Cape Peninsula Restaurants

It’s difficult not to hold one’s breath when travelling along the spectacular Helshoogte pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek and it’s harder still not to be overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the view that Tokara Wine Estate offers. It’s here that Tokara Restaurant finds itself perfectly placed. There is no question why this fine dining establishment is considered a flag ship restaurant of the winelands. The spacious stone, steel and glass buildings overlook the valley. The best seats to totally indulge in the view are on the restaurant’s wooden deck. Visitors will be thoroughly entertained by the restaurant’s transparent show kitchen. Witness the Tokara team whip up some of the finest food in the country. The Tokara eating experience is nothing short of fine dining. Dishes may be described as flavours that are layered with the focus being on unlocking the true flavour and texture of the main ingredient. The signature dish: Trio of Trout is Franco – Japanese inspired and is a good accumulation of chef Carsten’s own culinary journey. Expect plates of precision and exciting frills such as beetroot foam, olive oil custard and pistachio puree. The restaurant offers a tasting menu of the signature dishes that are paired with either Tokara’s finest wines or a selection that reflects the Cape region.

Remaining true to Japan, the Japanese themes and traditional paintings create an air of authenticity, complimented by well-known sushi dishes and chef’s specialties. Dine alfresco or relax in the more formal dining room. If sushi beacons, then enjoy a casual dining experience at the sushi counter flanked by colourful dishes and décor. The Asian menu focuses on curries, stir-fries and noodles, or traditional favourites such as the sizzling beef on a hotplate or the chicken with cashew nuts. Try the popular steamed or pan-fried dumplings available in prawn, pork, and spicy or vegetarian options. The chef’s specialties come highly recommended or the red duck curry or Peking duck with pancakes rounded off with banana and chocolate spring rolls.

The décor leans towards minimalist. The warm interior dressed in hues of orange and brown and low ambient lighting. The menu showcases well know Thai dishes and reasonable prices such as green Thai curry with chicken or prawns, crispy duck and pancakes, fried pad Thai noodles with prawns and chilli. Some favourites remain such as spicy hot and sour tom yum soup or the tom kha gah soup with coconut milk. Remember to choose your heat levels before ordering.

This unpretentious eatery proffers hearty Portuguese cuisine and a well-priced wine list. Dine alfresco during balmy summer months on the veranda on traditional steak, egg, chips, rice and salad. Beef and chicken trinchado rests in a nice garlicky wine sauce and the prawn rissoles, crispy on the outside, explode with a rich creamy sauce and bits of prawn, fanned with some lemon juice. Winter seeks warmth and hearty dishes such as the feijoda (a traditional bean, pork, chorizo, and chicken stew) perfect for wintery evenings.

Take a step back in time at this 1970s style revolving restaurant in Sea Point. A nice selection of light bites, seafood, meat and continental dishes are on offer at this unique and popular spot. A modest wine list provides the accompaniment, but it is the surroundings and atmosphere that provide the biggest draw. 1970s music plays as the restaurant turns up until a talented pianist takes over on a stylish white baby grand piano. A vibrant spot for great views and a unique atmosphere, Top of the Ritz is well worth a try.

Franschhoek, the French pocket of the Cape Winelands, has become renowned as the culinary capital of South Africa, so it’s not surprising to find oneself in a gem of an eatery like Topsi & Co. A scrawled daily menu on paper set on an easel, the antique silver salt and pepper pots, the water jugs, the fresh flowers and the open kitchen will make one feel right at home as if in a great aunt’s kitchen. And then there is food: hearty, comforting and exciting. Expect traditional fare that has been reinvented with flair. The menu changes daily to make the most of the fresh seasonal produce. Menu items include homemade Springbok sausage with chilli jelly and Warthog loin with mustard seed onion gravy with cabbage and samp. A firm, delectable favourite remains the white mold cheese and figs stuffed with walnuts, poached in red wine with citron. The restaurant does not sell wine, but visitors are invited to bring their own. Guests are encouraged to walk into the kitchen and check out what’s cooking. Alternatively, sit back and take it all in: the delightful smells from the stove, the clatter of pots and the chatter from the parrot – just like at aunty’s house.

A wine bar with a twist, expect a fusion of Italian food with a South African twist. Comfy leather chairs and low tables lit by candles make perfection location for conversation and light meals. Rich velvety walls and ambient lighting soften the mood as plates of delicious antipasti and Italian food drift onto your table. Enjoy a bottle of artisan wine while indulging in light conversation and mouth-watering dishes.

