Categories > Guides and Tips

restaurants-cape-town

Best Restaurants in Cape Town That Will Make You Forget Your Diet

| Last Updated: August 2024

Living in Cape Town, I’ve come to appreciate just how much this city has to offer when it comes to food. It draws food lovers from all over the world. 

I’ve had the pleasure (and challenge) of tasting my way through it all. From trendy spots to hidden gems, there’s always something new and exciting to try. 

So if you’re in town, make sure to come hungry and dive into these top restaurants!

Kloof Street House

Website: https://www.kloofstreethouse.co.za/ 

Address: 30 Kloof St, Gardens

Phone: +27 21 423 4413

Operating Hours:

  • Monday – 12 PM until late
  • Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM until late

Kloof Street House is a beloved spot. Whether you choose a table in the garden with fairy lights or inside the Victorian house with chandeliers and fireplaces, the setting is charming.

I visited for a summer dinner, and it was a great experience. For the main course, we had creamy gnocchi with a hint of truffle, paired with a Stellenbosch Chardonnay. The wine balanced the richness of the gnocchi with its crisp and refreshing notes.

Pro Tip:
Make sure to visit the restaurant on their exclusive jazz nights held on Sundays. 

Belly of the Beast

Website: https://bellyofthebeast.co.za/ 

Address: 110 Harrington Street

Phone: +27 76 220 5458

Operating Hours:

  • Monday – 6:30 PM to 10 PM
  • Tuesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM

I recently dined at Belly of the Beast, an intimate restaurant that offers only one lunch and one dinner seating per day. They don’t have a set menu; instead, they offer a daily table d’hôte set menu.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of enjoying a six-course tasting journey. Each dish was crafted to highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients that are sustainable. 

One of the standout dishes was the springbok carpaccio, which was delicate and bursting with a gamey flavour. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed the rich and velvety duck liver parfait, which was perfectly complemented by crispy, house-made bread.

Pro Tip:
Remember to book early, as reservations are strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.

Grub & Vine

Website: https://grubandvine.co.za/ 

Address: 103 Bree Street

Phone: +27 21 216 0035

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 12 PM to 11 PM
  • Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM

Grub & Vine is a New York-inspired bistro that’s become a local favourite under the skilled hands of Matt Manning. This charming restaurant offers a menu du jour featuring a variety of elevated bistro plates. 

I really enjoyed the beef Wellington and the risotto during my visit. The beef Wellington has tender meat, savoury mushroom duxelles, and flaky pastry, while the creamy risotto has a rich and savoury taste with a subtle acidity.

Pro Tip:
For a more in-depth exploration of Cape wine, you can visit the Culture Wine Bar, located next to the restaurant. Manning also owns the bar and offers a variety of lighter dishes along with an extensive wine list featuring over 600 labels.

La Colombe Restaurant

Website: https://lacolombe.restaurant/food 

Address: Silvermist Wine Estate, Main Road, Constantia Nek

Phone: +27 21 794 2390

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 12 PM to 9 PM

La Colombe, meaning ‘the dove,’ is recognized as one of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. I was impressed by the way they paired the wine with the food. 

The chef’s menu offered a variety of options, including a vegetarian alternative and a lighter lunch menu. My favourite was the Wagyu steak, tender and juicy with a rich truffle-infused jus. 

Pro Tip:
Consider purchasing a voucher beforehand to enjoy potential discounts and special offers on your meal. 

The Pot Luck Club

Website: https://thepotluckclub.co.za/ 

Address: The Silo, The Old Biscuit Mill, 373-375 Albert Rd, Woodstock

Phone: +27 21 447 0804 

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 12:30 PM to 10 PM
  • Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM

The Pot Luck Club serves a variety of small plates built on Asian flavours and superb local produce. The menu features inventive spins on classics like fish tacos, Cape Malay cauliflower, and pork belly.

