Western Cape Restaurants

@ 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.

This upmarket grill room offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience in a vibrant, classy environment. An extensive range of wines, fine cocktails and drinks work effortlessly alongside the menu and melt-in-your-mouth meat dishes puts this premier dining experience in a league of its own. For the most succulent and superb beef, always cooked at 1800º Fahrenheit, 1800° is the place to be. This is the ideal setting for that all-important business meeting or for discerning patrons in search of a refined meal and professional service. The beef and other meats are grass and grain fed and carefully matured to ensure the finest flavour and the most tender cuts. 1800° prides itself on innovative thinking, superb service and exceptional presentation.

Casual and laidback, Knysna's bustling food emporium claims that it's "not exactly a restaurant, not exactly a bar, definitely not a deli... well, not exactly a deli... it’s an eating place, a drinking place and definitely a meeting place". Well, it's a good place to be if you enjoy fresh seafood and fancy a bit of shopping. 34 South is also "a gift shop, a clothing emporium, a food store, a fish monger and a bakery, too. And the finest wine shop this side of the grape curtain!" Start with a platter of freshly shucked wild coastal oysters still tasting of salt and sea. Tuck into calamari (tubes, heads and steaks) and mussels (in and out the shell) done in many ways - in vinaigrette, masala, with peri-peri or with wine and garlic. The herring comes six ways, the fish pates four and the mezze too many ways to mention. Traditional Greek, Spanish and Portuguese themes run through an eclectic menu that highlights Mediterranean flavours - with chicken, ostrich and vegetarian options for diners averse to seafood. With tastebuds still tingling from oysters and bubbly, the mains are sure to tantalise. Signature dishes tempt with fresh linefish brought in through the Knysna heads, east-coast sole, linefish espetada, Portuguese sardines, jambalaya and seafood paella.

Everything from good food to the love of art beacons those who visit 38 Special in City Bowl. Housed in one of the oldest building in the CBD, diners enjoy the laid back and relaxed setting savouring culinary masterpieces and exploring resident artwork on display. The character still exudes and holds true boasting original facades and wooden flooring, lovingly decorated to compliment the international menu. 38 Special holds something special for those who visit, a truly memorable dining experience.

Once upon a time, long long ago, there was a beautiful Victorian house in a small, romantic little town. It was situated at number 5 Ryneveld Street - a place we now call home. When conceptualizing our new restaurant, we became aware of the special qualities of the number five. Five is the number of harmony and balance. Five is the number of perfection. Five is the number of senses in the human body - touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight. Five is the number of basic tastes - sweet, sour, salt, bitter and umami. Our restaurant comprises five rooms namely the dining room, study, library, bedroom and radio lounge. We welcome you to 5 Ryneveld, where we will provide you with an exciting dining experience, stimulating your five senses by exploring the five basic tastes. 5 Ryneveld is a cute and quirky meeting place for those embracing a playful and sophisticated atmosphere. It will be shaped by the friends, family and other warm-hearted people who meet, eat and play there. Welcome home...welcome to 5 Ryneveld.

Nurtured through painstaking restoration in a building dating back to 1902, the character breathers throughout the space, leading into several inter leading rooms, heightened by high ceilings and parquet flooring to create a statement that exudes elegant grandeur. The jaw dropping surrounds and sophisticated menu is aimed at the more refined palate offering choices such as cheese soufflé served with herbs and mustard cream, Duck served with a traditional orange sauce. The restaurant shares space with a bookshop and art gallery showcasing the most exquisite art. Browse masterpieces before indulging in fine cuisine at 6 Spin Street and experience fine dining at its best.

A restaurant that boasts superb dishes that showcase the sumptuous but simple flavours of Italy, 96 Keerom is the place to be for a memorable taste of the Med. An atmosphere of simple sophistication runs throughout the restaurant. The staff are friendly and tend to diners needs without being intrusive and are happy to advise on selections to suit. A great wine selection rounds off the superb offerings for a truly satisfying Italian dining experience.