Located off Main Road, this blushing restaurant transports the palate to sunny Naples where good food and welcoming smiles embrace the day soothed by the music of Italian voices. Trattoria Antonia offers a relaxed dining experience, typical of Italian hospitality and authentic cuisine using only the freshest ingredients with key ingredients imported straight from Italy. Begin your journey with a home-made bruschetta, toasted and topped with chopped tomatoes soaked in olive oil, garlic and basil before lingering over to the Costolette d'Angellom (grilled lamb cutlets with white wine and rosemary). Unbutton your trousers to tuck into the most delectable Torta Luigi (layers of sponge cake soaked in a cocktail of liqueurs, filled with home-made custard and topped with home-made chocolate mousse). Discover the appetizing touch of Naples and welcoming smiles when you experience Trattoria Antonia – where the art of living becomes part of the family.

Authentic Italian ambiance sets the mood with red and white gingham cloths, candles in Chianti bottle and upbeat Italian pop music. The menu features Italian and local wines alongside traditional fare and ambiance. For starters try the melanzane followed by a hearty portion of Luigi’s angel hair pasta with smoked salmon, tomato, onion and chilli. Gnocchi is served with creamy Gorgonzola and remains popular, as do pizzas with simple toppings and crispy bases. Round off your meal

Trattoria Luigi serves two of Italy’s most famous culinary delights, pizza and pasta including a range of meat and fish dishes. Inside you will find cosy dining dressed in red, green and white napery illuminated by flickering candle lights and characterful wall pictures that add a sense of history and old world charm to the room. Enjoy dining al-fresco or linger in the cosy dining rooms while flavouring the wafer thin slices of beef topped with mushrooms, parmesan shavings and rocket, dressed with olive oil, lemon sauce and black pepper for starters followed by angel hair pasta with smoked salmon, tomato, chopped onion a hint of chilli finished with a touch of cream. Round off your meal with a velvety warm mousse served with savoiardi biscuits and delectable vintage wine. Trattoria Luigi’s laid-back ambience is a well-known destination for tourists and celebrities alike who enjoy the traditional fare and bustling vibe of Naples.

Discover and indulge in the passion and style of Italy, infused with the flavours of South Africa. Boasting scenic views of Camps Bay and unforgettable sunsets, best enjoyed on the terrace with a cappuccino or sundowner. Trattoria Maranellos is a family owned establishment with a personal touch and makes an ideal setting for breakfast, lunch or dinner in a casually warm environment.

This is an eclectic venue filled with books, bold furniture and recycled materials such as cardboard boxes for menus and outdated telephone pages for bills. The menu focuses on organic and seasonal. Grown on the grounds of the property and embraces the culture and movement of eco-conscious dining. The menu changes as frequently as needed according to supply and produce, and you can expect fresh homemade soups, pastas and sauces and deli delights from the deli (which is attached to the main restaurant). Experience a different side to dining with guilt free food and carbon footprint ommisions at Tredicas in Ryneveld Street.

Nestled within the Townhouse Hotel, Trees Restaurant overlooks the Dutch East India Gardens from the hotel’s first floor. The large windows draw in the lush surrounds creating a feeling of being in a tree house. The striking décor in splashes of red accent pieces and scattered leather back chairs work well with the origami inspired lampshades. The menu journeys through a mixture of fine dining, global and international flavours brought home by South African ingredients. Some favourites include roasted glazed pork belly, slow braised oxtail on the bone and the sinful hot chocolate pudding. Trees Restaurant delights and surrounds the senses in tranquility in elegant surrounds.

The menu caters for a wide variety of palates, with a festive and lively take on alfresco dining and delicious cuisine. Expect live bands on Thursdays and Fridays and a popular beach setting enjoyed by all to compliment your visit. Ideal for birthdays, festive celebrations or intimate celebrations, Trenchtown is a popular spot for locals and foreigners alike.

With the renowned restaurant district in Tribeca, New York, as its inspiration, interiors at Tribeca Bakery include photographs of the New York skyline and scenes from the vibrant city. Situated in the middle of the Main Road in Kalk Bay and facing towards the sun, this light filled coffee shop is always bustling and inviting. Tribeca has it's own bakery on site, making freshly baked goods daily which are displayed in the windows facing passerby's. Shelves heave under the weight of pretty cupcakes, fresh croissants, muffins and decadent sandwiches. When not indulging in speciality coffees and baked goods, patrons can enjoy a creative menu with a great selection of salads, open sandwiches and delicious meals with a fresh twist. Try the coffee cocktails if you're feeling adventurous and want to experience a caffeine kick in a new and interesting way.

