Western Cape 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.

Located on Grootwater Farm, !Khwa ttu Restaurant entices with lighty, hearty and creative dishes picked fresh from the garden and baked fresh from the oven. Housed in a 40 seater restored original farmhouse, perched on the hills, diners enjoy dining with a view and cooling tea garden complimented by famous vineyard wines. The menu focuses on fresh products, homemade breads and decadent cakes. Weekends beacon 3-course meals and imaginative deserts. Enjoy culinary creations from resident Swiss chef and a menu filled with hearty creativity at !Khwa ttu Restaurant in Darling.

@ 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.

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.

Serving breakfast or lunch options, 35 on Rose makes an ideal location for intimate or alfresco dining. The interior leans towards sophisticated elegance while the terrace offers abundant alfresco seating on the sheltered courtyard soothed by a tranquil water feature. The a la carte menu offers breakfast choices ranging from smoked salmon and scrambled eggs to the more traditional breakfast. Lunch options proffer gourmet sandwiches ranging from pannini, tramezzini or foccacia layered with salami, mozzarella and pesto for a real Italian sandwich, or try the Cape Malay. Wood burning pizzas prove very popular with various toppings such as chicken, brie, cranberry and avocado which come highly recommended. Heartier dishes such as the veal dishes exude Italian specialty as does the grilled baby beef with porcini mushrooms, Cajun fresh line fish, tender lamb shank, or crumbled veal chops. For starters try the seafood soup or the deep-fried boccinci with sun-dried tomato tapenade. Genuine Italian desserts come in the form of Italian chocolate brownie made with Italian panettone cake and served with expresso ice cream.

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.

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.

A Fu Asian Take-Away brings a true Eastern flavour to the V & A Waterfront. This small outlet is owner-run and, as with most little gems like this, plenty of flavour and passion is put into the cuisine. Enjoy traditional Chinese favourites like chow mein, chop suey, sweet and sour chicken, beef and pork or, as a lighter alternative, a delectable Chinese soup. For those with more adventurous taste buds, try the smoky chilli-beef noodles with peanuts. The food is traditional, flavourful, and very affordable and if you are looking for a quick, hassle-free takeaway that does not lack in the quality department, be sure to give A Fu a try.

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.

Nestled within the scenic Garden Route lies Admirals Buffet Restaurant, a culinary delight aimed to please the most discerning palates. Offering tranquil views onto a golf estate dressed in lush carpets and comfortable seating, patrons can relax in the quaint and private nooks and crannies while feasting on delicious starters, stews, bakes and old time classics. Enjoy hearty roasts, grills and stir-fry selections brimming with steaming vegetables before conquering the delectable desert section oozing indulgent peppermint tarty chocolate mouse, moist malva puddings or trifle drenched with red maple syrup. Admirals Buffet Restaurant embraces innovative buffet dining with comfort and style flattered by the scenic Garden route and rolling green hills.

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.

Original paintings adorn olive coloured walls, heightened by a bamboo ceiling and iron candelabras. The roaring fireplace adds warmth and homely ambiance during winter and the outdoor leafy setting embraces summer and spring. The menu touches upon Asian specialties, Mediterranean dishes, Thai and South African fusion. Think lamb shank and chicken pie, tom yum soup and Moroccan couscous salad. A standard wine list and boutique wines compliment the flavours and ambiance at this delightful eatery in Mowbray.

Located along Dirkie Uys Street, Al Dente is your traditional trattoria. A delightful venue offering the usual Italian delights tossed with the welcoming aroma of homemade sauces and crusty pizzas. Fresh pasta takes centre stage accompanied by a small wine list and imported Italian blends too. Popular dishes such as steaming Napolitano pasta speaks volumes yet remains simple with distinctive flavours and heaps of fresh ingredients. The deli offers homemade pasta, cured meats and imported Italian ingredients.

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.

