Restaurants and Delis in South Africa

A great spot for summer lunches. Situated on Môreson wine farm, Bread & Wine is named one of the top 10 restaurants in South Africa (Eat Out 2006 & 2007). Neil Jewell makes and sells wonderful chacuterie (sausages and cured meats) from the shop.

Sit under umbrellas looking over the orange tree orchards and eat wonderful food in a very relaxed and informal atmosphere.

Need to know? Open in summer for lunch from 12h00 - 15h00 Wednesdays to Sundays. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. At other times always enquire ahead.

This lovely bistro with wine lounge and tranquil tea garden is situated in the heart of Bredasdorp. Enjoy breakfast and light lunches in a warm atmosphere as well as home-baked pastries and desserts.

Locally produced, environmentally friendly fresh produce and free range chicken is used to complement their fine wines. Dinner is served on reservation on weekends with a change in menu every weekend and they are also open for drinks in a warm atmosphere. Fully licensed.

The wine shop offers exceptional wines through environmentally friendly practices which were independently verified. EnviroWines’ goal is to recognise and promote quality wines which have been audited by the strict criteria and received the quality seal of EnviroWines.

Drop in and indulge yourself!

The Naked Truth about the Sex Shop
Ronnie Price bought the farm 25 clicks from Barrydale in the Klein Karoo in 1989 after a career in sales and other things, including a spell at M-Net. He was 39 at the time and he wanted to chill. The shop came much later - it will be 12 years old in November this year.

It is a strange story, not mind-blowing strange, but decidedly off the wall. And what happened afterwards turned an oddball act into one of the most sublime roadside marketing stratagems known to man.

The farm was doing fine and there was this building by the road that it seemed sensible to turn into a sort of Farm Stall to earn some welcome small change.

Preparing for the time when that would happen, Ronnie painted on the wall facing Barrydale: 'Ronnies SHOP'. A few years later he saw that someone had added in a scrawl the word SEX. He knows who did it now, but he did not then, and now he is not saying. At any rate the shop, SEX or not, was still not open, yet people were beginning to arrive.

“We had customers but we didn't have a business,” Ronnie told me.

Well, that spurred him on to some serious thinking. The crowds rocking up were almost too good for a padstal, so he switched thought and came up with the idea of a bar, a bar miles from anywhere with a name miles from the truth but apparently compelling.

“When we were ready we phoned around to tell all our friends that we were now open and put an 'OPEN' sign outside. We were drunk for the next six months.” The place took off like nobody could believe.

And it has never let up since then.

The shop, the bar, the watering hole, whatever you want to call it has been featured on television programmes in literally dozens of countries. It is without a doubt a major asset to the Klein Karoo. Newspapers, magazines and radio stations sent reporters to find out what goes on behind the green door. And they found it. People go there for a happy time, and sex does not come into it.

Ronnie says that so strong has been the pull of that name that he has never had to spend a cent on marketing.

Busloads come from morning till night. Some days they record more than 200 arrivals. They come for food and for refreshment and, of course, out of rampant curiosity.

The food side is run as a franchise by Denise Ladegaard. It has the almost equally mad name of The Road Kill Café. This name, according to Ronnie, was suggested by Dieter Sowade, then the owner of Avalon Springs. It is a name that, in the spirit of fun, does not seem to put anyone off.

In fact Ronnie says that for all the so-called traditional conservatism of people in the neighbourhood he has had no direct complaints about the names of the shop or the café.

“There was one story,” he recalls, “of an elderly lady in Barrydale who did take offence but she didn’t speak to me. She asked the local Dominee if he could close us down. The Dominee said ‘it’s just a name, they don't actually sell sex there’. To which she is supposed to have replied ‘but they do sell strong spirits’. The Dominee reminded her that her own Bowls Club sold alcohol. ‘Shall I then have that closed down too?’ he asked.”

“And that was the end of that.”

Story by Peter Dearlove, Montagu Mail

Conviviality (from Latin: a feast, entertainment, a banquet)

This word personifies the Pizza Club, where you will experience the best pizza night you can imagine.

In one evening, and for a set price, you can enjoy a starter, share as many wood-fired, thin based authentic pizzas as you can eat, followed by delicious home-made ice-creams and desserts.

The pizza club has a great variety of very good pizzas, does takeaways, and is a very relaxing way to spend an evening with friends...

In the relaxed atmosphere of the hotel we have created an indoor/outdoor restaurant, Café Bacchus, where visitors can enjoy food and drinks in a leisurely surrounding. Here people can escape from the rat race, stress and mechanical mindedness of our times. Café Bacchus specializes in a variety of mouth-watering cakes, including freshly baked cheese, carrot or chocolate cakes. It is not unusual to find travellers that turn off from the N2 into Storms River Village in order to enjoy our delicious light lunches. All this in a beautiful garden setting with a magical fountain in the middle, complimented by an enchanting statue of the delightful Bacchus himself.

While refreshing at Café Bacchus visitors would often find a hive of activity at the adjacent swimming pool. The swimming pool area, surrounded by four palm trees, makes an impressive setting, an ideal place for a model photo shoot. Many visitors at Bacchus can’t resist the temptation and join guests in the swimming pool.

The mischievous Bacchus has the nasty habit of overthrowing the itinerary of even the most rigid traveller. After being seduced by Bacchus many visitors stay over at the Inn for a day or two.You are welcome too !

The New York Times rated De Oude Martha as the best restaurant in the Tsitsikamma. After ruling the roost in the kitchen for 32 years, Martha finally retired on the 31st of January 2004. Today the Inn still remains loyal to the legacy Martha Makwela left and continues in the tradition of good, home cooked food.

Relax in our a la Carte restaurant where the décor is a blend of today and yesterday.
Where the welcome and the service is good and a new generation of women from our village are teaming up to provide a dining experience with cuisine for the entire family
We use only fresh, often organic and local ingredients with lots of fresh herbs from our garden mixed with a detail of love to create our mouth watering meals Our aim is to offer freshly made meals, warm and attentionate service and food that is constantly good so that one time customers will become regulators and ambassadors.
We invite you to visit a "well kept secret" in the Tsitsikamma

A trip to Darling isn’t complete without a meal at Groote Post Restaurant. Situated at Groote Post Wine Estate in the Old Manor House which dates back to 1790. Chef Debbie’s signature modern country cuisine uses the freshest produce, much locally sourced and grown.

You can't get more local than the lamb grazing along the country road on the way, or a springbok in the veldt. The herbs and vegetables come from the garden at Trinity Lodge, their guest house in Darling.

Debbie and Shaun, who runs the restaurant with her, are a formidable husband and wife team. Both are professionally trained - Shaun at the Johannesburg Hotel School, Debbie at the Cordon Bleu School in Johannesburg and Prue Leith’s in London.

Need to know? Open for lunch only - Wednesday to Sunday, Ccosed on Mondays and Tuesdays, closed on Christmas day, New year's day and Good Friday. Dinner by arrangement

“More so than in life, restaurants are about balance” is the mantra of this award winning fine dining restaurant in the Stellenbosch winelands. Not only in food and wine, but also people - and thus their service is as important. What makes it even more of a challenge is when all this happens on a historic and award winning wine estate.