Located at the bustling V&A Waterfront, set over three floors, with each room capturing a unique mood and tempo, Trinity is a breathtaking venue that must be seen. With choice of three dining options and various cocktail, shooter and private bars, upon arrival Trinity Cafe welcomes with a pipe organ that ascends through three levels, making focal conversation while ordering light lunches, burgers and New York style thin crust pizzas. On the second level, Trinity Grill pampers with sumptuous seafood, specialty steaks and heavenly deserts using the finest ingredients and local produce. The décor follows through with steal fronted marble countertops, warm Oregon pine flooring and striking patchwork bench stitched together in palates of pink and mauve. Sip a colourful cocktail before ordering a meal or make your dining experience extra unique dining on the private dining cube area. Finally, the third level envelops the senses with a truly Asian menu and intimate surrounds and a members only Salon Prive’. Light and dramatic, the large airport style windows offer direct views of the function room and grill café. The menu proffers sushi, combos and platters, making it ideal for festive social gatherings that can be explored over three levels and enjoyed with utter decadence. Expect variety and decadent opulence for a totally unique dining experience.

Not all coffees are created equal. The streets are overflowing with watery brew; and this taste-bud nightmare continues to exist because good people remain silent.No longer! This travesty of coffee justice ends right here with this institution.At Truth. the bitter horror of the over-roasted bean is avoided, the coarse grind is banished and poor preparation is shunned.Say no to mediocrity!Experience coffee as a religion.

Healthy, Green, Organic, Youth and Long Life is the meaning behind Tsing Asian Fusion’s inspiring logo and this philosophy blends over into the ambience of the restaurant. Serving an extensive variety of Asian cuisine such as the Kung Fu Sushi 30 piece Combo Platter and the Beijing Duck served with pancake, spring onions, cucumber and plum sauce, the options and choices are impressive and full of flavour. With soft relaxing Chinese inspired interior blending into warm wooden furniture and fixtures, Tsing Asian Fusion caters for exotic palates with refreshing authentic Asian beers like Tsing Tao and Kirin served crisp and cold; a complimenting addition to the energetic Asian cuisine. Enjoy the delectable tastes of Asian inspired dishes coupled with friendly, helpful service for an authentic cultural experience, truly Asia.

Noted as one of the few Teppanyaki style grill restaurants, Tsuyo embraces the art of traditional Teppanyaki cuisine alongside a variety of sushi dishes. Comfortable and relaxed surrounds allow for social gatherings and discovery of this delicious meal art. The menu offers different sections ranging from traditional Japanese Dishes such as Tempura to rice and noodle dishes. The sushi section offers all the usual favourites as well as Jerry's own creation, Caterpillar Roll with crabstick, avocado, cucumber and mayonnaise. The Teppenyaki menu, offers a variety of grills including meat, chicken, fish and shellfish served with rice, noodles or Udon noodles. Relax and enjoy the authentic tastes from Japan at Tsuyo Japanese Restaurant in Green Point.

Elegant and idyllic, Tuscany Beach is the place to go for whatever you desire. A frontage of sliding glass doors allows for scenic al fresco dining while enjoying the sea breeze, or for colder evenings, patrons can enjoy the view sheltered by the glass. Two levels give diners more choice of where to sit to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or afternoon tea. The menu showcases the finest Italian food, seafood and sushi, to cater for every culinary tastes. This family-run restaurant is the perfect spot for a wonderful meal at any time of the day.

Twankey at The Taj is located in The Taj on Wale Street and boasts elegant décor, unique views and sublime local music. Wines and champagnes can be enjoyed by the glass alongside an array of hot or cold seafood tapas. The open plan kitchen buzzes with activity turning out delicious food that is light, fresh and health conscious. Large street windows invite views of the Houses of Parliament and Table Mountain enjoyed with a serving of delicious oysters and glamorous cocktails.

Boasting the most spectacular ocean views through innovative design, Two Oceans Restaurant hugs the Cliffside, high above the crashing waves where the two oceans meet. Enjoy elegant fare in a relaxed setting dining indoors or on the covered deck with spectacular ocean views. Seafood is the order of the day, fresh and plump, enjoyed with fine wines, with options for vegetarians and kiddies.

Located on Long Street, this amazing coffee shop exudes a bold statement and celebrates art and creativity alongside a nice cup of coffee. Expect freshly roasted beans, delightful baked good, made with organic ingredients. Light meals can be enjoyed such as tasty sandwiches over a cup of coffee and conversation.

