South Africa Restaurants

Nestled in a leafy suburb 18th Av Bakery Café invites an adventurous approach to dining with an unusual menu brimming with unusual selections. Tasty creations inspired by eclectic creativity come in generous portions, gourmet sandwiches overflow with delicious fillings and hearty farm bread makes for a unique dining experience. The wine list is small, enjoyed on the cool stoep, relaxing in light conversation and bistro ambiance at 18th Av Bakery Café.

Exuding a designer ambiance and electric collection of works from young designers and photographers, 27th Café is a trendy hotspot on South Street. The menu proffers light meals in a relaxed setting, with great cappucinos and delicious Turkish Strawberry smoothies. Try the gorgonzola and pear croissant or dig into the chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and olive version, for heartier appetites try the three mini burgers in ham, cheese and a plain burger. The low prices make this place very attractive, considering the trendy ambiance and additional gallery.

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

Relaxed dining or more formal settings create the perfect opportunity to indulge in traditional South African flavours. Dine indoors or alfresco on the terrace with sweeping views of the Eastern suburbs of Pretoria. The menu inspires inspiration from the African continents, with casual light meals on off too and an assortment of colourful cocktails. Dine in pan African splendor at Baobab Café and Grill in Menlyn, Pretoria.

Nestled amongst the splendid tranquil grounds of Mitchell Park, Blue Zoo Restaurant in Morningside boasts a dainty little restaurant that spills out onto voluptuous grounds perfect for relaxing or indulging in Sunday afternoon tea. With indoor and outdoor seating and a simple menu that serves traditional Durban / English fare, diners can enjoy a variety of salads, soups and heart-warming meals such as lamb shank and succulent steaks. With weekly live music hosted on the scenic grounds, The Blue Zoo Restaurant is the place to indulge in simple fare and tranquil surrounds.

Located in the breath taking beauty of the Stellenbosch winelands Boschendal Wine Estate offers its visitors Le Café for a laid back breakfast or lunch venue. The eatery is housed in the original slave quarters of the farm. Enjoy a light summer lunch or tea time treat in the cool that the canopy of ancient oak trees provide. Parents will appreciate the lawn as a place of play (amongst the ducks) for the children. In winter guests will feel right at home indoors in front the cosy fireplace. The restaurant has a change of menu at winter, when warm bredies and Bobotie are called for. The summer offerings include home-made lemonade and the best scones. Other menu items include omelets, Quesidillas, salads, and quiche. Desserts range from cheese cakes to Ice –cream Sundays and Pavlova. The restaurant also has a selection of Boschendal’s finest wines to round off lunch. The estate also offers deli style picnics (Le Pique Nique) and houses a buffet restaurant (Boschendal Le Restaurant).

Soak up the passion and flair exuded by this unique eatery sharing excellent food and conversation amidst popular art and craft creations. Popular dishes applaud the palate infused with French and Mediterranean flair and make for excellent choices with alternatives such as Moroccan beef or chicken sandwiches, Tandoori Chicken wraps and Gypsy Kings. The popular Greens menu welcomes vegetarians with a delicious take on veggies. Try the veggie tandoori wrap layered with potato, green and white beans, carrots, onion cooked with a spicy coconut milk and enrobed in a tortilla wrap or the potato bake deep-fried with mushrooms, onion, cream, cheese, peas and chives. For a lighter meal, try the asparagus au gratin layered with asparagus, peas, cheese, spring onion, and parmesan grilled to perfection. Café Ruwach Art and Craft Gallery transforms an ordinary lunch into a world brimming with creativity and flair complimented by an ever-changing menu and creative artwork displays.

Awarded 2010 Platinum Diners Club Wine List Award, Café 1999 captures palates on a journey of taste sensations for a unique experience at a vibrant and buzzing cafe-style restaurant. A simple but trendy interior complements the energetic ambience in this popular venue, frequented by everyone from the young and carefree to business people. With portions of delectable dishes specifically designed to be shared and passed around the table, diners can explore and tantalise the taste buds with small tasty portions and handpicked wines purposefully chosen to compliment each meal. A trendy, vibrant and buzzing dining experience awaits you at the unique Cafe 1999.

