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$$$$ | Gardens |
In this warm space of yellowwood tables, sash windows, and reed ceilings, chef-owner Harald Bresselschmidt has served classic European-with-a-twist cuisine since 1996 at one of the city’s oldest fine-dining establishments. Using the freshest South African produce prepared with classical European methods, the chef cooks with wine in mind, and Aubergine's cellar and pairings are unsurprisingly superb. Seafood options are usually excellent, and meat dishes like an ostrich fillet with sweetbread and marrow dumplings richly sublime. Lunch and winter specials are more affordable ways of enjoying this fine restaurant, and in summer, the terrace seating in this historic 1830s home is recommended.
39 Barnet St., Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001, South Africa
Known For
- Consistency of the classic European cuisine
- Warmly elegant and unpretentious dining room has great acoustics
- Old-school approach and feel
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun .and Mon. No lunch Tues., Wed., and Sat., Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Camps Bay |
Although Azure's blue-and-white nautical-theme decor may feel a bit outdated to some, the restaurant's jaw-dropping sea and mountain views are reason enough to experience the mostly inspired menu. Signature dishes like the crayfish-and-prawn cocktail, beef Stroganoff, and rice pudding have a classic old-school bent and are divinely comforting, while more contemporary dishes like the prawn dhal in a coriander yogurt with pineapple salsa, or nouvelle mushrooms on watercress panna cotta are also true winners. While the à la carte menu is full of crowd-pleasers, the tasting menus—though sometimes excellent—do not always hit the mark. However, with this level of exquisite service, fairly reasonable pricing for fine dining, and such breathtaking views, diners are in for a treat overall. Come when you can enjoy the view, and inquire about specials like the "wine journey" or family Sunday lunches. Ask for a window table.
Victoria Rd., Cape Town, Western Cape, 8005, South Africa
Known For
- Founder Bea Tollman's classically delicious comfort food
- Amazing ocean views from nautically themed dining room
- Fantastic breakfast buffet that includes fresh oysters and sparkling wine
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$$$ | |
This chic upmarket Portuguese restaurant has held a popular position for many years in a prime part of the Waterfront, with great views of the harbor; closed in with high glass walls, you can have an outdoor feel even in winter. Seafood is the star of the menu, although the meat and vegetarian options are just as good. Prawn and seafood platters are a popular choice and can be served with lemon/garlic butter or peri-peri sauce.
19 Breakwater Blvd., Unknown
Known For
- Seafood platters
- A great spot for celebration meals
- Amazing views of the harbor
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Thurs.
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$$$$ | V&A Waterfront |
Boasting one of the largest selections of wines by the glass (more than 250) in the world, Belthazar is also recommended for its consistently good if pricey steak and seafood. Enjoy gorgeous Table Mountain and harbor views from the all-weather outdoor seating at lunch, or at dinner, the moodier interior, where a team of sommeliers can recommend the best wine match for your meal. Venison options like the springbok fillet served with a chocolate-chili sauce are delicious, and the Chicago-cut beef is more than a pound of on-the-bone heaven. Mozambican seafood options like prawns and langoustines are also very popular.
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8002, South Africa
Known For
- In-house butchers cut and mature the locally sourced beef
- Award-winning wine list that exceeds 600 vintages, including a few rare treats
- Great steaks
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Constantia |
A relatively new offering on this historic wine estate in Constantia, this fine-dining restaurant serves excellent fare from an original Cape Dutch building with charming views of the vineyards. The elegant but unpretentious tasting menu is available for lunch or dinner, and the service is attentive and gracious. Request a table on the balcony in warm weather to enjoy the wonderful vineyard views.
Klein Constantia Rd., Cape Town, Western Cape, 7806, South Africa
Known For
- Beautiful views of one of the Cape's oldest wine estates
- A menu that includes both "rustic" and "haute" cuisine
- Hushed, attentive service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations essential
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$ | Bo-Kaap |
A much-loved cultural Cape Town and Bo-Kaap landmark, diners flock to this no-frills restaurant to eat traditional Cape Malay cuisine, like bredies (a thick slow-cooked stew, usually tomato-based and made with spices, meatballs, mutton, or lentils and vegetables), denning vleis (usually made with lamb or mutton, this traditional dish is cooked with tamarind and has a sweet and sour flavor), curries, and of course beloved snacks like samoosas, half-moons (savory breadcrumb covered, fried dough bites filled with meat or vegetables) and chili bites (a spicy deep-fried snack, usually chickpea flour-based, made with onion, spices, and herbs). The menu though is not limited to Cape Malay cuisine but includes Indian dishes and light meals like toasties (toasted sandwiches like grilled cheese) and wraps. No alcohol.
