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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Barocca Lounge is a new cocktail bar and lounge at Solole Private Game Reserve, opened by Chef Simon Phillips and his wife, Ceri of Rioja Restaurant. Barocca offers cocktails, wood fired pizzas, antipasti platters, tapas and light meals in relaxed, comfortable surroundings, both inside and al fresco. In addition sports lovers can enjoy all major televised sports events on a large plasma screen. Join them for happy hour between 6pm and 7pm.

Located along the historic strip, Dorp Street. Binelli’s resides in a beautifully renovated Cape Dutch building that exudes characters and charm. Sparkling chandeliers, plush interior and sexy white leather couches create a chic and sexy vibe, perfect for enjoying funky cocktails and tasty tapas. The menu oozes finger licking and mouth-watering morsels of flavour such as prawn tails, currywurst and caperberries to mention a few. Soak up Binelli’s cool flavour and contemporary surrounds along Main Road in Somerset West.

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.

Bodega @ Dornier finds itself part of the patchwork of wine farms and vineyards that quilts the hills of Stellenbosch. A little distance from the town centre, Dornier Wine Estate has diversified its hospitality and made the Spanish bodega manner of hosting food and wine at the cellar door its own. Set amongst the manicured vineyards and indigenous fynbos, the restaurant is housed in a historic barn some two hundred years old. The sights and sounds of its splendid natural surroundings exude tranquillity and set the scene for a relaxing lunch or dinner. The menu reflects good, honest farm style food inspired by local, fresh and seasonal produce, so expect changes on the blackboard menu on an almost daily basis. The wine list is dominated by Dornier’s selection of its own wines and compliments the menu while promising an excellent marriage of food and wine. Day time visits also allow for wine tasting.

Bomo Terrace embraces alfresco dining at its best, cradled by the lapping ocean, mysterious backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountain and positioned on the extensive terrace for alfresco sophistication at its best. Begin the day with silky Eggs Benedict or crispy croissants layered in fresh butter and preserves or a delicious Boma terrace brunch complimented by the warming sun and enigmatic beauty of the bay. Bomo Terrace inspires reconnection and welcoming faces guided by the protective spirits seen everywhere over the doorposts in Bali.

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.

Designer seating flanked by exposed brick walls and an avant-garde nouveau décor, Bowl entices with a well-versed Mediterranean menu and great wine choice. Try the asparagus risotto or chilli-beef fried noodles and the tasty lemon and coconut steamed mussels for starters. Then move onto heartier choices such as Duck confit, slow roasted pork with noodles, and Salmon with a Thai crust. Bowl serves breakfast, lunch and dinner within designer surrounds or on the terrace perched over the bustling street below.

Boasting a unique mixture of French, Dutch, German and English, Café Mosiac pampers with delicious flavour. Sample an array of coffee’s, cakes, calamari, chips, lasagne, salads and homemade pies alongside lighter meal and snacks. A local watering hole and family rendezvous, Café Mosiac provides a pleasant escape from traditional dining establishments.

With sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean, perched right on the waters edge, Cape Town Hotel School Restaurant offers any occasion dining in a fine and elegant setting. Award winning chefs create masterpieces of fine cuisine, while diners relax and enjoy the beautiful setting and mouth-watering cuisine. Located along Beach Road in Mouille Point, Cape Town Hotel School Restaurant is a must-try for discerning palates.

The de Beers cold Storage building was designed in 1901 by Francis Edward Massey and build for Cecil John Rhodes in 1902. With its sandstone facade bay windows and rustic looks, the building lends itself to the setting for a romantic upstairs restaurant with views over the yacht harbour and naval dockyard. One of our customers called Captain’s Table the best kept secret in Simon's Town. Well it may have been but it is no longer a secret. Yes we have finally opened Captain's Table upstairs above the Two and Sixpence Tavern. The experience was described as follows: "Enter the pub and ask the bar person to direct you to the Restaurant. Through the swing doors, up the stairs and then enter a completely different world" Captain’s Table is old world in style, where everything was designed to enhance your experience as our guests. The atmosphere upstairs is relaxed with dimmed lighting, candles on the tables and soothing background music. The venue is ideally suited for smaller functions and parties. The restaurant can be divided to allow privacy for smaller groups and can accommodate up to 48 people. The restaurant is open for lunch 12h30 - 14h30 on Fridays to Sundays and for dinner 18h30 – 21h30 Fridays to Wednesdays. The restaurant will be closed on Thursdays except for functions.

