Restaurant Favourites

With so many sites to browse we've saved you time by putting together our own personal recommendations covering travel guides, things to do, eat/drink/dance, further-a-field and recommended accommodation.

Whatever and where-ever you end up we hope you have a great trip!

Phone: 021 438 0782 THE CODFATHER …off the beaten track and one of Cape Town’s best loved seafood & sushi restaurants. 37 The Drive, Camps Bay open daily 12pm til late	Phone: 021 788 5455 THE BRASS BELL …after a session with the penguins at Boulders enjoy great basic fish & chips with a pint where the sea spray splashes against the windows. They have four different venues - The Brass Bell Grill, The Bikini Deck Waters Edge & Pavilion, The Cabin Bistro & The Beach Main Rd, Kalk Bay Station Mon-Sun 10am til late
Phone: 021 419 4848 COL'CACCHIO PIZZERIA ...this is part of the popular chain and has a large selection of thin-based pizzas with all the popular options and more unusual favorites like the Tre Colori (smoked salmon, sour cream, and caviar) and the Prostituto (avocado, bacon, feta, and spinach). There are also pastas and several large salads on offer. The Spearhead, 42 Hans Strijdon Avenue, Foreshore Mon-Fri 11am-11pm Sat-Sun 6pm-11pm Col'Cacchio Pizzeria	Phone: 021 421 6666 MANHATTTANS …now part of the Zingara group it has been restored to industrial chic with a splash of Wild West and just a hint of mischief. Burgers, cocktails and late night bar; fun local with no pretension 74 Waterkant Street open daily 10am - 11pm
Phone: 021 465 0000 AUBERGINE …we celebrated our 10th year anniversary here and re-visited recently and were not disappointed. It is a fine dining experience in a historical setting with a relaxed welcoming and warm atmosphere. If you want to treat yourself then this is a must. 39 Barnet Street, Gardens Lunch Wed - Fri 12pm - 2pm Sept - April Dinner Mon - Sat 6pm-10pm Aubergine	Phone: 021 424 0000 BUKHARA 33 Church Street …one of the best curry houses in town, popular so book. Mon - Sat 12pm-3pm Mon - Sun 6pm - 11pm Bukhara
Phone: 021 422 0221 AFRICA CAFE 108 Shortmarket Street, Heritage Square …booming African experience with food from the whole continent. Everything from Xhosa spinach patties to Mozambican peri peri prawns. 6.30pm-10pm daily Africa Cafe	Phone: 021 421 3753 BELTHAZAR RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR V&A Waterfront (shop 153) …wine by the glass with great steaks, game and fish. Belthazar
Phone: 021 421 0071 IL LEONE ...a firm local favourite offering fresh Italian dishes without the red & white table clothes or hanging Rioja straw bottles in the ceiling! 22 Cobern Street Tues-Sun 12pm-3pm Tues-Sun 6.30pm-10.30pm	Phone: 021 418 2948/9 BELUGA ...a stylish popular venue located in the Foundry, a 100 year old red-brick building that once housed one of the city's oldest metal works. Generous portions catering for meat and fish lovers with lunchtime half price Sushi and cocktail bar. The Foundry, Prestwich Street Mon-Sun 12pm-11pm Beluga
Phone: 021 424 2100 SOCIETY BISTRO ...this is a friendly local joint in the city and well worth a visit. Down-to-Earth and intimate with bar and al fresco dining in the walled garden offering local produce with good attentive service. 50 Orange Street, Gardens Mon - Sat 12pm - 10pm	Phone: 021 439 4014 POSTICINO ...much loved cosy pizza/pasta parlour with a great variety of interesting toppings, upbeat service and outdoor patio for those hot evenings. Fridays and w'ends packed. 323 Main Road, Sea Point open daily 12.30pm til late
Phone: 021 433 2081 THE HUSSAR GRILL - MOUILLE POINT ..great place for beef and game cuts plus selection of fresh seafoods, pastas and salads just opposite the Cape Town Stadium. Impressive selection of wines and if you're going the whole hog then they offer malts, cognacs, ports and cigars. Moved from Green Point and now with sea views. 163 Beach Road Mouille Point Mon - Sat 12pm - 11pm Sun & Public Holidays 12pm-10pm	Phone: 021 424 6334 FORK ...contemporary tapas combining traditional Spanish and modern European with a South African twist using fresh local ingredients. Exposed brick walls and cooper banded tables with leather sofas add warmth to this stylish but honest eatery. 84 Long Street Mon-Sat 11am-11pm Fork
