98 Best Restaurants in Cape Town, South Africa

Although Azure's blue-and-white nautical-theme decor may feel a bit outdated to some, the restaurant's jaw-dropping sea and mountain views are reason enough to experience the mostly inspired menu.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

A trendy Clifton restaurant with a prime location for views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Apostles Mountains, Bungalow has plenty of outdoor seating that makes this the place to go on a warm sunny day. The menu is large, offering many classic meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes, as well as salads and sushi. 

This cute cafe at the Old Biscuit Mill bakes fresh and decadent cakes, cookies, brownies, brioche buns, donuts, and more, as well as select savories like pies, tarts, and quiches. You can order ahead or go early to get some treats before they sell out, as they tend to. 

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.

It may be laid-back, shabby, and a bit out of the way, but this locally beloved eatery in a former fishing village enjoys views overlooking a stretch of pristine beach and extremely fresh line-caught seafood. There are salads, burgers, and toasted sandwiches on the menu, but the seafood combos and baskets—which combine fish with calamari, shrimp, mussels, or chicken—are the most popular items. At R439, the seafood platter for two is probably the best bargain of its kind. Don't be tempted to order a garlic-and-cheese roll; you need to save space for what's to come. Service is friendly but can be slow.

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.

A Bree Street institution beloved by the young and hip, Clarke's is known for many things, among them its burgers (with their famously butter-fried brioche buns), drinks (from smoothies and fresh juices to excellent cocktails and everything else you'd expect from a place with the word "bar" in its name), and delicious breakfasts (the huevos rancheros are yummy if not strictly authentic). As day turns to night, this light and bright restaurant (seating options range from a few tables on the sidewalk, to a designer-diner interior, to a small plant-filled courtyard) morphs from a child-friendly brunch spot to a casual coffee and burger joint, to a vibey nighttime bar, where DJs and parties are not unusual. Service is friendly and fast.

The Codfather serves an excellent array of fresh seafood in a casual yet buzzing environment by way of a slightly unorthodox system. Rather than ordering from a menu, you instead head to a display of fresh seafood on ice, where, with the help of your waiter, you select everything from fish to shellfish in the quantities and style of your choice (you're charged by weight, as in Greece). Possible selections include calamari grilled Cajun-style; kabeljou, yellowtail, or bluenose grilled and served with a choice of sauces; or Mozambican langoustines. All orders come with side dishes of stir-fried vegetables, rice, or fries. A conveyer belt of tasty sushi is also on offer. Although it is set back from Camps Bay's typical sea views, diners can enjoy mountain views from an outdoor terrace. The food here is pricey but perfectly cooked, always fresh, and served with a smile.

Located in the leafy green of the Company's Gardens, this restaurant serves a wide range of light meals, teatime favorites, and South African fare from morning to late afternoon. It's a gorgeous place to sit and watch the buzz of Cape Town's foot traffic passing you by, and also great for kids.

Discover the wonders of South African haute cuisine in this modern, glassed-in conservatory overlooking the beautiful gardens of the historic Cellars-Hohenort Hotel. The cuisine is playful but high-end, with a medley of multicultural techniques and flavors being used to great effect on local ingredients, resulting in dishes like a springbok (local venison) loin served with tempura shiitake mushrooms, karoo lamb with pumpkin mousse and fynbos honey, or Atlantic tuna with kimchee and apple. A stylish room in tones of silver, gray, and dark chocolate with bare dark-wood tables allows the garden views outside to shine, while at night, warm lighting highlights well-chosen artwork. Solicitous service and an amazing wine list go without saying. 

This little ice-cream cafe has blown up in popularity and expanded to several other locations around Cape Town. With handmade ice cream made with free-range eggs and other quality farm ingredients, you can always find the signature flavors (65% chocolate, sweet cream, sea salt caramel, peanut butter) and extra seasonal flavors that have huge followings like cornflake milk, birthday cake, and honeycomb crunch. Staying open until 11 pm, people can be seen queuing for ice cream at all hours of the day. They also serve great coffee and waffles. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

In the heart of Greenpoint, this fun and funky Mexican joint serves great margaritas and very reasonable Mexican food that may fall short of "auténtico," but will certainly scratch the itch for most of us. The ceviche is a winner, as are the tacos, which come with the choice of corn or flour tortillas, and which you assemble yourself with a mass of nice fixings. A huge selection of margaritas and other cocktails are all sure to please, Salmon pink walls adorned with Día de los Muertos masks and decorations, and balcony seating with fairy lights create a festive atmosphere.

Another quirky Observatory restaurant, this unassuming pizza place makes amazing pizzas and has become a favorite among locals over many years. There's a casual and colorful setting, with warm service and a touch of humor.

Everyone fancies some gelato on beach days and this is the place to get some in Camps Bay. With several franchises in Cape Town, this family-run gelateria offers traditional flavors as well as sorbet and vegan and diabetic options. 

With floor-to-ceiling shelves stacked with everything delicious from French Champagne to truffle oil, Giovanni's is a classic Italian deli with many extra global ingredients, making it a great place to stock up for a gourmet picnic or enjoy a bite to eat at the counter. There's always a wide selection of hams and cold cuts as well as fantastic cheeses, and the fridges have fresh pasta dishes and greens, but the deli section and espresso bar are where most customers congregate. At possibly the oldest deli in the area, locals jostle for a seat with models and film-industry folk who come for the coffee and the vibe. Though a little chaotic at peak times—and to be honest, the raised counter seating is not especially comfortable—this place shouldn't be missed. And it's just a block away from the soccer stadium and Green Point park.

In a huge brick warehouse space decorated with African artifacts and artworks, like giant Malian puppets, beautiful beadwork, and wooden carvings, Gold instantly prepares you for the touristy but thoroughly enjoyable meal and show to come. Your 14-course pan-African "taste safari" may include dishes from Cape Malay curry to Moroccan tagine; the food is fine but not the sole reason you are here. Throughout the meal, performers emerge to sing, drum, and dance, and their skill makes the trip well worthwhile if you are looking for both food and entertainment. Service is friendly and competent, and a full vegetarian menu is also available. Although intentionally well suited for big groups, smaller tables will not feel overwhelmed or out of place.  Start your evening with the interactive Djembe drumming session, a surprisingly fun way to whet your appetite.

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.

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.

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.

A no-frills, local favorite for Chinese food, the large menu includes dim sum (the soup dumplings are great), salads, stir-fries, delicious beef rolls, and scallion pancakes, as well as Sichuan classics. It gets really busy in peak times, but the food is consistently good with fast service.