Umami is Japanese for ‘deliciousness’ a word coined to describe a taste that is beyond sensory. Located in the heart of Stellenbosch on Dorp Street, this trendy eatery is set on unleashing the ‘deliciousness’ of its global fusion menu (with a South African twist). Add to that the restaurant’s philosophy of ‘if we can make it ourselves we will’ visitors can expect nothing short of a culinary journey in a single meal sitting. The restaurant reflects a stylish yet earthy simplicity with its wooden furniture, rough bricks walls and fireplace. The outside seating is shaded and has a lovely relaxing view despite the surrounding hustle of town life. The lunch menu is fresh and light with homemade pizza, sandwiches and salads to choose from. The dinner menu, with its four course tasting option, is plainly focused on presenting guests with a flavoursome eating experience. A la carte offerings will have patrons succumbing to the likes of the Baby Calamari starter with a lime Risotto, Bernaise Beef Fillet for mains and an ice cream trio of Roasted Pistachio, Segafredo Coffee and Vanilla Koeksister for pudding. Umami offers a philosophy to food in a trendy upmarket atmosphere.

A warm and welcoming bistro set in a beautiful countryside scene in the Winelands of Paarl. A small choice of wines from the estate are available to accompany the tasty traditional food on offer. An endearingly humble spot in which to relax and watch the world go by.

The elegant surrounds flanked by harbour views provide a delightful and mouth watering experience in unpretentious setting. Enjoy a romantic seafood dinner, with a bottle of fine wine and the flickering lights of the harbour. The menu secures SASSI aware seafood such as oven-baked line fish with tomato, white anchovies, olives, and feta cheese. Meat eaters can enjoy steaks and crispy citrus duck and seafood lovers can frolic in the scallop and kingklip fish cakes, which are delicious and moist, served with a wasabi mayonnaise. The mussel pot, fragrant with dill and garlic in a rich white wine and cream sauce is a must try, enjoyed in the elegant surrounds or the refreshing deck flanked by harbour views.

Located in the hub of CBD, Valora caters for families, business meetings, casual lunches and romantic dinners all within beautiful and relaxed surrounds. The menu boasts a unique take on Mediterranean cuisine touched with a hint of French, Italian, Greek and Portuguese. Try the assorted mezze to start, or a delicious, interesting salads for those with a smaller appetite, main meals such as the Gorgonzola and fresh Namibian dessert truffle risotto, Gastronomical Turkish spiced fillet, Beef ragout, Herb encrusted line fish are a must try and desserts including the to-die-for chocolate fondant. Pamper the palate with unforgettable flavours at Valora on the corner of Loop and Hout Street.

Legend be told that a local by the name of Van Hunks, got into a smoking contest with the devil and lost causing the misty smoke around the mountains. Diners can enjoyed reliving this legend around two smoking fireplaces or the deck sampling delicious South African fare. Take the palate on an African celebration sampling the likes of peri-peri chicken livers, rump steak to Cape Malay bobotie and springbok shank.

Decor is an art form at Vanilla restaurant, with superb attention to detail throughout this state of the art, modern venue. The decor must be seen to be believed with two dining levels, a striking palette of colours, tables adorned with orchids, plush chairs, a solid glass staircase, a vanilla-coloured grand piano on a floating stage and lighting in the evening that creates a truly unique ambience. Vanilla Restaurant offers a truly decadent fine dining experience that will be hard to forget.

The menu proffers a mixture of contemporary Cape cuisine enjoyed alongside a backdrop of Devon Valley and Helderberg. The natural beauty sets the stage for an idyllic and relaxed experience dining on tasty lunches and light meals or a kick-start breakfast Unwind the day away at the Vineyard Terrace in Stellenbosch.

Hearty pastas and cheesy pizzas are the order of the day, alongside a daily selection of specials brimming with local ingredients and Italian enthusiasm. Nestled along Victoria Road, Vista Mare makes ideal location for romantic dinners or festive celebrations.

Open 7 days a week and bustling every Friday afternoon in the cocktail lounge, Voila! caters with unique and trendy décor perfect for a quick coffee, lazy lunch or complete indulgence. Serving breakfast and lunch, you can enjoy the unique atmosphere and imported Theodor French Teas with a crusty pastry or relax with a cool cocktail unwinding the day with friends and colleagues.

With focus on light meals, freshly made with love this extraordinary spot boasts the best views of Paarl Valley. Volksmond literally means ‘Colloquialism” and this quaint little spot is all about the informality and flowing conversation. The menu brims with homemade food with focus on light meals such as the popular Monument Breakfast, stuffed pancakes, hearty sandwiches and tasty burgers. For those seeking something sweeter, freshly baked scones, cakes and aromatic coffee hits the spot. Pop in and spend the day in idle conversation, enjoying the light meals on offer at Volksmond Coffee and Curio Shop in Paarl.