From handcrafted artisan beers to cheese and organic olives, &Union favours artisan. Enjoy beers dating back to the middle ages, cheeses aged the artisan way and a spread of delicious locally produced food that made this distinct experience one of nostalgia and purity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Set on the western slopes of the beautiful Helderberg mountain is the Avontuur Estate restaurant. The welcoming and relaxed atmosphere is enhanced by a mix of old and new decor as well as a airy terrace complete with pagodas covered in grapevines. For a truly decadent but relaxing environment and a very memorable dining experience, the Avontuur Estate restaurant is the place to be.

Nostalgic photos adorn the walls, rustic kitchen equipment dangle from chandeliers and colourful meals are best eaten with mismatched Victorian cutlery in this cute, kitch and cosy eatery in Loop Street. The menu focuses on wholesome meals, handwritten on a collection of blackboards. Flavours of the Middle East infused with a touch of Boerekos add a distinct flare to dining while traditional servings of lamb shawarma hit the spot. Round off the meal with a selection of rocky road brownies, cupcakes galore and lemon meringue. Cool the palate with a Frankie cinnamon cola or warming Arabic coffee infused with cardomon and cloves after indulging the menu.

Nestled in the breathtaking Drakenstein Valley, cradled between Franschoek and Paarl, Babel paints a picturesque setting, flanked by mountains and 200 h of vineyard and farmlands. This inspiring setting captures the imagination of ex Elle Deco Editor – Karen Roos, who transformed Babel into a place of inspirational beauty. On summery days, sit outside under the Plain trees soaking up the setting and a hearty Babel Breakfast brimming with fresh juices, homemade muesli, thick and creamy yogurt and local produce from the farm. Cooler days are warmed by the chic and elegant décor set within the glass-enclosed restaurant where the aroma of freshly prepared seasonal dishes wet the appetite. Discover a haven of peace and tranquility, set in beautiful surroundings, and the taste of food inspired by the seasons, prepared straight from the garden onto your plate.

This bustling, vibrant and friendly venue has earned its place as one of Cape Town's friendliest restaurants. Service comes with a smile and the pizzas and pastas come with unique family recipes to ensure that all Bacini's foods are exceptional! The gorgeous summer nights are embraced with the setting out of this restaurant – an outside seating area accommodates 60 people and one can easily feel as though you may be sitting at a trattoria in Italy, with Kloof Street turning into a magically lit backdrop. Romondo and family are always happy to mingle among the diners and their hospitality and service ethic will make you feel like a regular, even on your first visit to Bacini's! In winter this is a cozy 'hang-out” offering a unique blend of garlic aromas, the sound of happy laughter, and the clinking of glasses as locals, regulars and “new kids” on the block toast to life in the happy family environment. The pizzas are as generous as the Napoli family and the pastas are.....well....Italian! Delicious, divine and delectable! We offer a selection of meat and chicken dishes, salads, pizzas and pastas. Wherever your taste-buds feel like taking you, you will be transported to a culinary experience that is real value for money and you will be back for more!

Fresh ingredients grace dishes prepared home-style, using the freshest South African ingredients and tried and tested recipes. Balmy summer days extend a warm welcome with a traditional lamb on the spit, served with salads, vegetables and roast potatoes everyday and winters combine a three course meal consisting of starters, mains and desert every Sunday. Spend long lazy afternoons soaking up sun and live music drifting through the air, as the aroma of succulent lamb on the spit wets the appetite complimented by fine wines at Backsberg Restaurant.

Bahia Dos Vaqueiros beacons recognition as Mossel Bay’s premier restaurant lit by the sparkling lights of Mossel Bay and cradled by the shores of Outenqua Mountains. Offering locally grown fresh produce cooked with opulence beneath The Fantasy of the Discovery of the World ceiling known as the largest fresco ceiling in the Southern Cape, dining at Bahia Dos Vaquerious captures the imagination with pure sophistication. Delight in iconic wines housed in the walk in cellar or international brandies, whiskies and beers alongside fusion choices of first class meals at the Bahia Dos Vaquerious in the Diaz Strand Hotel.