Best Restaurants in Cape Town: 2024 Update

Our guide to the best restaurants in Cape Town takes us across the Mother City on a journey of flavours, aromas and fresh ingredients. In this series, we will be showcasing some of the finest restaurants that the city has to offer, from fine dining establishments to cheerful breakfast haunts and local favourites.

In the first part of our Cape Town restaurant guide, we are focusing on fine dining. Not surprisingly from a city famous for its winelands and cuisine, fine dining plays a vital role in the Cape. The city is home to a number of five-star establishments across the peninsula. From trendy city eateries to award-winning wine estate restaurants, you will never have to travel too far to enjoy a flawless meal.

The Best Restaurants in Cape Town… For Fine Dining

Our top five picks for best restaurants in Cape Town include these fine dining hotspots…

1. La Colombe

Ideal for.. fine dining in a vineyard setting

Silvermist Wine Estate, Constantia Main Road, Constantia / +27 (0)21 795 0125  / Lunch & Dinner

Open Monday to Sunday for lunch (12h30 – 14h00) and dinner (19h00 – 21h30), La Colombe is one of the top-rated restaurants in Cape Town. This restaurant lies in the heart of the Constantia Winelands, serving a seasonal menu that combines unexpected flavours for maximum effect. Cuisine has a French flair with a contemporary Asian twist. Menu highlights include seafood, meats and vegetarian options, along with decadent sweet treats. Wine pairing is also offered.

2. Chef’s Warehouse & Canteen

Ideal for… foodies looking for a sophisticated dining choice

92 Bree Street, City Centre / +27 (0)21 422 0128 / Lunch & Dinner

Located in the Cape Town CBD Chef’s Warehouse & Canteen is open from Monday to Saturday for lunch (12h00 – 14h30) and dinner (16h30 – 20h00). This trendy CBD eatery is the brain-child of chef Liam Tomlin. Look out for heavenly menu highlights such as Vietnamese rice paper rolls and duck confit with lentil du puy, along with roasted bone marrow, saffron risotto and barbeque pork pancakes to name just a few of the world-class dishes available here. This spot is a must-visit for foodies who want a superior dining experience.

3. The Test Kitchen

Ideal for… a truly creative fine dining experience

The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock / +27 (0)21 447 2337 / Dinner

Luke Dale-Roberts’ The Test Kitchen is open from Tuesday to Saturday for for dinner. The restaurant comprises two sections – Dark Room and Light Room and caters to a maximum of 40 guests per evening. Bookings are, needless to say, essential. It is well worth planning for an evening here. The menu changes frequently, with contemporary dishes ranging from liquorice cured Wagyu biltong to pork scratching, quail sandwich, vegetarian menus and their legendary Millionaires Shortbread.

4. The Pot Luck Club

Ideal for… trendy foodies who appreciate wholesome dishes

The Silo, The Old Biscuit Mill, 373-375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915 / +27 (0) 21 447 0804 / Lunch & Dinner

The Pot Luck Club in Cape Town is a culinary hotspot renowned for its inventive, tapas-style sharing plates and panoramic city views. Located in the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, the restaurant is a high-energy space that combines an urban industrial vibe with an intimate yet buzzing atmosphere. Led by acclaimed chef Luke Dale Roberts, each dish is designed with bold flavors that span a range of textures, tastes, and influences, often blending African ingredients with global techniques. Known for its elevated take on casual dining, it’s a place where flavors and creativity meet, attracting food enthusiasts from near and far.

5. Spek & Bone

Ideal for… a secret 8 person dinner destination (ask to book the conservatory)

84 Dorp St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600 / +27 (0) 82 569 8958 / Lunch & Dinner

Spek & Bone, while not strictly Capetonian, nestled in the heart of Stellenbosch, is an intimate eatery known for its relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance and vibrant, locally-inspired small plates. Founded by chef Bertus Basson, the restaurant celebrates South African flavors, showcasing seasonal ingredients and traditional dishes with a creative, modern twist. The cozy courtyard and charming indoor spaces reflect a rustic warmth, making it ideal for a laid-back yet memorable dining experience. With its unique dishes and exceptional wine list, Spek & Bone has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors seeking an authentic taste of the region.

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In the second part of our guide to the best restaurants in Cape Town, we will take a look at some of the best seafood restaurants in the city. Stay posted to view the next installment! Looking for additional help? Contact us if you need help planning the ultimate holiday in Cape Town!

Image: lamouette-restaurant.co.za