ensuring you create lasting memories that both you and your taste buds will remember for a long time to come!
2. GOLD Restaurant: Green Point
Image: goldrestaurant.co.za
Time to add some African flare to your Thanksgiving dinner! Gold Restaurant is a true celebration of food, flavours, family and friends. It allows you to get a vibrant insight into African food and culture at its very best. While still honouring African culinary traditions, Gold Restaurant combines it with modern flavours and techniques to serve up a sophisticated African feast fit for a special occasion and joyous celebration! But that’s not all you’ll get to experience at GOLD, prepare yourself for a true African celebration full of colour, dance, storytelling and music. Feel the true heartbeat of Africa and welcoming sense of community as the vibrant atmosphere and local sounds sweep through the room. This is one Mother City Thanksgiving dinner you’ll never forget!
3. Die Damhuis: Melkbosstrand
Image: Weblogforlove.com
What would a Cape Town Thanksgiving be without some delicious local seafood and a bit of beach side bliss? This west coast beach-front gem not only affords you the opportunity of dining in one of the Western Cape’s oldest buildings, but sensational food and a spectacular view too! Enjoy some tasty local seafood or feast on traditional South African cuisine, the choice is yours! All shared in a unique family-friendly dining spot, die Damhuis beach Restaurant is a great choice for an evening dedicated to family, friends and everyone you love. And just in case you can’t quite decide between all the delicious dishes, they have 3 incredible set menus on offer to ensure you to taste a little bit of everything, it is Thanksgiving after all.
4. Reverie Social Table: Observatory
Image: insideguide.co.za
An authentic Cape Town social dining restaurant that’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Reverie Social Table is a proudly South African table d’hote style eatery located in the quirky neighbourhood of Observatory. Every evening remarkable chef patron, Julia Hattingh, welcomes guests to sit around her bespoke 18-seater table. You’re invited to enjoy a sensational 5-course meal that is exclusively created for you, all paired with carefully selected wines. And what better way but to share this authentic culinary adventure with the people you love this Thanksgiving.
5. Reuben’s at the One&Only Cape Town: V&A Waterfront
Image: oneandonlyresorts.com
At Reuben’s the philosophy is ‘Good food is a journey that is best shared with family and friends’, thereby making it the perfect choice for a Thanksgiving dinner in the Mother City. Home to award-winning executive chef Reuben Riffel’s first urban restaurant, this culinary gem is a true celebration of the Cape’s rich culinary heritage, diversity of cultures, local fresh produce and ancient spice routes. House specialities include artisanal meats from South African farms prepared to accentuate characteristic flavours. But it doesn’t matter what dish you choose, it’s guaranteed to be sensational. That combined with a magnificent view of the ever charming waterfront will make for a splendid Thanksgiving evening.
6. Bo-Kaap Kombuis: Bo Kaap
Image: bokaapkombuis.co.za
A Thanksgiving dinner with a touch of B- Kaap spice, the Bo-Kaap Kombuis promises an evening filled with a warm welcoming atmosphere and the very best of traditional Cape Malay cuisine. Bo-Kaap Kombuis is a restaurant dedicated to celebrating the unique flavours, beauty and culture of what is known as the most colourful suburb in the whole of the Western Cape. The 2 charismatic owners, who refer to themselves as ‘total Bo-Kaapers’, will take you on a culinary adventure of what they know best, authentic Cape Malay cuisine in all its glory. Prepare yourself for delicious flavours and an evening filled with local Bo-Kaap magic and genuine hospitality, because at the Bo-Kaap Kombuis everyone is welcome, and you can’t help but love every second, and every bite, you spend in this Mother City gem.
7. De Grendel Wine Estate and Restaurant: Durbanville
Image: eatout.co.za
Beautiful, simple, tasty food, exactly the food we all love to eat, is what you’ll find on the menu at De Grendel Wine Estate and Restaurant nestled in the charming Durbanville wine valley. This is a Thanksgiving dinner with an authentic Cape Town twist as you spend an evening among the vineyards. De Grendel is all about paying tribute to the real hero of the dish, the ingredients. You can therefore expect a menu boasting fresh, classic, locally sourced ingredients served in creative flavour combinations with an inventive, modern edge. De Grendel also loves surprising their guests with new, bold and innovative flavour combinations, food is an adventure, why not enjoy the ride too!
8. The Black Sheep: Kloof Street
Image: sinclaircomms.com
This Kloof Street favourite is the perfect combination between hearty comfort food and adventurous innovative flavours. With the philosophy ‘No ne leaves the Black Sheep hungry’ you’re guaranteed to leave with a full stomach and a memorable evening under your belt. They pride themselves not only on serving delicious food, but doing so in a warm, vibrant atmosphere that you’ll feel as soon as you step foot inside. It will be a thanksgiving dinner filled with love, laughter and lasting memories! A special insider tip is to book the seven-hour pot roast larded leg of lamb, it’s said to be quite the treat!
While all these cherished Cape Town culinary gems will ensure an evening of sensational food, it’s the people you choose to share it with you that are truly important. Thanksgiving is about sharing experiences with the people you hold dear, and what better way to do that than enjoying good food in the ever magical Mother City.
For more ideas on where to eat, you can also have a look at our guide to the best restaurants in Cape Town, along with our best restaurants by neighbourhood guide. You can also check our variety of accommodation options and tours in and around Cape Town for a memorable holiday. Alternatively, get in touch if you’d like assistance planning the perfect holiday in Cape Town.
