Cape Town Restaurants

Relax in true Caribbean style, sipping Pina Coladas while savouring delectable starters of Coco Loco Hoppin' Jons (Jalapeno chillies stuffed with feta, crumbed and deep-fried) enjoying the laid back vibe tropical atmosphere. With a large garden and cosy restaurant, Banana Jam Café serves authentic Caribbean tastes lit by a roaring fire and enchanting night-lights while dining outside. With Jamican BBQ’s in the summer and a buzzing atmosphere, patrons can enjoy fast service with friendly attentive staff. Rated by locals as the best Banana Jam burgers in town with the largest rum collection in the country; Banana Jam Café is your suburban island escape to the breezy shores of the Caribbean.

Cafe Bellarosa boasts a relaxing and friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy delectable dishes from an extensive menu. Impeccable standards of service make for a stress-free time for diners while they feast on farm-style breakfasts, sumptuous lunches or teatime treats. All portions are generous and great value for money. Roll-up blinds open the cafe up to make it bright and breezy in summer and a fireplace along with heaters keep patrons warm on cold winter days. There is also sheltered courtyard complete a play area to keep the kids happy. A perfect venue for whatever you fancy, Cafe Bellarosa is a must-try.

Cafe Blouberg is located in an old cottage on the water’s edge. Looking out over the Atlantic towards Robben Island and Table Mountain, patron can feast on delicious meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfasts are delicious, and there are eight wonderful options to choose from. Patrons are treated to the most amazing views, while enjoying a hearty start to the day. There are a variety of light lunches to choose from, including wraps, salads, toasted sandwiches and snack baskets. There are also more substantial meals on offer with a distinctly Mediterranean twist. The evening fare is fresh fare from the sea, as well as a variety of other dishes that to delight diners. With views that can’t be beaten and fabulous food, Cafe Blouberg offers patrons an eating experience that is not only delicious, but fresh and homely. It is the ideal place to enjoy a cocktail while watching nature at her best as the sun sets over the ocean and Cape Town basks in twilight.

Proving a roaring success in Germany, with over 50 branches scattered throughout Germany, Café Extrablatt intends to conquer Cape Town. Serving coffee, beer and delicious breakfasts, buffets and classic dishes, diners can soak up some traditional German delights and experience what the Germans all rage about. Visit Café Extrablatt and experience for yourself this little slice of Germany on Main Road in Green Point.

Boasting a food store alongside a tantalising menu, Café Nood proffers accessible food fit for any occasion. Start the day with a full breakfast or settle into a relaxing lunch from the a la carte menu. If you are watching our calories, opt for the lunch specially created by Shape Magazine then pop on over to the food store and stock up on healthy tit bits to satisfy your appetite later.

Located in the Seaside Village in Bloubergstrand in Cape Town, Caffe Rossini is the perfect place to take a break. The aromas of freshly brewing coffee waft through the centre, calling shoppers in for a quick 'pick me up' and a light snack. Friendly service and fresh fabulous food are what makes Caffe Rossini such a popular place to pop in and regather and refresh. The Caffé Rossini concept is based on the contemporary lifestyle of a 19th century Italian gentleman, Gioachino Rossini. A tenor and composer of operas, Rossini's love of music was surpassed only by his love for good coffee and good food. The Caffé Rossini philosophy mirrors the composer's classical talent and quest for excellence. Caffé Rossini has honoured the age old traditions of making authentic Italian style coffees; Cappucinno, Espresso and other speciality hot and cold beverages since its inception in 1992. Great coffee has been our foundation since we started. Caffé Rossini has its own unique coffee blends specially blended for the local pallet but based on old style traditions.

Caffe San Marco’s relaxed atmosphere, great views and Italian influence, as well its sidewalk location in the V & A Waterfront means patrons can sit back, sip on a gourmet cup of coffee and people watch. A truly Italian experience, Caffe San Marco offers patrons an authentic slice of that la vita e bella, or the beautiful life. Nestled in the bustling Waterfront, looking out over the harbour where the seals frolic and water traffic goes to and fro, Caffe San Marco’s menu is made up of a selection of delicious fare to satisfy and delight. Whether its breakfast, lunch, dinner, a light snack or a cup of the best coffee, Caffe San Marco has something to offer. Real Italian food, made the traditional way, each meal is freshly prepared and made to order. The beef carpaccio is one of the house specialities cut from the finest fillet, garnished with the finest salina capers. There are a range of pastas and salads made with authentic Italian ingredients. There is an extensive breakfast menu, served until 12pm, as well as a selection of gourmet sandwiches. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, Caffe San Marco offers an the best views, the finest coffees and fabulous food, while being the perfect place to watch the world go by.

