There are so many great restaurants to chose from in and around Cape Town and the Winelands. Here’s a selection of our recommendations. Some are longstanding local favourites, most are in a pretty location with views, some are fun for people watching. Most have innovative chefs who are lucky to have access to the best freshest ingredients from the sea and from nearby farms.
You’re in for a lovely surprise when it come to the paying the bill!
Your $$ go far… For the price of a burger and a mediocre glass of wine in New York, you’ll be able to order the most expensive item on the menu accompanied by the finest award-winning South African wine.
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TIME OUT MARKET
A curated mix of the best local chefs, drinks, and cultural experiences under one roof
The international acclaimed TIMEOUT MARKET concept is located in the historic heart of V&A Waterfront has something for everyone. People come together around communal tables to enjoy the experience, surrounded by top chefs and their teams in action. The vibey covered market space has 13 kitchens, 3 bars plus a dedicated wine bar, as well as a stage for cultural experiences.
Where: Old Power Station Building, V&A Waterfront
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WILLOUGHBY & CO
A full Japanese culinary experience in the V&A Waterfront mall
Since opening in 1996 WILLOUGHBY & CO has consistently offered its guests a full Japanese culinary experience. Situated in the bustle of Victoria Wharf mall, this spot is always abuzz over both lunch and dinner, seven days a week. The Head Asian chef and his dedicated team have become renowned for creating exciting fusion-style dishes. On the menu are the freshest sushi, tempura dishes, oyster shooters, soups and salads as well as a comprehensive selection of seafood and meat dishes. . It’s the perfect spot to linger over a delicous meal while exploring the V&A Waterfront.
Where: V&A Waterfront
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GOLD RESTAURANT
African 14-course menu with live drumming and Mali puppets in the heart of Cape Town
An evening at GOLD is an immersive African experience through a 14 dish food safari and unique live entertainment, with storytelling, singing and dancing with traditional Mali puppets. This is an evening of African culture and celebration. The 14 dish menu is served at your table in sharing and individual portions; you may order as much as you like from the menu at no extra cost. The entertainment typically starts around 18:30.
Where: Bennet Street, Green Point
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ZEST
In the heart of Sea Point with views of the Atlantic Ocean
ZEST offers a quiet escape from the hustle of the busy Sea Point Main Road. With a specialised menu designed for each meal of the day – breakfast, lunch and dinner. The wood-fired Grill at Zest is the highlight of Bulgarian-born Chef Pavel’s kitchen. The coals of the Kameeldoring wood give a wood-smoked aroma to the meat, fish and vegetables.
Where: Zest, New King’s Hotel, Sea Point
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EMBER & OAK
Big passion on small plates at Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate
EMBER & OAK’s hands-on owners, Chef Tim Pick and his wife Judy, serve up fun and whimsical snacks for you to feast on while enjoying ice cold wine and views of the Constantia Valley. They have always believed in the community of sharing and celebrating. In this way, the perfectly balanced menu has been designed in small plates that can be ordered and shared. There is a kids menu on offer – so everyone is covered. The food is tasty and the prices are value for money.
Expect South American flavours in the puri of yellowtail ceviche, and the pork tostado, to Asian influences in yakitori chicken wings in gochujang glaze, and misoyaki baby squid. Something of a seafood sleeper hit is the buttermilk-fried fish collar, which brings a more ethical nose-to-tail (or fin) approach to the menu.
Where: Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate
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BLUE WATER CAFE
Casual eatery at Imhoff Farm down in the South Peninsula
Situated in an original Cape Dutch Farmstead dating back to 1743, BLUE WATER CAFE offers a relaxed outdoor atmosphere as well as expansive Long Beach views across the vineyards from the traditional ‘stoep’ terrace and lawn that boasts uninterrupted Southern Peninsula views.
Offering casual new Cape style food and wood fired pizzas, an unpretentious and diverse menu, bursting with authentic flavours will appeal to the whole family. Drawing on Cape heritages, the food is local and seasonal. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. With a safe enclosed garden, large jungle gym area and neighbouring animal farmyard, the Blue Café guarantees that children will be kept occupied while you indulge in a laid-back culinary experience.
Where: Imhoff Farm, Kommetjie
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MANO’S
Mediterranean restaurant popular with locals
This cosmopolitan Cape Town Italian gem in Green Point is well known for serving fresh salads, seafood, pasta, steaks and burgers as well as prego rolls and classic chicken al limone.
MANO’S s is the kind of place that’s as popular with young families as it is with the chicest girls and guys about town. The busy space hums at lunchtime while dinner sees the space fill up with loyal regulars in for their Mano’s fix. It’s great for people watching!
