Cape Town Restaurants

Arnold's is a cosy but vibey restaurant in Cape Town's City Bowl.Famous for their Early Bird Breakfast as well as lunch specials and game dishes like crocodile ribs, warthog ribs, oryx steaks and great salads. Enjoy happy hour while you take in the mountain views (from 4.30 pm for 2 hours every day) or treat yourself to the best cheese cake!Need to know? Open 7 days a week from 6.45am to late (8am Saturday & Sunday), outside dining till 10pm.

Typically Halaal, with a strict no alcohol policy, Biesmiellah’s sunken floor, woven carpets and wood engravings add an air of traditional ambiance complimenting the prime location in Bo-Kaap. The menu brims with flavour and colourful offering choices such as traditional bobotie with fruity yellow rice to bayleaf-rich crayfish curry including chilli bites, samoosas and moons and deliciously to die for koeksister infused with coconut, cardamom and cinnamon. Diners are encourage to experience an authentic and close to traditional experience as possible buy dining with their hands at Biesmiellah.

Satisfy your need for food and shopping in one fowl swoop when visiting The Bluebird Garage and Food Market. The vibrant setting housed in side a character-converted warehouse is a heartwarming neighbourhood hangout. Browse the aisles of vintage clothing, antiques and local crafts before feasting on freshly made delights and sinfully delicious baked goods. Open from 10am to 10pm on Fridays, The Bluebird Garage and Food Market is a must see venue in the heart of Muizenberg.

Bo-Kaap Kombuis nestles on the foot of a hill, painted with the most spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain and the city. Traditional Cape Malay hospitality welcomes with warmth and the enticing aroma of spicy, fragrant and colourful cuisine that epitomizes the culture, traditions and customs of this colourful nation. The menu touches and journeys deep into authentic flavours of Cape Malay, served with excellence, complimented by good wine and scenic vistas. Open Tuesday – Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Experience Pacific - Rim Cuisine at it's best. Our Australian chef Sean Kiely brings together the fusion of international cuisine using fresh local produce. From humble beginnings, and after a period of being one of Simon's Town's best kept secrets, Boulders Beach Restaurant has grown to be recognised as one of the top restaurants in the area. Our menu features Pacific Rim Cuisine, by Australian Head Chef Sean Kiely, which he studied during his extensive travels through Asia and across the globe. Complementing the menu are various specials that change on a daily basis, an extensive wine selection chosen by a sophisticated palate and an earthly comfort that won't be ingored.

Housed in the building where the city once banked gold, this vintage gem boasts breathtaking décor heightened by vaulted ceilings, dark lacquered wooden floors and striking original chandeliers. Expect to be wined and dined in timeless style warmed by roaring fireplaces and the sultry sounds of swing jazz. The menu caters decadence-a classic gastronomic voyage sampling firm favourites, hearty portions and spicy flavours. Try favourites such as deep fried Camembert with figs, rocket and nuts for starters, Springbok carpaccio and roquefort snails. Mains brim with choices such as grilled calamari, carpetbagger steak (filled with mussels) or the Brio burger and Crayfish Thermidor. Experience the return of vintage glamour at Brio 1893 located along Adderly Street for a truly out of this era dining experience.

Situated in a sheltered valley and surrounded by old oak trees, the 250 year old farmhouse offers relaxing al fresco dining – or if the weather is unpleasant, indoors in the historic old farm building. The Cape Farmhouse Restaurant is a family run concern on route to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. The lunchtime menu is African inspired and redolent of the tastes, spices and herbs of Morocco through to the Cape itself. Breakfasts are farm-style, with home-made bread and real free-range eggs. As much of the produce as possible is gathered from their own organic vegetable gardens. Rock with your tot at Farmhouse Rocks! Take your little one to the Cape Farmhouse on a breezy Summer afternoon where he can shake his tush and get rid of excess energy to the tunes of a live band. The Cape Farmhouse hosts Saturday concerts showcasing South African musicians. These are outdoor events with food from the fire and a cash bar. So, slap on some sunscreen, throw a blanket on the grass, grab a frosty and groove to your favourite band! Open seven days a week 09:30 – 17:00. There is plenty of safe space for kids to play.

