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!
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
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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.
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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.
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BUKHARA33 Church Street
…one of the best curry houses in town, popular so book. |
AFRICA CAFE108 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 |
BELTHAZAR RESTAURANT AND WINE BARV&A Waterfront (shop 153) …wine by the glass with great steaks, game and fish. Belthazar |
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. |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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! |
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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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! |
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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.
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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. |
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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! |
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. |
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.
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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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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 |
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. |
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. |
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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.
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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.
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RIVERINE RABBITSome 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.
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JANSE & COFine 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 |