Set deep in the stunning countryside of Helderberg is 96 Winery Road. The main menu is updated four times a year, while the seasonal menu changes much more frequently, nearly every day. A very impressive wine list, comprising around 250 wines leave diners truly spoilt for choice.

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.

Traditional Ethiopian dishes are the order of the day at Addis in Cape. Brilliant service enhances the experience with staff that will gladly explain the menu and guide your selection if required. The decor is as authentic as the food with traditional Ethiopian furnishings and colour palettes. A must-try experience, Addis in Cape is a culinary trip through Ethiopia you won’t soon forget!

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.

This lovely bistro with large tranquil tea garden is situated in the heart of Bredasdorp. Enjoy breakfast and light lunches in a warm atmosphere as well as delicious home-baked pastries and desserts. Dinner is served on reservation on weekends with a change in menu every weekend.

An unforgettable African banquet awaits you at Africa Cafe.With a menu that changes according to season, ensuring that only the freshest and finest ingredients are used in the preparation of the delicious dishes, Africa Cafe has true African dining perfected.Superbly warm and friendly staff are on hand and happy to take diners through the exciting offerings and will happily explain the authentic decor and paintings that adorn the walls.A healthy following of both tourists and locals make for an eclectic ambience, enhanced by the sound of drums and singing staff members!

Alba Lounge, above the Hildebrand Restaurant offers visitors some of the best views in Cape Town. With 360 degree views across the harbour, the V & A Waterfront, Table Mountain and the City, this is a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. Rain or shine, Alba Lounge is the perfect place to be, sipping on something cool and delighting on some of the delicious tapas treats that are on offer. The Venetian inspired menu features a delicious range of classic Italian tapas with a modern twist. Visitors are invited to sit back and take in the scenery while feasting on such sumptuous morsels as smoked salmon, horseradish and dill crostini or Springbok, sage and apricot terrina. One of the chef’s specialities is the Umbrian sausage with peppers. There are also classic breaded mozzarella balls, Prosciutto San Daniele with melon, Ham on grilled polena and flash friend prawns. The fabulous selection of tapas is the ideal accompaniment for one of the many delightful cocktails on offer. Alba Lounge is an upmarket tapas lounge. Luxurious and trendy, with out of this world views it is the place to be for a chilled drink and a light snack.

The well-stocked wine cellar generously compliments the dining experience, as does the lingering aroma of freshly baked bread and spreading reputation of pickled fish. Albertinia Hotel offers delicious traditional food served plentiful for a soothing experience of true comfort food. Enjoy lazy pub lunches or refreshing light meals in the shady tea garden, however you choose to dine, Albertinia Hotel will comfort the palate with nostalgic African cuisine and welcoming smiles.

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.

Superb Mediterranean cuisine, with a particular emphasis on the best that Italian fare has to offer is the order of the day at Allora, Franschhoek. A cosy interior makes this spot a great venue for colder weather and when the sun is shining, a courtyard area accommodates those who prefer to dine al fresco. A superb spot to enjoy a culinary journey to the Med, give Allora Ristorante a try.

This simple gastro retreat is dedicated to satisfying you with an intriguing and expansive menu while delighting your taste buds with every satisfying bite. Alspenstube started as bush pub and become the hot spot among locals and friends elevating this Austrian secret to public dining status. With a few tables scattered here and there, a warm homely setting and a passion for true continental food, Alspentube is the perfect place for enjoying a traditional “Fruhschappen” (Sunday brunch) with family and friends. Many local and overseas visitors flock to relish the taste of their traditional dishes such as “Kalbsbratwurst” (veal sausages with sauerkraut) and famous Hungarian goulash soup. On the other hand, signature dishes such as the Eisbein/Schweinshaxe (crispy pork knuckle served with sauerkraut) come highly recommend by the chef and returning patrons alike. Desserts include a traditional Apfelstrudel and “Kaiserschmarren” a fluffy omelette dough with raisins served with applesauce. Once you discover this Austrian delight, you will be welcomed with warm smiles and friendly faces.

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.

