Guidebook for Cape Town
Food Scene
Café Mozart is a renowned landmark which has been charming both locals and visitors alike for over 30 years. Tables spill out onto the shaded pedestrian walkway and antique market of Church Street.
19 locals recommend
Cafe Mozart
Café Mozart is a renowned landmark which has been charming both locals and visitors alike for over 30 years. Tables spill out onto the shaded pedestrian walkway and antique market of Church Street.
Mama is a strange old soul whose ambition is to offer warm friendly hospitality in a totally relaxed way. She loves happiness, laughter and joy and the satisfaction that goes with a full belly.
63 locals recommend
Mama Africa
178 Long StMama is a strange old soul whose ambition is to offer warm friendly hospitality in a totally relaxed way. She loves happiness, laughter and joy and the satisfaction that goes with a full belly.
Creative contemporary cooking in a visually exciting venue. Historic brick, complemented by glass and concrete.
24 locals recommend
Savoy Cabbage Restaurant
101 Hout StreetCreative contemporary cooking in a visually exciting venue. Historic brick, complemented by glass and concrete.
Nuri is an inner-city sushi joint catering to the busy Capetonian with an insatiable love for innovative food. Nuri aims to bring a distinctly South African twist to its sushi products.
90 locals recommend
Bukhara Cape Town CBD
33 Church StreetNuri is an inner-city sushi joint catering to the busy Capetonian with an insatiable love for innovative food. Nuri aims to bring a distinctly South African twist to its sushi products.
It’s a recipe that combines the best Indian chefs, authentic cooking, with a sumptuous setting and one that has made the Bombay Brasserie one of the top Indian restaurants in the Cape Town.
15 locals recommend
Bombay Brasserie
1 Wale StIt’s a recipe that combines the best Indian chefs, authentic cooking, with a sumptuous setting and one that has made the Bombay Brasserie one of the top Indian restaurants in the Cape Town.
Situated in Cape Town's busy CBD, the original Bukhara invites you to enjoy great Indian food in a plush yet vibey, buys atmosphere.
90 locals recommend
Bukhara Cape Town CBD
33 Church StreetSituated in Cape Town's busy CBD, the original Bukhara invites you to enjoy great Indian food in a plush yet vibey, buys atmosphere.
Doppio Zero’s offer more than just Italian - their unprecedented extensive and flexible Mediterranean menu continues to trend set international standards.
15 locals recommend
Doppio Zero
Doppio Zero’s offer more than just Italian - their unprecedented extensive and flexible Mediterranean menu continues to trend set international standards.
Dig in at this Ethiopian spot – bowls of stew (wot) are upended onto a giant sourdough pancake (injera) for communal eating.
51 locals recommend
Addis in Cape Ethiopian Restaurant
168 Church StDig in at this Ethiopian spot – bowls of stew (wot) are upended onto a giant sourdough pancake (injera) for communal eating.
A must-visit destination for Cape Malay food that’s traditional, tasty and spicy.
25 locals recommend
Bo-Kaap Kombuis
7 August StA must-visit destination for Cape Malay food that’s traditional, tasty and spicy.
The ever-popular Royale Eatery offers over 50 great burgers, as well as homemade relishes, pizzas and double-thick milkshakes.
127 locals recommend
Royale Eatery
20 Vineyard RoadThe ever-popular Royale Eatery offers over 50 great burgers, as well as homemade relishes, pizzas and double-thick milkshakes.
CT’s first ramen bar is a low-key affair, but charms with delicious noodle dishes and steamed buns.
80 locals recommend
Downtown Ramen Asian Restaurant
103 Harrington StreetCT’s first ramen bar is a low-key affair, but charms with delicious noodle dishes and steamed buns.
The focus is on Asian favourites like steamed dumplings and noodles, with highlights like prawn skewers with a coriander-lime dipping sauce.
33 locals recommend
Hallelujah
11D Kloof Nek RoadThe focus is on Asian favourites like steamed dumplings and noodles, with highlights like prawn skewers with a coriander-lime dipping sauce.
