Western Cape Restaurants

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kick back in the restaurant sampling traditional Kurdish dishes surrounded by authentic décor and ambiance. The menu caters breakfast, lunch and dinners, offering unusual and less familier choices that brim with taste and flavour. Try a Kurdish breakfast laden with a boiled egg, beef sausage, fried tomato, feta cheese, black olives and bread with jam. The Mesopotamia breakfast offers fried eggs with cheese on toasted pita bread. A health breakfast, consisting of fruit salad with yoghurt, nuts and honey, or a selection of croissants can also be ordered if you are a little less adventurous. Light snacks come in a number of choices and lunchtime or evening dishes with a wide selection. Pizza can be enjoyed with a twist sampling the Pides (Kurdish pizza) and include vegetable, cheese, chicken, lamb as well as lamb, feta and spinach. Main course dishes such as Iskender (roast lamb on layered pide bread), lamb guvech (lamb cooked with spiced chilli and spinach) and the exotic lamb curry secure an authentic taste of the Middle East. Round off your meal with tradition desserts such as the oven sutlach (creamy rice pudding) or oven baklava with imported pistachio and walnuts, served with ice-cream or yoghurt.
 Relax after dinner enjoying a shisha in the lounge or experience authentic belly dancing or related shows in the inter-leading theatre. Baron’s Restaurant is a delightful, authentic and mouthwatering experience.

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.

A visit to Bayede! may very well have its visitors shouting just that on their way out: Hail to the King! Set amongst the beauty of the Helderberg mountains with vineyards surrounding, Bayede! boasts a wine cafe that is equally suitable for families and more formal affairs. Families can enjoy a relaxing lunch out on the lawn picnic style while the children stretch their legs or entertain themselves with trout fishing at the dam. The indoor restaurant offers a more intimate setting for smaller groups that require a little more formality. The menu is wholly South African, but with original twists of brilliance. It changes weekly to make the most of fresh local produce, but guests may happily expect a variety of starters, mains and dessert. For starters delve into a classic Caesar Salad where bacon has been replaced with biltong and anchovies for snoek pate. The main courses cater more than adequately for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. And with a chef that is known for his sweet tooth, there’s no getting away without a bite into the decadent dark chocolate-espresso torte with merlot poached pears & cardamom parfait. The restaurant has a wide selection of wines, but patrons are guided with wine and food pairing suggestions on the menu.

Housed inside an old Victorian house, dressed in basic almost retro décor, dishes are made to order, fresh and tasty with no added MSG – ever! The authentic flavours include spicy Schezuan choices and traditional favourites from the set menu. Described by some as tantalizing, dishes are expertly prepared by a Beijing trained chef who favours attention to detail.

Perched along the beachfront, Bella Luna makes the ideal spot for lazy breakfasts, lingering lunches and romantic dinners soothed by roaring ocean and starlit African sky. The mouthwatering menu caters for all palates, from hearty breakfasts to delicious pizzas and tantalizing dinner menu. Sundowners can be enjoyed alongside colourful cocktails watching the trailing sun set over the ocean or a bottle of wine on the terrace.

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.

Typically Halaal, with a strict no alcohol policy, Biesmiellah’s sunken floor, woven carpets and wood engravings add an air of traditional ambiance complimenting the prime location in Bo-Kaap. The menu brims with flavour and colourful offering choices such as traditional bobotie with fruity yellow rice to bayleaf-rich crayfish curry including chilli bites, samoosas and moons and deliciously to die for koeksister infused with coconut, cardamom and cinnamon. Diners are encourage to experience an authentic and close to traditional experience as possible buy dining with their hands at Biesmiellah.

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.

For a sumptuous feast of the finest traditional South African food in hearty portions, try Boesmanland Plaaskombuis.A delectable buffet proffers the best in South African cuisine and the finest, freshest seafood. Whether you fancy meat, fish or shellfish, this friendly eatery has wonderful options for each. Though licensed, bringing your own wine is welcomed.Set in a stunning location on the lagoon, fantastic views go perfectly with the fantastic food!

Located in Muizenberg, along Beach Road, Bombay Chilli boasts delicious fragrant and spicy Indian dishes made with quality ingredients and the freshest naan bread with which to mop up the juices. Starters delight with chilli bite sand samoosas and an impressive selection of vegetarian offerings like potato Bombay aloo and spinach-studded palak paneer. Try the delicious coriander and coconut milk-laced kadal chicken with a good bottle of wine (bring your own). Open for lunch and dinner only, Bombay Chilli is your friendly, laid back Indian bistro in the heart of Muizenberg.

