Western Cape Restaurants

A hidden gem in Big Bay, Alexia’s restaurant is a Greek influenced Mediterranean restaurant that offers a variety of deliciously authentic meals. With views across Table Bay towards Table Mountain and the Cape Town, Alexia’s is the perfect place to sit back, sip on a cool glass of vino and take in the amazing views of the Mother City while delighting in delicious food.

Located on the ground level of the Hollow on the Square, Amici Restaurant exudes a street café ambiance enjoyed at leisure over breakfast, lunch or dinner. Expect authentic Italian dining and some of the best-handpicked wines alongside daily chef’s specials. Sit outside enjoying a buffet style breakfast or languid a la carte lunch or dinner at Amici Restaurant.

Located in the bustling Cape Quarter is Andiamo. A trendy but traditional Italian restaurant and deli and a popular venue providing breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails. The food is uncomplicated, harnessing the best that Italian cuisine has to offer from colourful salads to pasta and meat dishes. The deli is not to be missed, with more than 2000 local and imported options to select from. With lots of outside seating, protected from the elements or cosy inside tables, Andiamo is a brilliant place to while away some hours with good friends and good food.

Located in the Tygervalley Waterfront, Asian Asia’s prime lakeside location makes an ideal setting dining alfresco on the water’s edge. The interior remains cosy and intimate, perfect for a romantic dinner. A variety of Asian food spills off the menu offering Chinese, Japanese and Thai with plenty of seafood and vegetarian options too. Begin with a hot starter and selection of tempura, dim sum, spring rolls and soups. Main course dishes range from chicken or seafood teppanyaki and classic Asian dishes such as sizzling beef on a hot plate and crispy duck, including seafood combos and myriad of noodle dishes. Dine overlooking the lake or treat someone special to a romantic dinner at Asian Asia, Tigervalley.

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.

Located in the leafy Southern suburbs of Kenilworth in a house built in the late 18 hundreds, Bardelli’s best-kept secret lies in their great quality food served in generous portions and fantastic value for money. Sourcing only the finest local products and imported ingredients with award winning pizza, fresh salads, calamari and fillet options, Bardelli caters for simple and complex palates with ease and passion Italians are so renowned for. Upon arrival, delight your senses with the smell of hearty pasta and thin crust pizzas lingering in the wood-fired oven touched by the subtle sounds of Italian café style music in the background. Tables chequered in red and white warmed by flickering candle lights make for a cosy and intimate dining experience with cooling wooden tables and chairs enhanced by the mysterious memorabilia of old Italy. This small family friendly restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and comprehensive menu with a well-priced wine list and delectable choices of local and international deserts.

Barracudas secures a location on Beach Road, with floor to ceiling glass windows to maximize your view and a relaxed ambiance to match your mood. The décor inspires a fresh, contemporary and natural feel with splashes of aqua and coral. The expansive wine list works perfectly with the well-balanced menu, which brims with seafood and various South African meats. Try the Springbok Carpaccio - thinly sliced springbok served with melon, kumquat and pecorino shavings. Move onto the Barracuda Platter layered with grilled fillet of hake, 4 queen prawns, deep-fried calamari served with savoury rice, vegetables and Beurre Blanc. Sweeten the palate with a mouth-watering try coupe tutti fruity (vanilla ice cream, mixed fruit, praline, whipped cream, nuts and granadilla sauce). Barracuda makes an ideal spot for fresh seafood, great views and bustling ambiance whether it be lunch or dinner.

Nestled in the heart of Newlands Village, Barristers Grill Café is the place to be if you enjoy a good local spot and consistently good dishes. Dine indoors, alfresco or within the bustling garden atmosphere on a menu brimming with meats, fish or chicken dishes served by attentive waitrons. Try their fabulous salads with cheese, calamari or beef accents, gorgeous Thai chicken and prawn curry, and grilled sole with lemon and ginger butter. The meat comes perfectly prepared with favourites being the lamb rump dressed in a delectable Madeira sauce. Barristers cater for all tastes and palates in a bustling atmosphere in the heart of Newlands.

Located along Somerset Road in Green Point, Beefcakes is friendly, fun and on the ball. The décor uplifts with colour and flamboyant attitude starting with pink Flamingo wallpaper, disco balls, feathers and a pimped pink piano patiently waiting on the next performance. Step back in time and discover food that brims with fun, simplicity and indulgent pleasure with wildly entertaining and 50’s fun American burger bar ambiance. The tongue in cheek menu twists and teases with burgers of all shapes and tastes and flavours even offering a ‘build your own burger’ to eager patrons. Take delight in burgers such as Buffy the Hamburger Slayer’ - a gooey mound of bacon, cheddar and beef or the chili string of the Willy Burger. Tables host perfect burgers, well priced wines and cocktails and infectious fun all topped by sequined cowboy hats and live entertainment nights such as ‘Drag Queen, Thursdays’, and ‘Bitchy Bingo, Tuesdays.’

