Whether you’re searching for a sundowner spot overlooking the ocean or fine dining in one of South Africa’s best wineries, Cape Town has a lot to offer newcomers. Here’s where to start, and remember: as long as you make it a point to never miss a meal or a sunset, you’re doing it right.
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1. Belly Of The Beast
PERFECT FOR: •FINE DINING •SPECIAL OCCASIONS •UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE
The tasting menu at Belly of the Beast doesn’t have a specific number of courses or meals, so I can’t exactly tell you what you’ll eat, but you can be sure that you’ll be enjoying some of the best meats in the area. Past highlights have included Saldanha Bay mussels with oyster emulsion and spicy vierge sauce, as well as antelope tataki. Despite being inspired by South African braai, or barbecue, this 24-seat establishment can gladly accommodate vegetarians and pescatarians if you let them know when making the reservation.
2. The Potluck Club
PERFECT FOR: •FINE DINING •SMALL PLATES •SPECIAL OCCASIONS
The Potluck Club sits on top of one of the tallest buildings in The Old Biscuit Mill complex in Woodstock and has some of the best views of Table Mountain from any restaurant in the city. The menu is inspired by the small plates of this and that that you’d typically find at a potluck, like fish tacos, homemade bread with babaganoush and garlic chips, and crispy squid with sweetcorn and nduja sausage. It’s buzzy and fills up fast, so definitely make a reservation in advance.
3. Pier Restaurant
PERFECT FOR: •FINE DINING
Expect a fantastic view of the well-known V&A Waterfront as well as a tasting menu heavy on seafood, including items like tandoori tuna and tableside poached oysters. Even though Pier has multiple seatings throughout the day, it is still not advised or easy to walk in without a reservation because the dinner service can book up months in advance.
4. Fyn
PERFECT FOR: •FINE DINING •SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Fyn is one of Cape Town’s most popular fine dining restaurants, and for good reason: its take on Japanese African cuisine. Featuring braaied abalone and guinea fowl wontons, Fyn’s menu is dominated by unexpected pairings and exciting flavor combinations that you can’t find anywhere else in Cape Town. The dark, open interior sits in full view of the chefs’ stations, which makes eating here a particularly special experience.
5. Brass Bell
PERFECT FOR: •GETTING OUT OF TOWN •OUTDOOR/PATIO SITUATION •DRINKING GOOD COCKTAILS
Even if you’ve never fished a day in your life, a trip to the Brass Bell will make you want to base your entire identity around getting a fishing boat. After enjoying a lovely drive along the coastline of Kalk Bay, stop here for a lunch of fish and chips, creme brulee, and a few delicious cocktails by the water. Spend the afternoon admiring views of False Bay from the Pavilion or Oyster Deck, or check out the Cabin Restaurant, which is ideal for romantic evenings with the sound of the ocean playing in the background.
6. Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
PERFECT FOR: •AFTERNOON TEA •BIG GROUPS •CLASSIC ESTABLISHMENT
High tea at The Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel draws a mix of locals, tourists, and anyone who wants to cosplay living in an Agatha Christie novel for the afternoon. The hotel has been around since 1899, and the tea service is a fun way to enjoy a unique part of Cape Town’s history while eating as many elegant sandwiches, petit fours, and scones as your heart desires.
7. Bo-Kaap Deli
PERFECT FOR: •COFFEE & A LIGHT BITE •HALAL
This unassuming streetside cafe serves Cape Malay specialties including masala mince shakshuka and koeksisters, a donut-like delicacy wrapped in coconut, close to the famed brilliantly colored Bo-Kaap buildings. The Bo-Kaap Deli, located in the heart of a neighborhood with a complicated and occasionally painful history, serves as a reminder of the rich culture and food that the Cape Malay community contributed to the city. A never-ending throng of tourists blocks the road to take pictures of the rainbow of residences, but you may grab a space at one of the numerous picnic tables on the sidewalk and observe the inhabitants going about their days.