‘Wafu’ means The Asian Way and what more could they offer in terms of beauty, taste and perfection when they already have it all. Wakame’s breathtaking views span from the old lighthouse, across to Table Bay taking in the best views of Cape Town and Robbin Island. Dine in total comfort and idyllic surrounds watching Whales surface for air or Dolphins playfully diving, even Yachts elegantly chasing the wind all this while dining on a fusion of Pacific rim blends touched with a hint of French and Western influences. Young innovate chefs embrace the art of Asian cuisine dressing the menu in an assortment of fresh sushi, dim sum, meat, and fish and poultry dishes. Dine alfresco on the raised wooden decks pampered by the view or within the beautiful warmth of cherry inlays, green tea antique walls, cherry counters, all contrasted by 3 meter long fish tanks. Wafu Wakame welcomes an exotic and beautifully tranquil dining experience set in perfect location lingering with perfect blends of fusion cuisine.

For seafood, sushi and various other Asian delicacies, Wakame really stands out from the crowd. This extremely trendy venue hosts a glamorous crowd who congregate for the atmosphere, the sublime food and the exciting cocktails available in Wafu, the bar upstairs. For a superb night out with great wine, great food, great views and great service, Wakame is the place to be.

Currently voted best Thai restaurant, Wang Thai boasts exquisite flavours and spices evident in the dishes and menu. The menu focuses on authentic Thai cuisine using the freshest ingredients and spices imported directly from Thailand. The interior calms and leans towards a more up market ambiance, complimented by the varied and exciting menu.

Situated in the V & A Waterfront, looking out across Cape Town’s harbour, Wang Thai offers the best in Royal Thai cuisine in an exquisite setting. With Table Mountain as a backdrop, patrons can indulge in an authentic Thai dining experience while watching the resident Cape fur seal colony at play. Diners are treated to delicious, authentic dishes from across Thailand, freshly prepared using only the highest quality ingredients. Each meal is prepared under the watchful eye of the Thai trained master chef using traditional regional recipes. Diners can delight on favourites such as spicy Tom Yum soup or traditional Thai curries. For the more adventurous there is Ped Pi-Roed – Angry Duck – served with crispy seasonal vegetables. For an African twist on a Thai meal Wang Thai has created an ostrich curry served with fresh bamboo shoots. There is a variety of seafood available, as well as an extensive sushi menu. The decor is elegant, and features traditional Thai pieces, and this coupled with the delicately balanced flavours of the food and the wonderful views of Cape Town give diners a truly Thai experience.

Warwick Wine Estate is located on the R44 between Klapmuts and Stellenbosch and has become a popular picnic venue. The estate is versatile in that, although it is the perfect romantic spot, it is also child friendly. There are a few picnic areas to choose from. The courtyard has tables and chairs and a shady area where the kids can play. The lawn area is all umbrellas, mattresses and cushions overlooking the dam and lunching in such comfort is almost sinful. There are also picnic pods. Visitors who would like to host a more private party can reserve the “penthouse’ picnic location that is set on the hill, overlooking the stunning scenery of the farm. Expect a quirky, but cleverly packed and delicious picnic basket by award winning chef Bruce Robertson. The boxes and containers are treat to open. Discover the likes of Biltong and Brandy pate, Baguettes wrapped in “Warwick News” newspaper, salads and cold meats and even a helping of Tomato Bredie. A selection from the estate’s wines rounds off the picnic experience. Guests are encouraged to take time for a tasting, and try the lovely wines that Warwick has on offer. Booking is essential.

A contemporary oasis, soothed by giant fish tanks, low hung bamboo lights and ambient lighting. The menu takes a journey through Asia, starting with Sushi, seafood and traditional fare and the wine list compliments with good and interesting selections. Wasabi is easy located in the Constantia Shopping Centre.

Located on Waterkloof Wine Estate, this new signature restaurant boasts a 10-meter glass promontory marrying into a flow of sleek state-of-the-art gravitational cellar. Dine against a backdrop of Waterkloof’s amphitheater of vineyards and panoramic views of False Bay on modern French infusions. Fuelled by decades experience attained in some of the finest Michelin star restaurants in France, Grégory Czarnecki calls for an unhurried indulgence on contemporary classics with a modern twist, complemented by the estate’s European style wines.