Nestled inside the Willowbridge Lifestyle Centre, Casa’s eclectic décor and large vibrant artwork mingled with attractive furniture sets the tone for any occasion dining. The menu is versatile and focuses on international flavours, seafood and grills, enjoyed by friends and family. Try their signature dish Casa Chicken cooked to authentic Mozambican style flavours with choice of Lemon and Herb or peri-peri. Served with a choice of chips, rice, salad, grilled veggies or mash potato.

For an eatery that is brimming with character and culinary influences from around the globe, Chaplans is a great place to while away some time. A bookcase stocked with magazines and papers adds a nice touch and adds to the relaxing ambience. An eclectic menu offers something for everyone, be it a light meal, a full dinner or just a drink with friends. Vegetarians are not left out, with sumptuous platters among the pickings. A great place to dine in style and comfort.

Owner and chef Cheyne seduces with a modern, chic and cool approach to cooking that caters for simple and relaxed palates. Mega stars like Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue and Eric Clapton have savoured Cheyne’s delights and now regular foodies flock to enjoy the flavours from the kitchen style restaurant. Located along Bree Street, Cheyne’s redefines dining with simplicity and coolness.

The international style menu boasts hearty breakfasts, scrumptious lunches and decadent teas, stocked by a wide variety of heavenly goods. Listed in 2011 Eat Out Magazine as one of South Africa’s best places to eat, Deli Girls and Bistro invites a relaxed and laid back European approach to dining. Alongside delectable cuisine, stock up on a wide variety of breads, cheeses, smoked fish, cold meats and pates, specialised meat cuts and fish, biscuits, home produce, frozen meals, jams, pickles and sauces, Belgian & English chocolates, specialist groceries, wonderful teas & coffees. Dine alfresco on the cool stoep sampling country comfort food like succulent cottage pie, tandoori pork chop layered with spiced peaches, or a decadent cheesy pasta and roast vegetable with a crispy Greek salad. Deli Girls and Bistro offers a relaxed day out sampling delicious cuisine and fresh country air.

Attached to the Super Plants Nursery, the spacious interior and rustic décor is warm and earthy, in keeping with the natural surroundings. The menu leans towards versatility, with delicious light lunches, mouthwatering cakes and afternoon teas. Try the grilled chicken breast, crisp bacon, fried banana, avocado served on salad greens. Or the Hunter's Schnitzel, which consists of a crumbed pork fillet topped with a mushroom/ham/red wine cream sauce or the lamb shank. Set within landscaped gardens, miniature lakes and local wildlife, diners can soak up the tranquil surroundings while children play.

Right on Hout Bay beach, Dunes restaurant has awesome views of Chapman's Peak, the Sentinel, the bay and, of course, the beach. The setting lends itself for every occasion and it’s a stunning spot for sundowners. During the day it is very popular with parents and their pipsqueaks who have immense fun in the giant sandy playground with various swings and jungle gyms. The kids’ menu is also a hit.

Boasting the finest antique collection in the country, Dutch Manor Antique Hotel exudes grandiose old world charm. The menu specializes in heritage fusion cuisine serving classic South African fare infused with flavours from the Bo-Kaap. Dine in an intimate setting surrounded by antiques and fixings dating back over 200 years enjoying specialty dishes such as fried quail’s egg-topped bobotie tartlets, and warm smoked snoek salad with pickled carrot chutney. Discover a slice of history and colourful heritage at Dutch Manor House Private Dining in the vibrant Bo-Kaap.

An exotic gem bursting with exotic aromas and flavours, this authentic experience enlightens the palate with strictly Halaal cuisine, prepared fresh and made to order. The interior is vibrant, decorated in gilded Indian style, with no alcohol allowed on the premises. Try your palate at an array of flavours ranging from Turkish kebabs to Cape-style biryanis, creamy North Indian curries and real tandoor dishes from Bombay to the Bo-Kaap. Experience and authentic bazaar Cape Town experience along the bustling Long Market Street in Cape Town.

Located in Tyger Valley, Eastwoods tantalizes with an array of salads and light lunches, even traditional pub lunches. Relaxed drinks call for wood-fired pizzas while sipping cocktails or a cold draught on the patio. Enjoy the panoramic views of Durbanville Hills and Table Mountain indulging on bangers and mash complimented or signature T-bone steak served with either chips, mashed potato or pap and sous.

Dishes are influenced by the seasons and the flavours are evident with each mouthful. Cradled in the Holden Manz Wine Estate, diners enjoy mouth-watering meals alfresco, amidst vines or within the cosy dining room. Meals resemble homemade dishes, created with simplicity and pureness only achieved from harvesting produce in your own garden. All vegetables and fruits are sourced from the estates own garden while additional produce is sourced from local suppliers. Pamper the palate with international cuisine in a relaxed and idyllic setting in the heart of Franschhoek vally.