Conceived July 1982, Bella Venecia seduced the palate with their famous handcrafted pizzas, created and inspired from their diverse stay in Italy. With their warm, homely atmosphere and mismatched décor, Bella Venecia boasts the best wood-fired pizzas in the whole of Helderbey. The dough freshly made every morning, the toppings layered and spread generously. Alongside pizzas, the menu boasts various pasta dishes with emphasis on good food and a relaxing attitude that spills over onto the ambience inviting patrons to sit back, relax and enjoy the vibe.

Seduced by the gentle lapping shores of False Bay, Ben’s on the Beach offers a fabulous setting and great venue coupled with quality and service. Aged meat on the bone treated the time-honoured way with fresh line fish purchased daily from local fishermen dominates this eatery’s reputation. With a varied selection of dishes on offer including generous portions of great steak, fish and fillets, Ben’s on the Beach surprises the senses with unexpected pleasures, quality and service. Winners of the regional Diners Club award; Ben’s on the Beach is just the place to enjoy a nice piece of fish.

Soak up the authentic harbour flavour while enjoying extensive South African fare right on the waters edge of Bertha’s Restaurant. Pass the time away in a relaxed, warm and informal setting with picturesque views extending across the yacht harbour and False Bay. Serving the freshest seafood and using only the finest ingredients, Bertha’s Restaurant caters for long lazy lunches and lingering cocktails before being swept away by the romance of the night. Watch the sunset spill out onto the terrace then pamper your palate with Golden Calamari Strips dressed in a chilli coriander and mango jam before tucking into the catch of the day grilled and served with lemon butter and a choice of rice, salad, mashed potato or chips or seasonal vegetables. The extensive menu offers platters, meats and poultry, burgers and pastas including vegetarian and salads alongside the most dense and moist Malva pudding smothered with butterscotch sauce and served with cream or ice cream. Housed on the picturesque water edge fronting the old Town Pier, Bertha’s Restaurant will sweep you off into the sunset with delectable food and soul soothing scenery.

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

Think pizza! Generously topped with a multitude of choices or hearty burgers and succulent fish and chips. Bustling with activity on Sunday especially, the grass-covered lawns strewn with sun worshippers enjoy spectacular views and tasty meals. The prize winning wine list offers extensive wine and beer choices perfectly suited to enjoy alfresco or along themed dinner nights.

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

Brimming with eclectic décor, quirky artifacts and nostalgic nick-knacks, Bombay Bicycle Club creates a space fit for a gypsy with a wild bohemian attitude and uplifting vibe. The menu caters with fun and relaxed food comprising of soups, pastas, carpacious, fillets and tangines washed back with a well suited bottle of wine. Try the meltingly tender slow-cooked springbok shank or lip licking sticky ribs! The gorgeous interior oozes comfort, cosines and attitude, giving the eye plenty to look at while enjoying the fruits of Bombay Bicycle on Kloof Street, Gardens.

Bomo Terrace embraces alfresco dining at its best, cradled by the lapping ocean, mysterious backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountain and positioned on the extensive terrace for alfresco sophistication at its best. Begin the day with silky Eggs Benedict or crispy croissants layered in fresh butter and preserves or a delicious Boma terrace brunch complimented by the warming sun and enigmatic beauty of the bay. Bomo Terrace inspires reconnection and welcoming faces guided by the protective spirits seen everywhere over the doorposts in Bali.

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.

Located along Main Road, this popular local haunt specialises in great British pub grub with a wide range of local and international beers. The ambiance bustles with activity and the festive vibe makes it the ideal location for alfresco pub lunches while watching the game. Live music on Saturdays and Sundays.

Set in a rustic old farmhouse and with superb views from every side is the Buena Vista Social Cafe, Somerset West. Diners may also choose to eat outside in a pretty hacienda-style area. The cuisine is primarily Cuban with tantalising tapas and a wine list that perfectly accompanies the dishes. For a wonderful Cuban dining experience in cosy and welcoming surroundings, Buena Vista Social Cafe excels!

Cafe Roux at Noordhoek centres around family, friends, wonderful wine and delicious food.Situated in stunning surrounds at the bottom of the stunning Chapman’s Peak and with stunning mountain views, this family-run cafe offers a laid-back dining experience with excellent service.The layout is welcoming with trendy, contemporary influences. The closed off al fresco area is a great spot for dining when the weather permits. Tables are shaded by an intriguing Bedouin tent and there is a sheltered courtyard for more formal dining.Inside the restaurant, the ambience is laid-back and has country influences in the decor. There is a dedicated children’s menu to keep the little ones happy. The seasonal selection of dishes on the a la carte menu is simple and uses local ingredients when possible. There are also daily specials written on the chalkboard, comprising superb South African food with Cafe Roux’s own twist.A great dining experience in every way awaits you at Cafe Roux, Noordhoek.