Where: Main Road, Green Point
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CAFE PARADISO
Beloved Cape Town institution with garden and views of Table Mountain
With its beautiful garden setting, warm ambience and wholesome menu, CAFE PARADISO is the perfect relaxed lunch or dinner restaurant. It has a beautiful garden setting and gorgeous views of Table Mountain. The cuisine is country-style dishes with a Mediterranean touch. This landmark restaurant is conveniently located on Kloof Street and is the perfect casual haven from a bustling city.
Where: Kloof Street, Cape Town
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HUSSAR GRILL
Famous for their steaks at the ocean’s edge in Mouille Point
Grill room excellence with speciality steaks & award-winning wines. HUSSAR GRILL steaks are always grilled to perfection exactly as ordered. The service is friendly, attentive and professional. Look out for their special – a selection of game skewers. The word ‘Mouille’, forever connected to historic lighthouse landmark of the same name, and stems from the French word meaning ‘anchoring ground’. With the customary good cuisine and superior service that has fuelled the Hussar Grill legend for over 55 years, this is a great restaurant to weigh anchor in Cape Town.
Where: Mouille Point, Atlantic Seaboard
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DEN ANKER
Prime position in the V & A Waterfront serving Belgian beers and seafood-orientated dishes
Situated on the quayside of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, DEN ANKER, now in its 24th year of operation, offers patrons exceptional seafood and other creatively. Wall to wall windows offer a postcard backdrop of Table Mountain. Relax on the terrace watching the world go by as seagulls swoop, seals laze in the sun and pretty yachts pass by.
The menu revolves around moules mariners, fresh tuna, steak au poivre and bitterballen. You can wash this down with Belgian beers or fine Cape wines.
Where: Harbourside, V&A Waterfront
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KLOOF STREET HOUSE
Brasserie style on Restaurant Row
Housed in a 20th-century Victorian house, KLOOF STREET HOUSE is set back from the busy street and is actually so hidden behind thick shrubs, that you might miss it. Once inside it is like stepping into the pages of The Great Gatsby. The twinkling fairy lights and velvet cushions that line the garden seating area, together with the warmly lit, cosy interiors, make this one of our favourite places for a special occasion, date night or a no-excuses-needed meal with family and friends.
Relax under the trees outside with a cool cocktail and a tapas platter to share, or settle into a plush chair inside one of the perfectly curated dining rooms for a brasserie-style meal.
Where: 39 Kloof Street, Cape Town
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POSTCARD CAFE
In the Stellenbosch Winelands surrounded by mountains, trees, and endless views
POSTCARD CAFE is named because of its’ picture perfect views, as well as the diverse heritage of the owners of Oude Nektar farm, and guests who visit from all corners of the globe. Situated in the peaceful Jonkershoek Valley, Stellenbosch on Stark-Condé Wine Estate, it really is “as pretty as a postcard”. A variety of savoury and sweet dishes are served – breakfast, lunch, cakes, and desserts. The menu is diverse and dishes draw inspiration from a number of different cuisines.
Where: Starke Conde Wine Estate, Stellenbosch Winelands
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FRENCH CONNECTION BISTRO
Great wine selection and warm hospitality while visiting Franschhoek in the Winelands
FRENCH CONNECTION is a casual, vibey, indoor and outdoor dining space popular with Franschhoek locals and tourists. Located on the Main Street of Franschhoek within walking distance to many of the boutique hotels in the village, the bustling restaurant is fully air-conditioned for those long, hot summer days and has two fireplaces for cozy winter evenings. There is a front verandah where you can watch the world go by and the courtyard, a sheltered and quieter area at the back. Enjoy local specialties and some French bistro favourites.
Where: Main Street, Franschhoek
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FAT BUTCHER
Savouring good food with fine wine in Stellenbosch
FAT BUTCHER is a great restaurant in the beautiful town of “Stellies” where you make memoirs that you can taste! Their beef is pasture reared and grainfed. Signature steaks are The Grosvenor: Fillet, chocolate, chilli & beer. The Collins: Steak Au Poivre Fillet, Cointreau flambéed, crushed Madagascan peppercorns and cream. Get a taste of local flavours from the Western Cape and South Africa including Pork Belly, Lamb Shank, Roast Chicken, FB Pie, Porcini Risotto and Oxtail.
Where: Stellenbosch
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THE BAKERY AT JORDAN
A small informal deli and light meal restaurant on Jordan Wine Estate
Sit inside or outside at THE BAKERY on the upper level or on the deck next to the dam with incredible views of the vineyards and distant mountains. The menu is simple but varied and the food nicely presented and tasty. The cheese and charcuterie platters – served all day – come with slices of Cape seed loaf, ciabatta and sour dough. Enjoy a delicious selection of freshly baked breads and pastries daily. You can also combine wine tasting with a meal from The Bakery.
Where: Jordan Wine Estate, Stellenbosch Winelands
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We hope your mouth is watering as you get excited about your upcoming visit to the most wonderful wining and dining destination in Africa.
