24 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. 

Get ready to eat with your hands at this otherwordly Ethiopian restaurant that's covered head-to-toe in obscure trinkets, plants, and trees. There's always a delightful smell of cooked spices, and the food is delicious, with meat and vegan options, all served with tangy and spongy injera (naturally gluten-free flatbread). This restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner.

Located in the vibey Dunkley Square, this lovely Greek restaurant serves all kinds of Greek mezzes which can be ordered as a platter, or traditional dishes like moussaka, calamari, and lamb chops. This local favorite also serves pitas, souvlaki, and burgers, as well as good vegetarian options. On good weather days, have dinner outside for a magical ambiance. 

Exceptionally delicious things—think classics like eggs Benedict, French toast, American-style pancakes, and chicken and waffles with creative, tasty spins—are happening in this designer space of exposed brick, funky lighting, and leather seats. With a constantly changing menu, expect some exciting new dishes in this trendy space, a favorite among locals for upmarket sweet and savory breakfasts and late brunches. 

This quaint little dim sum bar on the top of Long Street is often packed in the evenings. The menu is always changing with available options written on a little chalkboard, but flavorful and delicate dim sum is always on offer, as is a warm brothy soup.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

This cozy cafe has a prime spot on the promenade, where you can enjoy freshly baked pastries, great breakfasts, or a heartier meal with beautiful views of the beach. French toast, eggs Benedict, and buttermilk pancakes are crowd favorites, as are the smoothies, freshly pressed juices, and good selection of teas. 

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.

A traditional family-run Italian restaurant that has held a firm spot in the heart of Newlands. Expect classic Italian pasta, grilled fish, meats, and a lot of local favorites too. Although the restaurant is in the Dean Street Arcade - so no views - it is somewhere to get a generous and quality Italian meal. 

This Greek taverna has been a Sea Point classic since the '80s, although it has been refurbished with modern Greek decor and bright white interiors, and it's a great place to watch the comings and goings on the busy Main Road. The large menu features mezzes, souvlaki, and hearty main dishes like moussaka and kleftiko (slow-cooked) lamb. They often have Greek celebration nights with music, dancing, and plate breaking, which is always fun to experience. 

Very popular sister restaurants located side by side, offering great noodles and sushi, with a minimalist modern Japanese decor. Service is fast and friendly and dishes are made with quality ingredients. The sushi can rival some of the best sushi in Cape Town and the noodles are flavor-packed and fresh. 

An upmarket and modern Vietnamese restaurant, Saigon has a superb and extensive menu with dishes that include spicy beef basil with chili sauce and Saigon ginger fish. Views of Table Mountain and an inviting atmosphere, have made this a popular spot so make sure you book ahead. Complimentary shoulder massages are a dinner perk. 

A tiny restaurant that packs a punch. Sundoo offers a South Indian-style menu (not as common in Cape Town) and creative twists on popular street foods. Order a few tapas to share or go with an individual main meal, you can't go wrong, either way, go early or make sure to reserve a table because the restaurant doesn't have many tables and they get full quite quickly. 

As one of the first Ethiopian restaurants in Cape Town (although originally in Long Street), Timbuktu has been a local favorite for close to two decades; it was also one of Cape Town's first racially integrated restaurants. The decor is eclectic vintage, meets plant heaven—it's something you just have to see to understand—and the fare is exquisite Ethiopian food. Its sister restaurant is "Madam Taitou." 

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.