This popular eatery charms with a compact menu. Salads and sandwiches are joined by classics like buttery chicken pie.
8 locals recommend
Birds Catering
127 Bree StThis popular eatery charms with a compact menu. Salads and sandwiches are joined by classics like buttery chicken pie.
A trendy little spot serving treats like grilled rabbit, wild rocket soup and pulled pork sandwiches.
247 locals recommend
Black Sheep Restaurant
104 Kloof StA trendy little spot serving treats like grilled rabbit, wild rocket soup and pulled pork sandwiches.
Local, free range and organic produce is served up to cater for a variety of dietary requirements at this charming city cafe.
DEAR ME
165 Longmarket StreetLocal, free range and organic produce is served up to cater for a variety of dietary requirements at this charming city cafe.
Sit down to gorgeously plated seasonal dishes by chef Jacques Erasmus at this oh-so stylish restaurant.
102 locals recommend
Hemelhuijs
71 Waterkant StSit down to gorgeously plated seasonal dishes by chef Jacques Erasmus at this oh-so stylish restaurant.
A very trendy and popular spot, offering delicious bistro food with a Mediterranean and Moroccan influence.
408 locals recommend
Kloof Street House
30 Kloof StA very trendy and popular spot, offering delicious bistro food with a Mediterranean and Moroccan influence.
Once famous for their breakfasts, this stylish spot is now also open for dinner. The menu shows quite a few nods to the Afrikaans food heritage.
123 locals recommend
Manna Epicure
4 Kloof StOnce famous for their breakfasts, this stylish spot is now also open for dinner. The menu shows quite a few nods to the Afrikaans food heritage.
Aside from their now-famous coffee, Truth offers a pretty comprehensive breakfast menu and satisfying lunch options.
425 locals recommend
Truth Coffee Roasting
36 Buitenkant StAside from their now-famous coffee, Truth offers a pretty comprehensive breakfast menu and satisfying lunch options.
Our number 1 restaurant in the country. Luke Dale-Roberts’s food is simply unbeatable.
259 locals recommend
The Test Kitchen
375 Albert RdOur number 1 restaurant in the country. Luke Dale-Roberts’s food is simply unbeatable.
95 Keerom
95 Keerom StAuthentic, really well-made Italian food is the name of the game.
Winner of Best Italian Restaurant in 2013. Apart from authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, there are exquisite mains like pork belly risotto and beetroot, butternut and goat’s cheese ravioli.
31 locals recommend
Burrata Restaurant
375 Albert RdWinner of Best Italian Restaurant in 2013. Apart from authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, there are exquisite mains like pork belly risotto and beetroot, butternut and goat’s cheese ravioli.
This is a long-time favourite with the cognoscenti. Try the excellent lasagne and ravioli, one of 28 fish dishes, and the recommended peppercorn fillet.
240 locals recommend
La Perla
281 Beach RdThis is a long-time favourite with the cognoscenti. Try the excellent lasagne and ravioli, one of 28 fish dishes, and the recommended peppercorn fillet.
The 20 skinny-based pizza options include exotic variations like smoked salmon with ‘caviar’ and cottage cheese. Daily specials could include a rich, slow-braised osso buco.
187 locals recommend
Posticino Italian Restaurant
323 Main RdThe 20 skinny-based pizza options include exotic variations like smoked salmon with ‘caviar’ and cottage cheese. Daily specials could include a rich, slow-braised osso buco.
More often than not packed with patrons enjoying the all-week specials on sushi and cocktails, Beluga is perfect for large lunches or a birthday dinner with friends.
158 locals recommend
Beluga Cape Town
70 Prestwich StMore often than not packed with patrons enjoying the all-week specials on sushi and cocktails, Beluga is perfect for large lunches or a birthday dinner with friends.
The tapas-style menu is divided into sections (sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami), and abounds with extravagant flavour. Edgy dishes include the legendary fish tacos and the smoked beef fillet
312 locals recommend
The Pot Luck Club
373-375 Albert RdThe tapas-style menu is divided into sections (sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami), and abounds with extravagant flavour. Edgy dishes include the legendary fish tacos and the smoked beef fillet
Tapas is the thing at this lively, colourful spot in the heart of the city. With the recent addition of executive chef Andres Condé, formerly of elBulli, the menu can only get more exciting.