Caveau is French for cellar (or cave),  and this European style wine bar was born from a desire for a simple plate of cured meats and a glass of good wine. Caveau proffers a seductive selection of local cheeses and cured meats, where the delights on offer have been carefully selected to complement the wines in true French style.Caveau’s menu changes daily but die-hard favourites like beef cubes and béarnaise, lamb samoosa’s with tzatziki and prawn tempura are always available. Offering a range of tapas and main course options, each dish is made from only the freshest ingredients sourced from top suppliers in the Cape. Undoubtedly, you will discover some firsts in this deli, and the purveyors of these fine foods will be only too happy to challenge your palates.I'll swirl to that!Need to know? Open Tuesday to Saturday, 8am - 10pm; Sundays 10am - 3pm.

Start your day with big breakfast or a healthier fruit salad or dip into a fresh baked croissant or muffin washed down with an aromatic coffee. The menu brims with fresh locally sourced produce infused into creations such as lasagnas, chicken pies, schnitzels and creamy pastas. The eatery welcomes with a small and comfortable space dressed in red and white checked tablecloths, creating a relaxed and affordable meal perfect for breakfast, lunch or early bird dinners.

At Die Boer you can experience the "creme de la creme" of South African music, comedy and theatre productions whilst enjoying a great meal in a warm, comforting and superb acoustic environment. Just a 20-minute drive from Cape Town city centre gets you to one of the best dinner-theatre and live entertainment venues in the Western Cape.

Start the day with a delicious French toast drenched in maple syrup or pop in for a lazy lunch. Light lunch options include burgers, nachos and very fresh sumptuous salads including gluten and dairy-free options. Tempt the palate with moist apple and cinnamon cake and a homely lemon meringue pie. Long wooden tables set the mood for lingering all day breakfasts enjoyed with a cup of delicious organic coffee and morning paper. The vibe welcomes with a roaring winter fire and quaint tables scattered outside perfect for alfresco.

Located along Hout Street this visually seductive and comfortable eatery boasts a gastronomic experience set over 3 floors of pure decadence. The ground floor welcomes with a white marble bar, contrasting wooden floors and exposed granite walls leading into a private cigar lounge. The 1st floor holds an intimate restaurant that caters to your every whim with the finest South African produce, quality meat and seafood. The 3rd floor boasts a prestigious art gallery showcasing work from the Jetzis Art exhibition. Exuding a relaxed and homely setting amidst an array of stylish furnishings, diners enjoy the ever-changing menu brimming with organic vegetables, finest beef and venison and fresh seafood. Savour a complimentary ‘Amuse Bouche” to wet your appetite before testing’s favourites such as raw Norwegian Salmon and wasabi ice -cream, beef rossini and the chocolate chip cookies, served with a bourbon ice and honey ice cream and a warm frangelica white chocolate sauce. Fourty Ate in Hout Street, Cape Town offers international dining in stylish surrounds in the heart of Cape Town.

Situated in the Urban Chic Hotel, on the upper mezzanine level, Gallery Café boasts ultra minimalist décor, eclectic selections of local art and class culinary styles. Ideal for business lunches, intimate for corporate, private celebrations or just sundowners and conversation, the South African and internationally inspired cuisine favours all occasions. Dine within the chic interior or on the intimate terrace, where sundowners and wine unwind the spirit. Gallery Café is the place where fine dining meets city life and internationally inspired cuisine.

Kirstenbosch Tea Room delivers freshly prepared dishes with simple flavours and good value. Enjoy hearty breakfasts such as omelettes and spicy eggs shakshuka all served with a choice of free-range eggs. House specialties are served in generous portions. Try the best bobotie in town, pickled fish, real homemade burgers and the freshest hake ’n’ chips. Lighter meals proffer creative salads, chunky soups and sandwiches with irresistible scones, muffins, malva pudding and decadent rum puddle cake to compliment your coffee and round off your meal. Vegetarians are well catered for while the kitchen sees to your every culinary whim leaving you to indulge and soak up the spectacular views.

Situated in the heart of Muizenberg in an old Jewish Hotel, this family run restaurant offers high standards of cuisine and excellence. The varied menu serves delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Enjoy a hearty famous breakfast burger or lunch, which caters for large appetites serving super-large burgers, served with garnish and chips, burgers are flame grilled to perfection. For fulfilling suppers, try Kosie's grilled chicken breast with a selection of mouth-watering vegetables followed by the temptress of deserts, caramel and banana pancakes topped with ice cream. With a cosmopolitan ambience heightened by interesting decorative features, Kosie’s Place makes for a well-served, remarkable setting serving unbeatable prices and mouth-watering dishes.