Phone: 021 419 2921 SLOPPY SAM ...ok, the name isn't encouraging but don't let that put you off. Mediterranean & Middle Eastern fare it offers Meze and lamb specials in an informal comfortable setting with loyal local regulars. 51a Somerset Road, Green Point Mon-Sat 6.30pm - 10pm Sloppy Sams	Phone: 021 426 4347 SIMPLY ASIA - HERITAGE SQUARE ...this is a fast food chain but we'd only recommend this one; located in the CBD this small popular restaurant offers healthy and flavoursome Thai fragrant and spicy creations that smack of Asia. 94 Shortmarket Street open daily 11am - 10.30pm
Phone: 021 425 9019 BEEFCAKES ..the vibe is fun, frothy, sparkly and pink. Unashamedly camp venue with innuendo menu, topless barmen that also attracts women who just want to have fun. Nightly shows with Bitchy Bingo & drag. Sovereign Quay, 40 Somerset Road, Green Point Mon-Fri 12pm -10pm Sat 6pm - 11pm Beefcakes	Phone: 021 434 8797 LA BOHEME WINE BAR & BISTRO ...locals love this place and simply put, it offers unpretentious delicious and very affordable food & wine with a friendly service. Warm, bustling, and busy so book well in advance. 341 Main Rd, Sea Point open daily 12pm-10.30pm
Phone: 021 424 6373 HQ ...a very New York style steak restaurant focused on a single meal of salad, sirloin and chips! You only have to choose how you like you meat cooked and of course the dessert and drink! Funky place that attracts a young crowd to its lounge style bar and courtyard; not a place for an intimate dinner. 100 Shortmarket Street, CBD Mon - Thurs 12pm - 12am Fri & Sat 12pm - 1am	Phone: 021 423 8653 CAFE PARADISO ...part of the Madame Zingara empire, this much loved location with its garden and warm Mediterranean décor mixes French and traditional South African dishes. Relaxing place to chill out and enjoy a lazy lunch or intimate dinner. 110 Kloof Street, CBD Mon-Sat 9am-10pm Sun 10am-3pm Cafe Paradiso
Phone: 021 423 6805 BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB ...this place brings back memories of the original Madame Zingara and it's sister restaurant Carla Lazule. It's style is quirky gypsy and vibey eccentric where you will be forced to wear a costume hat and the waitresses definitely add to a fun packed evening. 158 Kloof Street, Gardens Mon-Sat 6pm-11pm The Bombay Bicycle Club	Phone: 021 422 0765 95 KEEROM ...stylish and upmarket Italian restaurant that has established its place in the hearts of Cape Town's in crowd. Definitely worth treating yourself and booking in advance to enjoy excellent food in this trendy establishment. 95 Keerom Street, CBD Mon-Sat 6.30pm-10.30pm Fri 12pm-2.30pm 95 Kerom
Phone: 021 447 3992 PANAMA JACK'S ...if you're looking for style, chic and contemporary look elsewhere! Built and expanded overtime from port-o-cabins the music is loud, the tables are crowded, and the decor is nonexistent, but nowhere in town will you find bigger crayfish. This is a good honest local fish restaurant and you must definitely try the live oyster vodka shot! 2nd Road Left after The Royal Yacht Club, Table Bay Harbour Mon-Fri & Sun 12pm-2.30pm Mon-Sun 6.30pm - 10.30pm	Phone: 021 788 4133 / 021 418 4744 HARBOUR HOUSE - KALK BAY OR V&A ...its hard to compete with Kalk Bay's spectacular location with the sea spray hitting the restaurant windows however the V&A alternative has been tastefully built with a perfect spot to view the harbour and enjoy a drink. Both offer good fish and reasonable wine. Kalk Bay Harbour, Main Rd Mon-Sun 12pm-4pm & 6pm-10pm
Phone: 021 424 6772 MASALA DOSA ...no flocked wall paper or tired black tie waiter here! Not your typical Indian restaurant, this compact space is friendly and vibey offering a simple menu of gigantic dosas (thin pancake-like bread made with rice and lentil flour) served with a selection of South Indian curries. Basic wine list but good spot to start of from if you fancy a night on Long Street. 167 Long Street, CBD Mon-Sat 12pm-10.30pm	Phone: 021 418 6115 WILLOUGHBY AND CO ...we'll be honest and, as locals, we prefer not eating in the V&A but as long as you sit inside this packed venue and forget you are in a shopping centre this place does serve the best fish and sushi in town so worth a try at least once. Lower Level, Victoria Wharf, Waterfront open daily 11.30am-10.30pm