Dressed in plush red cushioned chairs and vibrant colours, Bourbon Street swaddles the palate in cuisine influenced from around the globe. Enjoy delicious fare, alfresco on the wooden deck starting with a Kudu, Springbok and Ostrich Carpaccio. Transport the palate to spice laden streets of Mexico and Morocco with meals like the chicken quesadillas wrapped inside two flour tortillas topped with melted cheddar or Moroccan Lamb and lentil dish with a feta and yoghurt sauce. For a taste of Russia, escape to Moscow and delight in smoked Salmon pasta tossed in Vodka and a dill sauce dressed with capers and parmesan. The palate sings a chorus tucking into chicken Athena tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, olives and feta or the Prawns parmigiana sautéed in garlic, wine and parmesan. Meat eaters ravage the prime beef espetada laced with green peppers, mushrooms and bacon drizzled with butter. End the meal with a choc chip mountain drenched with ice cream and a hot fudge sauce. Bourbon Street satisfies the most discerning palate with global cuisine and eclectic charm in Robertson, just off Route 62.

Intoxicate the palate with mouth-watering meals seduced with Klipdrift infusions. Delicious burger such as the renowned Klipdrift burger served with potato wedges dominates the senses and taste buds. Relax and make yourself at home delighting in burgers and roosterkoeks layered with strips of steak, chicken or veggie fillings. Brandewyntuin Restaurant intoxicates sweet and savour palates with their legendary brandy cuisine located on the Klipdrift Brandy Distillery in Robertson.

An elegant mix of classic Italian appeal and eye-catching interior sets the tone for indulgence on signature pizzas such as the sublime square pizza. Exuding warmth and charm, as many Italian eateries do, Bravado! goes a little further teasing the senses with a mix of urban shabby chic and old school Italian.

Buena Visa Social Cafe near Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront is a Cuban themed restaurant and bar. Its authentic decor is eclectic, with a touch of shabby chic this combined with Cuban and Latino beats, Cuban inspired menu and great friendly service combined transport visitors to Havana -the Buena Vista Social Cafe a popular destination for Capetonians, as well as international visitors. The menu has been designed around traditional Cuban, Central American and Caribbean fare, with a heavy Mediterranean influence too. There is a varied tapas menu, with both hot and cold dishes to choose from, including a meze platter, piquant jalapenos chilli poppers, scrumptious chicken skewers and flambéed chorizo. There is also a wide selection of Mexican favourites on the Comidas menu, all with a Cuban twist, such as the Chicken Churasco, which is grilled chicken breast with guacamole and salsa on traditional toasted Cuban flat bread. The Buena Vista Social Cafe is also famous for this meat and seafood. The beef is SA grain fed super beef, aged for 21 days. The Lamb Al Ron, a house speciality, is delicious slices of roasted lamb flambéed in a creamy, Cuban rum sauce. The sea fare includes Cuban inspired linefish, fresh from off the boats and an indulgent seafood platter. The piece de resistance is the Cuban paella – a traditional rice dish with a generous selection of seafood, including prawns. The dish is packed with flavours and made to an authentic recipe; the paella is a fabulous feast!

Peruse the delicious a la carte and buffet menu brimming with local cuisine and excellent award winning wines. Dine in rustic elegance framed by exposed beams and low ambient lighting with soft copper hue tables draped in traditional patterned tablecloths. Buffelsdrift specialises in local Karoo cuisine complimented by homemade preserves, chutney, pickles, fresh produce, herbs and bread. The grand fireplace adds cosy warmth to cold winter evenings and French doors invite the balmy summer evenings in extending out onto the wooden deck. Wrap the senses in soothing surrounds and delicious cuisine enchanted by the occasional call of the wild at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge in Oudtshoorn.

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

Situated just off the main road in Mossel Bay, the Cafe Havana Lounge overlooks the hustle and bustle of village life. Enjoy lunch or dinner from their extensive menu featuring a variety of Cuban dishes. For the not so hungry, nibble on tapas while you sip a Cuban cocktail on the wooden deck.After dinner you can move to the cosy Cigar Lounge and sit next to the fireside while puff on a Cuban cigar. The Cafe Havana Lounge offers a fully stocked bar and regular live entertainment.

This country retreat embraces passion, love and tranquillity enticed by fresh country cuisine and decadent wine list. Named after the great Italian Opera singer, prima donna, Renate Tebaldi, Café Tebaldi warms the palate with resounding signature dishes. The superb a la carte menu proudly seduces with rolled sirloin served on parmesan mash with a berry and red wine sauce. Vegetarians melt with asparagus and sundried tomato risotto with truffle oil or aglio olio el greco- spaghetti with local olive oil, garlic, fresh basil, grilled haloumi cheese and parmesan shavings. Our lunch menu offers a wide selection of fresh country cuisine ranging from healthy vegetable wraps to gourmet burgers and sandwiches, and the noted fish and chips, the best in the Breede River Valley. Spend the day enjoying quality time immersed in a scenic backdrop of beauty and splendour indulged by wine, food and love at Café Tebaldi.

