Southern Suburbs Restaurants

The décor showcases handpicked furniture, mismatched pre-owned art and quirky unique ambiance popular with local trendsetters. The open plan kitchen bustles with creative dishes, decadent cakes and pastries and sumptuous eclectic cuisine. Serving light meals and classic fare, the ever-changing menu is perfect for quick breakfasts, coffee and paper diners and lazy lunches.

@ 3Fig is a private dinner club set in the residence of an up market guesthouse in Newlands. The interior and delectable four-course dinner sets the stage for a night of indulgence, conversation and personal attention. Arrive between 19h15 and 19h45 for drinks and canapés before the evening commences with great food and fine wine. As gourmet chef Neill Anthony takes the helm (flamboyantly showing his skills attained working in the kitchen of Gordon Ramsay) wander through the kitchen and watch the magic unfold. The weekly menu is complimented by wine pairing expert David Wibberley (The founder of borde (aux) room) allowing each dish to perfectly compliment each glass of wine. Summer evenings embrace dining alfresco on the covered patio and cooler nights seek warmth in the cosy library.

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 from 9pm and every alternate Sunday night at 8pm you can hear the tunes of Blacksmith, a Bluegrass band. Open 7 days a week from 12 noon until late (Monday to Saturday) and 5pm until late on Sunday.

Exuding style and offering some unique culinary delights, Act Restaurant hosts a contemporary a la Carte menu complimented by an extensive wine list. The menu focuses on bistro fare, brimming with taste while stylish surrounds relax the mind in preparation of the show ahead. Act Restaurant is the ideal venue for pre-show dinners and caters for functions and private hire.

A bustling and lively spot, Adesso is quickly becoming the only place to be in the Southern suburbs. Serving superb Italian cuisine in a friendly and vibrant environment, it is no wonder that Adesso is amassing a large loyal following. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, diners can enjoy the finest coffee and a mouth-watering cake selection. A superb venue for parties and events, Adesso is a versatile and exciting restaurant.

The décor invites relaxation and informality; the modern interior working seamlessly with the stainless steal chandeliers. The well-balanced menu brims with food expertly prepared, using the highest quality food. Try the brown mushroom baked with roasted vegetables, parmesan and basil pesto or the half a free-range, deboned duck slow-roasted with a Van der Hum orange sauce and the delicious crème brûlee with a fruit base. Al’s Place enjoys catering for all palates and offers something to be enjoyed by everyone.

A place of festivity and celebration, and awesome aromas of fresh braai meat, Amadoda Braai ends the week with crazy Fridays and Saturdays enjoyed by all who relish the term braai. Kick back and soak up the authentic sounds and African hospitality and experience true township style in Woodstock. Round off your weekend with a chilled Sunday, a good braai and some good mates at the Amadoda Braai in Strand Street, Woodstock.

Located in Greenways five start boutique hotel, Ashtons restaurant offers innovative dining in beautiful cosy wood panelled dining room or al-fresco on the veranda overlooking elegantly manicured gardens. Serving only the freshest South African ingredients from the stylish and internationally standard kitchen, Ashtons revitalises the fine dining experience with affordable prices, while retaining the elegant allure of five star boutique dining.

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.

Offering classic bistro fare and delectable Italian spreads, Basilico welcomes families and friends with a relaxed and easygoing attitude. Authentic Italian spreads grace the chalkboards offering delicious and fragrant garlic and rosemary focaccia with a paper-thin crust and a crunchy salad and heavenly pizza with gourmet toppings, from salmon and rocket to springbok carpaccio, pears and gorgonzola. Choose a well-paired wine from the excellent wine list to compliment the meal. Basilico proffers classic bistro fare, the perfect place to unwind with family and friends in Kildare Road.

The lingering aroma of authentic dishes from North and South India wet the appetite as diners peruse the menu brimming with specialties from rogan josh, mughlai lamb and chicken tikka from the north to spicy Madras seafood curries and biryani from the south. Start with kebabs and spicy pakora pastries mopping up delicious sauce with warm buttery naan bread. Vegetarians are well catered for with dhal, paneer and chana masala dishes. Cool the palate with a traditional fruit flavoured yogurt drink for a taste of pure India at Bibi’s Kitchen in Wynberg.

