Cape Town Restaurants

The décor showcases handpicked furniture, mismatched pre-owned art and quirky unique ambiance popular with local trendsetters. The open plan kitchen bustles with creative dishes, decadent cakes and pastries and sumptuous eclectic cuisine. Serving light meals and classic fare, the ever-changing menu is perfect for quick breakfasts, coffee and paper diners and lazy lunches.

@ 3Fig is a private dinner club set in the residence of an up market guesthouse in Newlands. The interior and delectable four-course dinner sets the stage for a night of indulgence, conversation and personal attention. Arrive between 19h15 and 19h45 for drinks and canapés before the evening commences with great food and fine wine. As gourmet chef Neill Anthony takes the helm (flamboyantly showing his skills attained working in the kitchen of Gordon Ramsay) wander through the kitchen and watch the magic unfold. The weekly menu is complimented by wine pairing expert David Wibberley (The founder of borde (aux) room) allowing each dish to perfectly compliment each glass of wine. Summer evenings embrace dining alfresco on the covered patio and cooler nights seek warmth in the cosy library.

This upmarket grill room offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience in a vibrant, classy environment. An extensive range of wines, fine cocktails and drinks work effortlessly alongside the menu and melt-in-your-mouth meat dishes puts this premier dining experience in a league of its own. For the most succulent and superb beef, always cooked at 1800º Fahrenheit, 1800° is the place to be. This is the ideal setting for that all-important business meeting or for discerning patrons in search of a refined meal and professional service. The beef and other meats are grass and grain fed and carefully matured to ensure the finest flavour and the most tender cuts. 1800° prides itself on innovative thinking, superb service and exceptional presentation.

The 19-on-Main Bistro is located in a hidden structure, immediately on your left as you enter Kalk Bay from Muizenberg. A favourite restaurant with locals due to it’s rustic and down to earth aesthetics, its ‘tucked away’ location, gourmet home-style cooking and endless views across the ocean, 19-on-Main Bistro has a special brand of charm. In the Winter months, the bistro is warmed with log fires and offers hearty delights, such as lamb chops and curry buffets. In Summer the restaurant takes on a different character with lighter meals, such as salads, wraps and seafood, all enjoyed with a glass of crisp white wine peering out at the moody seas. The interiors might be ramshackle, but the food is excellent, served by passionate staff who have been there for years. Built just behind the railway line, the views from the bistro are some of the best on offer in Kalk Bay. Enjoy the casual atmosphere on a Summer’s afternoon in Kalk Bay or warm yourself next to the fire on a chilly night.

Serving breakfast or lunch options, 35 on Rose makes an ideal location for intimate or alfresco dining. The interior leans towards sophisticated elegance while the terrace offers abundant alfresco seating on the sheltered courtyard soothed by a tranquil water feature. The a la carte menu offers breakfast choices ranging from smoked salmon and scrambled eggs to the more traditional breakfast. Lunch options proffer gourmet sandwiches ranging from pannini, tramezzini or foccacia layered with salami, mozzarella and pesto for a real Italian sandwich, or try the Cape Malay. Wood burning pizzas prove very popular with various toppings such as chicken, brie, cranberry and avocado which come highly recommended. Heartier dishes such as the veal dishes exude Italian specialty as does the grilled baby beef with porcini mushrooms, Cajun fresh line fish, tender lamb shank, or crumbled veal chops. For starters try the seafood soup or the deep-fried boccinci with sun-dried tomato tapenade. Genuine Italian desserts come in the form of Italian chocolate brownie made with Italian panettone cake and served with expresso ice cream.

Everything from good food to the love of art beacons those who visit 38 Special in City Bowl. Housed in one of the oldest building in the CBD, diners enjoy the laid back and relaxed setting savouring culinary masterpieces and exploring resident artwork on display. The character still exudes and holds true boasting original facades and wooden flooring, lovingly decorated to compliment the international menu. 38 Special holds something special for those who visit, a truly memorable dining experience.

