
This week we are excited to share with you some great information on the Cape Town dining scene from a local perspective. So whether you are heading to the South African city, or just love food read on and learn about the thriving world of dining out in this vibrant city.
Capetonians love to eat out, so most restaurants are good and generally full. The places listed below are popular spots, so booking ahead is essential. The options in CT are endless and almost everywhere you go will be awesome in one way or another.
V&A Waterfront
- Harbour House. If you’re looking for a fancy night out, this is your spot. It is on the pricier side, but the food and atmosphere is fantastic. The focus of their menu is sea food.
- Quay Four. Great “pub style” restaurant right on the water. This restaurant is affordable and casual. They have live music on the weekends and a huge menu with a large variety of food. This is a larger restaurant with lots of tables so it’s one of the few you don’t need to book ahead.
- Willoughby’s. You sacrifice a bit of ambiance, as this restaurant is located inside the mall, but we’ve been assured that it is in the top 3 for sushi in CT. You can’t book and generally you need to stand in a line for a table at meal times, but the queue moves fast and the food is well worth the wait.
- Moyo. Great selection of African meals and good service. They also have entertainment
- Cape Town Fish Market. Amazing selection of sea food and sushi at very affordable prices. This restaurant has one of the nicest locations in the Waterfront and comes highly recommended.
Atlantic Seaboard + City Bowl
- La Boheme on Sea Point Main Road. This is a Cape Town favourite. The menu changes every day and it has a French flare to the items. Affordable meals with an extensive wine list. Service is great and the environment is quite casual. Booking is highly recommended.
- El Burro on Somerset Road. Great and affordable median food. They have a bar downstairs for after dinner drinks.
- Beluga in Green Point. Head here for some of the best sushi in CT. They also have a half price cocktails and sushi deal, if you order before 7pm. Yum!! In addition you’ll find a pretty great a la carte menu for items besides sushi, with good steaks etc and wine list! It is on the pricier side but the great food + service make it worthwhile.
- Café Paradiso on Kloof street. This is a good Italian restaurant with a STUNNING garden area that you can sit in.
- The Village Idiot. This is a new bar / restaurant in CT and is quite trendy and popular with good food and a nice balcony. This location draws a young, energetic crowd.
- Bree street in town has loads of bars + restaurants popping up every day. Recommended is Clarkes for people watching and a drink – they also serve food. La Parada for a drink is a popular bar for CT locals after work – they serve great tapas too. Check out Jason’s for some of the best coffee in CT. They also serve great breakfast and lunches – very popular with the business clientele in CT. Latitude 33 for a great lunch.
- Bo Kaap kombuis. This spot offers traditional Cape Malay food and some of the best views of Table Mountain. They are halal so do not serve alcohol.
African restaurants
- We have been advised to avoid Mario’s. It is a popular recommendation among the concierge’s at hotels, but the vibe is not great and the food is mass produced.
- African Café on Buitengracht is great and serves food from all over Africa, not just SA. They also have free entertainment that comes to your tables.
- Mamma Africa on Long Street. This spot has a young and vibrant crowd. Good food and live music on certain nights and it is SUPER popular with tourists so booking essential.
- Moyo at Waterfront. With a similar vibe as Mamma Africa, and equally as popular, booking ahead is highly recommended!
Smaaklike ete!
Need assistance planning a trip to South Africa? Contact Lesli to help you plan the perfect itinerary!