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Cape Town, South Africa

15 hidden gem restaurants in Cape Town locals love

Southern Africa • Eat & drink • 15 hidden gem restaurants in Cape Town locals love

Cape Town locals’ favourite hidden gem restaurants

Cape Town is full of surprises, especially when it comes to food. While the tourist hotspots are great, some of the best places to eat are the ones locals love. These restaurants might be hidden gems, but they offer lively atmospheres, filled with friendly locals and food as beautiful and creative as the interior design. In this article, we’ll highlight five of the best hidden gem restaurants in Cape Town that locals swear by. Get ready to discover the true flavours of Cape Town through these local favourites!

Belly of the Beast

Belly of the Beast, located on Harrington Street, is a small, intimate restaurant that’s big on flavour and creativity. This reservation-only spot offers a unique dining experience where you trust the chefs completely – there’s no set menu. The talented chefs, Anouchka Horn and Neil Swart, create a surprise multi-course meal each night, using the freshest local ingredients. The focus here is on sustainability and nose-to-tail dining, meaning nothing goes to waste. Belly of the Beast can only seat 30 guests, offering a warm and intimate atmosphere, with an open kitchen allowing diners to watch the chefs in action. Get ready to experience innovative dishes that showcase bold flavours and creative presentations at this hidden gem restaurant in Cape Town.

Belly of the Beast
110 Harrington St
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Belly of the beast

Greenhaus

Locals love Greenhaus for a reason – they have it all! Think live music, quiz nights, stunning decor, mouthwatering comfort food and perfectly crafted drinks. Greenhaus is situated on the outskirts of Cape Town in the friendly neighbourhood of Sunningdale, hence why this restaurant is still quite the hidden gem and only frequented by the locals in the know. The interior is decorated with vertical gardens, showcasing a variety of greenery. These living artworks add freshness and vibrancy, while the rustic wooden furniture and accents create a warm, earthy feel. We highly recommend you try the wood-fired Karoo Lamb Shank and end off the meal with their delectable traditional Malva Pudding.

Greenhaus
14 Leadville Way
Sunningdale
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Greenhaus

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Salon

Salon is a fine-dining culinary gem founded by acclaimed chef Luke Dale Roberts. Located on the first floor of the historic Old Biscuit Mill, Salon exudes sophistication. Crisp white tablecloths, golden accents and timeless charm create an elegant setting. Luke takes you on a multi-course journey of flavours from around the world. You can opt for the Prix Fixe Explorer dining experience, a 6-course meal that is inspired by Mexican, Japanese, Korean and French cuisine. But the locals love The Journey, a 9-course meal with dishes inspired by 7 different countries, including a proudly South African first course.

Salon Restaurant
Silo Building
375 Albert Rd
Woodstock
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Salon Restaurant

Torii

Torii, part of the Tjing Tjing family, brings a taste of Japan to Cape Town. Situated in the city centre, this izakaya-style restaurant offers a variety of Japanese-inspired small plates and street food. The moment you step in, you’re greeted by an eclectic mix of old and new Tokyo – think neon lights, rustic wooden accents and contemporary art that together create a buzzing, dynamic vibe. We highly recommend trying their karaage (Japanese fried chicken) and the rich, savoury ramen – perfect comfort food with a Japanese twist. And since Torii is hidden away within the Tjing Tjing house, head up to the second level and end the night with a cocktail at the rooftop bar – the drinks are as aesthetically pleasing as the lux furnishings.

Torii
165 Longmarket St
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Torii

Black Sheep

Making your way to the table through the buzzy space, Black Sheep is like coming home – the same look, the same chalkboard menu and the same lively vibe, year after year. Since opening in 2013, this Kloof Street fixture has been serving unpretentious, hearty food with global flavours. Run by the Japha and Silva families, the restaurant offers an ever-changing menu, with dishes like Burmese pork curry, kingklip fillet with garam masala, and lentil coconut curry. Desserts like sticky toffee pudding and lemon cheesecake add a sweet finish. With its laidback atmosphere and loyal following, booking is a must to secure a spot at this beloved local gem.

Black Sheep
104 Kloof St
Gardens
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Black Sheep

Giovanni’s Deliworld

The one thing to get? A fresh mortadella panini, layered with thin slices of mortadella and served on freshly baked bread. Making your way through the bustling crowd at Giovanni’s Deliworld, you’re immediately hit with the aromas of authentic Italian fare. Known for its gourmet selection, Giovanni’s shelves are stacked with everything from French Champagne to truffle oil, making it a paradise for food lovers. Whether you enjoy your panini at the buzzing espresso bar or take it to nearby Green Point Park for a picnic, Giovanni’s offers an authentic Italian experience. With its bustling vibe and high-quality products, this deli is a true Cape Town institution.