Nurtured through painstaking restoration in a building dating back to 1902, the character breathers throughout the space, leading into several inter leading rooms, heightened by high ceilings and parquet flooring to create a statement that exudes elegant grandeur. The jaw dropping surrounds and sophisticated menu is aimed at the more refined palate offering choices such as cheese soufflé served with herbs and mustard cream, Duck served with a traditional orange sauce. The restaurant shares space with a bookshop and art gallery showcasing the most exquisite art. Browse masterpieces before indulging in fine cuisine at 6 Spin Street and experience fine dining at its best.

A restaurant that boasts superb dishes that showcase the sumptuous but simple flavours of Italy, 96 Keerom is the place to be for a memorable taste of the Med. An atmosphere of simple sophistication runs throughout the restaurant. The staff are friendly and tend to diners needs without being intrusive and are happy to advise on selections to suit. A great wine selection rounds off the superb offerings for a truly satisfying Italian dining experience.

A Fu Asian Take-Away brings a true Eastern flavour to the V & A Waterfront. This small outlet is owner-run and, as with most little gems like this, plenty of flavour and passion is put into the cuisine. Enjoy traditional Chinese favourites like chow mein, chop suey, sweet and sour chicken, beef and pork or, as a lighter alternative, a delectable Chinese soup. For those with more adventurous taste buds, try the smoky chilli-beef noodles with peanuts. The food is traditional, flavourful, and very affordable and if you are looking for a quick, hassle-free takeaway that does not lack in the quality department, be sure to give A Fu a try.

A trendy spot for lovers of Italian food, A Tavola is well worth a visit. A warm and lively venue, the ambience throughout is friendly and diners are always made to feel as welcome as they truly are. Wine list featuring some Italian options as well as South African bottles provides a great accompaniment to a delicious meal.

Grab your friends and head straight to A Touch of Madness for a tasty meal and a great bottle of wine. This unique restaurant in 'Obs' offers a blend of South African Fusion with a little madness. It caters for most tastes with falafal dinners and filled butternuts to delicious beef and venison steaks. On Monday evenings you can listen to Off The Wall poetry readings from 8pm. Thursday nights are Irish music sessions from 9pm and every alternate Sunday night at 8pm you can hear the tunes of Blacksmith, a Bluegrass band. Open 7 days a week from 12 noon until late (Monday to Saturday) and 5pm until late on Sunday.

Exuding style and offering some unique culinary delights, Act Restaurant hosts a contemporary a la Carte menu complimented by an extensive wine list. The menu focuses on bistro fare, brimming with taste while stylish surrounds relax the mind in preparation of the show ahead. Act Restaurant is the ideal venue for pre-show dinners and caters for functions and private hire.

Traditional Ethiopian dishes are the order of the day at Addis in Cape. Brilliant service enhances the experience with staff that will gladly explain the menu and guide your selection if required. The decor is as authentic as the food with traditional Ethiopian furnishings and colour palettes. A must-try experience, Addis in Cape is a culinary trip through Ethiopia you won’t soon forget!

A bustling and lively spot, Adesso is quickly becoming the only place to be in the Southern suburbs. Serving superb Italian cuisine in a friendly and vibrant environment, it is no wonder that Adesso is amassing a large loyal following. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, diners can enjoy the finest coffee and a mouth-watering cake selection. A superb venue for parties and events, Adesso is a versatile and exciting restaurant.

An unforgettable African banquet awaits you at Africa Cafe.With a menu that changes according to season, ensuring that only the freshest and finest ingredients are used in the preparation of the delicious dishes, Africa Cafe has true African dining perfected.Superbly warm and friendly staff are on hand and happy to take diners through the exciting offerings and will happily explain the authentic decor and paintings that adorn the walls.A healthy following of both tourists and locals make for an eclectic ambience, enhanced by the sound of drums and singing staff members!

Original paintings adorn olive coloured walls, heightened by a bamboo ceiling and iron candelabras. The roaring fireplace adds warmth and homely ambiance during winter and the outdoor leafy setting embraces summer and spring. The menu touches upon Asian specialties, Mediterranean dishes, Thai and South African fusion. Think lamb shank and chicken pie, tom yum soup and Moroccan couscous salad. A standard wine list and boutique wines compliment the flavours and ambiance at this delightful eatery in Mowbray.