The original cellar, a National Monument, has been converted and the kitchen is placed “front and centre”, thus creating an ambience that is relaxed but vibey. They also have a proprietor/chef/winemaker table in a private dining room.

Head Chef David Higgs has travelled extensively as part of the South African National Culinary Team. From being voted “Chaine des Rotisseurs Young Chef of the Year” to representing SA at the Culinary Olympics. Rust en Vrede food, “a contemporary take on the classics”, is a combination of freshness, flavour and flair.

The menus are separated into 2 sections, one being a set 8 course menu with wines and the other an a la carte 5 course menu. Acclaimed potter, David Walters was commissioned to create a range of crockery that reflects their style. Dining at Rust en Vrede promises an amazing experience.

Need to know? Trading Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 19h00-close

Grab your friends and head straight to A Touch of Madness for a tasty meal and a great bottle of wine. This unique restaurant in Obs offers a blend of South African Fusion with a little madness. It caters for most tastes with Falafal dinners and filled butternuts to Delicious Beef and venison Steaks.

On Monday evenings you can listen to Off The Wall Poetry readings from 8pm. Thursday nights are Irish Music Sessions at 9pm and every alternate Sunday Night at 8pm you can hear the tunes of Blacksmith, a Bluegrass band.

Need to know? Cuisine: South African Fusion. Open 7 days a week from 12 noon till late (Monday to Saturday) and 5pm till late Sunday.

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.

Enjoy a champagne breakfast or or blow out lunch in the Gamtoos Valley. Situated just 7 km outside Patensie en route to the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, Padlangs Country Restaurant and Shop is definitley worth a visit. Anne and her team only use freshly- picked seasonal produce to create their scrumptious signature dishes.

Tuck into a hearty Leeuloop Breakfast or enjoy high tea with yummy baked delights served in bone china and silver. The milk tarts, lemon meringues, muffins and Greek chocolate cake are all made by local farmers' wives. Tannie Shirley's chicken pies are really made by Tannie Shirley!Cooked lunches are on offer on Sundays and the Saturday menu includes tripe and home-baked bread. In the kitchen is Cordon Bleu chef Sharelda van Niekerk so your à la carte meal will be something special.

The shop has involved the local communities by offering jams, preserves and home-baked pies as well as decorative items and gifts. Enjoy an afternoon with friends in the warm atmosphere of their cigar lounge or pick your own fruit in the surrounding citrus orchards. Padlangs is wheelchair-friendly and the playground will give the kids a chance to work off some excess energy. Open Monday to Sunday 08:00 to 17:00, including public holidays.

Stellenbosch is almost synonymous with good wine and it's no surprise that this is where Ernie Els has chosen to open his brand new restaurant, The Big Easy, named after the man himself. The Big Easy is situated in the historical oak tree lined Dorp Street inside an elegant Cape Dutch-style house called La Gratitude. Built in 1798, this grande old lady is a combination of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture and has been tastefully renovated to provide the home for Ernie Els’s new signature eating spot. Here you can enjoy the finest cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients inlaid-back luxury with a hint of history.

The Big Easy Wine Bar and Restaurant offers a wide selection of more than 170 fine wines from the Stellenbosch region to complement their superlative food. In addition, new discoveries from the local wine industry will please the most discerning connoisseur. The most exciting news is that patrons will be able to enjoy wines from the cellars of the owners, at a cost that does not bear additional mark-ups.

Relax in the tranquil landscaped garden of The Deck Restaurant overlooking a small dam with numerous species of waterfowl. Soak up the sunshine and the friendly atmosphere while enjoying a glass of Ridgeback’s fine wine together with a light home cooked meal.

Need to know? Lunch is served from 12:00 - 15:00 Wednesday to Sunday. Salads, platters and light meals are on offer.

Right on Hout Bay beach, Dunes restaurant has awesome views of Chapman's Peak, the Sentinel, the bay and of course the beach. The setting lends itself for every occasion and it’s a stunning spot for sundowners. During the day it is very popular with parents and their pipsqueaks who have immense fun in the giant sandy playground with various swings and jungle gyms. The kids’ menu is also a hit!

Superb cuisine, wonderful wines, friendly and professional service in a setting that is elegant is the credo for fine dining at Serendipity. The five course South African inspired table d’hôte menu, experienced leisurely in a refined atmosphere that increases the pleasure of your dining experience is the benchmark of Serendipity.

Mariana's delightful award winning 'Best Country Restaurant' has homely tables set on the patio overlooking her herb and vegetable garden and the awesome mountainous backdrop. Enjoy the view while savouring Mariana's mouthwatering dishes. Mariana contributes a monthly column to the Woolworths TASTE magazine, and produces delicious home preserves for the deli.

Need to know? Bookings are essential 028 341 0272 Open Fri, Sat & Sun 9am - 4pm Licensed Take lots of cash so that you can stock up - there are no credit card facilities.

Right on Keurbooms Beach! You cannot get any closer or find more fabulous views to sip a cocktail while watching dolphins surfing waves, whales breaching in season and spectacular daily sunsets. Enrico's is Plett's trendiest restaurant and it’s easy to see why – here you can enjoy good food, good vibes indoors or outdoors in an unspoilt stunning location right near the Tsitsikamma National Marine Park. Work off the extra carbs walking on the spectacular Keurbooms Beach to Arch Rock and the strandloper cave.

After a day of relaxing or adventuring in the Sabie Valley, grab a hearty meal at the Ant and Elephant Restaurant. Offering a large range of Continental a-la-carte meals, there's something for everyone on the menu including vegetarian options.

Need to know? The price of starters range from R25 - R35 and main dishes from R75 - R95. Family oriented. Wheelchair friendly. No corkage.

Enjoy the warm hospitality and a fabulous meal at Little Poland. A traditional menu offers specialities that once nourished Polish knights, nobilities and even kings! The cuisine is hearty and filling, using organic produce and prepared by a chef who really puts her heart into it! Popular dishes are Bigos, Pierogi and Fillet steak along with 'Golonka' (Eisbein). Small and cosy, Little Poland is known for their wonderful service and great meals. Recently a deli section was added to the restaurant allowing you to take a few Polish specialities home with you.

Bamboo Beach is an intimate, beach bistro with a unique ambiance. The menu varies daily, depending on what's fresh and available. Delicious desserts will tempt your taste buds and of course their famous wood-fired gourmet pizzas are to die for. Ever tasted fresh Cape Salmon cooked in the pizza oven with fresh garden herbs?

Rioja offers really exceptional cuisine - experience first class fine dining with Simon, charming proprietor and highly qualified master-chef, in an African game lodge ambiance. Rioja is situated at Solole Game Reserve and is just five minutes from Kommetjie along Kommetjie Road. Definitely a favourite with locals!

Julian's Restaurant offers a ‘full day culinary experience’ - start with breakfast at 9am and end with dinner at 10pm. During the day, light meals and delicious lunches are served in a relaxed atmosphere by efficient, friendly staff. In the evening, Julian and his well-trained team take elegant fine dining to a new level by offering an eclectic fusion of exquisitely prepared and presented local and international cuisine. This fully licensed restaurant offers a wide selection of local (Agulhas) and regional wines.