The white scrubbed interior shaded in light airy ambiance entertains with large benches and tables, a long wooden bar spurted from a tree and entertainment that extends from sports to music and a large outdoor kids fantasy area. A beach bar captures scenes from a secluded island, imagine sipping cocktails alongside idle chat and kids darting around, totally captivated by their imaginations, while you relax and indulge in a little bit of glee. La Cabane feasts the palate with hearty breakfasts, languid lunches and light meals, perfectly balanced to satisfy adult and kiddies appetites, entertaining the whole family in the heart of Hout Bay.

Set within a grassy space and shaded veranda, scattered with tables and chairs, fingers of sunlight and shade, Little Stream Restaurant is the place to lull a few hours away. The menu focuses on fresh, wholesome food, served in generous portions, enjoyed alfresco on the sunlit lawn or shaded veranda with a backdrop of stunning views. Start the day with eggs Benedict or omelette, English breakfast or health breakfast. Lunch proffers ostrich bobotie or grilled chicken salad, salmon salad or beef burger and chips to mention a few. With stunning gourmet afternoon teas, sundrenched grassy lawns and shady swings soothed by trickling streams, Little Stream Restaurant quiets the senses and indulges the palate with gourmet cuisine.

A stunning restaurant started by 3 Michelin-starred chef, Maze at One & Only, Cape Town must be experienced.Using local ingredients and celebrating local flavours, maze proffers the finest creations for breakfast, lunch and supper, with a dedicated children’s menu as well. Steaks lovers will particularly enjoy the succulent cuts of meat, specially prepared with an imported broiler which heats the steaks to 650°C for superb flavour. The open kitchen allows for patrons to watch the chefs creating the mouth-watering masterpieces.The decor is striking and inviting, having been designed in keeping with the name of the restaurant. A fantastic wine loft offers a vast and eclectic selection of 5000 bottles, featuring both well-known and soon-to-be well known South African vintage wines.Enjoy a stylish celebration of South African cuisine at maze.

Set on the lapping banks of the Ritvlei Wetland, McPherson’s Restaurant seduces the senses and unwinds daily life with expansive views of Table Mountain and the Ritvlei Wetland. The views set the stage for alfresco dining, on the deck or lovely covered garden area, and as winter sets in, you can enjoy dining indoors. The fabulous menu caters for all palates, starting with breakfast and the McPherson's Delux Breakfast consisting of eggs, back bacon, sausage, mushrooms, grilled tomato saute’ potatoes & served with your choice of toast. A lovely alfresco lunch deserves traditional Fish and Chips served with savoury rice or chips or the Bacon, Feta and Avo Toasted Sandwich. On Sundays, bring the family and enjoy a day out and the legendary McPherson's Sunday Roast, which includes a variety of roasts, grilled potatoes and vegetables concluded by Malva Pudding.

Located on the corner of Buitenkant Street, this local hotspot proffers a low-key ambiance and casual décor, and a reputation for delicious pizzas. The casual atmosphere and simple décor keeps the focus the food and makes ideal spot for a quick bite or pizza indulgence in Gardens.

The extensive menu focuses on African dishes served in enormous portions and constitutes the form of braaivleis platters and various other meaty dishes. Popular choices such as the braaivleis platter are served with pap, tomato bredie and chakalaka complimented by a decent and sturdy wine list with some good vintages and good value options. Enjoy African ambiance warmed by a wintery fireplace and cosy atmosphere which is made all the more festive during the weekends.

"I'd like to be, under the sea in an Octopus' Garden with you" Wacky, eclectic, vibrant, sexy and funky, stepping into the Octopus Garden Restaurant feels like entering into a shimmering Aladdin’s cave. Think Alice in Wonderland, think Under the sea, think a mad collection of knick knacks filling a brightly painted and fairy lit intimate little living room complete with wooden floors and a piano, that's The Octopus' Garden in St. James (between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay). Inspired by the Beatles song, this historic old post office building has been transformed through much love into a cosy, happy and romantic venue for breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Situated right next to the St. James train station and with a super view of the whales, waves, the St. James swimming pool and the brightly painted original 'bathing huts', this gem of a venue invites customers to laze around tables or in a hammock in the shaded garden (dogs and toddlers very welcome), in amongst the restaurant's organic herb garden.