Highlights from our visit included the tender beef fillet with truffle and the well-seasoned, seared tuna. The ash-roasted beetroot had a unique smoky sweetness, and the banana crunch dessert was nicely balanced with crisp and creamy textures.

Perched on the top floor of the original silos in The Old Biscuit Mill, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the Woodstock neighbourhood through its floor-to-ceiling glass windows. 

Pro Tip:
Remember to arrive early, as parking is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fyn Restaurant

Website: https://fynrestaurant.com/ 

Address: 5th Floor, Speakers Corner, 37 Parliament Street

Phone: +27 21 286 2733 

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM

Fyn Restaurant offers a menu that combines South African ingredients and Japanese flavours and techniques. The restaurant features a beautiful loft-style space with city and mountain views.

The Cape Malay-style trout stood out for its perfect spicing and delicate accompaniments. 

For those who prefer plant-based or pescatarian options, Fyn does not disappoint with its thoughtfully curated menu.

Pro Tip:
For a seamless dining experience, ensure your party agrees on the number of courses to order for synchronised service. To subtly signal your server when you’re ready to order, simply close your menu and place it on the table.

Clarke’s

Website: https://www.clarkesdining.co.za/ 

Address: 133 Bree Street

Phone: +27 

Operating Hours:

  • Monday – 7 AM to 4 PM
  • Tuesday to Friday – 7 AM to 10 PM
  • Saturday – 8 AM to 10 PM
  • Sunday – 8 AM to 3 PM

Clarke’s is a popular spot known for its mouthwatering homemade burgers served on freshly baked brioche buns. Their burgers are juicy and come with aged cheddar and crispy bacon, which adds a lot of flavour. 

We were pleasantly surprised by the mimosas. They were just right, not too bubbly, and perfectly balanced with orange juice. It made for a refreshing addition to our brunch.

Pro Tip:
Vegetarians and vegans can rejoice in a flexible menu. Simply chat with your server to tailor dishes to your dietary preferences. They’re known for their willingness to adapt meals, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all.

PIER

Website: https://pier.restaurant/food 

Address: Pierhead Building (next to the NSRI V&A Waterfront), Bowl

Phone: +27 21 879 6328

Operating Hours:

  • Daily – 12 PM to 7:30 PM

At PIER, you can expect a refined dining experience. The restaurant is housed in a historic building overlooking the bustling harbour.

Head Chef John Norris-Rogers crafts a menu that combines classic French techniques with local ingredients. The menu features an eight-course selection of seafood and meat.

A standout is the scallop appetisers, perfectly seared with a delightful crust. For the main course, the lamb is beautifully cooked and pairs well with its sides and sauces. 

Pro Tip:
Reserve a window seat to indulge in the panoramic ocean vista. 

Salsify

Website: https://salsify.co.za/ 

Address: Roundhouse, Camps Bay

Phone: +27 21 010 6444

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
  • Sunday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM

Salsify, led by Chef Ryan Cole, embodies modern South African cuisine with a creative touch. Its 10-course menu offers local flavours like amasi, perlemoen, and Karoo lamb.

When we arrived, we started with a pineapple cocktail and later had a tall tomato juice, setting the tone for an exciting dining experience.

The restaurant also boasts views of the Atlantic from its perch above Camps Bay. 

Pro Tip:
Elevate your gift-giving by presenting a Salsify gift card, ensuring a memorable celebration with gourmet delights in the heart of Cape Town.

Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia

Website: https://www.chefswarehouse.co.za/beau-constantia 

Address: Beau Constantia Wine Farm, 1043 Constantia Main Road, Constantia Neck

Phone: +27 21 794 8632

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 12 PM to 8 PM
  • Sunday – 12 PM to 2 PM

Chef Ivor Jones offers some of the best value fine dining I’ve found in Cape Town. The restaurant is set high above the Constantia Valley vineyards, and the view is impressive.  

I particularly enjoyed the mushroom risotto, which had a rich, earthy flavour from the mushrooms and a smooth, creamy texture. For a unique twist, the beef tartare stood out with its well-balanced combination of tangy capers and smooth mustard. 