Described by many as an Aladdin's Cave, Julian's offers a unique selection of objects d'art, fine art, hand-crafted ceramics and table linen in African and contemporary designs. Julian has trained a team of 20 local artisans in the highly specialised techniques of ceramics and fabric painting. In the well-equipped studio adjacent to the restaurant, this team produces an extensive range of ceramic dinnerware and table linen decorated in African and contemporary designs, highly sought after both locally and internationally. Tours through the studio are available on request.

Right on the beach, this quaint restaurant is an awesome spot to watch the tide drift in and out while you munch, scrunch away on the local seafood. By night the friendly little bar is great for pre- or post-dinner drinks and the interior is cosy and warm.

If the weather is fine book a table on the small stoep offering panoramic views of the beach, sea and sky. You might sight a few whales splashing about the sunsets are sublime. The ‘catch of the day’ is your best choice, but there are meaty alternatives, especially during winter. The wine list is small but adequate. Meals are served from 10am to 10pm.

Slip away from the rat race for a magical experience that takes you into the fairy and goblin world. Surrounded by beautiful life-size murals and sculptures, the three storey high thatched building is a wondrous creation. Goblins' Cove Restaurant is just the trick for jaded palates - Head Goblin Chef, Thomas Grove and his crew will have your taste buds begging for more. If you just want a nibble there's the Gobble & Gook Coffee Nook. And don't miss taking home some enchanting potions or perhaps a new wand at the Faerie Winkle Magic Gift Shop.

Need to know? On Sundays and public holidays they do a set menu. The set menu can also be arranged for group bookings. Kiddies menu ranges from R35-R49. Faerie shop only open on Sat, Sun & Public holidays.

Eccentric, rustic, bohemian and countrified, Melon Rouge is a little known restaurant serving scrumptious food, but it’s also an art gallery, wine cellar and cigar bar, antique store, a crafty home store, and second hand bookshop. Sit outdoors and take in the mountainous views on the enormous stoep or under the Wild Olive tree grove where the roosters roam. If you plonk yourself down on a vintage chair indoors the delicious wafting aromas will give you an insane appetite!

Visit the Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij and witness the age old Dutch method of making Boerenkaas. Thirty different cheeses are produced here - gouda in different stages of maturity, cumin or Leidse kaas, stinging nettle cheese, garlic & onion cheese, pepper cheese, feta, herb feta, cheese spread, nut cheese, and Italian herb cheese are just a few.

The cheese is matured in large walk in fridges adjoining the Kaasmakerij. Most cheeses are sold at the farm shop, as well as picnic baskets to enjoy on the banks of the Skeerpoort river or dam. Shadowed by the magnificent Magalies Mountains, the outdoor restaurant is a great spot to have breakfast or a cheese lunch whilst watching the abundant bird life visiting the dam.

Need to know? Closed on Tuesdays.

'Peddlars' is a favorite watering hole with many locals and tourists alike. It's always buzzing and has a wonderful garden area which is usually packed in the summer. The restaurant has recently been refurbished and reopened without loosing any of it's unique character.Throughout the winter months there is always a hearty fire to ensure that the restaurant is warm and cosy, whilst diners enjoy one of their well known signature dishes.

Art Lovers is an outstanding restaurant and sublime companion to the art gallery in Parys. Their chef, Hugo van Niekerk, trained and qualified as Head Chef at the world renowned "Haute Cabriere" Cellar Restaurant. Hugo delights in tempting visitors with delicious cuisine that is reminiscent of French-African and traditional South African fare at its best. Coupled with one of the finest wine collections, patrons can enjoy an experience of wining and dining which rivals some of the top establishments in the country.

Big Blu, formerly Tidals restaurant, has reincarnated itself with a little help from mother nature. In a word the view is simply spectacular and the ambience is casual and eclectic. This self-service Tapas restaurant offers traditional Tapas dishes as well as other dishes. Along with super friendly staff, there are regular weekend events. Enjoy tasty tapas dishes and a view not available anywhere else in the Garden Route!

Has all that exploring in the fresh Karoo air has given you a rumbling tummy? Head to Tower Café at the Bethesda Arts Centre. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, the menu has home-cooked nosh to suit all palates. Karoo lamb, chicken curry or cottage pie are typical local fare, while lighter meals of soups, salads, and toasted sandwiches are also on offer. Vegetarians are thoughtfully catered for with an inspiring selection of dishes such as moussaka, tortilla, Thai butternut soup and vegetable curries. Yum!

Ashton's Restaurant offers fine dining cuisine in an elegant and relaxing environment. Whether you choose to dine Al Fresco on the terrace overlooking beautifully manicured gardens or prefer the cosy setting of their wood panelled dining room, Ashton's menu promises to deliver the freshest South African ingredients in an array of innovative dishes and award winning wine list. Ashton's is all about the dining experience and guests are encouraged to relax in the cigar library for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap to enjoy their collection of single malt whiskeys and fine cigars.

Need to know? Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ashton's is also available for intimate dinner parties and private functions, or simply stop by for a leisurely afternoon tea. Children are most welcome.

Die Stal is an awesome spot for a relaxing lunch for the mountainous views and home cooked food alone. The delicious bistro style meals and wines are value for money too. A must when you visit Montagu!

Need to know? There are no credit card facilities so remember to take cash. Open for breakfast and lunch from 8am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

If you are looking for a restaurant with a beautiful view where you can kick back and take in the stunning scenery then this is it. Blue Water Café is a top class restaurant offering a wide choice of delicious meals. You can choose from salads, pizzas and steaks to scrumptious cakes and teas all perfectly prepared and presented with flair!

There is a lovely big lawn and play area for children. The Higgeldy Piggeldy Farm is a hit with kids who enjoy visiting and petting the animals. The restaurant is situated on Imhoff Farm which also offers camel rides, an organic deli shop, various gift shops and a wonderful country atmosphere.

Need to know? Breakfast (until 12 noon), lunch, tea and dinner are served on Tuesdays from 9.00am until 5.00pm and Wednesday to Sunday from 9.00am until late.

This is a truly delightful deli where you can buy a wide selection of freshly baked croissants, breads and rolls every day. The Deli stocks a variety of cheeses, cold meats, pesto, spices, seafood, free-range chicken, tasty steaks and a very wide variety of locally produced wines at good prices! This is a shopping experience not to be missed!

Die Sitrus is a coffee shop, a deli and a grill all under the same roof. The coffee shop is open 7 days a week offering breakfast, lunch; take away meals, sandwiches, homemade cakes, tarts and a Sunday lunch roast. The deli is stocked with Cederberg products made in-house or by the community as well as other gourmet products.

Die Sitrus grill is open 5 nights a week for dinner. The beef is aged to perfection, trimmed to their specifications, and melt-in-the-mouth tender. Just when you think it can’t get any better, the homemade dessert selection will leave you with a difficult decision!

Grab a farmstyle breakfast, light lunch or afternoon koffie en koek at this cute little roadside coffee shop and padstal (farmstall) in Montagu's Langstraat. They're licenced so you can linger over a glass of wine or beer.

If Miss Helen was here today she would certainly approve! Her fondness for beer is almost as legendary as her Owl House, which is just over the river from The Sneeuberg Brewery & Two Goats Deli. Owner André Cilliers sells handcrafted goat and cow’s milk cheeses, home-brewed beer, venison salami and freshly baked bread under the shade of enormous pepper trees.

