Must-see restaurants in Cape Town

  • Ferdinando's

    Cape Town

    Bookings are required for this charming 'pizza parla' that's found its natural home in Obs. Diego is the pizza maestro and Kikki the bubbly host and…

  • Maestro's on the Beach

    Cape Town

    This all-day dining operation has a grand beachside position with swoon-worthy views of Table Mountain. The broad menu includes plenty of seafood, steaks,…

  • Lighthouse Cafe

    Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula

    Relaxed, beachcomber-chic cafe, with a menu big on seafood – from mussel-and-chorizo pasta to Jamie Oliver's beer-battered fish and chips. The Lighthouse…

  • Foxcroft

    Cape Town

    With a seasonal menu featuring dishes such as slow-cooked lamb with nettles and whisky mustard, Foxcroft is a delectable addition to the Southern Suburbs…

  • Unframed

    Cape Town

    This simple shopfront serves silky, decadent ice cream - definitely some of the best in the city. You'll usually find around a dozen of their 50-or-so…

  • Tomo

    Cape Town

    With exquisite decor and a menu offering more than just sushi and sashimi, Tomo has quickly become one of Cape Town's top spots for Japanese cuisine. The…

  • Izakaya Matsuri

    Cape Town

    Genial Arata-san serves some of the best sushi and rolls to be found in Cape Town, along with other Japanese izakaya pub-grub including noodles and…

  • 95 at Parks

    Cape Town

    Portions are petite but the flavours are big at this restaurant offering some of the most authentic Italian cuisine in the city. The lamb shoulder ravioli…

  • El Burro

    Green Point & ­Waterfront

    With a balcony providing views of Cape Town Stadium, the decor at this stylish restaurant is a bit more chic than your average Mexican joint and the food…

  • Seabreeze Fish & Shell

    Cape Town

    With a street-side patio and breezy decor that invokes a day at the beach, Seabreeze is a hip spot for a plate of seafood. The menu changes depending on…

  • Blanko

    Cape Town

    Smart and stylish, Blanko offers Italian dishes that go far beyond the standard pizza and pasta offerings. The lamb dishes are very good and there's…

  • 6 Spin St Restaurant

    Cape Town

    Robert Mulders brings his personable restaurant skills and famous double-baked cheese soufflé to the elegant surrounds of this Sir Herbert Baker–designed…

  • Afro's Chicken

    Cape Town

    This Durban institution has brought its simple concept to Cape Town: a bright, minimalist fast food joint serving tasty chicken strips, burgers, wraps and…

  • Picadas

    Cape Town

    Argentinian owner Juan brings some family recipes to the table at this laid-back bar-restaurant above House of Machines. Try a portion of Juan's mom's…

  • Ragamuffin

    Cape Town

    Ragamuffin began life as a stall at a Cape Town market. It's now a quirky hole-in-the-wall serving excellent Durban-style curries. Try the fried chicken…

  • Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant

    Cape Town

    Perch at one of the dozen traditional woven mesob tables in this bright dining room overlooking Long Street. Sample the authentic cuisine with a combo…

  • Hokey Poke

    Cape Town

    Cape Town's first poke spot is a pleasing hole-in-the-wall with splashes of Asian-inspired kitsch livening up the white tiled walls. There are seven poke…

  • Hesheng

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    Sea Point is stacked with Chinese restaurants, but this inauspicious-looking hole-in-the-wall, classically located next to a pawnbroker, is the real deal…

  • Lekker Vegan

    Cape Town

    Even those who usually give vegan eateries a wide berth will be intrigued by the concept here – vegan junk food. The menu features burgers and gatsbys,…

  • Duchess of Wisbeach

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    Under the stewardship of a celebrated Jo’burg chef, this Duchess is one romantic-looking lady who raises Sea Point’s dining bar by several notches. The…

  • Swan Cafe

    Cape Town

    Staff greet you with a cheery chorus of bonjour as you enter this Parisian-inspired crêperie. The menu features both savoury and sweet crepes with…

  • Giulio's

    Cape Town

    This popular corner cafe rocks a Roman theme with its faux columns and outsized golden wreath. It's bustling at breakfast time, when locals come for the…

  • Upper Bloem

    Green Point & ­Waterfront

    The team from popular Sea Point restaurant La Mouette is behind this innovative South African tapas joint. The three-course set menus include three…

  • Burger & Lobster

    Cape Town

    There are no prizes for guessing what's on the menu at this convivial Bree St hangout. The main menu consists of just three items: a juicy burger, lobster…

  • The Bistro @ Klein Constantia

    Cape Town

    Wine estate lunches can be a little stuffy and formal, but Klein Constantia's restaurant is an unpretentious affair. The seasonal menu features upscale…

  • Burrata

    Cape Town

    There's a cosy, convivial feel to this longstanding Italian haunt, despite the minimalist decor of all bare brick and exposed piping. It's one of those…

  • Jessy's Waffles

    Cape Town

    Perched on the edge of Dunkley Square, Jessy's is another addition to Cape Town's single-dish restaurant series. The gluten-free waffles come in both…

  • Jason Bakery

    Cape Town

    Move fast to secure a seat at this super-popular street-corner cafe that makes splendid breakfasts and sandwiches. It also serves decent coffee, a few…

  • Light at Africa Cafe.

    Africa Café

    Cape Town

    Touristy, yes, but it's still one of the best places to sample African food. Come with a hearty appetite as the set feast comprises some 15 dishes from…

  • Royale Eatery

    Cape Town

    They've been grilling gourmet burgers to perfection here for years; downstairs is casual and buzzy while upstairs is a restaurant where you can book a…

  • Between Us

    Cape Town

    Bright and airy Between Us specialises in brunch, serving fragrant frittatas, charcuterie platters and silky porridge topped with lavender, cashews or…

  • Bread, Milk & Honey

    Cape Town

    The spirited debate of politicos and bureaucrats from nearby parliament rings through this smart family-run cafe. The menu is delicious: the cakes and…

  • Tossd

    Cape Town

    You'll find one of the city's best-value lunches at this family-run salad bar. Choose your own base, protein and toppings for R65 or opt for one of their…

  • A Tavola

    Cape Town

    This spacious, classy neighbourhood joint, its walls hung with photos of people tucking into food, starts proceedings with antipasti and salads, before…

  • Posticino

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    The popular Italian restaurant has opened a pizza and pasta kiosk next to the Sea Point pools. Grab a pizza or panzarotti to eat at outdoor picnic tables…

  • Rhodes Memorial Restaurant

    Cape Town

    This pleasant restaurant and al-fresco tearoom is located in a 1920 thatched-roof cottage behind the Rhodes Memorial. It’s family-run and specialises in…

  • Roundhouse

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    Overlooking Camps Bay, this heritage-listed 18th-century building, set in wooded grounds, houses an elegant restaurant. The menus mix South African…

  • Deer Park Café

    Cape Town

    Fronting a kid’s playground in Rocklands Rd Park, this relaxed cafe has chunky wooden furniture that gives it the feel of a big nursery. The tasty food is…

  • Hail Pizza

    Cape Town

    The Capetonian equivalent of a pizza speakeasy, Hail hides in plain sight behind another popular eatery. Their delish thin-and-crispy pizzas, cooked in a…

  • Codfather

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    Book ahead to get a table at this Camps Bay institution, where an enjoyable meal awaits, whether you spend it at the sushi bar or dining with a view of…