For a brilliant breakfast, a light lunch or a sumptuous supper, Al Nafoora always provides the best options.This Mediterranean restaurant proffers a wide variety of breakfast options to help you start the day properly. For lunch and dinner there is a superb a la carte menu with a great selection of dishes including fresh fish and delicious mezze.The atmosphere is relaxed and laid back but still upmarket, making your dining experience at Al Nafoora a special but affordable event.Experience wonderful food and warm Cape hospitality at Al Nafoora.

A Tavola brings the real taste of Italy to the leafy suburbs of Claremont with its open piazza style dining and relaxed café style tables buzzing with passion and hearty aromas from the open plan kitchen. With emphasis on freshness, seasonal ingredients and some key ingredients imported from Italy, A Tavola serves authentic Italian faire freshly made to secret recipes passed down from generation to generation. This comfortable, brightly lit café with a relaxed ambience is fast becoming the place to be seen where people gather to take pleasure in fabulous food and laid-back environment. Serving comfortable Italian food, fresh salads, freshly made pasta, veal and traditional deserts in the open piazza style setting, patrons can enjoy dining indoors or al-fresco with the added bonus of browsing the deli for fresh assortments of Italian cheeses, cold meats and pasta sauces. A Tavola is easily located on Library Square just off Wilderness Road for a truly authentic Italian experience.

Alba Lounge, above the Hildebrand Restaurant offers visitors some of the best views in Cape Town. With 360 degree views across the harbour, the V & A Waterfront, Table Mountain and the City, this is a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. Rain or shine, Alba Lounge is the perfect place to be, sipping on something cool and delighting on some of the delicious tapas treats that are on offer. The Venetian inspired menu features a delicious range of classic Italian tapas with a modern twist. Visitors are invited to sit back and take in the scenery while feasting on such sumptuous morsels as smoked salmon, horseradish and dill crostini or Springbok, sage and apricot terrina. One of the chef’s specialities is the Umbrian sausage with peppers. There are also classic breaded mozzarella balls, Prosciutto San Daniele with melon, Ham on grilled polena and flash friend prawns. The fabulous selection of tapas is the ideal accompaniment for one of the many delightful cocktails on offer. Alba Lounge is an upmarket tapas lounge. Luxurious and trendy, with out of this world views it is the place to be for a chilled drink and a light snack.

A hidden gem in Big Bay, Alexia’s restaurant is a Greek influenced Mediterranean restaurant that offers a variety of deliciously authentic meals. With views across Table Bay towards Table Mountain and the Cape Town, Alexia’s is the perfect place to sit back, sip on a cool glass of vino and take in the amazing views of the Mother City while delighting in delicious food.

This simple gastro retreat is dedicated to satisfying you with an intriguing and expansive menu while delighting your taste buds with every satisfying bite. Alspenstube started as bush pub and become the hot spot among locals and friends elevating this Austrian secret to public dining status. With a few tables scattered here and there, a warm homely setting and a passion for true continental food, Alspentube is the perfect place for enjoying a traditional “Fruhschappen” (Sunday brunch) with family and friends. Many local and overseas visitors flock to relish the taste of their traditional dishes such as “Kalbsbratwurst” (veal sausages with sauerkraut) and famous Hungarian goulash soup. On the other hand, signature dishes such as the Eisbein/Schweinshaxe (crispy pork knuckle served with sauerkraut) come highly recommend by the chef and returning patrons alike. Desserts include a traditional Apfelstrudel and “Kaiserschmarren” a fluffy omelette dough with raisins served with applesauce. Once you discover this Austrian delight, you will be welcomed with warm smiles and friendly faces.

The décor invites relaxation and informality; the modern interior working seamlessly with the stainless steal chandeliers. The well-balanced menu brims with food expertly prepared, using the highest quality food. Try the brown mushroom baked with roasted vegetables, parmesan and basil pesto or the half a free-range, deboned duck slow-roasted with a Van der Hum orange sauce and the delicious crème brûlee with a fruit base. Al’s Place enjoys catering for all palates and offers something to be enjoyed by everyone.

A place of festivity and celebration, and awesome aromas of fresh braai meat, Amadoda Braai ends the week with crazy Fridays and Saturdays enjoyed by all who relish the term braai. Kick back and soak up the authentic sounds and African hospitality and experience true township style in Woodstock. Round off your weekend with a chilled Sunday, a good braai and some good mates at the Amadoda Braai in Strand Street, Woodstock.