Flanked by majestic mountain views and rolling manicured gardens, Café Antionette offers a nostalgic dining experience in formal or casual surroundings. The menu offers light meals, South African and International flavours while summer beacons picnics on the sprawling lawns surrounded by fynbos gardens on the slopes of Franschhoek Mountain. Take a tour of the French Huguenot Museum before or after visiting Café Antionette.

The Café at Hubbard’s Cupboard finds itself in a pretty little nursery in the sea-side town of Hermanus. The café offers its guests a tranquil setting for recharging one’s batteries with a light meal after a bout of sight seeing or shopping. The restaurant is sunny and has a lovely look out onto the nursery. It is a cosy spot for a small celebration like a baby shower or kitchen tea. The menu offers all the coffee shop favourites ranging from health breakfasts, light meals like quiche and other tea time treats like muffins, scones and cakes. The restaurant also sells homemade preserves, biscotti or shortbread. Other items for sale include pastries and olives.

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

Located along Nottingham Road in the Midlands Meander, Café Bloom welcomes with a shabby country chic feel dressed in old wooden furniture and comfy couches. The veranda overlooking the gardens makes an ideal spot for coffee and delicious homemade cake while the children play. Indulge in seasonal homemade leek, parsnip and parsley soup, designer Camembert salads, savoury muffins and heavenly cheesecake.

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

Café Dijon is a pocket of Paris in the heart of Stellenbosch. Ideally located at the centre of town, this quaint eatery is a gem for food lovers who enjoy true French cuisine. Its indoor café is perfectly Parisian in décor and ambience while being seated outside, under ancient oak trees and umbrellas, allows for a relaxed reflection of passers-by on the street in true European style. Expect an impressive and authentic French menu. There are classic hors d’ oeuvres and salads such as Pear, Parma ham and Gorgonzola that are designed to please the palate. The main course selection and restaurant specialties are extended to include regional French dishes to the likes of South West of France Cassoulet. The multi-dimensional menu has an array of asides and desserts and caters well for those who like to round off their eating experience. The combination of true French style and food makes this bistro style establishment a delight any time of day – breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Located inside the trendy village boutique, this coffee shops exudes a warm, welcoming ambiance pampered by sublime chocolate brownies and interesting menu. Delight in light and healthy meals, teas and aromatic coffees or wind down with a glass of fine wine accompanied by freshly prepared food in a home from home setting. Browse the fashionable range of casual wear, local art and gifts for an added bit of retail therapy at Café Du Soleil in Ballito.

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

This Authentic Italian Café gastronomically infuses the palate with traditional Italian cuisine on the patio overlooking the water. Considered by many as the most popular restaurant in town, Café Mario serves intimate meals and hearty breakfasts complimented by reasonable Italian wines. A wonderful place to linger the day away, people watching and indulging in flavour infused Italian faire.

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

Located on Church Square, Café Riche lures in visitors with their freshly baked pastries, baguettes and croissants – baked in the early hours of the morning till late in the evening. Loyal locals and famous visitors such as Thabu Mbeki and Steve Hofmeyer frequently visit, alongside tourists. The menu offers Mediterranean flavours blended into a bistro setting, perfect for lunch or a light meal. Fresh salads and daily specials can be enjoyed along stern favourites such as Mediterranean Fussily Pasta with Tabouleh style vegetables. Café Riche makes an ideal before or after theatre venue, and entices warm summer days with their famous Belgian beers.

Situated on the sea-facing wing of the Suncoast Casino, hugging the golden shoreline of the Indian Ocean, Café Vacca Matta boasts stylish ambience and fine dining wrapped in delicious Mediterranean flavours. Dine within the indoor stylish ambience or alfresco, enjoying breathtaking views on the terrace sipping cocktails. Boasting mouth-watering signature dishes and extensive range of both local and imported wines, Café Vacca Matta will capture the palate with a distinctive setting and cuisine for a delightful cosmopolitan dining experience.

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

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

Soak up the adventure of culinary delights as your palate is transported on a journey of classic dishes and diverse selections of freshly baked goods at C’est La Vie. Enjoy baguettes, croissants, cakes and salads or a classic take on dishes inspired by Brittany and Belgium. C’est La Vie is a hidden gem off Kensington Drive that will enchant the palate with mouth-watering gastronomic delights. Open for breakfast and lunch.