189 locals recommend
La Parada Bree Street
107 Bree StTapas is the thing at this lively, colourful spot in the heart of the city. With the recent addition of executive chef Andres Condé, formerly of elBulli, the menu can only get more exciting.
This neighbourhood tavern-style bistro has built up a very loyal clientele. Get everything Greek, from zucchini fritters, grilled calamari and halloumi to slow-roasted lamb in ouzo sauce.
114 locals recommend
Maria's Greek Café
31 Barnet StThis neighbourhood tavern-style bistro has built up a very loyal clientele. Get everything Greek, from zucchini fritters, grilled calamari and halloumi to slow-roasted lamb in ouzo sauce.
Named Best Steakhouse at the 2013 Eat Out Awards. Chef-owner Giorgio Nava has a farm in Nieu Bethesda, where an imported Romagnola bull sires Romagnola-Nguni crosses.
103 locals recommend
Carne SA
70 Keerom StNamed Best Steakhouse at the 2013 Eat Out Awards. Chef-owner Giorgio Nava has a farm in Nieu Bethesda, where an imported Romagnola bull sires Romagnola-Nguni crosses.
A beautifully located and set restaurant, serving up deliciously creative dishes. Come and treat your palate to amazing food and wine combinations that will have you coming back for more.
44 locals recommend
Open Door Restaurant
ERF12995 Spaanschemat River RdA beautifully located and set restaurant, serving up deliciously creative dishes. Come and treat your palate to amazing food and wine combinations that will have you coming back for more.
Filled with the addictive aroma of baking bread, it is a heart-warming and comfortable space. And, of course, you can nab some freshly made baked goodies to take home with you.
6 locals recommend
Loaves by Madame Baker
12 Briar RdFilled with the addictive aroma of baking bread, it is a heart-warming and comfortable space. And, of course, you can nab some freshly made baked goodies to take home with you.
After a decade and a half working and travelling overseas, owner Vanessa Rose decided to open this tapas-style eatery at the foot of Table Mountain that reflects her experiences.
14 locals recommend
Con Brio Bistro
2 Deerpark Dr WAfter a decade and a half working and travelling overseas, owner Vanessa Rose decided to open this tapas-style eatery at the foot of Table Mountain that reflects her experiences.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Twankey Bar is in indeed a rare find in this historic part of the city. Along with a fine selection of local wines & bubble’s and the freshest Guinness. Also excellent for Craft Beer.
24 locals recommend
The Twankey Bar
1 Wale StThe Twankey Bar is in indeed a rare find in this historic part of the city. Along with a fine selection of local wines & bubble’s and the freshest Guinness. Also excellent for Craft Beer.
They have perfected the balance of quality food and Live Entertainment & Music offering a relaxed yet lively environment to enjoy a local craft beer or glass of wine over a quality meal.
44 locals recommend
The Odyssey Gastropub
199 Bree StreetThey have perfected the balance of quality food and Live Entertainment & Music offering a relaxed yet lively environment to enjoy a local craft beer or glass of wine over a quality meal.
HQ Restaurant & Bar is a steak restaurant focused on a single meal of salad, sirloin and chips. It's loosely based on the famous Parisian restaurant, L’Entrecote, in its homage to meat.
73 locals recommend
HQ
100 Shortmarket StHQ Restaurant & Bar is a steak restaurant focused on a single meal of salad, sirloin and chips. It's loosely based on the famous Parisian restaurant, L’Entrecote, in its homage to meat.
Expect boerekos with a twist, such as boerewors, venison and beef burgers with deep-fried putu by day and bobotie with pumpkin fritters by night.
Emily's Bar & Bistro
55 Kloof StExpect boerekos with a twist, such as boerewors, venison and beef burgers with deep-fried putu by day and bobotie with pumpkin fritters by night.
This American-style diner is known for great vibes and brilliant burgers.