Cradled by magnificent surroundings, Café Traumerei is situated opposite the Town Hall along the Main Road. The interior inspires nostalgia, with original wooden flooring and a crackling winter fireplace. Summers beacons dining alfresco, where scenic vistas compliment a quick cup of coffee or a light meal from the contemporary menu.

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.

A lively and trendy seafood restaurant, Fish Market, Teppanyaki and Sushi bar, Cape Town Fish Market captures the heart and sole of true seafood cuisine!The decor is carefully designed with modern, solid, clean lines combined with photos adorning the walls of the rich history of the Cape Town Fish Markets of old.An extensive menu offering both South African and Japanese cuisine, diners can select from classics like fish and chips, or more unique dishes designed with creative flair by skilful chefs. A sushi bar, complete with conveyor belt will satisfy any sushi lover. Authentic sushi chefs can be observed as they create such sushi classics as fashion sandwiches, California rolls and salmon roses.For Patrons who don’t fancy fish, CTFM can provide. With meat, poultry and vegetarian options on the diverse menu, everyone is guaranteed a great meal.An entertaining dining experience, CTFM Camps Bay is host to communal ‘Hibachi’ tables where diners can watch skilled chefs prepare their meal right in front of them!With a stunning location in Camps Bay; white sandy beaches on one side and gorgeous mountains views on the other, CTFM is a memorable dining experience.

Cape Town Fish Market is a bustling, vibrant restaurant offering great dishes, fresh seafood, and delectable Teppanyaki and Sushi. Aside from traditional seafood, meat and poultry dishes prepared from the freshest ingredients, the restaurant also offers great seafood platters that enhance the ‘social and sharing’ atmosphere. Pick out your sashimi, California rolls, fashion sandwiches and other treats from the conveyer-belt, a trademark of the franchise, or watch the skilled chef prepare Teppanyaki dishes with nothing but a knife, a fork and two metal spatulas. The restaurant is fully licensed and wine lovers can select from a wide range of South African wines. Cape Town Fish Market is a family restaurant and the atmosphere and menu cater for children. Fresh crayfish, prawns, oysters, mussels and fish are specially prepared for customers to take home and try their hand at their favourite recipes with the best ingredients. Clean lines, delicious flavours, chic surroundings and affordable prices all contribute to make Cape Town Fish Market a great choice for young and old.

“Cosa Nostra, Coa Modo” – “Our thing, our way” defines what Capone’s Pizza do. Authentic, original, thin-based pizzas, crispy and delightful combined with fresh ingredients and flavours. Delight the palate with a crispy Johnny Fox pizza dressed with butternut feta and red onion or a Kid Twist topped with chorizo, peppadews, avocado, chilli and garlic. Kick start the palate with fiery Al’s Arrabiatta drenched in marinara sauce pan-fried with anchovy, olives, chilli and garlic with Penne Rigata. At Capone’s Pizza patrons can enjoy fresh pizza, pasta, burgers, deserts and sauces made on the premises with delicious side grills and salads.

Easily located within the scenic Garden Route and famously known by locals as the place to enjoy made to order, thin crispy pizzas straight from the traditional wood-fired oven with wheat free bases available. Dine on outdoor terrace or within the large garden on balmy summer days choosing from an array of delicious pastas, potatoe bakes, salads and voluptuously filled pita breads. Leave enough space for decadent deserts and smouldering coffees for a pleasant, well-rounded day out.

Chicory Cheese Café in Mantis Mall, Darling welcomes herself as Darling’s new chic restaurant flavoured by intuitive and seasonal meals. The menu brims with freshly cooked, freshly squeezed, freshly baked and freshly ground goodies with option to dine indoors or alfresco on farm fresh country cuisine. Share in the love of good food at Chicory Cheese Café, Darling.

Located at one of Knysnas most impressive landmarks this premier restaurant in The Garden Route is the place where patrons can indulge and gather, sharing pizzas, sundowners and tasty antipastos. Offering seductive Italian cuisine and classic cocktails, Cornuti Knysna oozes Rivera chic in a chilled out atmosphere catering fine wines and fresh produce for their signature mouth-watering dishes.

This cosy restaurant bustles with activity and holds a unique feel. The décor is warm and various celebrity photos adorn the walls contrasted by the white tablecloth setting. The open plan kitchen invites diners into the culinary experience, where the likes of continental and local dishes grace tables in generous portions. The lovely outside terrace makes ideal spot for frothy cappuccinos and a morning paper.

