Must-see restaurants in Cape Town

  • Bocca

    Cape Town

    Superb Neopolitan-style softer-crust pizzas with creative toppings (kimchi, pork sausage and ginger on the Lady Zaza) fly out of the brick oven at this…

  • La Perla

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    This eternally stylish restaurant, with its waiters in white jackets, has been a fixture of Sea Point’s promenade since 1969. Enjoy something from the…

  • Millstone

    Cape Town

    This rustic cafe and farm stall specialises in organic produce, hand-crafted breads, preserves and jams. Kids will love the tree house in its garden and…

  • Spinach King

    Cape Town

    Lufefe Nomjana is the young entrepreneur behind this very green business baking bread and muffins made with spinach. It's a welcome vegetarian respite…

  • W Cafe

    Green Point & ­Waterfront

    Tucked away on the top floor of Woolworths, with a sweeping view across the harbour, is this modern, uncrowded cafe serving a healthy selection of drinks…

  • Manna Epicure

    Cape Town

    Come for a deliciously simple breakfast or lunch, or for late-afternoon cocktails and tapas on the veranda of this white-box cafe. The freshly baked…

  • The Alba

    Green Point & ­Waterfront

    This glass-enclosed floating restaurant takes a leisurely cruise around Table Bay harbour while serving a three-course lunch or dinner. There are also…

  • Salty Sea Dog

    Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula

    The Sea Dog is always packed with Cape Point day-trippers feasting on fish and chips (the hake is excellent), with equally palatable milkshakes to follow…

  • Societi Bistro

    Cape Town

    Dine in the courtyard garden for Table Mountain views (there are blankets provided if it gets chilly), or in the atmospheric, brick-walled and wine-rack…

  • Meeting Point

    Cape Town

    This warm and welcoming dining room on busy Strand St serves up hearty portions of beef or fish stew, vegetable curry, fried chicken and tripe among…

  • Fork

    Cape Town

    Whether you just want to graze on a few tapas-style dishes or cobble together a full meal, this super-relaxed venue is the business, serving inventive if…

  • Hub Cafe

    Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula

    If you're looking for a bite in the deep south, Scarborough's favourite meeting point specialises in pizzas named after local surf breaks as well as…

  • Lola’s

    Cape Town

    This old dame of the Long St scene has kept her looks and the vibe remains relaxed. The breakfasts, including sweetcorn fritters and eggs Benedict, are…

  • Charly’s Bakery

    Cape Town

    Talk about the Great South African Bake-off. The fabulous female team here make – as they say – ‘mucking afazing’ cupcakes and other baked goods. Their…

  • Willoughby & Co

    Green Point & ­Waterfront

    Commonly acknowledged as one of the better places to eat at the Waterfront – and with long queues to prove it. Huge servings of sushi are the standout…

  • Lazari

    Cape Town

    Few proprietors work as hard as Chris Lazari to be friendly to their customers – who, understandably, are a loyal bunch. It’s buzzy, gay-friendly and…

  • Cafe Paradiso

    Cape Town

    Travellers with kids will love this place: it features a kitchen where little ones can make their own pizza, cookies, cupcakes or gingerbread figures (R55…

  • Fish on the Rocks

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    This Hout Bay institution dishes up some of Cape Town’s best fish and chips, in a breezy bayside location with outdoor tables. Watch out for the dive…

  • Superette

    Cape Town

    Feel-good food from farm to plate is on offer at this laid-back, tastefully turned out and oh-so-trendy neighbourhood cafe. Try their all-day breakfast…

  • Café Mozart

    Cape Town

    Order a coffee and sandwich at this charming cafe with street-side tables amid the daily flea market. Upstairs is a lovely quiet space in which to surf…

  • Newport Market & Deli

    Green Point & ­Waterfront

    This long-running deli and cafe occupies two floors. Grab a smoothie, power-blend or caffeinated beverage, plus sandwiches and deli goods to enjoy along…

  • Liquorice & Lime

    Cape Town

    Pause at this convivial gourmet deli on your way from climbing up or down Table Mountain or Lion’s Head. The French toast with grilled banana is yummy,…

  • Giovanni’s Deli World

    Green Point & ­Waterfront

    Its menu bursting with flavourful food, Giovanni’s can make any sandwich you fancy, which is ideal for a picnic if you’re on your way to the beach. The…

  • Anatoli

    Cape Town

    You can always rely on this atmospheric Turkish joint that’s a little piece of Istanbul in Cape Town. Make a meal out of their delicious meze, both hot…

  • Roast & Co

    Cape Town

    Free range chicken roasted to juicy perfection and served with home-made gravy and a full range of sides. Eat within the historic surrounds of Heritage…

  • Masala Dosa

    Cape Town

    Bollywood chic rules at this colourful South Indian culinary outpost serving decent dosas (lentil pancakes) and thalis (set meals with a variety of…

  • Melissa’s

    Cape Town

    Pay by weight for the delicious breakfast and lunch buffets, then browse the grocery shelves for picnic fare or gourmet gifts.

  • Carne SA

    Cape Town

    Meat lovers might want try this classy premium steak restaurant, which also has a branch on Kloof St.

  • Wild Sprout

    Cape Town

    If you're seeking a lunch that is gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free or sugar-free, head to this bright cafe at the southern end of Loop St. On the menu…

  • Bu Ya

    Cape Town

    Fusion ramen is the order of the day here – lemon chicken broth or coconut cream miso meets Korean-style kimchi, Japanese braised pork belly and marinated…

  • O’ways Teacafe

    Cape Town

    Pronounced ‘always’, this stylish, relaxing place is fully vegetarian, and offers tasty choices such as soya-chunk and chickpea curry, creamy gnocchi and…

  • Ceviche Bar

    Cape Town

    Perched above a designer clothing store, this tiny eatery is the latest in Cape Town''s string of single-dish restaurants. You can choose from half a…

  • Dairy Den

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    You can grab dessert on the go at this tiny cafe specialising in soft serve and doughnuts. Ice cream toppings include peppermint crisp, Belgian chocolate…

  • Haru

    Cape Town

    This spartan space on a busy road serves decent sushi and generous portions of noodles. There are also a couple of Korean ramyeon dishes on the menu.

  • Cape Farmhouse Restaurant

    Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula

    This 250-year-old farmhouse with a rustic setting serves everything from breakfast to fillet steak, with as much of its produce as possible coming from…

  • Clifford & Sandra's

    Cape Town

    At the market next to Khayelitsha Station, ask around to find this shack serving tasty and excellent traditional chow. Clifford will pour water over your…

  • The Eatery

    Cape Town

    This neighbourhood eatery in a small shopping plaza specialises in wood-fired steaks, burgers and milkshakes. It attracts everyone from students to…

  • Janse & Co

    Cape Town

    This marvellous space has been through a number of incarnations. At the helm now is local chef Arno Janse van Rensburg, who serves up something between…

  • Kloof St House

    Cape Town

    Live jazz played during Sunday lunch (1pm to 4pm) is a highlight of this eclectically decorated restaurant in a Victorian mansion. It's a romantic spot…

  • Jason Bakery

    Green Point & ­Waterfront

    The second branch of this popular cafe is larger than the original and boasts arguably better views. Grab a table on the terrace and enjoy your coffee…