Here you can grab picnic baskets filled with your choice of foods to be enjoyed at your own leisure somewhere in the picturesque village. The deli stocks goat and cow’s milk cheeses, venison salami, preserves and other deli products. Try Andre's hand roasted coffees too!

In this idyllic setting André serves cheese lunches that comprise a range of cheeses, salamis, breads, salads and preserves. In winter wholesome stews, curries and soups are on offer in addition to the cheese lunches. Vegetarian meals are also provided.

Saanen goats are milked twice a day to produce organic chèvre and foudjou, feta, caprino, Gouda and cheddar. The goats are milked at 8am and 4.30 pm daily and guests are welcome to visit during milking - children are most welcome!

Need to know? The Two Goats Deli is fully licensed and stocks a selection of wines, beer and other beverages. Open daily from 10am with booking for lunches preferred but not essential. Open in the evening as a pub only. Getting there is easy - from the Owl House cross over the dry Gats River following the road as it winds past the Old Mill till you see their sign.

CTFM, a vibrant Restaurant, Fish Market, Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar with chic yet informal surroundings, brings a feast of delicious flavours to its customers. The décor places strong emphasis on Cape Town’s picturesque landscape and captures the soul of bygone days in various fishing harbours.

The menu offers a wonderful combination of both South African and Japanese dishes. There's the old favourite fish and chips, the chic fresh oysters, the unusual Prawn & Avocado salad, the delectable Salmon Teriyaki and the classic seafood curry. The seafood platters come highly recommended and you can even pick your own ingredients from the fresh seafood displayed on ice. For those who aren’t that partial to seafood, there is also a choice of meat & poultry as well as a number of vegetarian dishes. Children are also catered for.

The Sushi Bar with its conveyor-belt of tasty treats will leave you hooked. The conveyor-belt was the first in its kind in South Africa and is a firm favourite amongst Sushi lovers. Seat yourself down while California rolls, sashimi, fashion sandwiches and other tempting portions pass slowly by – all colour coded plates to make it easy for customers to stick to their budget – however small or large that may be!

The extensive menu also includes Teppanyaki and Tempura dishes. Teppanyaki diners sit at communal “hibachi” tables that surround a large table top iron grill. This dining style allows them to view the chef as he prepares the meal with amazing skill using the traditional tools of the trade- a knife, a fork and two metal spatulas. Patrons can watch master chefs prepare these popular Eastern delights such as Teppanyaki-style Prawns and chicken, beef on noodles, fried rice, to name but a few. Tempura is also an old-time favourite that displays the Japanese art of making crisp, deep fried seafood and vegetable morsels, which boasts a lacy texture and subtle taste.

The combination of fish market and restaurant means customers have the option to order a variety of seafood from the fresh fish market with its display of live lobster, prawns, oysters, mussels and fresh fish to be specially prepared for you in preferred proportions or to utilise the “take-home” option for those who wish to have a BBQ at home or simply cook up using grandma’s secret recipe.

The Cape Town Fish Market is fully licensed with a fun and vibrant atmosphere. For those who wish to indulge in wines from the famous Cape vineyards, one can enjoy one of the many wines which CTFM has on offer. Wine connoisseurs are able to savour a carefully selected range of the finest South African wines available. Whether it be a quick sushi lunch, a romantic lobster dinner for two or maybe a fresh tuna steak to impress those at home, the Cape Town Fish Market is the place to go!

CTFM, a vibrant Restaurant, Fish Market, Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar with chic yet informal surroundings, brings a feast of delicious flavours to its customers. The décor places strong emphasis on Cape Town’s picturesque landscape and captures the soul of bygone days in various fishing harbours.

The menu offers a wonderful combination of both South African and Japanese dishes. There's the old favourite fish and chips, the chic fresh oysters, the unusual Prawn & Avocado salad, the delectable Salmon Teriyaki and the classic seafood curry. The seafood platters come highly recommended and you can even pick your own ingredients from the fresh seafood displayed on ice. For those who aren’t that partial to seafood, there is also a choice of meat & poultry as well as a number of vegetarian dishes. Children are also catered for.

The Sushi Bar with its conveyor-belt of tasty treats will leave you hooked. The conveyor-belt was the first in its kind in South Africa and is a firm favourite amongst Sushi lovers. Seat yourself down while California rolls, sashimi, fashion sandwiches and other tempting portions pass slowly by – all colour coded plates to make it easy for customers to stick to their budget – however small or large that may be!

The extensive menu also includes Teppanyaki and Tempura dishes. Teppanyaki diners sit at communal “hibachi” tables that surround a large table top iron grill. This dining style allows them to view the chef as he prepares the meal with amazing skill using the traditional tools of the trade- a knife, a fork and two metal spatulas. Patrons can watch master chefs prepare these popular Eastern delights such as Teppanyaki-style Prawns and chicken, beef on noodles, fried rice, to name but a few. Tempura is also an old-time favourite that displays the Japanese art of making crisp, deep fried seafood and vegetable morsels, which boasts a lacy texture and subtle taste.

The combination of fish market and restaurant means customers have the option to order a variety of seafood from the fresh fish market with its display of live lobster, prawns, oysters, mussels and fresh fish to be specially prepared for you in preferred proportions or to utilise the “take-home” option for those who wish to have a BBQ at home or simply cook up using grandma’s secret recipe.

The Cape Town Fish Market is fully licensed with a fun and vibrant atmosphere. For those who wish to indulge in wines from the famous Cape vineyards, one can enjoy one of the many wines which CTFM has on offer. Wine connoisseurs are able to savour a carefully selected range of the finest South African wines available. Whether it be a quick sushi lunch, a romantic lobster dinner for two or maybe a fresh tuna steak to impress those at home, the Cape Town Fish Market is the place to go!

Situated within the Cock House Guest House, an 1820 Settler National Monument, is the gracious Norden's Restaurant. The gleaming yellowwood floors and period style decor make it an irresistible setting for a memorable meal. Complete your evening with coffee and liqueurs in the elegant drawing room, warmed by a roaring log fire on winter evenings.

Cooking at Norden's follows traditional lines and makes full use of seasonal ingredients and local produce. Home-baked wholemeal bread, stocks and plenty of herbs from the garden to flavour soups and sauces, and after-dinner rum chocolate truffles. The innovative menu combines the best of South African and international influences and is superbly complimented by the excellent wine selection.

Need to know? Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily except Monday lunch. Sunday Buffet lunch.

Situated in the serene and stuning Kirstenbosch Gardens, the Silver Tree restaurant is world renowned for its fine food and spectacular surroundings. No matter what the season the natural beauty is infused into the restaurant. From casual breakfasts to formal dinners, the Silver Tree restaurant will enchant you with a truly Capetonian experience.

If you're in the mood for something casual, the Fynbos deli offers a wide selection of take away as well as self service sit down eats. There is ample shaded outdoor seating as well as indoor seating. You could grab one of their delectable picnic hampers and chill on the lawns.

Gino's is an Italian restaurant offering pizza and pasta along with steaks, regular specials and vegetarian options. Popular with families and students, it is a firm favourite amongst Grahamstown folk and is often buzzing. Take aways are available. Open daily from 12h00.

