Western Cape Restaurants

Authentic and exotic, Bhandaris wraps your palate in warming spices with complex layers of colours and taste. Dishes are thoughtfully presented then served in traditional porcelain pots touched with flavourful textures, colours and spices. Distinctly Indian, yet elegant and true to the unique exotic flavours and spices only found in India. The owners import key ingredients straight from India ensuring your taste buds experience authentic Indian cuisine. Once immersed your taste buds are transported to the lively streets and cultural potpourri of India. Visitors are encouraged to become one with the experience by eating small portions with their hands and to share the taste and abundance of flavours with company. Bhandaris offers a relaxed and social atmosphere frequented by celebrities and locals alike where you can wet your appetite with an aromatic starter of mussels topped in an onion, tomato and masala sauce followed by a fragrant tender lamb simmered in a blend of Indian spices, yoghurt, tomato and onion with a choice of basmati rice and naan bread. The delicate aromas and taste are well complemented by a soothing Pistachio ice cream rounded off by a incredible kahwa tea made with secret Indian herbs. Bhandaris is a treasure trove steeped in ancient North Indian cuisine inspired by the tranquil beauty and flavour of their mysterious culture.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If it’s an Indian fix that needs satisfying while visiting scenic Stellenbosch, then Bukhara is the obvious choice. Conveniently situated at centre of town, Bukhara is a stylish restaurant that offers a selection of North Indian cuisine. The restaurant chain is consistent with its upmarket and vibey atmosphere. The trade mark open kitchen allows guests to be privy to the making of their meal as well and serves as a source of background entertainment. The menu has a good variety, including South African game options and caters for the carnivores and vegetarians alike. Expect authentic, traditional Indian food: Butter Chicken, Garlic Naan and Mango ice cream. The Kashmiri style kebabs cooked over hot coals is a restaurant speciality and a must try. The exotic Indian dining experience is rounded off with a few dishes with interesting flavours to entice the adventurous palate and a notable wine list.

Exuding a traditional North Indian atmosphere, Enigma Bombay on the Beach is big on flavour and authenticity while retaining a casual feel that simplifies the experience of enjoying a fantastic curry in an Indian restaurant. Cheap and cheerful, you can expect generous portions of butter chicken and fragrant Bombay aloo best served with a warm, chewy, buttery naan with which to mop it all up. Low on décor and fancy extras, Enigma Bombay on the Beach ensures they make up for it on flavour and authenticity.

For delicious Indian food in a vibrant and lively spot in Sea Point, try Kabab Mahal. A palette of orange and blue runs throughout the interior and Indian music is played as you dine for that truly authentic feel. A wonderful dining experience for fans of Indian food, Kabab Mahal is well worth a try.

Savour the aromatic tastes of North meets South with a touch of India chic reflected in the traditional influence of rice, spices, coconuts and herbs. The Taj Mahal mural in an Indian sunset sets the tone and flavour complimented by gold wallpapers and reflecting mirrors for a truly authentic Indian experience. The extensive menu offers traditional meals from North, South, Punjab and United Kingdom with a fully stocked bar serving authentic Cobra beers to compliment your meal. End your meal with a relaxing nightcap at the Bollywood lounge in the comfort of your very own bohemian beanbag.

Delicious Indian cuisine with a conscience – Masala Dosa proffers healthy Indian dishes at great prices. Try the aloo bombs to start with and then give the dish of its namesake a go. The dosa is a delicious option and comes with a variety of fillings. There is a limited wine list as with Indian restaurants in general. A beer is a better accompaniment with Indian food, or a delicious and refreshing lassi. The decor is reminiscent of Bollywood movies but has a modern influence to keep things contemporary and stylish. A great place for healthy, guilt-free Indian cuisine, Masala Dosa is a must-try.

Located within the Hilton Hotel, Mezbaan pairs the finest cuisine, with the best elements from India and Arabia with a sleek modern twist. Authentic and inspiring, this culinary jewel is one of Cape Town’s most original restaurants boasting Mughlai cuisine originating from North India. The flavours touch on authentic tastes from India, Middle East and Persia. Try the searing hot curries, creamy yoghurts, mouth watering tandoori murgs and delicious seek kebabs infused with a modern European twist. Meezbaan is a culinary jewel waiting to be discovered in the heart of Cape Town.

This cheerful authentic Indian restaurant delivers a variety of beguiling tastes within a split-level setting with cool al fresco dining to soothe the palate. Serving traditional Indian cuisine with a variety of mouth-watering curry dishes on mopped up with fragrant flavoured garlic or butter naan breads made in the traditional clay oven. Delight in spicy Mumbai with starters of Tandoori Chicken and Chicken Tikka made in the clay oven. The food is meticulously prepared by experienced & qualified chefs from India all served with ethnic style in copper kadai, handis, tavis and balti.

For truly authentic Indian - Pakistani meal experience, Tikka Palace, in the coastal town of Hermanus, offers guests a gastronomic adventure that is all things Indian. One’s senses will be ignited with the colours, smells and tastes that await guests. The Palace’s vibrant, rich colour scheme of reds, oranges, deep browns and golden yellows along with the tinkering of Indian music and the smell of spices creates a sense of warmth and authenticity. Dishes are served in Indian style copper bowls and diners can expect an array of traditional extras in the form of side dishes and drinks. The menu is extensive and reflective of the best Indian Pakistani dishes. Most of the ingredients are imported to ensure authenticity. The chefs are Indian and Pakistani nationals and food is cooked in the traditional manner using Tandoori ovens. To start, try the samoosas or parathas. Mains deliver a variety of Briyanis, curries and Kormas and are served with sambals, home- made pickles and basmati rice. There are also some interesting Indian desserts on offer. The gold dusted Chocolate cake is a must try. Tikka Palace also has a buffet service for parties of 12 or more.