16 Best Restaurants in Cape Town, South Africa

Super-stylish Hemelhuijs is both a showcase for a range of exquisite and fanciful ceramicware, and a centrally located restaurant serving equally fanciful and exquisite food. Though a little pricey for lunch, the owner-chef's inventive seasonal dishes burst with freshness and flavor (think pear-and-celeriac salad with hazelnuts and trout, or a crispy panfried veal of sublime flavor and texture) are well worth it. On one of Cape Town's few pedestrian walkways (near the footbridge crossing busy Buitengracht Street), this tiny designer space, where food is served in gold-painted bowls under chandeliers hanging with beads, driftwood, and star-shape seedpods, is truly a treat. Needless to say, breakfast and brunch are also divine.

This trendy cafe serves breakfast and brunch classics with a modern twist like brioche French toast with white chocolate and cornflake crunch, Reuben eggs benedict, smoothie bowls, and a large section of toasts (think avocado). The space can get packed but the service is efficient and friendly, and there's great coffee to boot. 

This well-loved bakery and cafe is where locals meet for coffee, breakfast, or to buy their freshly baked bread and pastries. The cafe menu serves classics like eggs Benedict and Reuben sandwiches, and on Saturdays, they sell their famous "doughssants" (donut meets croissant) which tend to sell out by mid-morning, so go early, it's worth trying! 

A popular Sea Point institution since 2014, this New York–style deli blends traditional Jewish recipes with the best local ingredients to bring freshly baked bagels and an assortment of schmears, toppings, and homemade sauces. Be sure to grab other delicious pastries like babka and rugelach when not sold out. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

A charming cafe in the Alphen Boutique Hotel, La Belle Constantia has fresh bakes, salads, and more filling lunches, though they are known for their cakes and pastries—be sure to try the lemon meringue or the berry frangipane. In warmer weather take advantage of the delightful outside seating. 

Serving hearty unpretentious Mediterranean fare and tapas at reasonable prices, this unassuming wine bar and bistro on Sea Point's Main Road is often packed. The menu changes frequently, but focuses on Mediterranean-inspired dishes like ostrich meatballs and tagliatelle in a spicy Neapolitan sauce, sesame-crusted fish cakes with a chunky Greek salad, and a good selection of classically Spanish-style tapas. Choose the great-value two- or three-course prix-fixe menu, or order à la carte if you're less peckish. The restaurant's interior is comfortable, if unremarkable, but most will try to nab one of the busy outside tables (heat lamps keep things cozy in winter). With more than 60 wines by the glass, this is also a great venue in which to acquaint yourself with some new South African wines while watching the world go by.

This quaint sidewalk café in the charming and pedestrian-friendly De Waterkant neighborhood above Green Point serves good coffees and teas, not to mention tasty breakfasts and lunches, both available all day. The quiches and savory pies are all flavorful, and the carrot-walnut cake remains deliciously moist. There are also more hearty options on offer—Karoo lamb shank, sticky spare ribs, and mac 'n' cheese—as well as a full bar and dinner service.

This stylish and centrally located Bree Street bistro draws diners with exquisitely rendered food in an elegant heritage building where exposed brick and ancient yellowwood beams contrast with chartreuse velvet banquettes and sleek furnishings. The menu is small and changes regularly, but the inspiration is modern European served in three courses; expect dishes like risotto arancini, duck confit with braised cabbage, and crème brûlée. Everything is made daily by the co-owners/chefs (who were also the masterminds of Birds, the beloved café that previously occupied the same space). A handpicked selection of boutique local wines which you can also enjoy at the gorgeous old oak bar completes the picture.

Serving yummy, organic fare from breakfast through lunch, this minimalist designer café is a popular downtown option where you will often find locals on laptops enjoying items like raw muesli with Greek yogurt or coconut quinoa porridge. Lunch includes several salad and sandwich options, and healthy mains like zucchini linguine.

With its steampunk design, full bar, and live performances on many nights, this spot captures the happening atmosphere in Cape Town's creative area that was once part of District Six. A great coffee shop with a variety of coffees and teas, the fun usually spills out onto the pavement so come prepared to have fun.

You'll pay more for a sandwich here than you should have to, but excellent lighthouse and sea views from the balcony and free Wi-Fi are the draw. The shaved turkey is decent, or simply stick to coffee and a selection of Greek biscuits or a grilled Halloumi (a mild and salty Greek cheese) salad. This is a good spot to catch up on email while enjoying a coffee and a snack.