Phone: 021 425 0551 THE GRAND CAFE & BEACH ...Cape Town’s first beach café is located adjacent to the V&A Waterfront. Reclaimed sea sand has been used to create a fun private beach bar and restaurant. If the sun is shining this is a great place for a lazy long lunch or sun-downers. Haul Road, off Beach Road, Granger Bay Mon - Sun 12pm til late	Phone: 021 418 2042 HEMELHUIJS ...just walk down Waterkant Street and over the bridge towards the city and you'll find this chic daytime venue on the right. Fresh juices, cocktails, teas and coffee compliment the good size portioned food. 71 Waterkant Street Mon-Fri 9am-4pm Sat 9am-3pm
Phone: 021 554 1553 ONS HUISIE ...this is the perfect place for fish lovers with local cuisine, no frills and great views of Table Bay. Step off the beach and enjoy a cold beer with fish & chips. Corner of Generaal Jansens Road and Stadler Road Bloubergstrand Mon-Sun 9am - 10pm Open Public Holidays	Phone: 021 863 3852 BABYLONSTOREN ...simply book well in advance and if you're lucky to get a table then this place will not disappoint. We went when it first opened and have been trying to book ever since! R45 to Franschoek Babylonstoren
Phone: 021 447 2337 THE TEST KITCHEN ...located in the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock award-winning Cape Town chef Luke Dale-Roberts has created a small intimate venue where you can watch him close up prepare and create amazing dishes. This is very popular so book well in advance. Close by in the recently renovated silo Luke has created a second restaurant called The Pot Luck Club; again another restaurant you have to try. The Old Biscuit Mill 375 Albert Road Woodstock Tue - Sat 12.30pm-2.30pm Tue - Sat 7pm-10pm	Phone: 021 461 2458 EASTERN FOOD BAZAAR ...this narrow internal corridor from Longmarket to Darling Street offers great value no frills eat-in or take-away meals from R20-35. Re-inventing the food court concept you pre-pay at tills then queue up with all locals. This is a great venue to see the true side of Cape Town with a lively, bustling crowd, the atmosphere is jolly and congenial. 96 Longmarket Street daily 11am - 10pm Eastern Food Bazaar
Phone: 021 434 6815 SALATHAI ...if you enjoy authentic Thai with the standard green walls and plastic flowers then this is a must. You can even have a massage but we do recommend go for mild unless you like it hot! 65 Winston Place Main Road, Green Point Open Daily 11am - 10pm	Phone: 021 881 3612 JORDAN RESTAURANT ...located at the end a beautiful valley, this award winning restaurant, not only has fantastic views but is a perfect lunch spot to really treat yourself. Mon - Sun 12pm-2pm Thurs - Sat 6.30pm til late Jordan Restaurant
Phone: 071 563 6020 FRESH ...if you driving through the Elgin Valley on the N2 and fancy a lazy lunch then do stop at Niki's "Fresh" which is located in the Paul Cluver wine estate. This small intimate restaurant has a great outdoor seating area next to the working vineyards and Niki personally will let you know what she is cooking for the day. A very relaxed and chilled setting with great fresh local food. Paul Cluver Wines DE RUST ESTATE N2 Grabouw Western Cape Wed - Sun 8.30 – 11am & 12 - 3.30pm Fresh @ Paul Cluver	Phone: 021 876 4004 BREAD & WINE ...the perfect restaurant to enjoy a lazy long lunch on a hot day. Located at Moreson's wine farm the best tables are outside and you can enjoy rustic seasonal food in a lovely setting. Moreson Wine Estate Happy Valley Road Franschhoek Daily 12pm-3pm (Tues & Wed closed during winter) Bread & Wine Vineyard Restaurant
Phone: 021 434 0813 THE BUTCHER SHOP & GRILL ...if meat is your thing then this palace to the cow, including life size replica over the double storey well stocked wine bar, won't disappoint. Serving the best mature aged meat including local beef, lamb, Argentinian ribeye, Kobe-style wagyu and Dutch veal. This is a meat lovers feast complimented by fantastic wine cellar; seems weird to also say but the jelly & custard topped off a great evening. As their name says you can also buy from their butchery & deli and cook at home 125 Beach Road Mouille Point The Butcher Shop & Grill	Phone: 021 880 2721 OVERTURE ...exploring the less crowded Hidden Valley and this restaurant located, at the foothills of the Helderberg Mountain, will take your breathe away for just its views. The award winning food matches the setting and definitely worth the drive and extra expense. T4 Route Off Annandale Road Stellenbosch Daily lunch from 12pm Thurs - Sat from 7pm Overture