2 Wale St., Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Known For
- Delicious traditional Cape Malay cuisine
- A casual, family restaurant
- A Bo-Kaap institution
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$$$ | Constantia |
Located in a historic manor house, this restaurant serves tasty and hearty Italian fare from multiple dining rooms whose white walls are adorned with an impressive collection of contemporary South African art. Classics like white anchovies in a shallot-and-olive-oil dressing, escalopes of veal, and fresh ravioli are all pleasing, filling, and reasonably priced, if not culinary events. But this place is more about unpretentious food that allows you to focus on good company and the stylish but laid-back environment—and with several dining rooms to choose from, you can always find an attractive nook to do exactly that. It's also a child-friendly venue where kids often play in the small park outside the restaurant. On a summer's day it's worth coming early for a drink at the lovely outdoor Rose Bar in the garden adjacent to the restaurant.
Alphen Dr., Cape Town, Western Cape, 7806, South Africa
Known For
- Edgy South African art collection
- Unpretentious and tasty Italian fare
- Location in historic manor house
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Cape Town Central |
Turning the old Reserve Bank Building into a scene of fantastical opulence with ornate, handblown glass chandeliers, lots of dark wood, and luxurious fabrics, the Taj Hotel's Indian fine-dining restaurant does not disappoint when it comes to either ambience or flavor. Choose between the five-course chef's menu, or order à la carte from a menu that is filled with new takes on authentic Indian classics. Dishes like roasted corn soup with turmeric popcorn will get you started, and sublime interpretations of classics like black lentils and kidney beans or spiced coconut and green mango line fish are sure to delight.
Wale St., Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001, South Africa
Known For
- Excellent service
- Luxurious ambience
- Fabulous renditions of classic Indian dishes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations essential
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$ | Cape Town Central |
An all-day breakfast bistro and bar, this bright little cafe in the heart of Cape Town serves yummy breakfasts and lunches like pancakes, eggs Benedict, wraps, and burgers. As the name implies, buttery goodness and comfort foods are on offer, but the menu is large and includes lots of fresh salads and vegetable-filled options as well as all-day cocktails and great coffee.
70 Loop St., Cape Town, Western Cape, 8000, South Africa
Known For
- Delicious healthy food in smallish portions
- Laptop-friendly
- Good smoothies, teas, and fresh juices
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner
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$$$ | Tokai |
Serving good, unpretentious fare in an elegantly quirky space with lovely views across the historic Steenberg wine estate, this is a decent fine-dining go-to no matter the time of day. An oak-shaded terrace overlooking manicured lawns makes for a lovely, lazy lunch spot, and the restaurant's interior with its origami swans hanging from high ceilings and huge windows is a stylishly bright space. The lunch and dinner menu feature dishes like pork belly with butternut puree and a cashew-crusted fillet. A Sunday lunch buffet with a South African theme and accompanying live music is a family affair, and various canapé platters are also available throughout the day and can be taken in the delightfully plush bar and lounge area. A private dining room seats up to 24 and is a gorgeous and intimate venue for a special occasion.
Steenberg Rd. at Tokai Rds., Cape Town, Western Cape, 7945, South Africa
Known For
- Standard European fine-dining style cuisine at reasonable prices
- Beautiful setting
- Sunday lunch extravaganza
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$$$ | Cape Town Central |
Part of the Chef's Warehouse chain of Liam Tomlin's famous restaurants, this tapas and wine bar provides a sophisticated and romantic meal for two, or a lively and delicious group outing. Come early, or expect to wait for a table as this popular restaurant is small and doesn't take reservations, but the food and drink pairings are worth it.
213 Bree St., Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Known For
- Great wine list
- Always changing menu
- Reservations not accepted
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$$ | Constantia |
This delightful coffee shop serves excellent freshly baked pastries and cakes, as well as very good breakfasts and light lunches. Coffee is roasted on-site, and numerous seating options inside and out mean you can find a cozy, shady, or sunny nook depending on mood and whim.
off Klein Constantia Rd., Cape Town, Western Cape, 7848, South Africa
Known For
- Coffee roasted on-site
- Delicious fresh baked goods
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$ | Cape Town Central |
Just a few blocks from the bustle of Greenmarket Square, this airy comfortable café serves delicious breakfast and lunch fare. Lunches tend to have some Asian influences, but you can also expect a good array of salads, pastas, and sandwiches.
165 Longmarket St., Cape Town, Western Cape, 8000, South Africa
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends
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$ | Gardens |
A treat for coffee lovers, the talented baristas at this unassuming little cafe have built a loyal following over the years. Come for quality coffee and espresso to go and grab some beans as well . . . you'll thank us. Deluxe also supplies several restaurants and cafes all over the country with their coffee blends.