Located on the ground level of the Hollow on the Square, Amici Restaurant exudes a street café ambiance enjoyed at leisure over breakfast, lunch or dinner. Expect authentic Italian dining and some of the best-handpicked wines alongside daily chef’s specials. Sit outside enjoying a buffet style breakfast or languid a la carte lunch or dinner at Amici Restaurant.

Experience the best cuisine that Turkey has to offer at Anatoli. Be greeted warmly by attentive staff and seated in an intriguing Victorian warehouse, built in 1904. Freshly baked flat breads accompany traditional meze, presented in equally traditional oversized trays. The knowledgeable waiters will enthusiastically take diners through all of the meze available. There is something to suit every palate at Anatoli due to the variety that characterises Turkish cuisine. Experience a memorable culinary journey through Turkey care of Anatoli at Green Point.

From handcrafted artisan beers to cheese and organic olives, &Union favours artisan. Enjoy beers dating back to the middle ages, cheeses aged the artisan way and a spread of delicious locally produced food that made this distinct experience one of nostalgia and purity.

Located in the bustling Cape Quarter is Andiamo. A trendy but traditional Italian restaurant and deli and a popular venue providing breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails. The food is uncomplicated, harnessing the best that Italian cuisine has to offer from colourful salads to pasta and meat dishes. The deli is not to be missed, with more than 2000 local and imported options to select from. With lots of outside seating, protected from the elements or cosy inside tables, Andiamo is a brilliant place to while away some hours with good friends and good food.

Authentic Italian cuisine is the order of the day with everything and anything ranging from pastas, pizzas and decadent range of pure Italian ice cream. The pizza boasts an exclusive combination of flavours and naturally fermented dough and ice cream with 22 different flavours. This bright, cheery and light café makes for an ideal stopover for lunch and dinner, anytime of the day, except Sunday.

Located in Eden Bay shopping centre, Aomori Japanese Restaurant is rated by some as the best sushi in Cape Town. The menu favours the tastes of Japan and offers grills, sushi and Asian delicacies enjoyed with pleasant views of the ocean and Table Mountain. Relax on the beach and order some sushi from the mobile waitress, soak up the sun, sea and tranquil surrounds enjoying succulent sushi from Aomori in Big Bay, Bloubergstrand.

Flanked by a 20 liter salt water fish tank, Aqua sets the mood with pleasant alfresco dining serving old favourites like calamari and haloumi to popular Mediterranean platters brimming with dolmades, pita, haloumi, meatballs and many more. Share a platter sample a mixture of calamari, line fish, mussels with a creamy sauce and lemon grilled prawns For the meat lovers, try the sizzling the Lamb Cutlets served with pita bread, tzatziki, fries and salad rounding of your Greek experience with a traditional dessert Ekmek - baked phyllo pastry topped with custard and finished with a sweetened cream, roasted almonds and a cherry.

Arnold's is a cosy but vibey restaurant in Cape Town's City Bowl.Famous for their Early Bird Breakfast as well as lunch specials and game dishes like crocodile ribs, warthog ribs, oryx steaks and great salads. Enjoy happy hour while you take in the mountain views (from 4.30 pm for 2 hours every day) or treat yourself to the best cheese cake!Need to know? Open 7 days a week from 6.45am to late (8am Saturday & Sunday), outside dining till 10pm.

Ashton's Restaurant offers fine dining cuisine in an elegant and relaxing environment. Whether you choose to dine Al Fresco on the terrace overlooking beautifully manicured gardens or prefer the cosy setting of their wood panelled dining room, Ashton's menu promises to deliver the freshest South African ingredients in an array of innovative dishes and award winning wine list. Ashton's is all about the dining experience and guests are encouraged to relax in the cigar library for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap to enjoy their collection of single malt whiskeys and fine cigars. Need to know? Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ashton's is also available for intimate dinner parties and private functions, or simply stop by for a leisurely afternoon tea. Children are most welcome.

Located in Greenways five start boutique hotel, Ashtons restaurant offers innovative dining in beautiful cosy wood panelled dining room or al-fresco on the veranda overlooking elegantly manicured gardens. Serving only the freshest South African ingredients from the stylish and internationally standard kitchen, Ashtons revitalises the fine dining experience with affordable prices, while retaining the elegant allure of five star boutique dining.