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

A treasure trove of delectable goods and gifts, Cinnamon and Silk Trading invites leisurely lunches filled with a delicious assortment of cakes and light meals. Browse the exquisite selection of décor and gifts before settling down with a wintery warm homemade soup and crusty bread followed by a delicious Lilly coffee and hot cinnamon roll covered in custard. If the palate calls for something cooler, try the milkshakes, iced tea, fruit juice or old fashioned lemonade and cinnamon cola. This coffee and décor shop provides the perfect balance of shopping and indulging in Ballito’s Lifestyle Centre.

Banished plastics, water served in distinctive glass bottles, linen serviettes, worm farms and the best local organic ingredients farmed locally, organically. The menu is short, seasonal and simple yet layered with taste and presentation. Unforgettable sumptuous organic breakfasts, fresh hearty soups, crispy sexy salads and decadent sandwiches spill off the menu. There are plenty vegetarian options and homemade deserts that seduce your palate. Dine al fresco in the enclosed courtyard after browsing the funky clothing store nearby. With a fresh menu prepared every few week according to seasonal produce and the feel good factor of reduced carbon footprint, Corner Café embraces the new eco dining trend with style and taste.

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

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

Exuding a café society feel complimented by highly innovative culinary traditions, Deli Street Café satisfies the soul with familiar food, straight forward yet seductive. Enjoy well-rehearsed signature dishes such as breakfast with basil or the deli st.falafel, dipper platter or Egyptian fillet. Discover Deli Street Café for a haute couture take on deli cuisine.

Exuding a relaxed ambiance in a light and airy setting, Dessies Fine Food and Wine takes deli dining to a new level. Relax on the large deck overlooking the nursery or inside, cooled by the terracotta floors and high ceilings. Daily specials grace the chalkboard menu using the finest ingredients and produce available. The breakfast/brunch menu features lighter options like muesli as well as sweet and savoury muffins, delectable frittata, omelettes and eggs Benedict for those with a healthier appetite. The lunch menu offers temptations such as handcrafted gourmet burgers, sexy salads and sandwiches with delightful antipasti platters and homemade quiches. Dessies Fine Food and Wine invites you to linger the day away taking delight in handcrafted cuisine and well paired South African / Italian wines.

Doubleshot puts Plettenberg Bay on the South African coffee map. Doubleshot installed the first Kees van der Westen Mirage espresso machine in Africa, and it now buy its beans from Origin Roastery in Cape Town. Two former Lufthansa flight attendants, Karin and Karin, spent their working years checking out the best coffee shops around the world before opening up their own at The Square shopping center in Plettenberg Bay. To eat, the café offers cakes, sandwiches piled high with local meats and cheeses, and muesli worth skipping your hotel breakfast for. For coffee made with passion do to Doubleshot Coffeebar in Plettenberg Bay.

The perfect setting to enjoy lazy breakfasts and alfresco lunches indoors or on the sheltered terrace marvelling at the awaking of the early morning or lingering sunset; East Head Café is where friends and family meet to reconnect for good food and casual conversation cooled by cocktails and wine. East Head Café boasts quality and service accentuated by flavour and freshness using the best local ingredients for sumptuous breakfasts and creamy cappuccinos. Indulge in a selection of the finest wines by glass or bottle complimented by fresh battered fish and chips or a delicious gourmet burger from the Café style menu. Kids are welcome and catered for ensuring parents get much needed time to relax and enjoy the well thought out setting and food. With a kiddies menu complimented by colouring boards, blackboards and toys, kids can be kids without the worry and stress associated with dining out. You can be forgiven spending a little more time here than expected, enjoying delicious food on a balmy summer days or curling up to the crackling fireplace.

The health conscious will love 8 Restaurant at Spier Estate in Stellenbosch. With its Farm-to-Table inspired menu and all the focus on wholesome, organic and fresh produce, visitors can indulge in an eating out experience that is guilt free. Not only is the restaurant strictly health orientated, the procurement of the produce is also green all the way. 8 Restaurant has a casual mood that demands relaxation from its patrons. That aspect, combined with the significance of the number 8 in the eatery’s name, adds dimension to one’s perception of the place. The number 8 signifies balance, cycles, harmony, infinity and abundance which is a clear indication of the restaurant’s approach to its food and means of sourcing produce. Visitors to 8 Restaurant can expect exciting combinations of predominantly raw ingredients. All items are natural and organic and geared at optimal nutrition. The signature dish is Chicken Pie that is served with seasonal vegetables and herbs. The establishment is licensed, so enjoying a glass of wine with one’s meal is a sure option, however, one cannot expect to find carbonated drinks on the menu. The restaurant is also has a deli for a bout of healthy shopping.

