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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This bustling, vibrant and friendly venue has earned its place as one of Cape Town's friendliest restaurants. Service comes with a smile and the pizzas and pastas come with unique family recipes to ensure that all Bacini's foods are exceptional! The gorgeous summer nights are embraced with the setting out of this restaurant – an outside seating area accommodates 60 people and one can easily feel as though you may be sitting at a trattoria in Italy, with Kloof Street turning into a magically lit backdrop. Romondo and family are always happy to mingle among the diners and their hospitality and service ethic will make you feel like a regular, even on your first visit to Bacini's! In winter this is a cozy 'hang-out” offering a unique blend of garlic aromas, the sound of happy laughter, and the clinking of glasses as locals, regulars and “new kids” on the block toast to life in the happy family environment. The pizzas are as generous as the Napoli family and the pastas are.....well....Italian! Delicious, divine and delectable! We offer a selection of meat and chicken dishes, salads, pizzas and pastas. Wherever your taste-buds feel like taking you, you will be transported to a culinary experience that is real value for money and you will be back for more!

Set within the trendy suburb of Green Point, Bamboo Asian Fusion offers a unique setting where diners indulge on succulent sushi off the bodies of naked women. The interior adds an air of sophistication and seductiveness to the experience, with low ambient lighting in the form of paper lanterns, floral designs, latticed screens and original bamboo flooring soothed by ambient house music. If naked sushi exceeds your appetite, then try the delicious dishes off the menu starting with appetizers such as Prawn Toast, Spring Rolls, Dumplings and Soups. Mains include Asian Green or Red Curry, Seared Salmon, Galangai Fillet and a selection of Wok Dishes. Conclude your meal with a heavenly dessert.

Relax in true Caribbean style, sipping Pina Coladas while savouring delectable starters of Coco Loco Hoppin' Jons (Jalapeno chillies stuffed with feta, crumbed and deep-fried) enjoying the laid back vibe tropical atmosphere. With a large garden and cosy restaurant, Banana Jam Café serves authentic Caribbean tastes lit by a roaring fire and enchanting night-lights while dining outside. With Jamican BBQ’s in the summer and a buzzing atmosphere, patrons can enjoy fast service with friendly attentive staff. Rated by locals as the best Banana Jam burgers in town with the largest rum collection in the country; Banana Jam Café is your suburban island escape to the breezy shores of the Caribbean.

Kick back in the restaurant sampling traditional Kurdish dishes surrounded by authentic décor and ambiance. The menu caters breakfast, lunch and dinners, offering unusual and less familier choices that brim with taste and flavour. Try a Kurdish breakfast laden with a boiled egg, beef sausage, fried tomato, feta cheese, black olives and bread with jam. The Mesopotamia breakfast offers fried eggs with cheese on toasted pita bread. A health breakfast, consisting of fruit salad with yoghurt, nuts and honey, or a selection of croissants can also be ordered if you are a little less adventurous. Light snacks come in a number of choices and lunchtime or evening dishes with a wide selection. Pizza can be enjoyed with a twist sampling the Pides (Kurdish pizza) and include vegetable, cheese, chicken, lamb as well as lamb, feta and spinach. Main course dishes such as Iskender (roast lamb on layered pide bread), lamb guvech (lamb cooked with spiced chilli and spinach) and the exotic lamb curry secure an authentic taste of the Middle East. Round off your meal with tradition desserts such as the oven sutlach (creamy rice pudding) or oven baklava with imported pistachio and walnuts, served with ice-cream or yoghurt.
 Relax after dinner enjoying a shisha in the lounge or experience authentic belly dancing or related shows in the inter-leading theatre. Baron’s Restaurant is a delightful, authentic and mouthwatering experience.

Barocca Lounge is a new cocktail bar and lounge at Solole Private Game Reserve, opened by Chef Simon Phillips and his wife, Ceri of Rioja Restaurant. Barocca offers cocktails, wood fired pizzas, antipasti platters, tapas and light meals in relaxed, comfortable surroundings, both inside and al fresco. In addition sports lovers can enjoy all major televised sports events on a large plasma screen. Join them for happy hour between 6pm and 7pm.