Enjoy a fine dining experience to remember at Ashton’s restaurant at Greeways Hotel.This decadent restaurant offers a tranquil and relaxing space to forget the stresses of the day and savour sumptuous cuisine as you’re pampered with impeccable service.On warm days, diners may sit outside on the spacious terrace whilst looking out over pretty gardens. When the weather is colder, the wood-panelled dining room provides a warm and inviting venue for luxurious dining.With a menu incorporating the freshest and finest ingredients in a superb selection of creative dishes, a trip to Ashton’s at Greenways Hotel will be one to repeat!

Located in the Tygervalley Waterfront, Asian Asia’s prime lakeside location makes an ideal setting dining alfresco on the water’s edge. The interior remains cosy and intimate, perfect for a romantic dinner. A variety of Asian food spills off the menu offering Chinese, Japanese and Thai with plenty of seafood and vegetarian options too. Begin with a hot starter and selection of tempura, dim sum, spring rolls and soups. Main course dishes range from chicken or seafood teppanyaki and classic Asian dishes such as sizzling beef on a hot plate and crispy duck, including seafood combos and myriad of noodle dishes. Dine overlooking the lake or treat someone special to a romantic dinner at Asian Asia, Tigervalley.

In a beautiful Victorian Town house on the vibrant and trendy Kloof Street is Asoka. The menu offers superb flavoursome tapas and promotes sharing and socialising while sampling the delicious creations with friends and family. The food served is healthy and full of wonderful flavour combinations that have diners ordering seconds and thirds. Enjoy a truly tranquil culinary experience at Asoka.

Experience wonderful fine dining in a superbly relaxed atmosphere at Aubergine. A well-planned menu proffering continental cuisine with an Asian twist here provides wonderful options to suit every palate. Prepared with skill and care, the creations are prepared using only the freshest South African produce. Game and seafood are particularly popular, as are the vegetarian dishes for the non-meat eaters. A vast wine list provides options for a perfect accompaniment for every meal. As well as local wines from many regions spanning South Africa, there are also international options. A warm and welcoming atmosphere ensures a satisfying dining experience to remember.

Set in a beautiful avocado-coloured Victorian house, Avocado Restaurant proffers the perfect winter setting and refreshing summer ambiance over breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu caters with a wide range of comfort food and a well-chosen wine list served by friendly attentive staff. The welcoming venue extends a child friendly setting and makes an ideal setting for languid lunches on the wide wrap around veranda or nestled in the lovely alfresco garden. Winter seeks comfort, warmth and cosiness curled up next to a crackling wood burning fire on comfortable sofas soaking up the homely ambiance.

Exuding a contemporary and relaxed ambiance soothed by easy listening music and beautiful sunsets, Azure Restaurant caters with decadence and fine dining fusion cuisine. The international menu proudly influences South African flavours, with reputation as one of the first restaurants to introduce fnybos cooking (use of natural wild vegetation). Dine alfresco for a magical and breathtaking dinner sampling the finest cuisine such as signature dishes - 12A Roast Duck or the Biltong and Peppadew Tart served with cucumber ribbon salad. Soak up the colourful sunset over a bottle of wine and delightfully sweet dessert of fynbos honey bavarois or Bea's baked cheesecake. Alongside alfresco dining, Azure offers a unique dinner and movie nights featuring recent and classic movies in the hotel’s private cinema. For a night of indulgence, try their five course dinners, complete with all the trimmings and wine. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinners, Azure Restaurant proffers indulgence with a view in luxurious surrounds.

Nostalgic photos adorn the walls, rustic kitchen equipment dangle from chandeliers and colourful meals are best eaten with mismatched Victorian cutlery in this cute, kitch and cosy eatery in Loop Street. The menu focuses on wholesome meals, handwritten on a collection of blackboards. Flavours of the Middle East infused with a touch of Boerekos add a distinct flare to dining while traditional servings of lamb shawarma hit the spot. Round off the meal with a selection of rocky road brownies, cupcakes galore and lemon meringue. Cool the palate with a Frankie cinnamon cola or warming Arabic coffee infused with cardomon and cloves after indulging the menu.