Almost an institution in Grahamstown, ‘The Rat’ is a favourite hangout for Rhodes students. The buzzing laid back vibe is great for an afternoon pub-lunch, a sun-downer cocktail on the deck or a few rounds of drinks with your friends. The Rat and Parrot is well worth a visit for the warm atmosphere and friendly service alone.

Need to know? Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 12h00, Sundays from 11h00 till 22h00 .

Lord Neethling Restaurant is situated in the heart of Neethlingshof Wine Estate in the Stellenbosch Winelands. The delicious cuisine and stunning views make for a truly memorable dining experience, combining the very best in South African food and wine.

The elegant Lord Neethling Restaurant features spectacular sweeping views over the vineyard and surrounding country from the beautiful outdoor terrace and a warm and relaxed fine dining atmosphere. The setting is simply superb, the food is excellent and the service is friendly.

Choose from delightful garden setting of the Palm Terrace which serves a variety of light meals or the Manor House. Built in 1814, the Manor House is now a national monument. The restaurant offers a comprehensive a la carte and light meal menu in the original Manor house, on the veranda in front of the building or in the wine garden under the oak trees.

Barba's Café is favoured by locals and visitors alike and its easy to see why. They serve delicious Greek meals and meze specialities like dolmades, sheftalia or kleftiko accompanied by a vast cocktail list and decent coffee. Barbas Café is also the place where Bloem’s beautiful folk go to be seen and party on weekends. They are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am till late with live music on Wednesday and party night on Saturday.

Meel is more than just a pretty place - here you can find soul food and relax. Situated just opposite Die Mystic Boer, Meel is Bloem’s answer to Melissa’s. At this delightful, new deli/bakery you can choose from the menu or opt for a fresh healthy meal from the Feast Table and have your choice weighed. The wines are great, the chocolate cake is to die for, the atmosphere friendly and the ethereal all-white decor simply enhances the goodness of the food.

Bloem’s trendiest, funkiest restaurant is warm and welcoming, the service is good and the Mediterranean fusion food is not only delicious, it’s healthy too. There’s live music, art on the walls, the bar is vibey and friendly staff are stylishly black-clad. Open Mon - Fri & Sun 11am till 11pm, Sat 6pm till late.

So popular was Die Mystic Boer in Bloemfontein that the originators were hard pressed to open another in Stellenbosch that quickly became part of the town's student culture. Die Mystic Boer is Stellies favourite alternative and trendy Afrikaans place to hang out with your mates while you listen to cool tunes, grab hearty pub grub and an ice cold beer and perhaps shoot a few rounds of pool.

Delightfully kitsch and tongue in cheek, Die Mystic Boer regularly host live performances and the hottest DJ’s spinning the discs. As well as being a pub and gig venue, Die Mystic Boer is a fully functional restaurant that serves a wide variety of meals from pizzas to burritos to ribs and much more.

Bloemfontein’s favourite alternative and trendy Afrikaans venue is the place to hang out with mates, grab hearty pub grub and an ice cold beer, listen to cool tunes and shoot a few rounds of pool.

Delightfully kitsch and tongue in cheek, Die Mystic Boer regularly host live performances and the hottest DJ’s spinning the discs. As well as being a pub and gig venue, Die Mystic Boer is a fully functional restaurant that serves a wide variety of meals from pizzas to burritos to ribs and much more.

For a unique veld dining experience in true West Coast style, try the open-air Bosduifklip restaurant, situated 4 km from Lambert's Bay next to the tarred Clanwilliam and Lambert's Bay road. Here, along the old winding road in the heart of the Sandveld, surrounded by ancient rock-formations and concave cliffs - the whole caboodle - mums and dads, oumas and lighties, neighbours and friends, can linger undisturbed, relax and savour a way of life long lost in other places.

Take your pick from a wide variety Sandveld and seafood dishes sizzling off the coals - crayfish and mussels, snoek and sweet potato, lamb on the spit, salads, plassbrood, konfyt and sweet dumplings - then wash it down with steaming coffee. But in the end it will always be the rhythm of the concertina and guitar; perhaps a quick-step or two in the old stone kraal under a starlit sky and fond memories that will bring you back to the Bosduifklip time and time again.

"On their farm Kobus and Aletta Engelbrecht are cooking up a storm of Sandveld cuisine, add to well-prepared Bosduifklip food a starlit sky and a spot of "wikkeling die boude" to music on a concrete dance floor, and the sophistication of the city loses much of its appeal" Lannice Snyman, Getaway Magazine.

Enjoy the Original African Feast! Get to The Africa Café for a vibrant multi-cultural dining experience. Since 1992, chef Portia has been creating food infused with African soul and passion. Experience an exotic tapestry of flavours that will take you on a journey from North to South. Housed in an historic national monument, the restaurant is divided over 3 levels and 7 richly decorated dining rooms.

The Africa Café menu is extensive but it is a set menu, perfect for sociable dining with friends. Guests are served at the table where the dishes are explained to them and they can eat as much as they like. There are usually around 16 dishes including coffee, tea and dessert. The current charge per person is R200 and this is going up in September '09 to R220.

And that's not all, The Africa Café is a firm supporter of Responsible Tourism Initiatives. The restaurant is a large employer of unskilled labour from previously disadvantaged backgrounds as well as refugees from other parts of Africa seeking asylum in South Africa. Comprehensive training is provided in food and beverage service and preparation as well as customer relations as part of their in house skills development programme.

The Africa Café also funds a ceramic pottery studio teaching skills to people from disadvantaged backgrounds as its main charity initiative. Zig Zag, the restaurant’s retail shop, stocks various gifts and curios, 75% of which are sourced from empowerment projects operating in South Africa.

A first in the Lowveld - enjoy a fun gourmet dining experience in a romantic wine cellar. Choose from Fondue Chinoise and Swiss Raclette or a-la-carte dinner. Charming hosts Oliver and Tanja Ruf are so welcoming that first time diners have become regulars and locals turn into friends.

Combining their considerable European experience with fresh local ingredients, they’ve created a wonderfully down-to-earth gastronomic oasis, with regular wine pairing dinners that introduce guests to Cape wine makers and wine. The well stocked wine cellar is fabulous for private parties of up to 12 where guests can indulge in a mouth watering fondue or mellow, nutty raclette.

Signature dishes are a fusion of Mediterranean and Austrian flavours reflecting Oliver's roots. Everything is imbued with love and attention to detail from the stocks and sensuous sauces to the homemade pastas, sumptuous grilled rack of lamb, tender palm fillet of ostrich and to-die-for apple strudel or Bavarian vanilla crème laced with peach liqueur. The extensive winelist features a good selection of serious vintage red wines as well as some dessert wines.

Indulge at one of Johannesburg’s top fine dining restaurants. Roots gourmet restaurant is renowned for their delectable cuisine inspired by French, African and Asian influences. Philippe and his team create new menus daily. Dinner is six-course, lunch four-course and breakfasts four- course (unless you're in a hurry!). Gourmet dishes are served with wine teasers to compliment each dish.

Roots cellar is stocked with wines handpicked from top South African wine estates. Five-course Saturday brunches and six-course Sunday lunches are highly popular and reservations are essential to avoid any disappointment. Sharing exquisite food and wine inside roots, or al fresco on the sun deck, with views over the lake and the veld, must be one of the most delightful things one can do. The roots food and wine concept sets a new benchmark in South Africa cuisine.

