The Cape Town dining scene is one of the best Africa has to offer. From hearty comfort food to Five-star fine dining, there are restaurants for every palate. This isn’t meant to be a definitive list of the best restaurants Cape Town and the Winelands has to offer – it’s simply the spots we love to recommend to our travelers as experienced by our own safari experts.
One of South Africa’s top chefs, Luke Dale Robert owns and runs this contemporary top floor restaurant that serves Tapas turns fine dining superb tapas style food with fantastic views over over Cape Town and the harbor. Undoubtedly one of the best settings in the country, with an energetic energy to match. Book well in advance to secure your table.Location: Woodstock+27 21 447 0804
The restaurant at Steenberg Hotel is classic elegance serving fresh, seasonal Cape fare. Local growers are the heroes of their seasonal menus showcasing local produce alongside some unusual meat types and tasty seafood choices. This chic space is designed for modern dining, accompanied by spectacular vineyard and mountain views.“Catharina’s is made for long social lunches and intimate dinners - a glass of house MCC (South African Champagne) in the bar is a must before dinner” - Nadia Boucher Coombe, CMO
Tokara offers an imaginative take on so many aspects of cooking and keeps their menu interesting. The food is simply delicious and beautifully presented and best described as modern South African with a heavy French influence.“The view is second to none.” Clive Murray, Product Coordinator
Set on Clifton’s most prime piece of coastline, it’s easy to come for lunch or a drink and end up staying for dinner at The Bungalow. It exudes seafront sensuality with sumptuous and succulent seafood, friendly and attentive staff, a supremely chilled atmosphere, and a creative cocktail menu.“Uninterrupted everything” - Lisa Liprini, Africa Safari Expert
A place where stories of food and wine await. The restaurant is in a heritage building on the Paarl High Street serving sublime food. Ingredients are local and fresh with a menu that changes regularly depending on season.“It is unpretentious, often spontaneous and always delicious” - Allison van der Sandt, Head of HR & Culture
Situated across the road from Kalk Bay Harbor, Olympia Cafe has the most beautiful views of the harbor and the colorful fishing boats dotted along the quays. It has become an institution with food lovers, serving fabulous coffees and treats from the bakery. mouthwatering breakfasts and rustic lunch and dinner dishes that deliver on flavor every time!“Don't miss out on visiting this quirky, popular joint with fabulous views, great energy and mouthwatering food!” - Monica Havemann, Africa Safari Expert
Everything about the Granary Cafe is world class. The location, the view, the service and most importantly - the food. The Granary Cafe sits on an upper floor of the Silo Hotel with floor to ceiling windows all around the restaurant, providing visitors with panoramic views of Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard, harbor, city and of course Table Mountain. As with all things ‘Royal Portfolio’ the service is top tier, with friendly waiters that are both attentive and professional.“The food is of the best you will experience in Cape Town, in particular the beef fillet with smoked bone marrow, porcini risotto and oyster sabayon is one of the best red meat dishes in the city. There is simply no better way to enjoy the sights and tastes of Cape Town in one evening.” - Nicholas Wright, COO
With sweeping views over the Constantia valley, this is a farm not to be missed. Tapas for two is the way to go at this sublime eatery, rated the best by some of the city’s top chefs.The wines are outstanding and an afternoon of wine tasting is hard to beat.“Don't close your eyes to savor any of it, as you'll need to defend your half of the bowl from your dining partner”. -Alexis Boshoff, CEO
Delicious, beautifully presented contemporary cuisine in a stylish, modern restaurant located close to the vineyards of Constantia. Dishes are prepared with seasonality and flavor in mind.“Look out for the cheese room” - Donavan Wallis, Senior Designer
Tucked away in the only inner city wine cellar, serving ever-changing seasonal tapas with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Elegantly plated and refined portions. A glass wall that separates the working cellar from the restaurant space lends the feeling of being in a quaint winery in the heart of the winelands.“I simply love Bouchon! It's cozy and romantic, and perfect for date night” - Lene van der Westhuizen, Africa Safari Expert
Location: Central Business District+27 21 422 0695
Chef Liam Tomlin has created the most beautiful space in an old house off Kloof Street and serves up Indian tapas for two. The beauty of this kind of dining is that you get to sample everything on the menu and do not have any tough choices to make.“The food is to die for and the atmosphere is even better” - Catherine Jacobs, Africa Safari Expert
Location: Central Business District+27 21 286 2110
The estate boasts a beautiful and enormous food garden (and we highly recommend a tour) which provides much of the fruit, vegetables and herbs that are used to create the unusual dishes on the menu. Babel is edgy and sophisticated following a farm-to-fork philosophy.“Superb experience all round. Best for lunch.” - Kelly Cloete, Finance
Savor the finest international cuisine and breathtaking ocean views at the Azure Restaurant. The restaurant boasts an incredible vegan tasting menu, a traditional Sunday lunch buffet and the most exquisite seafood dishes - sourced locally and perfectly paired with an accolade of South African wines.“The breakfast duo of fresh oysters and champagne is a must.” - Anne Du Randt, Content Coordinator
Sensational Spanish style tapas and small plates served in a trendy, cosmopolitan setting. There is a wide selection of tapas ranging in price and best shared amongst friends.“I love the spirit of sharing smaller plates of food and experiencing different tastes all in the same meal.” - Nicky Kirchner, Africa Safari Expert
Location: Central Business District+27 21 424 6334
Fresh locally sourced produce and ingredients grace dishes prepared home-style and paired with Backsberg’s award-winning selection of wines. Bring the whole family as children will be entertained by the delightful garden play area.“It’s best to book in advance as the Sunday Three Course Carvery is very popular and highly recommended.” - Carien du Plessis, Operations Manager
Famed for its seasonal tasting menu's, Chef Henry Vigar offers up modern French cuisine with flair. This restaurant, with a modern twist to the classic French style, is situated in a Victorian house on Sea Point Main Road. Named “The Seagull” the building previously belonged to the Mayor of Cape Town and the owners affectionately refer to it as the Mayor’s Lady. The menu is constantly updated and changed to accommodate for seasonality, however the favorites are always kept for those going back time and time again.Location: Sea Point+27 21 433 0856
Fine fare with a modern twist - a taste experience to match the magnificent setting of the Maison estate. Most ingredients are hand-picked from the estate's kitchen garden and orchards. They also boast some award winning wines. Be on the look-out for the estate Rooster - rumor has it, he enjoys a chilled glass of chenin every now and again.Location: Franschhoek+27 21 876 2116