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.

Ons Huisie offers patrons quintessential Afrikaans hospitality coupled with West Coast warmth. The old fishing cottage that is Ons Huisie is over 150 years old, and is a South Africa heritage site. It has been transformed into a welcoming, homely restaurant that serves the best in South African, and particularly Cape cuisine. The dishes on the menu are inspired by days of old and by the fresh ingredients that are used to make them. The cosy, homely kitchen offers the best in traditional South African fare. Located on the West Coast of the Western Cape, the menu at Ons Huisie takes full advantage of it location next to the sea with a plethora of fresh seafood dishes and traditional Cape Malay cuisine. Favourites like Aunt Baby’s pickled fish, oven baked snoek and a West Coast seafood potjie are among the favourites on the menu. There is also a buffet menu available, and patrons are advised to check with the proprietors when this is being served. An ideal family restaurant, where kids can play on the grass where the old fishing boat rests as a reminder of days of old. There is also a kids menu, so there is no excuse not the make sure Ons Huisie is on the agenda.

The Retreat Kitchen is a warm and elegant space, perfectly nurtured to indulge the senses with fine cuisine and toasty winter fires. The classic French menu stirs culinary passion in the heart of the kitchen, where diners have the privilege of taking a peek into the kitchen while dining in the dining room. The terrace captures an unforgettable dining experience, wrapped in greenery, while the shaded lawn beacons pampering picnics. Breakfast dapples in continental buffets, brimming with seasonal choices or a la carte with a twist. Lunch preferences are light and tasty, best enjoyed on the terrace or under the shade of trees, while dinner, upscale yet unpretentious is served in the dining room. The menu focuses on organic homegrown produce, seasonal and hearty home baked breads and pastas, while summer beacons creations cooked on the grill or open fire. Bookings essential.

Situated in the beautiful Table Mountain National Park, Rhodes Memorial Restaurant caters for locals and tourists with freshly prepared cuisine and traditional meals. Dine alfresco on the sunny terrace or indoors next to a roaring winter fire complimented by breathtaking views. The menu indulges with traditional cuisine, unusual meals and daily spreads with delightful homemade cakes and deserts. Rhodes Memorial Restaurant enjoys stunning views and tasty cuisine located on the Groote Schuur Estate.

This lively little restaurant boasts a “If you don’t eat with us, we’ll both starve” slogan that invites humour into this relaxed atmosphere. Located within the scenic poster town of Simon’s Town, Salty Sea Dog Restaurant offers simple food heightened by nautical artefacts and exposed wooden beams for a rustic dining experience. Dine alfresco or enjoy the sheltered warmth of indoor dining in the comfort of whitewashed walls and rustic thatched roofs exploring the succulent tastes of fresh seafood grilled to perfection or fried in a crisp light batter dressed in zesty basting sauce. From fresh fish to salads and light-hearted servings of chicken nuggets and hot dogs for children, Salty Sea Dog offers a relaxing and refreshing approach to traditional fish and chips by the harbour.

Satori's is an Italian family restaurant offering thin-base pizza and pasta with vegetarian and wheat-free options. The salads are garden fresh and all pasta sauces, about 15, are made on order. Pizzas are wood-oven baked with gluten free and wheat free options available. Desserts include home-made tiramisu, brandy tart, amazing lemon cheese cake as well as numerous ice-cream varieties. The portions are generous you will not leave Satori feeling hungry. A moderate wine list is available and a variety of special wines is often available. As a family neighbourhood restaurant, Satori encourages long stays - backgammon, scrabble and chess are played at tables while families and couples catch up over good wholesome food and drink. Satori roughly translates into ‘individual enlightenment’, or a 'flash of sudden awareness'.

Situated in the heart of Melkbosstrand, Seaside Blues offers fabulous views of Table Bay and a good variety of meals for the entire family. On most weekends there is live entertainment.Need to know? Opening hours: Monday 8:30am - 9:00pm, Tuesday - Saturday 8:30am - 10:00pm, Sunday 8:30am - 9:00pm.