The new 'exotic chic' Bihari, one of three in the Western Cape, opened it's doors in April 2009 at Southern Sun Newlands offering diners and curry lovers the finest North Indian cuisine prepared by qualified chefs from this region.The Bihari group bears testimony to the ever magical experience of Indian dining amongst the mother city's diverse locals. Upon entering Bihari Newlands the beautifully handcrafted and noble Bengal Tiger, a significantly powerful and historical creature in India, welcomes guests and transforms an ordinary experience into one of imagination.Bihari's offer an extensive menu of mild to fiery mouth watering fusions from Northern India as well as regional cuisine. Food is prepared in authentic Indian style in the restaurant's tandoor ovens on hot open coals, providing its distinctive flavour. Meals served on heated clay plates or in pots, are not only visually enticing but a culinary delight. Begin your feast with a selection of delectable vegetable, chicken and tandoor starters, samoosas, a choice of no less than seven naan breads and shami kebabs. Mains include a variety of curries and Indian Tandoor items guaranteed to tantalise the tastebuds such as Lamb Rogan Josh - simply mouth watering for those virgin tasters, whilst Lamb Vindaloo is bound to heat things up a few degrees. For seafood lovers, be sure to try the Prawn Korma cooked in an Indian white sauce. Vegetarians will be equally satisfied with their meal, being spoilt for choice with a wide option of curries and tandoor dishes to sample from.

Located on the corner of Main Road and Dean Street in Newlands, Bon Fromage specialise in good bread, cheese and coffee. From freshly ground homegrown coffee to freshly baked almond sacrosains, baguettes, rye and croissants, paired with irresistible combinations and a touch of South of France ambiance. Lime washed French doors and French setting sets the mood for escapism while irresistible cheese platters and artisanal cheeses from around the world pair perfectly with the affordable and quirky wine selection.

Renowned for superb thin and crispy pizzas and warm, convivial atmosphere, Borruso’s in Rondebosch is a must for Italian food lovers.Daily specials feature on the chalkboard and are well worth taking advantage of. An extensive selection of pizzas and wonderful pasta dishes make up the bulk of a well-planned menu, catering for a variety of preferences. A good selection of wine provides the finishing touch to your meal.Rustic wooden tables, murals and a veranda sheltered from the elements create a quaint traditional look.A warm welcome with friendly service, great food and great wine awaits you at Borruso’s.

Chalkboards wet the appetite with spreads of lamb shank, oxtail and venison, succulently prepared and garnished with all the trimmings and sauces. Retro specialities such as pepper steak, sole meuniere and malva pudding serve up delightful alternatives to the traditional ambience of steakhouses. Brad’s Grill provides a bustling atmosphere with a casual attitude ideal for hearty diners and provides a good selection of Cape wines ideal for complimenting flavourful grills.

Plush seating, elegant décor and sophisticated ambiance are why Bread Café caters for a more cultivated crowd. Live Saturday jazz soothes the palate into a refined serving of truffled scrambled egg with pancetta and eggs Benedict with creamy hollandaise rounded off with a good coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. The lunch menu offers a delectable selection of gourmet sandwiches, salads (walnut and gorgonzola on peppery greens), burgers and very good pastas. Try the wood-fired roast chicken dish with balsamic potatoes! Bread Café claims the best pain au chocolate and a pricey wine list. Closed on Sundays. Live jazz on Saturdays from 11:00 – 14:00.

Imagine thin crust, perfectly balanced cheese ratio topped with fresh, well-matched ingredients, cooked to crispy perfection! The latest creations spill off the blackboard accompanied by a standard wine list and various other choices alongside pizza.

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

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.

Bustling with contented chatter and aroma of freshly cooked breakfasts, Saturdays welcome lazy breakfasts and languid lunches tucked away on 41 3rd Avenue. Fantastic mountain views, freshly baked confectionaries and nooks and crannies brimming with crockery, old signs, shelves and delicious preserves secure a mood of relaxation and indulgence. Noted by an elite few as the serving the best Chai Lattes in town and mouthwatering breakfasts such as bacon and Brie croissants, scrambled eggs and omelets, this little Capetonian Gem is waiting to be discovered.