260 locals recommend
Clarke's Bar & Dining Room
133 Bree StThis American-style diner is known for great vibes and brilliant burgers.
A solid reminder of why burgers will never go out of fashion. Try the Original Royale (bacon, cheddar, chilli and onion rings), with disco fries.
86 locals recommend
Hudsons, The Burger Joint
22 Kloof StreetA solid reminder of why burgers will never go out of fashion. Try the Original Royale (bacon, cheddar, chilli and onion rings), with disco fries.
This is ‘drunk food’ par excellence – dive into comfort dishes such as sticky pork ribs, pulled pork sammiches and burgers with matchstick fries.
95 locals recommend
Lefty's
105 Harrington StThis is ‘drunk food’ par excellence – dive into comfort dishes such as sticky pork ribs, pulled pork sammiches and burgers with matchstick fries.
Located in the heart of the CBD [spasie] is the city’s first underground restaurant and private event space bringing top South African chefs and rising stars into their kitchens for culinary magic.
spasie underground restaurant
97 Church StreetLocated in the heart of the CBD [spasie] is the city’s first underground restaurant and private event space bringing top South African chefs and rising stars into their kitchens for culinary magic.
Challenge the rules of normality with The Village Idiot, a new, quirky restaurant and bar in Cape Town's city centre ideal for lunch, dinner and after-work drinks.
222 locals recommend
The Village Idiot
32 Loop StChallenge the rules of normality with The Village Idiot, a new, quirky restaurant and bar in Cape Town's city centre ideal for lunch, dinner and after-work drinks.
Everything Else
The Haiku concept is exotic Asian cuisine. Chinese dim sum, wok and barbeque; robata grills and sushi, served tapas-style, are some of the dishes to be shared and enjoyed in a stylish setting.
81 locals recommend
Haiku Cape Town CBD
58 Burg St The Haiku concept is exotic Asian cuisine. Chinese dim sum, wok and barbeque; robata grills and sushi, served tapas-style, are some of the dishes to be shared and enjoyed in a stylish setting.
From great coffee to innovative croissants and a range of great sandwiches for lunch, you can’t go wrong with a stop at Jason.
338 locals recommend
Jason Bakery
185 Bree StFrom great coffee to innovative croissants and a range of great sandwiches for lunch, you can’t go wrong with a stop at Jason.
With a view of The Twelve Apostles mountains and Camps Bay, few restaurants can beat The Roundhouse for setting – the outdoor venue, Rumbullion, is ideal for relaxed summer dining.
13 locals recommend
Round House Road
Round House RoadWith a view of The Twelve Apostles mountains and Camps Bay, few restaurants can beat The Roundhouse for setting – the outdoor venue, Rumbullion, is ideal for relaxed summer dining.
Tapas for two is the way to go at this winner of 2014 Best Everyday Eatery. Chef Liam Tomlin’s creations appear in a parade of copper pots, baskets and slate plates.
235 locals recommend
Chefs Warehouse & Canteen
92 Bree StTapas for two is the way to go at this winner of 2014 Best Everyday Eatery. Chef Liam Tomlin’s creations appear in a parade of copper pots, baskets and slate plates.
Table Mountain is the most iconic landmark of South Africa.
It is also the country’s most photographed attraction and its famous cable car took millions of people to its top.
950 locals recommend
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
5821 Tafelberg RdTable Mountain is the most iconic landmark of South Africa.
It is also the country’s most photographed attraction and its famous cable car took millions of people to its top.
Nobel Laureate and former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela was imprisoned there for 18 of the 27 years he served behind bars before the fall of apartheid.
395 locals recommend
Robben Island
Nobel Laureate and former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela was imprisoned there for 18 of the 27 years he served behind bars before the fall of apartheid.
Situated in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour with the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is widely acknowledged.
1951 locals recommend
V&A Waterfront
19 Dock RdSituated in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour with the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is widely acknowledged.
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is a cableway to the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. It is one of Cape Town's most popular tourist attractions
473 locals recommend
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway station
Pipe TrackThe Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is a cableway to the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. It is one of Cape Town's most popular tourist attractions
This beach, with its wind sheltered bays and safe sandy shores, is home to a breeding colony of over 2000 endangered African Penguins.
