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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Exuding a contemporary and relaxed ambiance soothed by easy listening music and beautiful sunsets, Azure Restaurant caters with decadence and fine dining fusion cuisine. The international menu proudly influences South African flavours, with reputation as one of the first restaurants to introduce fnybos cooking (use of natural wild vegetation). Dine alfresco for a magical and breathtaking dinner sampling the finest cuisine such as signature dishes - 12A Roast Duck or the Biltong and Peppadew Tart served with cucumber ribbon salad. Soak up the colourful sunset over a bottle of wine and delightfully sweet dessert of fynbos honey bavarois or Bea's baked cheesecake. Alongside alfresco dining, Azure offers a unique dinner and movie nights featuring recent and classic movies in the hotel’s private cinema. For a night of indulgence, try their five course dinners, complete with all the trimmings and wine. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinners, Azure Restaurant proffers indulgence with a view in luxurious surrounds.

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.

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.

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.

Set in scenic Stellenbosch and fusing both modern and traditional Cape cuisines, Barouche Restaurant is a must-try dining experience.Barouche provides delightful dining whatever the weather, with a terrace overlooking vineyards for warm summer days or a warm and welcoming inside area for the colder wintertime.Serving the finest of South African as well as international cuisine and using the freshest seasonal ingredients, Barouche is a wonderfully versatile and accommodating place to dine.

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.

The Bascule Bar is Cape Town’s whisky bar supreme. With over 400 whiskeys on the menu and a huge variety of some of the best wines South Africa has to offer patrons are spoilt for choice. The food menu is simple, elegant and delicious, with the menu’s emphasis on a gastro pub theme. Situated on the edge of the marina in Cape Town’s Waterfront where the international yachts are moored, the Bascule Bar is where trendy whisky and wine lovers gather. Vibrant and bustling, it is the ideal place for a light lunch – patrons can sit out on the water’s edge and take in the sunshine. By night the Bascule bar becomes a hub of sophisticated elegance where wine and whisky flow, and all the beautiful people of Cape Town come out to play. The gastro pub menu consists of snacks and tapas, with specialities that include goat’s cheese peppadew poppers with saffron aioli and salt and pepper squid with sweet chilli mayonnaise. Main meals are traditional pub fare with a modern twist – Cape Grace fish and chips, seared tuna burger with avocado salsa and sweet potato wedges and beef burger with sweet pepper relish, emmenthal cheese, crispy onions and French fries. Bascule Bar patrons enjoy the finer things, but appreciate the simple style of this unique spot in Cape Town's harbour.

With a backdrop of Table Mountain and Robin Island, and miles of sandy beaches, Beach Bistro Restaurant is the perfect place to indulge in the setting sun and mouth-watering cuisine. From delicious buffet breakfasts laden with fresh fruits, pastries and continental offerings to light lunches on the terrace enjoyed next to the sparkling pool. The menu explodes with choice starting with breakfasts, salads, toasties, pizza, burgers and Beach Bistro baskets for lighter meals and the full a la carte dinner tempts with traditional local cuisine. Try the Karoo lamb chops, potjie, bobotie, a succulent steak or fresh line fish or frolic in contemporary European dishes with a hint of Mediterranean influence. The extensive wine list alongside decadent dessert of chocolate gateaux fresh fruit and ice cream or cheese platter rounded off with a port or cognac completes the experience. Indulge in true Cape hospitality with a romantic dinner for two or celebrate something special with friends and family at Beach Bistro Restaurant in Milnerton.

Combine contemporary and vibey, add great splashes of colour and a crowd pleasing menu and you have the recipe to what makes Beads restaurant tick. Beads is conveniently situated in the centre of town, making it an easy, if not irresistible, stop for after work drinks and eats. The sultry Stellenbosch summer calls for the French doors to be flung open and tables to be set outside, while winters become rather cosy with fireplaces in every room. The modern fusion style menu is all about variety, catering for all tastes and appetites. Wraps, pastas, Oxtail Potjie and even finger foods (as a complement to the cocktails) are part of the fare. The wines comprise a local selection of which Dalla Cia features prominently. Whether for breakfast with a colleague, lunch with a lover or dinner with friends - Beads extensive menu and upmarket atmosphere has secured itself a place on the restaurant map. And just to prove that they are committed to pleasing just about everyone, Beads also offers a Kids Menu.