Enjoy tasty food with a difference or light lunches and breakfasts. Alte Feste Restaurant sweeps the palate away with decadent deserts for a little slice of heaven. From great choice salads to vegetarian meals, Alte Feste caters for the easygoing palate in relaxed informal setting perfect to soothing the day away.

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.

Stellenbosch’s Kayamandi (an informal settlement area) may not scream location- location- location for restaurant venue, but is home to AmaZink Eatery. The restaurant delivers a novel African eating experience that embraces and simultaneously invests in the local Stellenbosch community. The African theme of the restaurant is seen through to every detail. The décor is bold and loud in colour and service is hearty and friendly. All the traditional fare is unpretentious and prepared on wood burning fires. Even the beer is home brewed. Expect local favourites like pap and wors, but perhaps not quite as rustic as authenticity demands. With Bertus Basson (celebrity chef and co-owner of Overture Restaurant) overseeing the menu, there is a definite contemporary take on the local delicacies. The restaurant offers a wine list that supports farmers in the immediate vicinity. With prominent businessmen investing, AmaZink Eatery forms part of the Ikhaya Trust Centre and is driven to make a contribution to the social uplifting of the area. Inline with the venture’s policy, only locals to Kayamandi are employed at AmaZink.

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.

Experience the best cuisine that Turkey has to offer at Anatoli. Be greeted warmly by attentive staff and seated in an intriguing Victorian warehouse, built in 1904. Freshly baked flat breads accompany traditional meze, presented in equally traditional oversized trays. The knowledgeable waiters will enthusiastically take diners through all of the meze available. There is something to suit every palate at Anatoli due to the variety that characterises Turkish cuisine. Experience a memorable culinary journey through Turkey care of Anatoli at Green Point.

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.

Take a helping of warm and cosy for ambience with a dollop of comfort food and one is sure to be having a traditional South African meal at Annie se Kombuis. Located on the west coast of the Western Cape, this Hermanus eatery is firm favourite with visitors all year round. Annie’s is all about traditional South African food. With an outstanding range of venison fillets to the likes of Kudu, Eland, Oryx (Gemsbok), Springbok and Ostrich the menu has exotic appeal. The traditional fare is all the favourites prepared the old fashioned way: Bobotie, Smoorsnoek and Waterblommetjies and many other pies and offal dishes. The Oxtail remains a popular choice. For those that believe in pudding (and rightly so) there’s sweet custard, Malva pudding and Cape Brandy Pudding – hard to resist! The wine list supports local wine producers of the Overberg region. With a great selection on offer, wine lovers will not be disappointed. Annie’s also hosts popular music evenings as entertainment for visitors to the sea-side town and locals alike.

Not only does Antonio's make the best pizzas and pastas, they also serve a wide variety of seafood and meaty dishes. Situated right on the water's edge in a private marina, the atmosphere is cosy and laid-back. Enjoy the warm welcome, kick back and tuck into some comfort food while you take in the spectacular views across the Harbour.

Authentic Italian cuisine is the order of the day with everything and anything ranging from pastas, pizzas and decadent range of pure Italian ice cream. The pizza boasts an exclusive combination of flavours and naturally fermented dough and ice cream with 22 different flavours. This bright, cheery and light café makes for an ideal stopover for lunch and dinner, anytime of the day, except Sunday.

Located in Eden Bay shopping centre, Aomori Japanese Restaurant is rated by some as the best sushi in Cape Town. The menu favours the tastes of Japan and offers grills, sushi and Asian delicacies enjoyed with pleasant views of the ocean and Table Mountain. Relax on the beach and order some sushi from the mobile waitress, soak up the sun, sea and tranquil surrounds enjoying succulent sushi from Aomori in Big Bay, Bloubergstrand.