Perched on the rocky shores of the Indian Ocean situated over the pool terrace, Elements Café Bar oozes and eclectic mix of aluminium, marble mosaic and eye-catching chandeliers dressed with comfy couches and stylish chairs. With large sliding doors that open out on the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean boasting an array of gourmet sandwiches, sumptuous salads such as smoked marlin & artichokes, potted goats cheese and crusty breads alongside an extensive wine list. The Elements Café Bar is an ideal setting for any occasion and a great place to connect with friends enjoying a glass of wine or frothy cappuccino while idling the day away watching dolphins frolicking at play.

This authentic African café embraces culture and warmth with delectable meals and traditional hospitality. Offering an array of delights alongside hearty traditional cuisine, Emqolweni Kamama Café tempts the palate with loveliness. Enjoy a relaxing traditional meal while kids have fun in the play park before setting off to experience the culture and hospitality of the traditional Songoma followed by a refreshing Mqomboti (traditional beer) before being swept away by the enigmatic soul of the traditional dancers. Emqolweni Kamama Café is cultural retreat filled with traditional surprises for a truly inspiring dining experience.

With a well-earned loyal following of regulars, Europa is the place to be seen whether it's for a good breakfast to start the day, a delicious dinner enjoyed with friends or just that quick coffee fix. Europa goes to great lengths to provide only the best Italian and Continental cuisine, with the highest quality ingredients. Exceptional imported coffees and hard-to-find provisions from Europe give this trendy spot the edge over other coffee shops and restaurants as well as the vibrant yet casual atmosphere. The décor is carefully chosen, using only warm, inviting colours and materials, creating perfect harmony between style and comfort. Placing the utmost importance on ensuring that patrons feel comfortable, this bistro-come-restaurant is a relaxing place to spend time with family and friends.

Be mesmerised by the stunning view and do a spot of whale-watching while having a bite to eat the Europa in Hermanus. This sea side eatery is a day restaurant with a Mediterranean feel. Menu items range from light meals and tea time treats to great seafood. The restaurant is lively and friendly and boasts a view of the harbour. With seats on the veranda, guests can really just sit back and soak up the hive of activity of the passers by and the working harbour itself. Europa offers an extensive seafood menu with a variety of seafood platters and a famous Crayfish special. Meat lovers are also suitably catered for with meat dishes. There are also vegetarian meals available. The wine list is select, but caters for all tastes as a compliment to its food. Europa serves up tasty, honest food throughout the day.

Fabulour Flavours enrobes the palate in luxuriously decadent fare that tantalises the taste buds with flavour and taste. Enjoy sinful deserts, lip smacking breakfasts and pleasurable lunches at this fine cuisine boutique boasting exceptional gourmet cuisine. Peruse the homemade deli range and decadent range of gourmet Gateaux before setting off with an oasis of all day treats such as homemade jams, biscuits, pates, salad dressings and specialised deli hams. Food Matters embraces dining as a gastronomical gift from the gods, spoilt with decadent riches and heavenly flavours.

For something a little more laid back and funky try Fandango Café and Cocktail Bar. Situated right at the pulse of Stellenbosch town centre on Bird Steet, this establishment is a great location for sitting back and soaking up the Stellenbosch vibe while enjoying a bite to eat. Fandango is more than just an eatery. Not only is the café also an internet spot but it also specializes in bicycle rentals – believing that cycling is the best way to appreciate the picturesque quality of the town. The café is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a wide menu selection to choose from. Favourites amongst regulars include the Prawn Stir fry and asides such as potato bake keep hungry patrons smiling. The freshly baked puddings are also hard to resist. The wine selection has more then 45 wines to choose from, catering for all preferences. Summer nights at Fandango calls for exotic cocktails and entertainment. Visitors will relish in the relaxed atmosphere of the Jazz and Blues evenings. Fandango offers a variety of evening entertainment throughout the year.

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