The menu caters a mixture of fusion Italian and Portuguese fare in a relaxed setting. Serving an array of delicious choices for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this trendy eatery offers and added bit of retail therapy-the perfect balance of indulgence. A small vintage clothing shop adds character and timeless appeal to already trendy crowd along bustling Tamboerskloof in Cape Town.

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.

Located in De Waterkant in Green Point, this funky coloured store borders between a traditional Italian gelatina, hip bakery, patisserie and comfortable coffee bar dressed in colourful décor embracing art and fashion. Small and comfortable, scattered with sofas, comfortable outdoor seating and Italian décor, BICCCS boasts the finest vintage 1950’s Carpisiani Machine imported from Italy. This genuine machine churns out the most decadent ice cream, free from artificial flavours, colours and nonsense. Enjoy the flavours and aromas of freshly baked southern Italian bread, all baked using natural ingredient including European style croissants and rich moist cakes. The menu brims with light mals, paninis, salads, luxurious coffee prepared the Napolitano way. Try the beautiful Walnut, Gorgonzola and Avocado laden salad, spinach pies, rustic spicy meat and potato pie, paninis with the fillings of the day a thick garlicky slice of Italian home style pizza with rich tomato loaded with basil leaves and unctuous fior-di-latte mozzarella. BICCCS caters for discerning hedonists who appreciate quality, style and full-bodied flavours of traditional Italy in Green Point.

One of the most exciting and unusual restaurant in the world, Bientang’s Cave is a more than just a dining experience.Located in one of the most stunning Marine Reserves on the coast of the Western Cape and a mere 10 metres from the water’s edge, this unique restaurant is in a prime spot for watching whales play in the ocean as you dine on the finest seafood.Between May and December every year, Southern Right whales visit the shores of the Western Cape and Bientang’s Cave is perfectly placed to be able to see these magnificent creatures as you sit on the deck and sample from the fantastic menu and the extensive, award-winning wine list.

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 menu is ideal for any occasion dining and the pies laden with twelve different fillings are simply delicious. From cold meats, cheeses and delicious home baked goods to aromatic coffee imported from Portugal; diners are ensured freshness and taste, and a satisfying indulgent experience.

The handwritten menu written on butcher’s paper is taped to the walls showcasing light and healthy options complimented by local and organic ingredients. Try the golden chicken pie in perfect crust with a warming, rich filling and vibrant salads served with every dish. Drinks are limited but full of flavour such as the handmade old-fashioned lemonade and wild plum juice. Wine offerings are limited with choice of white or red organic wine. Long black tables set the mood for social dining indulged by the soothing sounds of birds chirping in the background.

The neutral, elegant and easy going décor sets the mood for a relaxed and flavourful experience ideal for business lunches, romantic dinners or family dinners. The menu offers a la Carte dining, ranging from freshly caught fish and a selection of hot and cold mezze. Enjoy the elegant surrounds and contemporary ambiance at Bistro 126.

With spectacular mountain views across Steenberg vineyards, Constantia Valley and False Bay, Bistro 1682 boasts an interactive dining experience in a setting that flows from open spaces to indigenous gardens surrounded by reflective water features and floating glass bridges. Enjoy a complete multi-sensory experience that entices you to stay and relax savouring every delicious mouthful while refreshing the palate with delectable wines straight from the state-of-the-art Steenberg wine cellar. This 70 seater bistro offers a unique raw bar and counter seating experience alongside their menu with temptingly delicious morsels of raw cuisine such as sashimi, gravadlax, ceviche and oysters to mention a few. With so much variety and flavour at hand Bistro 1682 captivates the palate with a feast of senses while remaining interesting, healthy and true to the concept of raw food dining. Bistro 1682’s warm and welcoming ambience makes it the perfect place to linger and relax. Enjoy the awe inspiring scenery coupled with modern sophistication and delectable food, your visit to Bistro 1682 will see returning again and again and again.

Bistro ALLEE BLEUE offers innovative bistro cuisine using local seasonal produce and ingredients sourced from the estate’s gardens and local wine lands. The comprehensive menu boasts typical South African delicacies and top class ALLEE BLEUE wines in a stylish atmosphere brimming with charm. Savour bistro delights and exceptional service at this classic contemporary bistro in Groot Drakenstein.