Phone: 021 423 2919 THE COMPANY'S GARDEN RESTAURANT ...a great stop whilst exploring the city this iconic landmark, right in the centre of the gardens, has been revamped and now is an ideal spot for family and visitors to enjoy a bit of peace from the buzzing metropolis just over the wall. The Company's Gardens 19 Queen Victoria Street Daily 7am - 6pm The Company's Garden Restaurant	Phone: 021 418 7655 TRUE ITALIC ...at the quieter end of Bree Street this very authentic rustic Italian with piano, deli bar and football shirts serves the best gnocchi we've ever eaten. Laid back a great spot to enjoy huge wooden anti-pasta platters and a decent bottle. 15 Bree Street Tues - Sat 6pm - 10.30pm True Italic
Phone: 021 424 7648 CLARKE'S BAR & DINING ROOM ...one of the original places that helped turn Bree Street into the hip and trendy area that Long lost a while ago. Popular for breakfast and lunch the American diner style food is basic but reliably good and it gets packed at night serving beer on tap and cocktails. 133 Bree Street City Bowl Mon 7am - 5pm Tues - Fri 7am till late Sat 8am - 4pm Sun 8am - 3pm; Open Public Holidays Clarke's Bar & Dining Room	Phone: 021 426 2413 MANNA EPICURE ...more well known for their breakfast's we recently tried them out in the evening and would definitely go back. The place is small, friendly with attentive staff and warm atmosphere. Great food and good position in Kloof Street to wander up from close by bars. 151 Kloof street, Tamboeskloof Sun - Mon 8am-9pm, Tues- Sat 8am-10pm Manna Epicure
Phone: 021 202 2720 QUAGLINOS BAR DINING ...if you are looking for a good spot with sea front views then try this casual place out. Sliding glass windows look across Mouille Point common; food is Italian and seafood. Cnr. Beach & Rothesay Road Mouille Point Mon - Sun 8am-10.30pm	Phone: 021 874 3844 COSECHA ...we love this place as its original, not pretentious with a beautiful setting next to a dam and no coach loads of tourists. Located 20km from Franschoek on the Nobile Hill Wine Estate, you can do some tasting before hand; the food is fresh latin cooking using local produce. Lovely lunches and they also offer picnics on the lawns. Klapmuts - Simondium Road Mon - Sun (except Tues) 10am-5pm
Phone: 021 423 4413 KLOOF STREET HOUSE ...classic opulent elegance in an old Victorian House with different quirky rooms creating a warm friendly atmosphere that overflows onto the front outdoor seating area. Mix into this a live Jazz band on most Sundays and this is a fun venue to laze away over brunch, lunch and dinner. 30 Kloof Street Gardens Mon 5pm til late Tues - Fri 12pm - 11pm Sat & Sun 10am - 11pm Kloof Street House	Phone: 021 418 2740 VILLA 47 ...adding to Bree Street's popularity this venue boasts 3 different restaurants spreads across ascending floors. A mix of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine with the top floor being the priciest and smartest. The ground floor cafe style Locanda is more laid back with imported Italian meats and cheeses. If you cannot get a table on the front then opt for the colourful courtyard at the rear and enjoy the friendly bustle and noise of this hip popular place. 47 Bree Street Cape Town Mon - Fri 6.30am -10.30pm Sat 9am - 10.30pm Villa 47
Phone: 021 4247204 RIVERINE RABBIT Some top notch restaurants can feel a little o.t.t. and stiff however this one hits all the right notes for sophisticated food in a great atmosphere. The kitchen is open plan to the dining area and Chef Ash runs a tight ship that is surprising very quiet. 81 Church Street open Mon - Sat 6pm-9pm Riverine Rabbit	Phone: 021 422 0384 JANSE & CO Fine dining has arrived on Kloof Street with this sexy dark green interior. Chef Arno and his wife have created a 3 and 7 course tasting menu with some unusual ingredients that you might not of heard of before; luckily the menu does have a glossary! Definitely a great setting for a romantic evening or to impress. Janse & Co