Apprentice Restaurant, formally known as L’Olive, situated on Stellenbosch’s bustling Andringa Street, is a sought after dining establishment. Home to the Culinary Institute, this restaurant offers food that appeals to the senses. The restaurant is training school for students who have chosen cooking as a career, but patrons would be far off the mark to expect anything less than being plated up food of exceptional quality. Not only is breakfast, lunch and dinner served in style, the décor of the eatery is bright and inviting in a relaxed upmarket manner, however, the best seats remain out of house on the pavement, where guests can soak up the Stellenbosch vibe. The dinner menu is offers a selection of meat dishes from Lamb Rump, Kudu Loin to Quail. Desserts are wickedly decadent with impossible to resist choices like Chocolate Marble Pavlova and Tiramisu with Rum and Espresso. Since the restaurant is a learning arena, the menu also has a glossary of terms (in case the menu is all French to you).

Flanked by a 20 liter salt water fish tank, Aqua sets the mood with pleasant alfresco dining serving old favourites like calamari and haloumi to popular Mediterranean platters brimming with dolmades, pita, haloumi, meatballs and many more. Share a platter sample a mixture of calamari, line fish, mussels with a creamy sauce and lemon grilled prawns For the meat lovers, try the sizzling the Lamb Cutlets served with pita bread, tzatziki, fries and salad rounding of your Greek experience with a traditional dessert Ekmek - baked phyllo pastry topped with custard and finished with a sweetened cream, roasted almonds and a cherry.

Aristata Restaurant forms part of the Protea Hotel in Technopark Stellenbosch. Expect a full buffet breakfast menu as well as menus for lunch and dinner. Much can be said of the restaurant’s scenic location. It commands splendid views of the picturesque surroundings and has an outdoor deck for sipping sundowners and taking early evening meals. A range of snacks and light meals are also served throughout the day. For those that require some formality, the indoor dining area calls for a smarter dress code in its subtle, yet sophisticated setting. With a menu that offers traditional South African fare, guests can enjoy the overall experience of Aristata. Diners may round off their meal with the best of wine that is sourced locally. The restaurant also makes for an ideal venue, be it for a wedding or a corporate function.

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

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.

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.

In a beautiful Victorian Town house on the vibrant and trendy Kloof Street is Asoka. The menu offers superb flavoursome tapas and promotes sharing and socialising while sampling the delicious creations with friends and family. The food served is healthy and full of wonderful flavour combinations that have diners ordering seconds and thirds. Enjoy a truly tranquil culinary experience at Asoka.

Along Chapman’s Peak’s curves and bends, out of sight and nestled in secluded splendor, the Atlantic Restaurant wines and dines in what is arguably the most beautiful location in Cape Town. Resting in the lush Milkwood forest, with views spanning across Hout Bay, the ocean and Sentinel Peak, diners soak up the tranquil atmosphere soothed by lapping waves and seasonal breaching Whales. The décor whispers elegance and sumptuous luxury, set in the natural wonders of land and sea. The menu pamper with a myriad of dishes such as ratatouille with buffalo mozzarella and pesto, roasted pepper soup that captures every spice and flavour, and a blissful yellowtail with leek cream sauce. Atlantic Restaurant captures the beauty, elegance and un-spoilt setting that will make dining at this establishment an unforgettable experience.

Experience wonderful fine dining in a superbly relaxed atmosphere at Aubergine. A well-planned menu proffering continental cuisine with an Asian twist here provides wonderful options to suit every palate. Prepared with skill and care, the creations are prepared using only the freshest South African produce. Game and seafood are particularly popular, as are the vegetarian dishes for the non-meat eaters. A vast wine list provides options for a perfect accompaniment for every meal. As well as local wines from many regions spanning South Africa, there are also international options. A warm and welcoming atmosphere ensures a satisfying dining experience to remember.

Set in a beautiful avocado-coloured Victorian house, Avocado Restaurant proffers the perfect winter setting and refreshing summer ambiance over breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu caters with a wide range of comfort food and a well-chosen wine list served by friendly attentive staff. The welcoming venue extends a child friendly setting and makes an ideal setting for languid lunches on the wide wrap around veranda or nestled in the lovely alfresco garden. Winter seeks comfort, warmth and cosiness curled up next to a crackling wood burning fire on comfortable sofas soaking up the homely ambiance.