For an eatery that is brimming with character and culinary influences from around the globe, Chaplans is a great place to while away some time. A bookcase stocked with magazines and papers adds a nice touch and adds to the relaxing ambience. An eclectic menu offers something for everyone, be it a light meal, a full dinner or just a drink with friends. Vegetarians are not left out, with sumptuous platters among the pickings. A great place to dine in style and comfort.

Enjoy casual meals and a full-bodied wine list boasting an extensive selection of fine South African wines. The cosmopolitan menu proffers light meals and tapas enjoyed with well-paired wine and conversation. Visit Cru Café for a taste of the vineyards along Somerset Road, Green Point.

The large up scaled playground hosts’ entertainment such as swings, slides, jungle gyms and much more, while parents indulge in great breakfasts or light lunches. The menu is versatile, with adult and child size portions available on most dishes and the bustling ambiance is the perfect spot of weekend breakfasts and brunches.

With an array of savoury and sweet desires, Florentines bewitches the senses with playful décor and homemade delicacies. Serving mouth-watering freshly baked muffins, cakes and tarts alongside speciality coffee blends, you can relax on comfy couches while enjoying the beautiful gifts and quirky décor. Upon entering, you are welcomed by Florentines and seduced by delightful temptations of sweet and savoury. Enjoy light lunches, high teas and satisfying platters. Florentines is a sweet retreat with melt-in-the-mouth pleasures for a truly sinful experience.

On the ground floor of the Alfred Mall in Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront, with a view of the bustling Waterfront il Paninaro Paninoteca e Spaghetteria overlooks an area designated for buskers, ensuring that patrons are treated to a wonderful variety of live entertainment, ranging from a marimba band to traditional African gumboot dancers. Whether it is a traditional cooked breakfast, a morning muffin and steaming hot cup of pure Arabica coffee or a more traditional Coppa Salute (fruit yoghurt in layers with muesli & banana) there is no better place to be to start of the day then the veranda of il Paninaro Paninoteca e Spaghetteria. And for a truly traditional Italian treat, the Cannoli is a house speciality – originating in Sicily, these tube- shaped pastry shells are deep fried and filled with a sweet, creamy filling; deliciously indulgent! This traditional Italian eatery specialises in light meals for lunch and dinner. With a range of over 20 paninis to choose from, there is something for everyone. Only the best breads are used, and fillings include: Parma ham, mozzarella and artichoke pesto on Focaccia bread; mozzarella, tomato and pesto on Grissone bread; grilled chicken, sun dried tomato pesto and rocket on Ciabatta bread. Pastas include a delicious homemade lasagne and a variety of pastas with fresh authentic Italian sauces. Alternatively there is a delicious selection of antipasti to choose from, and a wine list that includes both South African and Italian wines.

This stylish restaurant serves unpretentious dining wrapped around a shady Brazilian pepper tree for relaxed and sophisticated dining. With flavourful global cuisine on the menu, Jakes on Summerly enjoys festive dining indoors or in the covered courtyard for refreshing al-fresco dining. Cheerful and friendly Jakes serves breakfasts, lunches and dinners with culinary temptations such as black mushroom and parma-ham sandwich for lunch or salt and pepper calamari tossed in course salt and szechwan pepper for starter. A well-known institution in Cape Town, reputation has it as the place where friends and family meet and share good food around good company. What ever you decide to delight in, you can be sure of a festive dining experience at Jakes in Summerly with efficient service and good hearty food.

Kitch Kombuis in Muizenberg Village is owned by local personality, passionate restauranteur and people person, Derek Harrison. Everything that Derek ploughs his efforts into seems to be infused with his personal brand of magic, from the deliciously different smoothie selection, through to the furniture he’s chosen to decorate his new restaurant with. Not only is Kitch Kombuis a coffee shop with a difference, everything inside is for sale, not excluding the very table you’re seated at. Taking its inspiration from European coffee stations, the coffee shop is located adjacent to the Muizenberg train station. With a counter full of healthy baked treats and delicious sarmies, Kitch Kombuis is designed as a meeting place, greeting place and ‘grab a bite before leaving on the train’ place. Great emphasis is placed on serving excellent coffee and providing light snacks, baked and made by members of the Muizenberg community. Young bakers and pastry chefs deliver fresh snacks daily, while Derek and his assistant whip up excellent coffee and more-ish smoothies. Enjoy a freshly baked selection of croissants, veg pies, quiches, wraps, gourmet sarmies and sweet pastries from breakfast through to lunch.