The Bascule Bar is Cape Town’s whisky bar supreme. With over 400 whiskeys on the menu and a huge variety of some of the best wines South Africa has to offer patrons are spoilt for choice. The food menu is simple, elegant and delicious, with the menu’s emphasis on a gastro pub theme. Situated on the edge of the marina in Cape Town’s Waterfront where the international yachts are moored, the Bascule Bar is where trendy whisky and wine lovers gather. Vibrant and bustling, it is the ideal place for a light lunch – patrons can sit out on the water’s edge and take in the sunshine. By night the Bascule bar becomes a hub of sophisticated elegance where wine and whisky flow, and all the beautiful people of Cape Town come out to play. The gastro pub menu consists of snacks and tapas, with specialities that include goat’s cheese peppadew poppers with saffron aioli and salt and pepper squid with sweet chilli mayonnaise. Main meals are traditional pub fare with a modern twist – Cape Grace fish and chips, seared tuna burger with avocado salsa and sweet potato wedges and beef burger with sweet pepper relish, emmenthal cheese, crispy onions and French fries. Bascule Bar patrons enjoy the finer things, but appreciate the simple style of this unique spot in Cape Town's harbour.

Offering classic bistro fare and delectable Italian spreads, Basilico welcomes families and friends with a relaxed and easygoing attitude. Authentic Italian spreads grace the chalkboards offering delicious and fragrant garlic and rosemary focaccia with a paper-thin crust and a crunchy salad and heavenly pizza with gourmet toppings, from salmon and rocket to springbok carpaccio, pears and gorgonzola. Choose a well-paired wine from the excellent wine list to compliment the meal. Basilico proffers classic bistro fare, the perfect place to unwind with family and friends in Kildare Road.

With a backdrop of Table Mountain and Robin Island, and miles of sandy beaches, Beach Bistro Restaurant is the perfect place to indulge in the setting sun and mouth-watering cuisine. From delicious buffet breakfasts laden with fresh fruits, pastries and continental offerings to light lunches on the terrace enjoyed next to the sparkling pool. The menu explodes with choice starting with breakfasts, salads, toasties, pizza, burgers and Beach Bistro baskets for lighter meals and the full a la carte dinner tempts with traditional local cuisine. Try the Karoo lamb chops, potjie, bobotie, a succulent steak or fresh line fish or frolic in contemporary European dishes with a hint of Mediterranean influence. The extensive wine list alongside decadent dessert of chocolate gateaux fresh fruit and ice cream or cheese platter rounded off with a port or cognac completes the experience. Indulge in true Cape hospitality with a romantic dinner for two or celebrate something special with friends and family at Beach Bistro Restaurant in Milnerton.

In a picturesque setting with stunning views of Table Bay is Belthazar Restaurant and Wine Bar.Enjoy a decadent but relaxed ambiance in this acclaimed eatery. Choose from a selection of hundreds of the finest wines carefully picked by the talented team. Dine on succulent seafood and meats in delicious dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients.With accolades such as the ‘Diners Club Wine List of the Year 2009 - Diamond Award’, the ‘Best Restaurant Service Award on the V&A Waterfront August 2009/2010’ and the ‘American Express Fine Dining Selection - Platinum Selection 2009’ it’s no surprise that this restaurant continues to grow in popularity.Take some time out to experience a superb dining experience at the V & A Waterfront.

Soak up the authentic harbour flavour while enjoying extensive South African fare right on the waters edge of Bertha’s Restaurant. Pass the time away in a relaxed, warm and informal setting with picturesque views extending across the yacht harbour and False Bay. Serving the freshest seafood and using only the finest ingredients, Bertha’s Restaurant caters for long lazy lunches and lingering cocktails before being swept away by the romance of the night. Watch the sunset spill out onto the terrace then pamper your palate with Golden Calamari Strips dressed in a chilli coriander and mango jam before tucking into the catch of the day grilled and served with lemon butter and a choice of rice, salad, mashed potato or chips or seasonal vegetables. The extensive menu offers platters, meats and poultry, burgers and pastas including vegetarian and salads alongside the most dense and moist Malva pudding smothered with butterscotch sauce and served with cream or ice cream. Housed on the picturesque water edge fronting the old Town Pier, Bertha’s Restaurant will sweep you off into the sunset with delectable food and soul soothing scenery.