A place for gentle conversation, indulgence and relaxation, this hidden gem in Rondebosch delivers uncompromising food. Small and intimate dining spaces lean toward cosy comfort with walls dressed in curios art collections and a relaxed ambiance. Utterly superb cuisine with excellent wine list compliments dishes such as the Chateaubriand or tempting duck. Starters remain elegant and simple such as asparagus or pan-fried mushroom with rich, delicate, and dominated by chocolate deserts.

For superb Thai food prepared by skilful chefs in a wonderfully convivial atmosphere, try Chai-yo.Aromatic spices create delicious, flavoursome dishes like the classic Tom Yum soup and the ever popular pad Thai. Each dish comes with a warning as to just how hot they are so diners can find their perfect level.A casual, laid back feel ensures that diners are put completely at ease while enjoying the delicious offerings from the well-planned menu. The decor is simple and uncomplicated, allowing the sumptuous food to take centre-stage.With knowledgeable staff to help diners with their selections, which is particularly helpful to those who are new to Thai cusine, Chai-Yo is the place to be for a brilliant culinary trip to the land of smiles!

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

Boasting over 40 different crepes, the menu entices and tempts with chocolate chilli, apple cinnamon and cream and savoury crepes filled with fresh ingredients. Although sparsely decorated, Crespella does not entertain through décor, but pampers through tantalizing crepes as discovered and indulged by guests who have adorned the walls with their gastronomic comments. Visit Crespella in Lower Main Road, Observatory for some delicious indulgent crepes – a must try visit at least once.

A new take on pizza making, Da Vinci’s tempts the palate with melt-in-the-mouth creations using the freshest organic ingredients where possible with plenty of vegetarian and wheat free options. Loaded with healthy toppings and immune boosting prebiotics, this pizza gem caters for a new generation of pizza lovers looking for clean fun and carefree dining with a healthy twist. Upon entering this cosy and much-loved eatery, the decor inspires images of a film set. Tiny and comfy with a casual feel and family friendly attitude. A quaint and social hotspot that remains unpretentious and true to nature of good food and company. Visiting Da Vinci’s is sure to put a youthful skip in your step and if anything, be sure to sample the Green Pizza – listed as no 97 on 100 things to do before you die.

Nestled within the cosy Chelsea Village, Dutch Restaurant delights the palate with delicious bistro fare and continental cuisine. The menu takes the palate on a journey through the Netherlands offering a myriad of choices from secret Dutch recipes. Try the homemade crumbed organic beef kroketten on rye bread and the rich pea soup with smoked sausage. The fresh, uncomplicated ambiance works well with the Kartel Ghost chairs and tables, contrasted by charcoal walls and black and white photographs brightened with splashes of orange. The Dutch Restaurant is an intimate and authentic eatery in the cosy Chelsea Village.

Located along Roodebloem Road in Woodstock, Frangipani’s exudes a peaceful and homely feel. The menu proffers light meals, buffet choices and hearty breakfasts. Sit on the balcony with a paper, frothy cappuccino; a favoured hotspot on balmy summer days.

Tucked away in a tranquil garden, High Tea is one of those hidden gems only the locals talk about and try to keep secret. This special coffee shop enchants with vibey people, relaxed atmosphere and rustic charm. The endless buffet of heavenly bakes and lingering aroma of sinful pleasures wet the appetite alongside interesting goodies for sale. Warm and inviting, diners soak up the pleasant surrounds churning over the days events and sampling delights from the daily lunch menu brimming with delicious choices. Try the world famous chicken pie, or hearty winter soups, tasty tarts and assortment of summer wraps, salads and toasted sarmies. Nestled on the border of Constantia berg and Wynbos, High Tea is worth the trip for non-locals, just to savour the pleasant surrounds and heavenly delights.

A very popular spot for superb steak in a classically elegant setting, try Hussar Grill. The wine list offers a good selection by the bottle and a smaller selection by the glass. The service is professional and very attentive. The interior is filled with leather and wood for a distinguished feel and contributes to a great ambience throughout. Steaks grilled to perfection and impeccable service make Hussar Grill a great choice for a sumptuous meal.