Pro Tip:
Book the kitchen table seating. You’ll enjoy a unique vantage point next to the open kitchen, offering a sneak peek into the art of cooking and a glimpse of the Constantia Valley.

Utopia Cape Town

Website: https://www.utopiacapetown.co.za/ 

Address: 15th floor, 40 Chiappini St, De Waterkant

Phone: +27 21 418 3065 

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM

Utopia Cape Town offers a serene rooftop oasis away from the city’s bustling streets.

When I visited, I was impressed by the range of plant-based dishes. They were not only delicious but also environmentally friendly and halaal.

The menu also features a variety of shellfish and fish dishes along with tasty cuts of meat. Their drink menu is equally impressive, with waitrons offering perfect wine pairings. 

Pro Tip:
For an unforgettable dining experience, reserve your table for sunset.

Pigalle Restaurant

Website: https://pigalle.capetown/ 

Address: 57A Somerset Rd, Green Point

Phone: +27 21 421 4848 

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 5 PM to 10:30 PM
  • Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 11:30 PM

Step into Pigalle, and you’ll find yourself in a place that blends Parisian charm with Cape Town’s lively vibe. The entrance sets the scene with shiny steel and vintage art, hinting at the elegance inside.

You can start with favourites like caramelised pear and almond salad or their famous black mussels in white wine sauce. For mains, try their Pigalle platter with grilled prawns and langoustines or the beef fillet on mustard mash.

Pro Tip:
Embrace the luxurious ambience by adhering to their smart casual dress code; it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your stylish yet understated elegance.

Villa 47

Website: https://www.villa47.co.za/ 

Address: 47 Bree Street

Phone: +27 21 741 0250

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 10 PM
  • Saturday – 8:30 AM to 10 PM

At Villa 47, dining feels fancy yet friendly. The place is elegantly decorated, and the service is attentive without being overbearing.

If you’re not into beef or pork, the pasta choices here are great, especially the seafood and veggie options. They also have daily specials that aren’t on the regular menu, which can be a good deal.

The portions are decent, and they even bring around a big block of Parmesan to grate over your food, which is a nice touch.

Pro Tip:
For an intimate and romantic evening, the upper level offers a serene ambience perfect for a date night. Meanwhile, if you’re in the mood for lively music and a bustling atmosphere, the ground floor provides an energetic setting to enjoy the night.

Iron Steak and Bar Restaurant

Website: https://www.ironsteak.co.za/ 

Address: 114 Bree Street

Phone: +27 21 422 1175 

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 12 PM to 10:30 PM

Iron Steak and Bar Restaurant is a trendy dining spot with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The outdoor seating area provides a pleasant setting to enjoy your meal.

The restaurant offers a variety of options for both vegans and vegetarians. You can ask your waiter for recommendations based on your dietary preferences.

For meat lovers, the Wagyu beef burger is an absolute standout, boasting a juicy patty that is bursting with savoury umami taste. The accompanying chips are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, elevating the classic burger experience. 

Pro Tip:
Elevate your afternoons with their Half Price Social Hour! Enjoy a selection of wine, beer, bubbly, and cocktails at half price, complemented by R79 bar bites, every day from 4 PM to 5:30 PM.

Nelson’s Eye Restaurant

Website: https://www.nelsons-eye.co.za/ 

Address: 9 Hof Street, Gardens

Phone: +27 83 701 7101

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 5 PM to 10:30 PM

Nelson’s Eye Restaurant is a well-known steakhouse in the city. Their T-bone steak is a real treat due to its combination of tenderloin and strip steak, offering two different textures and flavours in one cut. 

On the other hand, Fillet on the Bone is unique because it’s cooked with the bone, imparting an extra depth of juiciness. 

For dessert, the malva Pudding offers a combination of warm, spongy texture with the creamy sweetness of crème anglaise.