This delightful French café brims with elegant baked delights and delicate tarts, and the most delicious coffees and teas, served in petite china. The ambiance exudes café Paris, with floral and vintage décor, elegant armchairs and curvaceous furniture, enticed by delightful displays of heavenly bakes, tarts and ‘to die for’ carrot and apple cake. Marvel and soak up the setting over a languid breakfast or grab a paper and indulge in some delicious coffee. Mid and lazy afternoon teas fit the occasion here, spoilt for choice and brimming with indulgence. La Petite Tarte is a charming slice of Paris, surrounded by the trendy lifestyle shopping centre in the heart of Green Point.

Buzzing, lively and smart, this laid back and trendy eatery sets the mood with a cool take on décor menu that proffers continental and contemporary cuisine, café style. Short and reasonably priced, the menu offers delights such as tender calamari, generous Caesar salad, and a subtly delicious prawn curry enjoyed alongside a wine list favouring local wines and wines by the glass.

Millstone is in an exceptional country-style setting. The restaurant/cafe is open from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday. The garden has a a great tree house for the kids and the quiet atmosphere is exactly what any parent needs. Millstone also caters for children's parties. Have some delicious coffee or fresh orange juice with a wholesome meal. The cafe sells organic products and the bread is made in a wood-fired oven. Try some homemade jams and preserves.

Myatt Café & Chocolatier is elegant and opulent; the decor is more like a designer haute couture showroom. Crockery from Villeroy and Boch, designer Vitra chairs and Eileen Grey tables all contribute a quintessentially chic experience. Fashioned on a French salon, a leading trend setter, this cafe offers patrons the utmost in style and sophistication, and a gourmet menu of delicious sweet treats and light meals. Breakfast ranges from croissant baskets with either homemade jams or hams and cheeses to fruit and muesli. There is also the Myatt Breakfast Treat, which consists of mini croissants filled with emmenthaler cheese, scone with clotted cream & preserve, selection of finger sandwiches, fresh fruit salad & macaroons, fresh orange or grapefruit juice, Myatt special blend of tea or coffee. Lighte meals include a delicious range of filled sweet and savoury croissants, gourmet sandwiches and salads, as well as a mouth watering range of freshly baked tarts. The High Tea, masterfully prepared by a renowned confectionary chef includes pastries, cakes, mini croissants and finger sandwiches freshly made to order. There is an out-of-this-world range of sweet treats to choose from, and a fabulous range of speciality teas and coffees. All the delicacies are available at the retail counter, along with a delectable delight of imported Belgian chocolates.

Cool, trendy and ultra quirky, Olympia Café and Deli entices the palate with colourful mouth-watering creations and clientèle. From plump mussels to tender lamb’s liver and delectable salads, this eatery pays homage to food and brings back the tradition of bohemian dining. Enjoy fresh Kob on mash or Lambs liver with bacon and cream sauce, or take delight in a hearty pasta dressed with mushrooms and tomatoes cream paired with a delicious wine and refreshing glass of water. The rustic paint-washed walls invite a quirky décor contrasted by black and white chequered floor and bohemian ambience. Relaxing and cool, Olympia Café and Deli offers fantastic service coupled with a trendy menu and colourful clientèle.

Organic Alive delivers a come-as-your-are ambience greeted by friendly staff and eat as much as you like buffets. With delectable organic creations on display such as organic coconut curry and wild rice or organic salads, chutneys, nuts and variety of home-baked breads, this little piece of wholesome heaven serves simple foods designed to heal. The venue is simple and does not boast much in terms of scenery, but the impressive buffet for R40 is enough to entice the palate into staying while exploring the garnished market filled with organic delights.

The delicious interior relaxes and inspires the senses while the gourmet cuisine indulges the palate and tempts with decadent cakes on display and delicious aroma of coffee filling the air. Enjoy a tasty selection from the menu dining indoors or alfresco at Shelley’s Gourmet Café in Kloof Street.

This luxury café caters for elite gathers who enjoy seeing and being seen in trendy new hotspots offering drinks, meals and art around Cape Town. The light menu boasts locally sourced ingredients such as healthy breakfasts and lunches; expect raw muesli, soft scrambled eggs, French toast, scones, soup, salads (warmed goat’s cheese salad sounds pretty yummy) to open sandwiches with the choice of rye or sourdough bread. Enjoy an orange juice, lime, grapefruit and ginger juice, homemade lemonade, a banana smoothie, a raw chocolate shake, lassi or coffee and tea. Browse the integrated gallery seamlessly marrying the love of food and art in the trendy and friendly Skinny Legs and All.