A Home away from home, Nestled between two giant palm trees on the far side of Regent Street in Sea Point, Italian restaurant Casa Nostra is a slice of home-style Italian comfort that in Cape Town, is particularly hard to come by. Translated, Casa Nostra means “Our House” – but I suppose we lied because here at Casa Nosta, we would like you to consider our house, your house, by making yourself truly at home. Our kitchen is another story in itself. Spearheaded by a passionate (and slightly temperamental) head chef, our kitchen prides itself on the best homemade pasta this side of the Atlantic. And our rustic-style pizzas have also proved more than popular with the locals and the returning tourists. However, apart from our homely food, we acknowledge that a good dining experience draws from a number of factors. When they’re not playing backgammon or drinking copious amounts of coffee at outside tables, our trusted and welcoming team who run the floor will go to great lengths to make sure you’re comfortable and well-looked after. Whether it’s a special occasion or a private function, we will accommodate anyone and everyone, but be sure to book a table because with no more than fifteen of them, we tend to fill up quite fast on most nights. Just like a home, it takes a combined effort to make a restaurant work and having been open for a little over two years, we hope to brighten the street with our red and white checked tablecloths long into the future. So whether your prefer an ice local cold beer or a tall glass of Sangiovese, pop in and let Casa Nosta cater to your every culinary desire.

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!

A superb Indian restaurant with an emphasis on vegetarian options, Chandani provides delicious authentic food with influences from all over India. Enjoy succulent tandoori dishes and deliciously soft naans and parathas as well as exciting vegetarian options like paneer and brinjal curries. The wine list is carefully compiled to include wines that go perfectly with the Indian fare. The decor is designed with traditional Indian surroundings in mind and features beautiful touches such as a peacock mosaic and decorative lanterns. For a taste of India that you won’t forget, try Chandani.

For the best in Asian cuisine, try Chef Pon’s Asian Kitchen. A nice selection of wines is available, as well as Tiger beer, which is well worth a try. The decor is simple and the service is friendly in this vibrant spot. Well worth stopping by for a relaxed dinner or just to grab a takeaway to enjoy at home.

Chef Ristorante Italiano proffers classic Italian cuisine with care and integrity. Dishes are thoughtfully prepared tossed and created with beautiful flavours and fresh local produce. Try the zingy calamari tagliolini heaped with rocket and baby tomatoes and dreamy homemade tiramisu! The ambiance calls for a quite, intimate and relaxed dining experience, soothed further by the gentle Opera flowing through the background. Enjoy a sophisticated and romantic candlelit dinner, in private intimacy at Chef Ristorante Italiano.

This 100% black owned restaurant immerses the palate in custom cuisine and cultural diversity. Offering African delicacies, this establishment shows an attractive exterior and interior dressed in artistic creations collaborated by local artists. Located adjacent to Mbekweni shopping centre, Chippa’s Restaurant is a welcoming break from everyday dining.

Indulge your fantasies and your senses at this sparkling Moroccan-style dining and leisure space. It’s always playtime in this exotic North African baroque eatery. The décor and cuisine is fun and fanciful from the mosaic chameleon to Gaudi-style lizard lazing off the pool, and colourful cocktails to tagines, dates and Turkish delight...from candelabra to mellow hubbly bubbly pipes. Need to know? Cuisine style is North African/Moroccan, 6 courses are served feasting style. Cost: Dinner is R300.00 pp excl. drinks and gratuity. Open for dinner Monday to Saturday from November to April.

Set in the poster town of Barrydale guided by a landmark wind pump, Clarke of The Karoo seduces the palate with traditional Karoo cuisine infused with Mediterranean twists. Dishes spill off the menu boasting delights such as Karoo oysters, Cape Malay bobotie, legendary Karoo Lamb curry served with papadoms and a vast array of sambals, Whitebait and roasted vegetable bruchetta served with balsamic reduction. Speciality sandwiches and homemade burgers available on the menu with pan-seared Yellowfin Tuna a specialty request when available. Enjoy fresh organic salads, traditional dishes, and a warm inviting ambiance. Winter invites log fires and homemade soups at this favourite stopover on Route 62.

Soak up personalised service and local exotic dishes from the a la carte menu and extensive wine cellar. The décor speaks of elegance and timeless grandeur softened by padded chairs, crisp linen in a light and airy setting overlooking manicured gardens. Begin the culinary journey with a wrapped Cape Malay babotie starter, in a phyllo parcel served with a sweet sliced peach and coriander chutney. For mains, flame grilled medallions of port fillet (250g) served on a Rooibos tea and cinnamon infused dried fruit compote. Round off the journey with a warmed oven-baked apple and cinnamon pudding drenched with a sweet caramel sauce, served with vanilla ice cream. Cogman’s Restaurant perfects the fine dining experience with warm hospitality and tantalising cuisine.

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.