Flip over to Flukes for a whale of a time with a couple of friends. Overlooking Glencairn Beach and situated between Simon’s Town and Fish Hoek, Flukes Restaurant has become a social hub for locals and visitors alike. The terrace encourages lingering over tuna steaks, chilled wine and the mesmerising views of the bay with a gathering of friends. Flukes' indoor restaurant has a cosy 'olde worlde' feel with wooden floors and Victorian fireplaces – perfect for an intimate fine dining evening.

Named after the famed whale tail, Flukes is a year round gourmet sensation for diners to sink their teeth into. Whale-sized portions are served for regular-sized prices. The choices range from hearty meat dishes to fresh seafood, with an assortment of vegetarian fare and a bewildering array of daily specials.

"Jist get to the old salty sea deawg there!" If your tummy is rumbling and all that penguin gazing in the fresh air has given you an appetite for seafood then this is the place. Here you can get value-for-money seafood and good old fish and chips, even with mushy peas if you like! It has a great view of the harbour and relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. 

Catharina’s is a fresh, contemporary style restaurant offering striking views of False Bay, the surrounding Steenberg Mountains and cherished vineyards. The interior is described as a global interior with a twist of African injection, using tactile and homely fabrics covering locally custom made timber furniture. The designers have brought together local talent and raw material to create an exciting yet inviting venue. Earthy rich colours enhance contemporary design and complete the inviting picture.

Inventive and talented Executive Chef Garth Almazan’s creations epitomize sophisticated contemporary South African cuisine. The excellence of Catharina’s award winning cuisine and the superb wine list will make your dining experience one to be long remembered.

Need to know? Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Live jazz is played at the Sunday Buffet Luncheons. Awards: American Express Platinum Award for Fine dining 2008, Diners Club Award of Excellence Winelist of the Year 2008.

Simply stunning views and a fabulous three to five course menu accompanied by great wines have earned Buitenverwachting Restaurant the position as one of Cape Town’s finest for many years. Relaxed and elegant, traditional and contemporary, it lives up to the meaning of its name “Beyond Expectations”.

Chef Edgar passionately invents innovative dishes to entice his patrons to an incredible and sensual dining adventure. A la carte and set menus are daily available for lunch. The menus change often and offer sophisticated fare, using only the finest produce sourced locally and internationally.

During the summer months you can indulge in a pre-booked summer picnic basket served under the trees in the beautiful gardens. So sit back and savour Edgar’s ambrosial dishes with a glass or two of the Cape’s finest. An extensive wine list comprising the very best of Buitenverwachting, the Constantia Region, the Cape Winelands, as well as selected international wines compliments the outstanding cuisine.

Need to know? Opening Times: Monday to Saturday from November to Easter. Lunch is served from 12 00 – 15 00. Dinner is served from 18 30 – 22 00. Tuesday to Saturday from Easter to October: Lunch is served from 12 00 – 14 00. Dinner is served from 19 00 – 21 30. Corkage is R25.00. Credit cards: AmEx, DC, MC, V.

Iridescent with red walls and fairy lights, The Firefly Eating House & Chai Bar is housed in a charming original 1906 Knysna tin mining house on the Knysna lagoon with a view of the famous Knysna Heads. The Eating House explores the complexity of spice and the Chai Bar, the subtleties of tea.

Their irresistible spicy food draws inspiration from around the globe. Firefly's Top Dish is the Cape Malay bobotie spring rolls with a mint chutni and the the spice tea latte wins as Top Tea. Try a Firestarter like the orange & ostrich spring roll with a Juniper berry dip followed by smoked Berbere beef with quail egg, served with apricot & mint couscous (berbere is a spice mixture whose ingredients usually include chillies, ginger, cloves, coriander, allspice and is a key ingredient in North African cuisine). Of course dinner at Firefly wouldn't be complete without Sugar ‘n Spice and all things nice. Highly recommended is the saffron & cardamom basmati rice cream.

Psst! The trendy city centre has a new dining phenomenon in a kitchen style restaurant tucked away right next to the newly opened Brewer’s & Union in Bree Street. Owner chef Cheyne Morrisby is more than just a fresh new kid on the block – he has cooked for mega stars like Robbie Williams, Eric Clapton and Kylie Minogue. We asked Cheyne to tell us what he’s up to.

To all my friends out there, I have decided to open my own place that will be suitably named Cheyne's. The space that has been chosen will be a showcase of what I have done and experienced over the last decade. Situated in the most up and coming part of central Cape Town, Cheyne's aims to be nothing more than what I am. I will offer breakfast, bistro lunches and at night the space becomes a private dining room.

The space will be very interactive from a dining point of view. The kitchen will be part of the dining room, where guests will have a full view of what is being prepared to even assisting when help is needed. I aim to get the guest involved with what they are ordering.

The space will take a maximum of 18 people seated at the dining room table or if you prefer to take a seat at the chefs table, there will be 5 seats at the bar / pass. From there you will be involved with what is happening in the kitchen. You might even be asked to make a quick sauce or even dice a few onions! It’s going to be your space as much as mine!

In addition to this Cheyne's will be heavily involved in launches, from new products entering the market to putting the spotlight on some of Cape Town small producers. We need to focus on these people as they are often pushed away by our big commercial giants. I will also be involved in promo's of Premium branded spirits. So there’s the promise of lots of tastings, food pairings and demonstrations. There will also be guest chef evenings - I will not mention names but there are a few hot ones!

And that’s not all. Cheyne has other nifty tricks up those chef’s sleeves…

Our catering service was launched in December 06, providing Camps Bay, Bantry Bay and Clifton with a service that has been well received all round. Based in Camps Bay, we are able to act quickly and professionally to any of our clients’ needs. We offer gourmet breakfasts, lunches and dinners, BBQ's and small weddings. We also provide chefs, barman and service staff to all villa's and private residences. We also provide a complete concierge service to all our guests; this can range from booking a table at some of Cape Town’s best restaurants to chartering a luxury motor yacht.

Situated in the heart of the friendly and picturesque village of Montagu, Jessica's Restaurant is a popular place to dine with friends and loved ones. The beautifully restored Victorian home offers a contemporary, yet romantic dining room. On warm summer evenings dinner can be enjoyed under the stars in a landscaped garden with terraces, wooden deck and water feature.

Enjoy personal service from owners Werner and Adele and delicious dishes such as salmon trout tartar, Thai marinated prawns, followed by their popular Karoo trio. Crispy roast duck and lamb noissettes are the chef’s specialities. End the evening with berry parfait or their rich dark chocolate soufflé. A carefully selected local wine list complements the excellent food.

Offering a choice of scrumptious breakfasts and light lunches, as well as their famous Dutch apple tart and other blow out cream cakes, Kloof Restaurant & Padstal has become a landmark on Route 62.

A perfect halfway stop between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, this padstal provides clean toilet facilities for visitors and an enclosed garden with  swings and jungle gym for tots to work off some excess energy. The farmstall offers a wide variety of the best products that Montagu has to offer, be it dried fruit, jams or preserves. A good variety of gifts are also available at very competitive prices. Next time you travel along the Route 62 in South Africa make sure to stop for breakfast, lunch or a coffee break. You won't be disappointed!