It’s the quality of ingredients, the skilful preparation and the innovative dishes that make Froggy’s the successul restaurant it is.From fragrant, spicy curries and succulent steaks to seafood and salads, all dishes are cooked with care and passion. Recipes honed from culinary experiences from around the globe add that extra excitement to everything the menu has to offer.A inviting and warm atmosphere makes dining at Froggy’s a truly memorable experience.

Exuding a homely ambiance that reflects the meaning of Gesellig (cosy in Dutch) diners relax at intimate tables and deep couches soaking up the international influenced menu. Serving early bird breakfasts, lunch and brunch, the menu caters for all tastes and attitudes from mains to pastas to potjies. Linger around as long as you want, Gesellig beacons to keep their doors open until the last person has had enough.

With panoramic views of the vineyards and mountains, enjoyed alfresco on the terrace and high wooden ceilings complimenting the interior, diners savour delightful dishes made ethnically with international flavours. The menu delights with Asian glazed roasted Duck drizzled in Granny Smith apple and hoisin dressing or succulent Line fish served with pommes frittes, pea mousse, crispy chorizo and chorizo salsa. Desert tempts with Cinnamon Crème Brule served with ginger sorbet and sable biscuit. The menu suggests wine options that compliment each dish and a kiddies menu makes dining fun and easy for families. Indulge in some tempting dishes and soak up the scenic vistas at Glen Carlou Restaurant.

Harbour House masters the art of understated elegance and their food follows the same trend. If it is fine dining without the overly pretentious food you're after, this is the place to be. Situated right by the water's edge with the bustle of the waterfront around you, Harbour House still exudes a relaxed, tranquil ambience. International cuisine with a hint of Mediterranean and French influence is the speciality here, but their seafood is definitely one of their more passionate endeavours. A great bar area allows patrons to let their hair down and, as for the menu, you really are spoilt for choice. This is the ideal setting for that special occasion. Booking is advised.

Hemelhuijs Restaurant oozes charm and tradition, inspired from picturesque Dutch heritage. Roughly translated, Hemelhuijs means ‘House of Joy”, and this meaning lends itself throughout the charm, décor and overall dining experience. The interior perfectly balanced by a spread of decadent home ware, modern Zen furniture works seamlessly complimenting a perfect day out shopping and indulging. Tables spill out onto walkways, bending at the whim of indulgent faces scanning the A3 menu offering all day breakfasts, and tantalizing lunches. For breakfast/brunch order fruit and yoghurt, poached eggs, prosciutto, artichoke and hollandaise sauce, scrambled egg, salmon and toasted apple cake and omelet with a maple syrup glaze, bacon, figs and goat’s cheese! A salad such as marzipan and dried apricot layered with roasted chicken is a definite must or the slow roasted lamb ribs and the Hemelhuijs burger topped with creamed mushrooms and poached egg. Classic modern touches, therapeutic shopping and mouth-watering cuisine make this daytime eatery one for your foodie calendar.

For tasty meals, a relaxed atmosphere and friendly service, Jakes in the Village is the place to be. A shaded courtyard allows for very pleasant al fresco dining all year round, with heaters and wind breakers for the colder winter nights. A truly friendly place, full of character, Jakes in the Village is well worth a visit.

This stylish restaurant serves unpretentious dining wrapped around a shady Brazilian pepper tree for relaxed and sophisticated dining. With flavourful global cuisine on the menu, Jakes on Summerly enjoys festive dining indoors or in the covered courtyard for refreshing al-fresco dining. Cheerful and friendly Jakes serves breakfasts, lunches and dinners with culinary temptations such as black mushroom and parma-ham sandwich for lunch or salt and pepper calamari tossed in course salt and szechwan pepper for starter. A well-known institution in Cape Town, reputation has it as the place where friends and family meet and share good food around good company. What ever you decide to delight in, you can be sure of a festive dining experience at Jakes in Summerly with efficient service and good hearty food.

Settle into the comfort and welcoming ambience infused by glorious aromas and tantalising flavours for the finest meals cooked using only the freshest local ingredients; freshly picked from Hoekwil near Wilderness. Discover a unique and exciting cuisine from the menu or social tapas for lunch, whatever you choose, JJ’s Restaurant will delight the palate complimented by Diners Club International wine list of the year. Enjoy lunch or dinner at this romantic quayside location brimming with a welcoming ambience and superb food and wine.

A great spot for superb wood-fired pizzas and succulent steaks, La Verger is a great spot for a good range of cuisines. A great layout, the kitchen is in a central position and open for diners to see their meals being created by the talented chefs. Green houses and pavilions surround the central kitchen to enjoy in warmer weather and in winter, the pizza oven provides a cosy warmth to keep diners content. A great place to enjoy good food and fine wines, try La Verger.