Serving light meals, cakes, tarts and heavenly baked bread, Sostanza is the ideal place for families and friends looking for a relaxed and tasty experience. From the alluring aromas of freshly baked bread, pastries, croissants to savoury pies, quiches and all day Eggs Benedict for breakfast. Fine cappuccinos compliment the devilishly good cheese and chocolate cheesecake, enjoyed by most and especially the local housewives who gather at this culinary sanctuary to indulge and gossip. Sostanza is an unlicensed establishment, but you are welcome to bring your own, order some sublime food and soak up the old village bakery ambiance over breakfast or lunch.

Located upon the Nitida Wine Estate in Tigervalley, Tables @ Nitida beacons palates from far and wide, who enjoy their natural, healthy and delicious food. The menu inspires and excites with a Mediterranean flair and café style ambiance enjoyed across sprawling lawns and relaxed interior. Relax with a freshly baked muffin, a newspaper or savour a 'home-cooked' meal for lunch with a glass of wine. An alfresco paradise, Tables @ Nitida is the place to be for healthy, nutritious and inspiring cusine.

Located along Main Road in Hout Bay, Thai Café offers a wonderful selection of authentic Thai cuisine prepared by genuine Thai chefs. The menu proffers a wide selection of soups, salads, meat, seafood and vegetarian options, with something to suit all budgets and palates. You can expect fresh food brimming with flavour and mild, medium, hot or Thai style tastes to order. Try the Geang Phed - a red Thai curry with coconut milk, bamboo, peppers and basil, black bean noodles made with their very own special black bean sauce. Or Yum Talay - a spicy seafood salad with coriander chili and limejuice. If you are looking for an authentic Thai duck recipe, make sure to try either sweet and sour crispy duck or duck red curry. Discover why local and visitors alike flock to Thai Café and experience some authentic Thai food in the heart of Hout Bay.

Housed inside Romney Park Hotel and Spa, George Restaurant is a welcoming and comfortable dining establishment lit by a backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, Robbin Island and Green Point Stadium. This elegant eatery boasts delicious and wholesome meals alongside a lounge bar and pool terrace perfect for soaking up the summer ambiance over a cooled cocktail and light meal from the seasonal menu. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in elegant surrounds or curl up next to a roaring winter fire admiring the view.

The Grand Cafe and Beach is one of the trendiest places to be seen in Cape Town. Beach cafe style meets Parisian chic with vast crystal chandeliers, Persian rugs, rich fabrics and antique furniture. This eclectic mix of style and panache is set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain, with views that are out of this world. The menu is melange of old meets new, with fabulous east meets west fusion, as well as tried and tested classics and modern contemporary dishes. Pushing the envelope with its unique style, the Grand Cafe and Beach offers patrons a unique dining experience. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu is exciting and varied, and is filled with strong flavours, fresh ingredients and fabulously innovative combinations. The Grand favourites include tempura prawns, classic Caesar salad, bouillabaisse, fillet béarnaise and an out of this world crayfish sandwich. The Grand Cafe and Beach also offers diners fabulous thin crusted gourmet pizzas, served on long wooden platters. With a sun deck and sea sand beach that is gently lapped by the ocean, fabulously opulent decor and delicious food, the Grand Cafe and Beach offers all the ingredients for a perfect meal.

The luxury setting boasts small conversational tables hugged by Philippe Stark Ghost chairs or large banquets in green Crocodile leather. The healthy buffet delights with variety, while lighter meals enjoy sandwiches or wraps. Heartier appetites can feast off the a la carte menu. Enjoy a glass of wine from the well-chosen selection displayed on glass shelving.

The Sidewalk Cafe is a perfect spot for a casual breakfast or lunch in a vibrant and buzzing area. Delicious food and friendly service are the backbone of this cosy and trendy cafe with stunning views of Robben Island and Lion’s Head. Laid back but trendy, The Sidewalk is the only place to be for those who love leisurely cafe life.

Sucumb to temptation at The Sweetest Thing, the best coffee and patisserie shop in Simon's Town. Choose from a selection of delectable cakes and pastries including cheesecake, lemon meringue and chocolate éclair. The patisserie also offers excellent coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, delicious pies and quiche, all made daily on the premises by Doreen and her friendly team. Doreen Alcock won the Diners Club National 2008 Dine Award for the Most Promising Pastry Chef Newcomer. The Sweetest Thing has been open for two years and is co-owned by Doreen and her husband Keith. Patrons can enjoy a selection of delectable pastries including, cheesecake, lemon meringue and chocolate éclair. The patisserie also offers excellent coffee, breakfast, delicious pies and quiche.