Café Fresh is a unique addition to the eateries in the picturesque town of Montagu. Run by two South Africans who recently returned from a few years in the UK, they bring style and culinary delights from far and wide to this delightful restaurant. With a relaxed atmosphere and great menu it is ideal for everyone and families with kids are very welcome. Decent play areas and other distractions will keep them entertained!

The Red Coffee Pot is a quaint little restaurant and coffee shop with a pretty garden. Breakfast and light meals are served from 8h30 till 17h00 and daily dinner from 19h00 till 22h00. Come and enjoy their home cooked meals and hospitality. In the evenings they have a blackboard menu. The restaurant is unlicensed.

Taking its cue from New York’s bistro-bar culture; newly opened Boo Radley’s offers a shot of nostalgia and a spoonful of style to Cape Town’s City restaurant offering. An unfussy menu inspired by the famed grill rooms of cultural centres such as Paris, New York and Chicago, offers prime meat cuts, half free range chicken, seafood and pasta dishes.

Staples include the mussels (served steamed in white wine, mascarpone cheese, garlic and herbs), prawn cocktail (a pre-nouvelle cuisine classic served with avocado all year round), macaroni and cheese pot (a more-ish must), lamb cutlets (served with mushy peas), Bouillabaisse (classic French seafood soup) and crème brûlée (a perpetual crowd-pleaser).

“…experience Luminous Lunar mist on the Cape to Cuba Riviera..."  Saints and savages alike love this quirky restaurant set on the beach with unsurpassed views of the harbour and the Hottentots Holland mountains. Don’t be surprised to see Ché passing through while you puff on a cigar sipping one of the best cocktails in Cape Town. Filled with understated surprises real and fake – Cape to Cuba is a veritable feast, a siesta, a carnival. Chill in this Bohemian Cuba carved by the tides. Everything in the restaurant is for sale including the decor which has become a popular concept with diners!

In the heart of Simon's Town, located on the waters edge, you'll find Bertha's Restaurant and Coffee House. A charming restaurant in a quaint village, Bertha's is relaxed and informal with a cosmopolitan appeal, a favourite place for visitors to pass a few leisurely hours or a long lazy afternoon. The restaurant fronts the old Town Pier and boasts picturesque views across the yacht harbour and over False Bay.

Bertha's extensive menu features fine South African fare, fresh seafood and great Cape Wines. Their selection of auction wines is impressive, with some of them not available elsewhere. The service is professional, the staff fast, efficient and unobtrusive. Bertha's team of skilled chefs, headed by Laurence Burgess and Rachmat Botha use only the freshest and finest ingredients to prepare their delectable dishes. The emphasis is on flavour and presentation, and you're never left disappointed.

Enjoy the relaxed, breezy ambience combined with the bustle of a busy establishment. Spend a few hours in cheerful company, enjoy cocktails at sunset out on the terrace or be swept away by the sheer romance of this upmarket restaurant at night.

Need to know? Bertha's is open for breakfast, lunch (full or light) and dinner - also wickedly delicious tea-time treats, or just drinks. Whatever your taste, Bertha's is diverse enough to cater for just about everyone.

Nestled unobtrusively on one of the most scenic coastlines in the Cape, conveniently just outside Simon's Town and en-route to Cape Point, this historical building, once a whaling station, ensures the perfect setting for an idyllic lunch or evening experience. During "whale season", guests often enjoy their meal whilst watching whales cruising along the coastline. Established as a restaurant for 27 years, the Black Marlin has earned a reputation for its stunning seafood, award-winning wine list, attentive service and incredible views.

The garden, with its 100-year-old Camellia Japonica tree and unparalleled ocean views, offers "al fresco dining" or, one may choose to dine within the restaurant. There is also the option to dine within our large glass enclosed function room which offers spectacular views and a huge open grill, where one can watch the vast array of seafood being cooked to perfection.

The Black Marlin offers an extensive menu with the main emphasis on seafood, complimented by the other choices of fine contemporary cuisine. House specialities include Cape Rock Lobster, Kingklip Spit (grilled kingklip wrapped in bacon and served on skewers), Sesame Prawns served with peanut satay sauce, seafood platters, oysters and mussels. Through the many years of providing top quality fresh seafood and impeccable service to the locals and foreign tourists, this restaurant has become world famous. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and highly trained.

Where shiny seals play hide and seek and the seagulls’ wheel joyously through salty air, you'll find Cape Town’s legendary Quay Four. One of the oldest restaurants on the V&A Waterfront and now a famous landmark, the terrace of the world-renowned downstairs tavern buzzes with locals and visitors, virtually every day of the year. The terrace seats 360 people, and is a great place to meet and sip beer as the set sets.

Quay Four has an elegant upstairs restaurant where the emphasis is on fresh seafood. Choose between the exquisitely prepared Cape Lobster and the succulent line fish of the day or apt for the sumptuous seafood platter and enjoy the best of both worlds. The a la carte menu also includes a great feast of irresistible meat and poultry dishes. Not only do they pride ourselves on superior quality food, but also on the very high calibre of service that is offered by their professional waitrons.

The Seafood Brasserie was honoured with the Award of the Most Popular Waterfront Restaurant in 1999. Quay Four Tavern offers a variety of light meals and salads, as well as hearty pub fare for those of you with bigger appetites. Everyone enjoys the tavern's famous "fish & chips". Most nights of the week between 20h00 and 00h00 they have various live bands performing.

Undoubtedly one of the most enduring and popular places in Cape Town for locals andtourists alike, La Med has a relaxed, safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. Thevenue boasts the most stunning panoramic sea and mountain views with ‘out ofthis world’ sunsets. In summer, whilst soaking up the sun, relax on the deckwith a cocktail. La Med is also famous for its electric atmosphere during livesporting events shown on their big screen. Once the sun goes down the fun begins,with local DJ's mixing it up on the decks and barmen mixing it up with thecocktails.

Centrally situated in Cape Town’s famous “Cape Quarter”, The Tank is very meticulous and enthusiastic about its food. One of the world’s top sushi masters, chef Arata Koga is dedicated in both the authenticity of flavour and artful presentation of the cuisine. Enter Hatim Zouir, a connoisseur of spices and a dazzler of the palate; especially with exotic North African dishes. Also boasting a fine array of classic European dishes, together their chefs focus on purity of flavour and elegance on the plate. The TANK continues to impress, making it Cape Town's funkiest, freshest and finest social experience.

Societi Bistro is a neighbourhood “local” and something of sanctuary for Capetonians and visitors looking for a home from home. More than cuisine - its a way of life - taking time to savour a meal and enjoy the company of family and friends. “We love it! Its an extension of our home”, is how Tammy and Peter have always described their bistro.

Experience the much publicised co-operation with the Labia Theatre; the two course “On The Job” business lunch; or the opportunity to create your own menu in conjunction with head chef Stéfan at the Chef’s Table - located informally in the kitchen.

The heart and soul of Societi remains its menu - in its third seasonal change with Chef Stéfan at the helm - proving his love for seasonal produce, accessible food and offering exceptional value. Simply put, Societi creates memories!