Tempt the taste buds with contemporary world, where the menu focuses on fresh seasonal ingredients. For starters, try the flavourful tom yum soup with coconut cream and ciabatta wafers or home-cured gravadlax with crushed new potato, chive and caper salad. Mains proffers hearty comforts like gnocchi with zucchini cream and balsamic onion marmalade, or a Gorgonzola beef fillet with a port reduction. Desert tempts with dense flourless almond cake with dark chocolate topping or the light and airy coconut and cardamom crème brûleé. Discover culinary decadence and contemporary fare at Liberty’s Restaurant in Woodstock.

With breathtaking views of Table Mountain, this buzzing restaurant boasts a chic and trendy interior, relaxed enough to enjoy with the family and trendy enough to hang out with your friends. The menu focuses on sexy food, in generous servings and gourmet breakfasts that will have you coming back for more. For breakfast indulge in the French toast with fried banana, syrup and peppadews or flap­jacks with mascarpone and strawberries drenched syrup. For lighter meals try the bacon, feta, avocado and moz­zarella tramezeni. Lull away the hours over a lazy breakfast or languid lunch at Liquorice and Lime in Gardens.

Mange Tout is the French word for ‘small peas eaten in a pod’.Also known as snow peas or directly translated the word means ‘eat everything’, this beautifully appointed restaurant gives full expression to spectacular valley views.Mange Tout is a fine dining restaurant in every aspect. The room has an elegant Provençal feel that is matched with a skilful touch and contemporary design.The menu is an ever evolving work in progress, wherever possible focussing on the finest seasonal ingredients available. The team whole-heartedly endorse environmentally friendly farming practices as well as humane free range animal rearing and much of the produce used reflects this. Wherever possible, the chef will always accommodate special requests and/or dietary requests. Vegetarians are entitled to imaginative good food and cooking as well.With choices such as ostrich carpaccio, ostrich skewers, herb jelly, sweet and sour reduction, green pea risotto, fresh peas, pea shoots, pea sorbet and pea-mint “spoom” or organic duck breast, confit duck leg cannelloni, braised lettuce, caramelized pears and Cape 5 spice jus or you’ll be hard-pressed to decide on just one. You’ll also find the chef’s choice of desserts such as granadilla soufflé, buffalo yoghurt ice cream, cream filled brandy snaps or strawberry and red wine “soup”, red wine parfait, strawberry gel and chocolate tuiles irresistible. The a la Carte menu offers a 3, 4, or 5 course menu option, complemented by an award winning selection of quality wines, imbued by the soothing tinkling of pianist Alfio Sartirana’s live music.Lunch: Saturday and Sunday 12:30 - 14:00 - Closed Monday - FridayDinner: Wednesday - Sunday 19:00 - 21:30  - Closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Situated in the heart of bustling Observatory, the newly refurbished Obz Café is the perfect place to experience the urban vibe and have a great meal. With a New York-type feel, restaurant décor is upmarket, yet relaxed. Exposed brick work and red and white check tablecloths add to the bistro’s ambience, while friendly staff and a terrific vibe all make for a great dining experience. For those preferring to dine al fresco, there is also sidewalk seating and an outside courtyard area. The menu is uncomplicated and caters to all tastes. Especially recommended is the wing rib steak, 500g of pure pleasure on a bone! The porcini mushroom pasta is also highly recommended, as well as the prawn and cannellini bean starter, bursting with all kinds of delicious flavors. Our thin crust pizzas are very popular and some have called our burgers ‘the best in town!’ Wheat and gluten free pastas and pizzas are also available. In the day time a deli menu is on offer, serving up tasty sandwiches on their in-house baked breads. Try the renowned Monster Sandwich – a triple decker of corned beef, pastrami and salad on rye. Restaurant owner Gavin Hagger is no newcomer to the industry, having put legendary Durban hotspot Joe Kool’s on the gastronomic map. It’s the perfect spot for a casual business lunch or dinner, birthday party, romantic dinner or long boozy Sunday lunch. A place to cater for all seasons, the wood burning pizza oven ensures it’s always warm and cozy on those winter days and nights and air conditioning unit keeps it cool in the summer. The venue also has free Wi-Fi. Experienced bar staff make great coffees and cocktails and an adjoining bar and theatre can make for a whole night of entertainment!

Now trading by day too, extending onto the sidewalk, diners relax on comfortable high chairs sipping frothy cappuccinos indulging in tasty croissants. Enjoy some light meals if the sweeter things in life don’t tempt you at Ooh La La for lunch or dinner.