8. The Lawns At The Roundhouse
PERFECT FOR: •OUTDOOR/PATIO SITUATION •DRINKING GOOD COCKTAILS •BRUNCH
The Lawns is a nearly entirely locals-only joint hidden in the forest at the foot of Table Mountain that unfortunately tends to fly under most first-time visitors’ radar. Don’t make that same mistake. Head here for spectacular views of Camps Bay accompanied by laid-back seating and a simple menu of South African fusion food—think deep-fried squid, Mediterranean chicken pizza, and Asian glazed buffalo wings. The sunset at The Lawns is spectacular, and you won’t have to elbow your way through a sea of people just to get a good view.
9. SeaBreeze Fish & Shell
PERFECT FOR: •DATE NIGHT •GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS •HAPPY HOUR •OUTDOOR/PATIO SITUATION •PEOPLE WATCHING
In addition to serving some of Cape Town’s freshest seafood, SeaBreeze is popular with after-work crowds for its wine and drinks. The menu is printed every day, so you can be sure you’re eating fish that was caught that morning. A few staples are grilled king prawns, Saldanha Bay mussels in Cape Malay curry sauce, and crispy fried hake and fries. Don’t miss the oyster happy hour every day from 5 to 6 p.m.
10. Bouchon Wine Bar & Bistro
PERFECT FOR: •DRINKING GOOD WINE •SMALL PLATES •DATE NIGHT
Bouchon Wine Bar & Bistro is a cozy, intimate gathering spot for wine lovers. Expect to share the space with the 9-5 crowd who flock here for the solid wine selection and some of the best bar food in the city. You’ll see dishes like freshly shucked Saldanha Bay oysters, beef tartare, oxtail gnocchi, and foie gras on the menu.
11. Rands
PERFECT FOR: •BIG GROUPS •DANCING •DAY DRINKING •EATING AT THE BAR •PEOPLE WATCHING •UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE
Without visiting Rands, a journey to Khayelitsha is not complete. If you’re on a walking tour or have a group of friends who are anxious to see the city, stop by this outdoor pub for inexpensive beverages and unique local cuisine that you can only find there. The first Sunday of the month is when everyone in the township congregates at Rands, but any Saturday or Sunday spent here will be memorable. This is the place to enjoy delicious shishanyama, which is Xhosa for BBQ.
12. Persian Peacock
PERFECT FOR: •HALAL •DATE NIGHT •UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE
On the top floor of an otherwise average-looking building is the Persian Peacock, a carefully guarded secret among locals. The stars of the menu are undoubtedly the lamb tah-chin (an upside-down lamb and rice casserole) and lamb kebabs that are so juicy you’ll run out of napkins before you do food. This spot is family-run and feels like scoring an invite to your friend’s house whose parents are way better cooks than yours.
13. Giovanni’s Deli
PERFECT FOR: •QUICK EATS •COFFEE & A LIGHT BITE
Giovanni’s Deli has been a local favorite for as long as most Capetonians can remember. Still a family-run affair three decades after it opened, this spot specializes in the kind of Italian food you’d expect to find, well, in Italy. Cape Town’s European delis are nearly as common as the local spaza or convenience store, but Giovanni’s is in a league of its own. Stop by anytime to pick up pre-cooked pasta to go, or arrive before 9 am to grab an espresso or cappuccino, plus a pastry before they’re gone—the deli fills up fast and sells out just as quickly.
14. The Dog’s Bollocks at Yard
PERFECT FOR: •WALK-INS •BIG GROUPS
Two types of people frequent The Dog’s Bollocks: those that visit despite the name, and those that visit because of it. Either way, it only takes one meal to understand why this restaurant is one of the best places to start or end a night out. The menu is filled with feel-good comfort food, like juicy beef and chicken burgers topped with chili con carne and buffalo chicken wings with a side of cheesy deep-fried potato skins.