The lingering aroma of authentic dishes from North and South India wet the appetite as diners peruse the menu brimming with specialties from rogan josh, mughlai lamb and chicken tikka from the north to spicy Madras seafood curries and biryani from the south. Start with kebabs and spicy pakora pastries mopping up delicious sauce with warm buttery naan bread. Vegetarians are well catered for with dhal, paneer and chana masala dishes. Cool the palate with a traditional fruit flavoured yogurt drink for a taste of pure India at Bibi’s Kitchen in Wynberg.

Located in De Waterkant in Green Point, this funky coloured store borders between a traditional Italian gelatina, hip bakery, patisserie and comfortable coffee bar dressed in colourful décor embracing art and fashion. Small and comfortable, scattered with sofas, comfortable outdoor seating and Italian décor, BICCCS boasts the finest vintage 1950’s Carpisiani Machine imported from Italy. This genuine machine churns out the most decadent ice cream, free from artificial flavours, colours and nonsense. Enjoy the flavours and aromas of freshly baked southern Italian bread, all baked using natural ingredient including European style croissants and rich moist cakes. The menu brims with light mals, paninis, salads, luxurious coffee prepared the Napolitano way. Try the beautiful Walnut, Gorgonzola and Avocado laden salad, spinach pies, rustic spicy meat and potato pie, paninis with the fillings of the day a thick garlicky slice of Italian home style pizza with rich tomato loaded with basil leaves and unctuous fior-di-latte mozzarella. BICCCS caters for discerning hedonists who appreciate quality, style and full-bodied flavours of traditional Italy in Green Point.

Typically Halaal, with a strict no alcohol policy, Biesmiellah’s sunken floor, woven carpets and wood engravings add an air of traditional ambiance complimenting the prime location in Bo-Kaap. The menu brims with flavour and colourful offering choices such as traditional bobotie with fruity yellow rice to bayleaf-rich crayfish curry including chilli bites, samoosas and moons and deliciously to die for koeksister infused with coconut, cardamom and cinnamon. Diners are encourage to experience an authentic and close to traditional experience as possible buy dining with their hands at Biesmiellah.

The new 'exotic chic' Bihari, one of three in the Western Cape, opened it's doors in April 2009 at Southern Sun Newlands offering diners and curry lovers the finest North Indian cuisine prepared by qualified chefs from this region.The Bihari group bears testimony to the ever magical experience of Indian dining amongst the mother city's diverse locals. Upon entering Bihari Newlands the beautifully handcrafted and noble Bengal Tiger, a significantly powerful and historical creature in India, welcomes guests and transforms an ordinary experience into one of imagination.Bihari's offer an extensive menu of mild to fiery mouth watering fusions from Northern India as well as regional cuisine. Food is prepared in authentic Indian style in the restaurant's tandoor ovens on hot open coals, providing its distinctive flavour. Meals served on heated clay plates or in pots, are not only visually enticing but a culinary delight. Begin your feast with a selection of delectable vegetable, chicken and tandoor starters, samoosas, a choice of no less than seven naan breads and shami kebabs. Mains include a variety of curries and Indian Tandoor items guaranteed to tantalise the tastebuds such as Lamb Rogan Josh - simply mouth watering for those virgin tasters, whilst Lamb Vindaloo is bound to heat things up a few degrees. For seafood lovers, be sure to try the Prawn Korma cooked in an Indian white sauce. Vegetarians will be equally satisfied with their meal, being spoilt for choice with a wide option of curries and tandoor dishes to sample from.

The handwritten menu written on butcher’s paper is taped to the walls showcasing light and healthy options complimented by local and organic ingredients. Try the golden chicken pie in perfect crust with a warming, rich filling and vibrant salads served with every dish. Drinks are limited but full of flavour such as the handmade old-fashioned lemonade and wild plum juice. Wine offerings are limited with choice of white or red organic wine. Long black tables set the mood for social dining indulged by the soothing sounds of birds chirping in the background.

The neutral, elegant and easy going décor sets the mood for a relaxed and flavourful experience ideal for business lunches, romantic dinners or family dinners. The menu offers a la Carte dining, ranging from freshly caught fish and a selection of hot and cold mezze. Enjoy the elegant surrounds and contemporary ambiance at Bistro 126.

Enjoy a variety of sumptuous dishes at this stylish and internationally-acclaimed restaurant. Booking is essential. An extensive wine list to accompany the extensive offerings is a pleasure and features both local and international wines. Superb attention has been paid to the decor with a palette of black and white and bold, modern shapes and patterns. Friendly and attentive service assures a brilliant dining experience to repeat time and again.