Nestled in the stunning Constantia Valley on Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Simon’s Restaurant couldn’t be more perfectly situated and it’s just a quick 20 minutes drive from Cape Town. The beautiful setting is perfect for light, outdoor, casual lunches or a superb evening dining experience in the stunning new restaurant. The menu is fresh and innovative offering something for all tastes.

Picnics are very popular and baskets heaped with delicious country fare can be pre-ordered and from the picnic kiosk. A combination of table seating and picnic blankets set the tone for a relaxed, tranquil experience. Waiter service for beverages will be offered and there are several picnic options for you to choose from, including a delightful children’s picnic.

Need to know? Open seven days a week. Lunch from 12pm and dinner from 6pm. Breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday only.

Need to know? Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 9pm. Bookings are essential for lunches.

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!.

Need to know? Open seven days a week from 9.30 till 5pm. There is plenty of safe space for kids to play.

Gold Restaurant is a vibrant, eclectic Pan-African experience in the heart of Cape Town. Enjoy a night of opulent feasting with a unique bouquet of live entertainment in a mystical African setting of trees and tents in an inner city courtyard steeped in ancient history and gold.

A typical evening at Gold Restaurant starts off with the drumbeat of the djembe drum. An interactive drum circle offers you the opportunity to join in and learn how to play the djembe. Soon you will be pounding your drum to the rhythms and sounds of Africa. After pounding the skins of the drums, they will soothe your hands in a traditional hand washing ceremony as you are led into the ancient courtyards.

Cuisine from the Cape Malay and African kitchen is served by the lavishly adorned staff bearing your banquet in baskets perched on their heads. While you enjoy the vast variety of different dishes, you will be captivated as the live extravaganza takes place around your table.

Tall, graceful Mali Puppets will captivate you as they dance with the singer, jump to beat of the drum and swirl with the dancers. They will welcome you to Gold in a truly unique display of singing, dancing and vibrant drumming. You will have the opportunity to discover your African heartbeat as you join in the final performance performed with all the staff at Gold.

Are you up for Thailicious food and a chilled vibe? Spend a relaxing evening with your friends at Yindee's restaurant, reputed to be the home of the finest authentic Thai cuisine in the Southern hemisphere! Situated off trendy Kloof Street in an historic Victorian house and artfully decorated to create a peaceful Thai ambiance, Yindee's offers Southern Thai home cooking at it's finest. Voted top Cape Town Thai restaurant, their excellent wine list compliments the traditional Thai menu. If you're in the mood for seafood, vegetarian or Asian, Yindee's is well worth a visit.

"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.

The music drifts between Frank Sinatra and upbeat African drumming and the service always arrives with a smile. Vegetarians and carnivores alike will delight in the culinary treats on offer. A great venue for birthdays, kitchen teas and engagement do's. Look out for the quotes in the loo and perhaps add your own. "We await you with tentacles wide open!"

Need to know? Average main course: R60 Licensed: yes, corkage: R20 Open: Lunch , Dinner Monday closed (all tentacles must rest!) Tuesday - Sunday: 10:30 - late

The menu boldly warns"If you feel a wee bit amorous or oddly captivated by your dining partner during or after a meal with us , we do apologise but our cooking incorporates the odd aphrodisiac and HUGE quantities of love" The coffee is Italian and "The best in the Southern Seas" and the desserts are decadently delicious (be sure to sample the infamous chocolate orgasm!).

Constantia Uitsig's original Cape Dutch Homestead is surrounded by sweeping views of Constantiaberg Mountains and vineyards. Under the expert hand of Head Chef, Clayton Bell, Constanita Uitsig Restaurant has earned an international reputation for a elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere, promising a memorable dining experience.

Chef Clayton Bell builds on the indelible legacy of chef extraordinaire, Frank Swainston. The menu’s focus remains the robust flavours of Italy with forays into exotic Asia. Clayton believes that consistency is a key factor in the restaurant’s ongoing popularity. “Don’t over-complicate food, and don’t mess with good quality ingredients. I’ve been here for 13 years, and Uitsig is my second family.”

This attitude underscores the elegant yet relaxed, convivial atmosphere that keeps so many people returning for another meal in the original Manor House on the estate. It’s also why first-time visitors feel immediately that they’ve come home. Since its launch in 1992, Constantia Uitsig Restaurant has consistently featured in the Top Ten Restaurants of South Africa.

Need to know? Open 7 days a week Lunch: 12h30-14h30 Dinner: 19h30-21h30 Closed: Lunch 31 December New Year's Day

Tucked away under gigantic palms and oak trees, with the gentle sound of water in the background, La Colombe overlooks a secluded courtyard.  This is a special occasion experience in a tranquil and unrushed atmosphere.  The restaurant seats a minimum of 70 guests and a maximum of 100 guests, weather permitting. The Gazebo is the perfect venue for a smaller gathering of 12 guests. The Palm Room at La Colombe is a gracious venue with a delightful setting for private parties of 12 to 40 people, weather permitting.

With its old-world colonial charm, the Palm Room has its own bar and elegant dining table for special events. Luke Dale-Roberts was appointed executive chef of this award-winning restaurant in November 2006.  La Colombe was voted Best Restaurant in Africa and the Middle East and 28th Best Restaurant in the World in 2006 by UK Restaurant Magazine.  From here Luke has elevated the dining experience most recently winning the 2008 Prudential Eat Out Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year award. Luke creates food for the discerning diner in search of imagination and superb technique.  He starts with the thought that "A dish has to be understandable and have bold flavours.  From that I build it and add textures and presentation.  I’m always tweaking and refining to find a dish’s full potential.  My mantra is ‘taste, taste, taste!'"

A meal at La Colombe is one of Cape Town’s greatest pleasures. La Colombe and Luke Dale-Roberts achieve new heights at the 2008 Prudential Eat Out Restaurant Awards Chef Luke Dale-Roberts has made his mark at La Colombe by adding exciting new Asian influences to the mix of classic and contemporary French Cuisine.  With his sublime sauces and reductions and cutting-edge combinations of taste and texture, Luke achieved new heights at the 2008 Prudential Eat Out Restaurant Awards winning both Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year.  With impeccable Service and the Award Winning Wine List La Colombe is a truly unforgettable experience!

Need to know? Open 7 days a week Lunch:12h30-14h30 Dinner: 19h30-21h30 Closed Christmas Night New Year's Day Sunday evenings in the winter months.

île de païn - Island of Bread is something of an oasis, even amoungst the plethora of good eateries in Knysna. When Liezie Mulder and Markus Farbinger together with a small, young team opened the doors of île de païn in 2002, it was as though they tapped into something so treasured by the collective consciousness, that the appeal was indeed universal.

They built a wood fired oven and baked large, dark loaves of Companio bread for the nearby farmers market. Soon after, Liezie put a small menu together to complement the bread. Today the bread “complements” Liezie’s food breakfast and lunch take centre stage at île de païn. She draws from her love of local ingredients and utilizes her international experience and training to create menu‘s that are thoughtful, simple and unique for everyday enjoyment.

The wine list changes as often as the menu and receives equal attention and care. The desserts on display are for the finale or to take home for a postponed indulgence. On your way out you remember to take along a loaf (locals reserve one or two before sitting down) and some of the specialties as a gift to yourself or those near to your heart. Their annual gastronomic trips around the globe will ensure that île de païn will keep on going for years to come.