15. Nourish’d Cafe & Juicery
PERFECT FOR: •BREAKFAST •GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS •KEEPING IT KIND OF HEALTHY •QUICK EATS •TAKE-OUT •VEGANS •VEGETARIANS
They serve delicious, inexpensive smoothies and bowls that have been put together with more care than most people put into getting ready in the morning. Don’t expect a leisurely breakfast, though. Nourish’d draws a crowd, so plan on sharing a table or taking your food with you.
16. Neighbourgoods Market
PERFECT FOR: •BREAKFAST •BRUNCH •CLASSIC ESTABLISHMENT •GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS •LUNCH •OUTDOOR/PATIO SITUATION •VEGANS •VEGETARIANS
Neighbourgoods Market—or “that market at the Old Biscuit Mill”—is the place to be on weekends, with a lively mix of vintage clothing stalls, a well-stocked bar, and dozens of food vendors selling everything from vegan cakes to steak sandwiches big enough to feed five. It’s a touristy spot, but the live music is fun and the food is good. Plan to come early if you want to avoid the crowds that roll in by noon.
17. Oranjezicht City Farm Market
PERFECT FOR: •BREAKFAST •BRUNCH •CLASSIC ESTABLISHMENT •GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS •KEEPING IT KIND OF HEALTHY •LUNCH •OUTDOOR/PATIO SITUATION •VEGANS •VEGETARIANS
Weekend brunch at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market is a rite of passage for any Cape Town first-timer. Take a lap around the entire place before making a decision on what to eat. Try out stalls like Sepial’s Kitchen for Korean fried chicken and rice, Golden Brown Waffles (the name is pretty self-explanatory), and The Karoo Prick, where you can pick up a bottle of locally made prickly pear gin. OZCF started as a small urban farm that produces to market, but despite its recent growth, you can still stock up on the freshest seasonal produce in the city.
18. Constantia Glen
PERFECT FOR: •BIG GROUPS •DRINKING GOOD WINE •OUTDOOR/PATIO SITUATION •VEGETARIANS
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek may be the undisputed champions of Cape Town’s surrounding wine country, but some of the best wine actually comes from Constantia, a small, green valley just 20 minutes from the city. All of that makes this spot the perfect entry point for trying world-renowned wines like Van Wyk Riesling, Constantia Saddle Rosé, and Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc while snacking on an overflowing charcuterie platter.
19. La Colombe at Silvermist
PERFECT FOR: •FINE DINING •DRINKING GOOD WINE •SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Ask any local where to find the best wine and fine dining restaurant in Cape Town and the answer will always be La Colombe at Silvermist. The tasting menu changes seasonally, but past highlights include Cape Malay-style snoek, truffled cherry parfait, and mushroom tortellini with smoked Stanford and sherry. La Colombe is located in a renovated treehouse on an organic wine estate, and pairs each of its courses with the best offerings from South Africa’s wine regions. Booking in advance isn’t just recommended—it’s likely the only way you’ll get a seat.
20. Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia
PERFECT FOR: •FINE DINING •DRINKING GOOD WINE •OUTDOOR/PATIO SITUATION •DATE NIGHT
If you’re looking for a spectacular lunch or dinner in Cape Town’s wine country but are less interested in formal service, go to Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia. Located on a working vineyard, Beau Constantia produces a range of boutique wines, including sauvignon blanc and viognier varieties. Do the interactive tasting, then stay for the four-course set menu.
21. Babylonstoren
PERFECT FOR: •BIG GROUPS •BIRTHDAYS •DAY DRINKING •DRINKING GOOD WINE •FINE DINING •GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS •LUNCH •OUTDOOR/PATIO SITUATION •VEGANS •VEGETARIANS
Babylonstoren is one of Cape Town’s most popular vineyards and is great for a lunch break between tastings around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. There are two restaurants, Babel and the Greenhouse Restaurant, that are both located on its working farm. Babel does fine dining and offers family-style platters for group bookings and a seasonal à la carte menu for smaller parties, while the Greenhouse Restaurant is more casual, situated in the middle of the farm’s produce gardens, and serves dishes like spiced garden pot pie and Spanish cured pork loin.