Pro Tip:
You can catch the excitement of live rugby matches at the restaurant. Just make sure to book your spot with a quick phone call. 

Salon Cape Town

Website: https://salonct.co.za/home/ 

Address: 1st Floor, Silo Building, The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock

Phone: +27 87 093 5890 

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday & Wednesday – 6 PM to 8:30 PM
  • Thursday to Saturday – 12 PM to 8:30 PM

Salon offers a dining experience that combines creativity with global influences. The set menu features 11 courses that change regularly, showcasing playful and inventive dishes.

One standout dish is the jalapeno mignonette oyster. It tantalises the palate with a blend of charred jalapenos, red onions, pineapple, and coriander shoots, creating a delightful smoky and sweet sensation.

As for the dessert, we had Tropica, which had the sweet and tangy flavours of lemongrass, coconut, lime, pineapple, and lychee.

Pro Tip:
Complement the oysters with a crisp, dry white wine or a light beer to balance the richness of the mignonette.

Galjoen

Website: https://www.galjoencpt.co.za/ 

Address: 99 Harrington St, District Six

Phone: +27 79 093 0559

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Wednesday – 6 PM to 10 PM
  • Thursday to Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM

I recently visited Galjoen, a restaurant named after South Africa’s national fish, and I was impressed by the quality of their seafood. 

The set menu, which changes daily based on the fresh catch, featured a variety of dishes that I thoroughly enjoyed. I tried their freshly shucked oysters, which were briny and very fresh, and the line fish, which was well-cooked with a light, crispy skin.

Pro Tip:
Arrive with an appetite ready to be filled, so you can savour every dish and delight in the full spectrum of flavours their menu has to offer.

Rust en Vrede

Website: https://rustenvrede.com/restaurant/ 

Address: Annandale Rd, Stellenbosch

Phone: +27 21 881 3757

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday – 6:30 PM to 12 AM

At Rust en Vrede, I enjoyed sitting on the terrace with champagne and light, savoury canapés. The view of the old oaks, historic Cape Dutch buildings, and the surrounding landscape made it feel like a peaceful country retreat.

For lunch, I had a tender, well-seasoned sirloin steak with crispy chips and a fresh, tangy salad. I paired it with a glass of Rust en Vrede Estate Red, which enhanced the meal with its rich berry flavours and subtle hints of oak. 

Pro Tip:
Don’t miss the tasting room experience. Enjoy a guided tasting of their full range of wines.

Greenhouse Restaurant

Media from annaline_hopkins

Website: https://www.thecellars-hohenorthotel.com 

Address: Constantia Heights

Phone: +27 21 795 6226

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 6 AM to 10 PM

The Greenhouse emphasises the use of quality South African produce and refined European cooking techniques. Their menus are designed to highlight the local ingredients, creating dishes that tell a story about the food’s origins.

One of the best dishes is the steamed blue prawn, which is tender, juicy, and gently sweet, complemented by the Cape octopus. The octopus is very tender and has a unique flavour that makes it different from other seafood dishes.

Pro Tip:
For a peaceful afternoon experience, visit during the quieter afternoon hours. This is the best time to enjoy a relaxing tea or settle in with a good book.

Nourish’d Café & Juicery

Website: https://nourishd.co.za/ 

Address: 177 Kloof Street, Gardens

Phone: +27 64 755 2431

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Nourish’d Café & Juicery is a quirky little café that exudes a bohemian vibe with its rustic beach bar ambience. It’s an authentic and hip spot that promotes conscious eating and living.

We’ve had the pleasure of trying out their elaborate salads, which are an excellent choice for a light and satisfying meal. The cleansing juices are vibrant and invigorating, made with a mix of fruits and vegetables meant to revitalise and energise.

Pro Tip:
Sign up for their Healthy Hugger Loyalty Program to get a 1000-point welcome bonus. From there, every Rand you spend earns you points, turning your health investments into future savings. 
Related topics