Perfectly situated opposite the Blue Route Mall in Tokai, Italian Kitchen Trattoria Café offers rustic dining with minimalist décor. Warmed by rich wooden tables and contrasting walls with rustic exposed beams, this Italian kitchen exudes a homely and welcoming atmosphere. Known for their Wild Porcini Mushroom Risotto and warming fusion of slow roasted pork neck and lamb shank their secret lies in the slow lingering process of cooking delectable cuts of meat in the open wood oven. Emphasising taste and quality, slow roasted dishes are savoured falling off the bone with a medium weight spicy Shiraz to compliment the aromatic notes of sweetness. Daily specials grace the blackboards with a large variety of irresistible wines perfectly partnered to compliment the warming flavours and aroma. With excellent service and value for money, Italian Kitchen Trattoria Cafe offers relaxed dining with culinary genius Garth known for his amazing sense of taste.

For tasty meals, a relaxed atmosphere and friendly service, Jakes in the Village is the place to be. A shaded courtyard allows for very pleasant al fresco dining all year round, with heaters and wind breakers for the colder winter nights. A truly friendly place, full of character, Jakes in the Village is well worth a visit.

Located along Logan Way, Joe Fish leans towards an Ango/Gallic fish eatery, with a nice and cosy feel and sumptuous menu. Try the delightfully light hake fish cakes, or the heavenly calamari tentacles in a crumbly batter, or the lightly curried snoek cakes. For an irresistible mouthful of pleasure try the hush puppies (fat succulent battered prawns) and the prawn poppers (jalapeno peppers stuffed with prawns). The fresh line fish is FRESH and has never been frozen. The only thing frozen is the ice cream served with a delightful portion of deep-fried Mars Bar. Joe Fish preserves and serves free-range poultry and share part of the SASSI initiate.

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

Perfect for family and friends, Kwalapa relaxes the spirit and revitalises the palate with organic delights, frothy cappuccinos and lovely eco gifts. Eat, shop, catch up and relax over a steaming organic coffee and a golden, delicious, organic chicken pie, raw feasts and butternut and feta wraps. Breakfast is full of deliciousness and relaxation as you soak up the eco surrounds and indulge in all that is green.

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!" Open 7 days a week Lunch: 12:30-14:30 Dinner: 19:30-21:30 Closed Christmas Night New Year's Day Sunday evenings in the winter months.

La Piccola oozes Italian, a small and bustling atmosphere that offers diners a chance to relax and take in the scenic views alongside a refreshing glass of wine or cappuccino. With the serene voices of Italian music in the background and a small quality wine list, savouring heart-warming dishes of pasta or pizza inside or on the terraced deck compliments the relaxing panoramic views of Muizenberg Mountains. With delicious pizzas and pastas on offer, La Piccola is your Italian kitchen in the heart of Tokai.

Tempt the taste buds with contemporary world, where the menu focuses on fresh seasonal ingredients. For starters, try the flavourful tom yum soup with coconut cream and ciabatta wafers or home-cured gravadlax with crushed new potato, chive and caper salad. Mains proffers hearty comforts like gnocchi with zucchini cream and balsamic onion marmalade, or a Gorgonzola beef fillet with a port reduction. Desert tempts with dense flourless almond cake with dark chocolate topping or the light and airy coconut and cardamom crème brûleé. Discover culinary decadence and contemporary fare at Liberty’s Restaurant in Woodstock.

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

This traditional steak house with its cosy setting and pub style atmosphere serves wood-fired thin crust pizzas and fresh fish brought in on daily basis alongside their mouth-watering steaks. With cosy dining indoors or outside overlooking the park, patrons can relax and enjoy and casual setting where families with small children can enjoy dining on the veranda with a relaxed meal while their kids play on the merry-go-round and swings. Louis on the Block’s In-by-six-out-by-eight early diners menu ensures those with a hungry appetite satisfy their hunger with pizzas, steak, chicken schnitzel or calamari for a mere R45. The wine is comprehensive suiting all palates with a more distinct speciality wine list on offer for those with discerning palates. Families are welcomed and well catered for. Kids have variety and choice from the kiddies menu including a large range of drinks and shakes at hand.

Located in the Fountain Shopping Centre in Rondebosch, Lyra’s is becoming a household name for locals. The Italian inspired menu and light meals menu makes it the perfect location to enjoy a lazy weekend breakfast, with a morning paper and frothy cappuccino, or a summery lunch and romantic evening dinner under the African sky. Indoor facilities are available, but Lyra’s is all about enjoyed your meal alfresco, (during summer months). The great Italian fare, unbeatable cakes and coffees and relaxed ambiance are the venue of choice for alfresco dining in Rondebosch.