Exuding a continental street café ambiance, with low couches and coffee tables, fancy wall prints and scattered umbrellas on the terrace, Daniella’s is a friendly and relaxed spot. Warm earthy tones and a fireside nook create a cosy coffee experience, complimenting the warm and welcoming décor. Start the day with a hearty breakfast or indulge in popular dishes such as croissants with either smoked salmon and avocado, or ham and cheese fillings and chicken bruschetta served with a honey mustard dressing and German potato salad. The lighter lunch menu caters for quick bites alongside a great selection of cakes, coffees, treats, teas, lattes and milkshakes. Pop into Daniella’s Coffee Shop in Melkbosstrand for some good food and warm hospitality.

Offering contagious entertainment for young and old where some dine and dance the night away to fathom hunger buster meals, this lively venue has it all in one place for a great night out with family and friends. Serving a variety of seafood dishes, pizzas, pasta and delicious snacks, patrons soak up the atmosphere and delightful menu before setting off home smiling after a fun-filled evening with family and friends. De Dekke Restaurant is located in the De Dekke Shopping Complex in Great Brak River close to the towns of George and Mossel Bay in South Africa's scenic Garden Route.

Delight your taste buds with wholesome hearty food in a relaxed intimate setting distinctly Mexican. The colourful lighting and authentic memorabilia blended with funky tunes transports you to the lively back streets of Mexico. Aromatic spices dressed with vivid colours and flavours tantalise your taste buds with an abundance of margarita and tequila to put out the flames for those brave enough to sample the chilli on tap. Seating just 22 patrons inside - this hip and happening tequila shrine offers great value for money and starter portions large enough to pass around the table. On balmy summer days, laze around beneath the old El Dinal by the river while satisfying your palette with tacos, burritos, enchiladas and temptingly delicious frozen margaritas.

Situated in the heart of Cape Town, Depasco is a cosy evening for two, perfect venue for business lunches or relaxed setting for catching up with friends. The menu boasts food prepared according to secret recipes and substantial breakfasts. For something light, try the brown mushrooms filled with mozzarella and feta. Or, a seafood skewer served with steamed vegetables, rice or chips. The prawn naçional consists of prince prawns drenched in authentic Portuguese spices, bay leaf infusion, garlic, cream and a splash of beer. Desert tempts with decadent chocolate mousse or tropical granadilla mousse, with the Molotov taking charge as diners indulge in decadent taste explosions - as the name suggests. Filled to the brim? Take a leisure walk through the great boutiques and browse, shop or indulge a little further. Depasco is a well rounded dine and shop eatery in the heart of Cape Town.

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

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!

Celebrate the African heritage and discover the spirit of Africa with the tastes of real authentic African food. Dijo Restaurant offers and experience only extended through the hands of an African home. With authentic décor, art and music, patrons can celebrate and share the love of food in a setting that embodies the spirituality and creativity commonly found in an African home. Enjoy the most amazing traditional South African food, wholesome and simply delicious with no dictates or formalities. Savour real home-made pot bread with beef stew or mutton curry with pap and sweet potatoes before embarking on the velvety textures of chocolate pudding smothered in fresh cream. Dijo Restaurant is about keeping it simple and celebrating being African in a space where all South Africans can celebrate their African heritage. Unpretentious and homely, here you can find yourself and discover your true African spirit.

On the beachfront, Doodles is landmark in the Table View area. Open for nearly twenty years, it affords patrons some of the best views in Cape Town – Table Mountain, the city, the fabulous new FIFA 2010 world cup soccer stadium, Robben Island and the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Its relaxed, beach bar vibe and history make it a favourite for locals. The outside deck is the perfect place to chill, whatever the weather. On those perfect balmy Cape Town days sit under the warm African sun and feast on seafood or a selection from the grill. Alternatively, on those blustery days, when the outside deck is protected by the awnings diners can watch the wild sea while feasting on a variety of the fabulous fare on offer. With a varied menu, including breakfast, fresh seafood, gourmet grill items and pizzas, there is something for everyone at Doodles. There is live music on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, making Doodles a lively place to enjoy a fabulous meal, while taking in the wonders of Cape Town.

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.

An exotic gem bursting with exotic aromas and flavours, this authentic experience enlightens the palate with strictly Halaal cuisine, prepared fresh and made to order. The interior is vibrant, decorated in gilded Indian style, with no alcohol allowed on the premises. Try your palate at an array of flavours ranging from Turkish kebabs to Cape-style biryanis, creamy North Indian curries and real tandoor dishes from Bombay to the Bo-Kaap. Experience and authentic bazaar Cape Town experience along the bustling Long Market Street in Cape Town.