The Annex is an upmarket, yet cosy restaurant, with arguably one of the best views in Kalk Bay. This aesthetically pleasing venue is tucked behind Kalk Bay Books and is therefore often missed by visitors to the area. But when you find it you'll be delighted that you did, because on a fresh Summer's day, there are few better places to be. Three seating areas within the restaurant property offer patrons a different experience at each space, from the indoor library area to the 'al fresco' terrace under a massive palm tree, which has endless views over the harbour and the ocean. Meals at The Annex are tasty and beautifully presented, from muesli and fresh fruit for breakfast, through to rich, hearty meals for lunch and dinner. Popular menu choices include the sirloin steak sandwich, served with caponato and creamy mushroom sauce on freshly baked ciabatta and the mushroom risotto. The dinner menu includes fresh line fish, slow-roasted duck on vegetable stir-fry and ostrich on either braised lentils or mustard mashed potatoes.

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.

Located on Roodebloem Road, this eatery serves the best cocktails and pizzas (aptly named after streets in Woodstock). Expect wood-fired pizzas, fresh homemade napoletena sauce and hearty toppings. Burgers follow on close suit, boasting 100% beef patties and original toppings with no artificial nonsense! The log burning winter fire makes perfect location for board games, good book and a bottle of whatever hits your fancy.

Theresa's quirky and flamboyant personality won't be the only reason you'll visit this established and beloved restaurant, as the food is equally unforgettable. Renowned for her perfectly prepared steaks and robust main courses, Theresa's combines elements that are usually difficult to create; atmosphere, ambiance and delicious food. The success of Theresa's may have something to do with the entrancing bohemian overtones that lend it such warmth, or perhaps being able to watch Theresa's antics in the kitchen add to the feeling of intimacy. Expect hearty fare on the menu, in generous portions. Whatever contributes towards the magic, it's a successful recipe.

Nestled in the Monkey Valley Beach Resort, Thorfynns boasts dramatic views of Noordhoek Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Cradled in lush Milkwood Trees, diners frolic on the deck during balmy summer months and dine on juicy burgers and voluptuous seafood overlooking the sea and natural garden atmosphere. Choose a table close to the window or on the deck to enhance your dining experience and browse the menu brimming with easy going dishes made with the freshest ingredients, locally sourced and organic. Winter warms the palate with hearty dishes, log burning fireplaces and all day breakfasts. The wood-fired pizzas and sushi make great alternatives to dining off the menu. A popular weekend brunch spot, Thorfynns captures the senses with scenic vistas and mouthwatering cuisine.

For a fine dining experience to remember, Tides restaurant is the place to go in Camps Bay’s ‘Golden Mile’. Fresh ingredients, exquisite flavours and perfect presentation are just some of the reasons as to why Tides has picked up so many awards. So for modern elegance, spectacular views, exquisite food and the best service, try Tides Resturant.

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.

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.

Located in Belgravia Road Wembly Roadhouse welcomes families and friends to enjoy their myriad of choices ranging from light meals to tasty grills. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner; toasted sandwiches to burgers, curries to succulent grills, chilli bites to traditional samoosas and the freshest fruit juices. The big attraction here is the Whopper! Prime steak cuts, marinated in original spices on a freshly baked bun, topped with salads, fit for hearty appetites.

Located in the Majestic Village on the main road of Kalk Bay, this upmarket venue is a delightful escape. Patrons are treated indoor and to alfresco style dining with the comfort of modern luxury, with a terraced outdoor area skilfully protected from the elements with a see-through tarpaulin and warmed with gas heaters. The effect is magical and serene. Winesense offers patrons the unique concept in wine tasting, with glass fronted cabinets housing bottles of wine which can be tasted or enjoyed by the glass or by the bottle, depending on which mood strikes you. The menu at Wine Sense is an impressive selection of gourmet fusion cuisine, with an emphasis on tapas and wine pairing, as the restaurant’s name suggests. The restaurant is well known for delectable sushi offerings and fresh oysters, which should be enjoyed after a busy day’s shopping with a bottle of sparkling wine. A welcome addition to Kalk Bay, Winesense adds a touch of luxury to the bohemian fishing village. Enjoy excellent food from lunch until evening.