22. Arkeste
PERFECT FOR: •DRINKING GOOD WINE •BIG GROUPS •OUTDOOR/PATIO SITUATION
Arkeste is another relaxed fine dining restaurant that skips the frills and formality. It’s located on the Chamonix Wine Estate in Franschhoek and is a perfect lunch stop along Cape Town’s wine route. The menu mixes Mediterranean and Continental classics with a distinct South African twist—think red wine-glazed springbok with pommes croquette, confit duck with sunflower seeds and beetroot, and for dessert, orange buchu ice cream and almond parfait.
23. Foodbarn Bakery & Deli
PERFECT FOR: COFFEE & A LIGHT BITE GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS LUNCH QUICK EATS VEGANS VEGETARIANS WALK-INS
After a day spent driving down the coast pretending you’re in a Jeep commercial, stop in Noordhoek, a tiny, hippy town 30 minutes from Cape Town. Noordhoek Farm Village has excellent restaurants, kitschy trinket shops, and some of the best ice cream at Kirsten’s Kick-Ass Ice Cream. Before that, though, (or after, I’m not your mother) grab a quick bite or pick up locally-made snacks for sundowners from Foodbarn Deli. Take Chapman’s Peak Drive on your way back and stop at the lookout point to watch the sunset.
24. Lucky Fish & Chips
PERFECT FOR: CHEAP EATS CLASSIC ESTABLISHMENT LUNCH SERIOUS TAKE-OUT OPERATION
At Lucky Fish, they serve the freshest fish available, which makes for superb quality and queues out the door.
25. 4Roomed Ekasi Culture
PERFECT FOR: BIG GROUPS IMPRESSING OUT-OF-TOWNERS LUNCH UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE
It’s a casual dining restaurant where a 3-course culinary experience is inspired by foods mostly found in the townships and coupled with influences of other South African cultures found there. These are stories told with each and every plate of food and show how South African heritage is interlinked.
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26. The Gin Bar
PERFECT FOR: CLASSIC ESTABLISHMENT DRINKING GOOD COCKTAILS HAPPY HOUR
Gin and tonics are the unofficial drink of Cape Town and there’s no better place to drink them than at this tiny, antique-filled bar with over 50 local gin varieties. It’s hidden in a back room through a courtyard behind Honest Chocolate Cafe.
27. The Power & The Glory
PERFECT FOR: CLASSIC ESTABLISHMENT FIRST/EARLY IN THE GAME DATES HAPPY HOUR
An evening at The Power & The Glory is the best way to experience Cape Town at night. People gather here in such high numbers that they spill down the street.
28. Mojo Market
PERFECT FOR: BIG GROUPS CASUAL WEEKNIGHT DINNER DRINKS & A LIGHT BITE OF GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS SPORTS VEGANS VEGETARIANS
If you aren’t in town for a weekend market, are looking for a quick bite, or have a big group that doesn’t want to sit around a table talking to each other anymore, Mojo Market in Seapoint is a great dinner spot. There are over a dozen food stalls, live music every night, ocean views, and a huge seating area with crowds of people drinking Drifter beer and G&Ts.
29. The Woodlands Eatery
PERFECT FOR: CASUAL WEEKNIGHT DINNER CLASSIC ESTABLISHMENT DATE NIGHT OUTDOOR/PATIO SITUATION VEGANS VEGETARIANS
If your group is exhausted and about to drop $30 on a piece of fish at the Waterfront out of convenience, or because you can’t bear to see another menu with the words “celeriac reduction,” reroute everyone straight to Woodlands Eatery. It’s located in Vredehoek, a residential area that’s only about a 10-minute drive away. You can sip a local Pinotage on the light-strung patio while trying to decide whose suitcase will be sacrificed to carry back all the wine you bought. Woodlands Eatery is a winner for any food preference and any circumstance. It’s also one of the few places open on Sundays.