562 locals recommend
Boulders Beach
Kleintuin RoadThis beach, with its wind sheltered bays and safe sandy shores, is home to a breeding colony of over 2000 endangered African Penguins.
Experience the incredible diversity of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans at one of Cape Town's top tourist attractions, the Two Oceans Aquarium.
419 locals recommend
Two Oceans Aquarium
Dock RoadExperience the incredible diversity of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans at one of Cape Town's top tourist attractions, the Two Oceans Aquarium.
The scenic beauty of Cape Point is not its sole allure; it is also an international icon of great historical interest
859 locals recommend
Cape Point
The scenic beauty of Cape Point is not its sole allure; it is also an international icon of great historical interest
Lion's Head is best known for its stunning views of the Mother City and Table Bay on one side, and the Atlantic shoreline on the other
725 locals recommend
Lion's Head Hike
Signal Hill RoadLion's Head is best known for its stunning views of the Mother City and Table Bay on one side, and the Atlantic shoreline on the other
Signal Hill is a landmark flat-topped hill located in Cape Town, next to Lion's Head and Table Mountain - incredible views!
609 locals recommend
Signal Hill
Signal Hill is a landmark flat-topped hill located in Cape Town, next to Lion's Head and Table Mountain - incredible views!
The District Six Museum, established in December 1994, works with the memories of the District Six experience and with that of forced removals more generally.
445 locals recommend
District Six Museum
25A Buitenkant StThe District Six Museum, established in December 1994, works with the memories of the District Six experience and with that of forced removals more generally.
The Iziko South African Museum is a South African national museum located in Cape Town. The museum was founded in 1825, the first in the country.
305 locals recommend
Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium
25 Queen Victoria StThe Iziko South African Museum is a South African national museum located in Cape Town. The museum was founded in 1825, the first in the country.
Rhodes Memorial on Devil's Peak in Cape Town, South Africa, is a memorial to English-born, South African politician Cecil John Rhodes.
130 locals recommend
Rhodes Memorial
Rhodes AvenueRhodes Memorial on Devil's Peak in Cape Town, South Africa, is a memorial to English-born, South African politician Cecil John Rhodes.
The South African National Gallery is the national art gallery of South Africa. Its collection consists largely of Dutch, French and British works from the 17th to the 19th century
190 locals recommend
Iziko South African National Gallery
Government AvenueThe South African National Gallery is the national art gallery of South Africa. Its collection consists largely of Dutch, French and British works from the 17th to the 19th century
Home to Millionaire’s Row, fashionable Clifton is known as Cape Town’s St Tropez, and its four beautiful beaches attract holidaymakers in their droves.
143 locals recommend
Clifton
Home to Millionaire’s Row, fashionable Clifton is known as Cape Town’s St Tropez, and its four beautiful beaches attract holidaymakers in their droves.
The open-top double-decker buses of City Sightseeing are one of the best ways to take in the highlights of Cape Town.
289 locals recommend
City Sightseeing Cape Town
81 Long StThe open-top double-decker buses of City Sightseeing are one of the best ways to take in the highlights of Cape Town.
Under the looming Twelve Apostles and Lion’s Head, with views out across the turquoise-coloured sea, Camps Bay sports some of the trendiest places in Cape Town to see and be seen.
389 locals recommend
Camps Bay
Under the looming Twelve Apostles and Lion’s Head, with views out across the turquoise-coloured sea, Camps Bay sports some of the trendiest places in Cape Town to see and be seen.
Chapman’s Peak Drive winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay and is touted as one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world.
409 locals recommend
Chapman's Peak Drive
1 Chapmans Peak DrChapman’s Peak Drive winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay and is touted as one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world.
Shopping
A popular spot for breakfast and lunch, this café serves beautiful and interesting Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired fare.
16 locals recommend
sababa
231 Bree StreetA popular spot for breakfast and lunch, this café serves beautiful and interesting Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired fare.