Giovanni’s Deliworld
103 Main Rd
Green Point
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Giovanni’s Deliworld

South China Dim Sum Bar

A favourite among the city’s chefs, South China Dim Sum Bar on Long Street serves authentic dim sum with a laid-back vibe. Expect your food on paper plates, with the menu in a plastic folder, adding to the casual charm. The walls are adorned with vintage Bruce Lee posters, giving the space a cool, unpretentious feel. The must-try dish? The char siu bao – fluffy buns filled with honey-roasted pork. Perfect for a relaxed night with friends, but be sure to book ahead to grab a seat at this local gem.

South China Dim Sum Bar
289 Long St
CBD
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of South China Dim Sum Bar

Il Leone

Penne gamberetti with prawns in a creamy tomato sauce, bucatini alla carbonara, carpaccio di pesca and piccata di vitello – Il Leone excels at Italian dishes across the board. Led by Chef Daniel Toledo, this Green Point institution is renowned for its mastery of Italian cuisine. The restaurant features art-adorned walls, a verandah perfect for warm evenings and a welcoming atmosphere. With a curated wine list and attentive service, Il Leone offers an authentic, polished Italian dining experience that keeps patrons returning time and again.

Il Leone
22 Cobern St
Green Point
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Il Leone

El Burro Taqueria

What we love about El Burro is the lively colours and festive decor that make you feel like you’ve been transported straight to a bustling street market in Mexico. El Burro is driven by passionate chefs who have travelled extensively through Mexico, bringing back not just recipes, but stories and a deep respect for the culture. El Burro’s pride and joy is its handmade corn tortillas, pressed fresh daily and paired with an array of salsas that burst with flavour. Their margaritas, made with freshly squeezed lime juice, are the perfect complement to any dish. This hidden gem with its pink walls covered in vibrant Mexican art is not to be missed. Follow the sound of laughter and clinking glasses and join in on the Mexican fiesta!

El Burro
79 Main Rd
Green Point
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of El Burro

Obi Restaurant

For sushi lovers, Obi Restaurant on Long Street is a must-visit, co-owned by the legendary Chef Hatsushiro Muraoka (Papa San) and Chef Ben Bettendorf. Specialising in authentic Japanese dishes, Obi serves expertly crafted sushi, delicate tempura and standout ramen like the shoyu ramen with braised pork cheek. The no-frills eatery offers a compact, welcoming atmosphere with handmade Japanese crockery. With a menu that stays true to Papa San’s well-known classics, fresh ingredients and precise execution, booking is highly recommended to secure a spot at this sought-after dining spot.

Obi Restaurant
Shop 2
14 Long St
CBD
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Obi Restaurant

Manna Epicure

This spot really won’t win any design awards, but sometimes what lies beneath the surface is what counts most. Manna Epicure, located in Tamboerskloof, focuses on delivering exceptional French-South African fusion cuisine. Known for its straightforward approach, Manna’s menu features standouts like slow-cooked lamb ragu and award-winning steaks, complemented by seasonal ingredients. The café-style charm and community feel make it ideal for everything from a quick pastry to a full dining experience.

Manna Epicure
4 Burnside Rd
Tamboerskloof
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Manna Epicure

Table Seven

Table Seven
Salt Orchard
Unit C5, Corner Briar & Yew St
Salt River
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Table Seven

Cushty

Tucked away on a quiet corner of St Georges and Ravenscraig Roads, Cushty is a hidden gem in Green Point. We love it for its unpretentious charm, offering a relaxed space where locals gather for great coffee, smoothies and hearty breakfasts. The pesto mushrooms on sourdough, topped with poached eggs, feta and roasted tomatoes, is a standout, but their almond croissants and ginger shots are also crowd favourites. With its mix of indoor and terrace seating, this friendly, community-driven café is perfect for a casual brunch or grabbing a few deli items to take home.

Cushty
6 St George Rd
Green Point
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Cushty

Mano’s

Often overlooked by tourists, but a firm favourite among locals is Mano’s on Green Point’s Main Road. This laid-back spot serves uncomplicated yet consistently well-executed dishes like chicken limone, grilled calamari and schnitzel. The vibe is relaxed, with friendly service and a welcoming interior that features a lively bar and spacious verandah for summer evenings. The portions are generous, and while the menu is simple, daily specials keep things interesting. Known for its reliable, comforting meals, Mano’s has built a loyal following over the years. Booking is recommended due to its popularity.

Mano’s
39 Main Rd
Green Point
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Mano’s

Reverie Social Club

In a neighbourhood like Obs (what the locals lovingly call the Observatory area), known for its student vibe and casual eateries, a place like Reverie Social Table stands out as something truly unique. This communal dining experience encourages guests to gather around a single 18-seater table, leaving their phones behind to fully immerse in food, wine, and conversation. It’s not just a meal, it’s an event – where each course is paired with boutique wines, and the ever-changing menu keeps things fresh. Chef Julia Hattingh crafts each dish with creativity, from delicate mussels with seaweed dust to succulent duck breast with pumpkin puree. For those looking for a special evening, Reverie is well worth the trip to Observatory. Bookings are essential.