30. Unframed Ice Cream
PERFECT FOR: GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS QUICK EATS SERIOUS TAKE-OUT OPERATION VEGANS VEGETARIANS
Unframed serves Cape Town’s best ice cream and was named the best ice cream parlor in the world (which seems like a hard call to make, but we’ll take it). They also post their flavors on Instagram every morning in case you need a few hours to think before committing to just one.
31. The Poké Co.
PERFECT FOR: GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS KEEPING IT KIND OF HEALTHY LUNCH QUICK EATS
The Poke Co. is your best choice before a hike or day trip when you’re looking to grab something “now now” (a real phrase used by people across the country to describe “immediately”). This is the local go-to fast-casual spot because of the high-quality, sustainable fish they serve and sauces.
32. The Raptor Room
PERFECT FOR: BRUNCH CASUAL WEEKNIGHT DINNER GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS LUNCH VEGANS VEGETARIANS WALK-INS
Part coffee shop, part restaurant, and part concert venue, the bright pink Raptor Room is a great daytime option before or after exploring the District Six Museum. It’s a very cool-feeling place that serves national staples like gatsbys (sub sandwiches stuffed with french fries), vetkoeks (savory donuts stuffed with meat or french fries), and peri peri chicken.
33. Harvest Cafe
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST COFFEE & A LIGHT BITE GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS KEEPING IT KIND OF HEALTHY LUNCH VEGANS VEGETARIANS
Bo-Kaap, a historic and colorful neighborhood in the center of the city, is a must-visit, and the best way to see it is from the roof of Harvest Cafe. You’ll find a perfect view of the rainbow houses on Wale Street, a unique coffee menu (focus on this, though they have food, too), and a barista who is some sort of latte-art Picasso.
34. The Strangers Club
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS KEEPING IT KIND OF HEALTHY LUNCH OUTDOOR/PATIO SITUATION VEGANS VEGETARIANS
The Strangers Club is a leafy, semi-outdoor bungalow hidden on a side street in Green Point that looks like it would host yoga retreats – which means that their menu of smoothie bowls and salads makes a lot of sense. TSC is full of the international model/surfer set, but the atmosphere is so laid back that the occasional “yaaaa bruuu!” being thrown across the room is just part of the experience.
35. Jason Bakery
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST BRUNCH CLASSIC ESTABLISHMENT COFFEE & A LIGHT BITE GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS VEGANS VEGETARIANS
If you only have brunch once while you’re here, Jason is the place to go. When you’re heading here before or after a hike, there are healthier options like shakshuka and almond-and-baked-apple oats.
36. Between Us
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST DATE NIGHT GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS LUNCH OUTDOOR/PATIO SITUATION VEGANS VEGETARIANS
Between us is an all-day affair: breakfast in the morning sun, leisurely lunches with friends, a family dinner, or late night tête-à-tête at the bar. A place where the food is consistently spectacular and the environment familiar but ever-surprising.
37. The Commissary
PERFECT FOR: CASUAL WEEKNIGHT DINNER DATE NIGHT DINING SOLO EATING AT THE BAR SMALL PLATES VEGANS VEGETARIANS WALK-INS
The Commissary is a small, graffiti-covered space in the center of town from the same team as The Test Kitchen and The Potluck Club. But instead of plates that were definitely constructed with tweezers, the food here can only be described as American carnival food with an Asian twist – things like barbecue pork belly with toasted coconut and deep-fried, skewered shrimp “prawn dogs.” They don’t take reservations, but you can wait for your table over beers at The House of Machines next door.
38. Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST BRUNCH
Clarke’s is an all-day breakfast spot in a retro diner space located on Bree Street, an area that is full of beautiful, interesting-looking people who likely self-identify as “creatives.” You definitely want to spend an afternoon people-watching and shopping on Bree Street, and Clarke’s is a great place to start.
39. Manna Epicure
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST BRUNCH LUNCH
As with a lot of Cape Town restaurants, the service at Manna Epicure can sometimes be painfully slow, but the homemade desserts and laid-back environment are the reason you’re here.
40. The Kitchen
PERFECT FOR: LUNCH
This casual lunch spot is just outside the city center in Woodstock, the artistic hub of the city where you’ll find the best art galleries, antique stores, and independent shops. This is an order-at-the-counter salad and sandwich situation, and the owner is a local celebrity who couldn’t be more welcoming. The Love Sandwich (a massive chicken sandwich stuffed with a lot of good stuff) is legendary, and the daily salads ranging from butternut to cauliflower to barley are great too. A lemon bar for the road is non-negotiable.
41. Superette
PERFECT FOR: BRUNCH LUNCH
Another fantastic lunch or brunch option in Woodstock, Superette is located inside The Woodstock Exchange, which is basically an incubator for local artists and businesses where you’ll find everything from fancy chocolates to jewelry to coffee shops and lots of other interesting things going on. The chicken sandwich at Superette is a favorite, but the all-day breakfast offerings, salads, and banana bread are pretty great too.
42. Hemelhuijs
PERFECT FOR: BREAKFAST BRUNCH LUNCH
Entering Hemelhuijs feels like stepping into a coffee table book about Nordic interior design, and by that, I mean that everything is incredibly beautiful and tastefully placed, and the food is as delicious as it is pretty. There’s a more sophisticated crowd that hangs out here, and it’s a nice place to come for brunch or lunch and pretend you’re more interesting than you probably are. The juices are great, and the menu has something for everyone.
43. Kloof Street House
PERFECT FOR: BIG GROUPS BIRTHDAYS BRUNCH CLASSIC ESTABLISHMENT GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS LUNCH OUTDOOR/PATIO SITUATION VEGANS VEGETARIANS
Between the big leather chairs, candelabras, antique photographs, and outdoor garden with string lights, Kloof Street House looks like a Victorian-era dinner party thrown by Jay Gatsby. The menu has options for everyone – from an ostrich fillet to vegan risotto.
44. The Test Kitchen
PERFECT FOR: BIRTHDAYS FINE DINING SPECIAL OCCASIONS UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE VEGANS VEGETARIANS
The Test Kitchen is the best restaurant in Cape Town. Dinner here is elaborate and involves 16 courses, complimentary cocktails, and surprises like homemade, infused gummy bears or vintage South African brandy. Your table even relocates halfway through. But despite the fact that you’ll eat things like “a lime-compressed apple,” the Test Kitchen feels more like an extravagant holiday dinner at a friend’s house than a stuffy restaurant. It’s the hardest reservation to get in the city, so set an alarm for 8 am SAST on the first of the month, three months prior to your trip, and make sure to be on your neighbor’s extra-fast WiFi.
45. El Burro
PERFECT FOR: BIG GROUPS
El Burro serves fantastic Mexican food with a laid-back vibe in Greenpoint. The large tables make it a perfect spot for a boozy group dinner, but lunch on the elevated patio is a strong move too. A pitcher of their strong margaritas and an order of fish tacos or enchiladas, and you’re going to have a tough time finding a reason to leave.
46. Black Sheep
PERFECT FOR: DATE NIGHT
The menu (simple, fresh proteins and produce-driven stuff) here changes almost daily, but you can be sure that whatever is on the blackboard that day is going to be amazing. This is the sort of fun, relaxed restaurant where you’re going to want to spend the entire night, and given that a bottle of wine in Cape Town is about the same price as that bottle of Fiji you bought at the airport, ordering a few bottles to go with your meal and hanging around all night is encouraged. Definitely make a reservation here.