8 Kloof St., Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Known For
- Unassuming coffee roastery with quality, barista brewed coffee
- Fast service
- Loyal regulars
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$$$$ | |
Take a break from your Waterfront wanderings at this Belgian-style eatery, where you can enjoy great views while also savoring an impressive range of Belgian beers and as good a pot of mussels with frites as you're likely to find anywhere in Cape Town. With its focus on meat and seafood, expect other dishes like fillet béarnaise, rabbit simmered in Belgian beer, or Norwegian salmon in a beurre blanc. Sitting on the pier head between the Albert Mall and the clock tower (the departure point for trips to Robben Island), this glassed-in space with a fireplace in winter enjoys lovely harbor and mountain views whether you sit inside or out, and makes for great people- (or seal-) watching.
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, 8002, Unknown
Known For
- Wide range of imported Belgian beers, with six served on tap
- Attractive glassed-in space with harbor and mountain views
- Mussels, seafood, and Wagyu burger
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$$ | Cape Town Central |
This Portuguese taverna in District Six is Cape Town's answer to a dive-bar-meets-diner. Serving classic South African Portuguese fare—think spicy trinchado (braised beef), prego rolls (rump steak fried in wine and garlic with a fried egg), spicy peri-peri chicken livers, and grilled sardines—for lunch and dinner, Dias Tavern is an institution. Although there are some great views of Table Mountain, diners come here for the reasonably priced, spicy, and garlic-infused meat and seafood, the cheap drinks, and the dimly lit atmosphere. It's a popular spot for events like bachelor's parties and big birthdays, so expect karaoke and a live band on weekend nights, when large tables can get up to rowdy fun. Service is brisk, friendly, and no-nonsense, as one would expect.
15 Caledon St., Cape Town, Western Cape, 7925, South Africa
Known For
- Portuguese South African fare—heavy on the garlic and spice
- Cheap, cheerful fun (don't be surprised if there's a 60th birthday and a bachelor party at the same time
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$$$$ | V&A Waterfront |
In a restored warehouse, this trendy operation has made good use of what was once a derelict piece of land between the V&A Waterfront and the harbor. It's now a place for locals to be seen, with a private beach, several bars, and comfortable covered seating scattered about—everything is overpriced, but the view and toes-in-the-sand vibe may merit a drink or two.
Granger Bay Rd., Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Known For
- Mussels and cocktails
- Summer hangouts for families and large groups
- Boozy lunches
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$$$$ | Cape Town Central |
This centrally located and very popular pan-Asian restaurant's complex menu of dim sum, sushi, grilled, and wok-fried items has something for everyone, but picky connoisseurs of Asian cuisine might find the lack of specialization problematic. Popular with business and leisure diners alike, the darkly elegant lacquered box dining room affords partial views of chefs in the four kitchens preparing your food. The dim sum is probably the best option (the crispy prawn cheung fan is excellent), and the Peking duck with paper-thin pancakes are a favorite. Grills include mint lamb chops served with dry red chilies and garlic. Four kitchens mean that dishes arrive when ready, which translates into efficiency, but also the possibility of fellow diners watching while you eat, or vice versa. The owners of Haiku also own Bukhara, the very good Indian restaurant next door.
58 Burg St., Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001, South Africa
Known For
- Great dim sum
- Sleek and sexy but somewhat loud (when full) interior
- In high season, a strict two-seating dinner policy discourages lingering
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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$$$$ | V&A Waterfront |
Sister restaurant to the original Harbour House in Kalk Bay, the V&A location serves the same reliably fresh and tasty seafood menu from an enviable spot overlooking the harbor. As with the Kalk Bay location, the fresh fish of the day is always a good bet, and desserts are excellent. Sushi and cocktails are served upstairs, from which vantage you can also enjoy stellar views of the mountain and sunset.
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8002, South Africa
Known For
- Great location with beautiful harbor and mountain views
- Reliable fresh seafood
- Sushi bar upstairs is a great cocktail spot in summer
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$$$ | Constantia |
Set in a 19th-century building at Groot Constantia, the Cape's oldest wine estate, this family- and group-friendly restaurant provides a hearty taste of the Cape's culinary heritage, as well as crowd-pleasers of the salads, burger, pasta variety. Traditional Cape Malay dishes worth trying include bobotie (spiced minced beef studded with dried fruit and topped with a savory baked custard), the karoo lamb curry, and smoked snoek (fragrant Cape oily fish) pâté. The South African dessert melktert, or milk tart—similar to baked custard—is both traditional and delicious, and the cheesecake is legendary.
Cape Town, Western Cape, 7806, South Africa
Known For
- Outdoor seating enjoys fantastic views over False Bay
- Big grassy lawns are a hit for families
- Good Cape fare in casual historic setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun. No dinner Sun.–Thurs. in winter, Reservations essential