47. Il Leone
PERFECT FOR: DATE NIGHT
Il Leone is a bit off the beaten path in Greenpoint and feels like a local hang. They know their pasta and their wines here, and while everything is really good, they don’t take themselves too seriously. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with the wine list – there are a lot of options and unless you’re an expert in South African wines, you’re going to be pretty lost.
48. Jerry’s Burger Bar
PERFECT FOR: CHEAP EATS
They have lots of options – everything from the classic to burgers stuffed with chorizo and cheese to veggie burgers – and lots of different local craft beers on tap. If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, this is a great move.
49. Orphanage Cocktail Emporium
Serving fancy drinks on Bree Street, Orphanage is a great spot for a pre or post-dinner drink, especially if drinking a gin and tonic out of a plastic bag or watching the bartender light your drink on fire is your kind of thing. Even if they take themselves a little too seriously, the drinks are very good and it’s always full of people looking to have a fun time.
50. Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar
Tjing Tjing is a half indoor, half outdoor rooftop bar with fun cocktails and a vibey interior. It’s a great spot to kick off a night out on Long Street.
51. Old Milstone Oude Moulen
If you’re in Cape Town on a Saturday, you go to Old Biscuit Mill. In addition to clothing and gifts, this outdoor market has vendors selling every kind of food imaginable from some of the best restaurants in the city. The mushroom skewers, pizzas, paella, mini pancakes, frozen margaritas, the Love Sandwich, and any baked goods that catch your eye, but I can pretty much promise that anything that looks good will deliver. Spending a few hours alternating between eating and shopping (a.k.a. getting hungry again) is how you want to spend a Saturday morning in Cape Town.
52. Codfather
PERFECT FOR: DATE NIGHT DINNER WITH THE PARENTS
Camps Bay is not a neighborhood I’d encourage you to spend too much time in, mostly because it’s overpriced and full of tourists, but you should definitely get over there once just for the views of the beach. And when you go, you should eat at Codfather. Codfather is all about seafood and serves some of the best you’ll find in Cape Town. The way it works is like this: your server will walk you up to a fish counter, show you all the fresh fish they have that day, you’ll pick the different kinds of fish and how much you want of each, and then the kitchen will cook them up for you while you drink your 16th bottle of South African wine that week.
53. The Roundhouse
PERFECT FOR: DATE NIGHT OUTDOOR/PATIO SITUATION
The Rumbullion is the more casual of two restaurants located on The Roundhouse estate (basically a country club that doesn’t require membership) at the foot of Table Mountain. You should order some pizza and sundowners, but the real reason you’re here is for the views. Only open during the warmer months, you eat in the garden overlooking the beaches of Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles, and you’ll feel like you’re somewhere in the South of France.
54. Bistrot Bizerca
PERFECT FOR: DATE NIGHT DINNER WITH THE PARENTS
Offering a French-ish, meat-heavy menu that changes frequently, Bizerca Bistro is definitely a restaurant on the nicer side of things (which, in Cape Town, means it’s still pretty casual). As seriously as they take their food, the vibe manages to remain very down to earth and there’s nothing pretentious about this place.
55. Chefs Warehouse
PERFECT FOR: CLASSIC ESTABLISHMENT FINE DINING IMPRESSING OUT OF TOWNERS SMALL PLATES VEGANS VEGETARIANS WALK-INS
If you’re looking for a really special dinner but want to stay in the City Bowl (the center of town), Chefs Warehouse is the best spot. This place lands somewhere between a tasting menu and small plates restaurant, serving eight shared dishes across three courses for two people to split for R800 (a convoluted math problem that works out to $25 a person). They don’t take reservations, so it’s best to show up around 5:30 pm, put your name down before they close the list (which can be as early as 6 pm in the summer), then wait it out at their bar next door, No Reservations, or at Gigi’s Rooftop Bar a few blocks away.
