Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town’s 20 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)
The ultimate guide to Cape Town’s top restaurants
Looking for the best eats in Cape Town, South Africa? Look no further – we’ve done the hard work for you (i.e. the eating) to bring you a selection of the Western Cape’s top spots. Our curated list covers it all: from boundary-pushing kitchens crafting multi-course menus to relaxed joints serving indulgent bites. Each pick highlights dishes that capture the essence of Cape Town’s vibrant, globally influenced food scene in the heart of the Western Cape. So, get ready to dive into everything from elevated local flavours to inventive twists and street-food favourites. Enjoy!
Top photography courtesy of Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia
01
La Colombe
In the words of Executive Chef James Gaag: “Food is our theatre – we hope you enjoy the show”. La Colombe, perched on the slopes of Silvermist Wine Estate, is Cape Town’s ultimate culinary experience. Gaag’s tasting menu unfolds with theatrical precision, starting with Cape Malay-inspired snacks that set the tone for what’s to come. The famous tuna La Colombe arrives in a sleek tin – crack it open to reveal tender yellowfin, avocado purée and an umami-packed broth. Karoo lamb is served with artichoke and truffle, each bite a masterclass in balance and flavour. Service is seamless, the atmosphere serene and every detail is honed to create an unforgettable meal. We certainly loved the show.
La Colombe
Address:Silvermist Wine Estate
Main Road
Constantia Nek
South Africa
Photography courtesy of La Colombe
02
Fyn
The big city vibe is immediate at Fyn. Tucked away on the fifth floor of a downtown building, this restaurant feels like Cape Town’s answer to Tokyo cool. Designed by Tristan du Plessis, the cavernous industrial space is softened by a striking ceiling installation of suspended wooden discs, blending Japanese aesthetics with African soul. Chef Peter Tempelhoff’s menu reads like a journey – canapés served in elegant bento boxes, featuring prawn crudo with dashi mayo, lead into Cape seafood and robata-grilled springbok with bubu arare. Every bite is precise yet bold. Service, orchestrated by Jennifer Hugé, is polished but warm, guiding you through an experience where boundaries blur and the flavours take centre stage.
Fyn
37 Parliament St
CBD
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Fyn
03
Salsify at The Roundhouse
In Camps Bay’s historic Roundhouse, Salsify offers an immersive dining experience rooted in South African flavours and artistry. Inside, mid-century velvet chairs, leather-lined walls and bold contemporary art create an intimate atmosphere, with windows framing sweeping views of the Atlantic and Lion’s Head. The Seasonal Room adds an organic touch, featuring a rotating ceiling installation crafted from natural elements like dried plants, reflecting the restaurant’s dedication to sustainability. Chef Ryan Cole’s menu is a study in local ingredients – grapefruit-cured sashimi, smoked springbok with puffed sorghum and duck with pear hoisin showcase his meticulous approach. Sommelier Nash Kanyangarara’s pairings add depth to each course, making every detail memorable.
Salsify at The Roundhouse
Round House Rd
Camps Bay
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Salsify at The Roundhouse
04
The Pot Luck Club
One of the first spots to really raise the bar for Cape Town dining, The Pot Luck Club was opened by Luke Dale-Roberts in 2011 and has been our go-to ever since. Set on the top floor of the Old Biscuit Mill, it’s got killer views of Table Mountain and the city spread out below. The vibe is all energy – an open kitchen at one end, a buzzing cocktail bar at the other. Head chef Jason Kosmas brings out sharing plates split by flavour – sweet, salty, sour, umami and bitter. Crowd favourites like yellowtail ceviche with black bean purée and ash-roasted beetroot with hoisin deliver big on taste, making this place seriously hard to beat.
The Pot Luck Club
The Old Biscuit Mill
373-375 Albert Rd
Woodstock
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of The Pot Luck Club
05
Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia
A glass-walled marvel located on Constantia’s hills, Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia was co-founded by chef Liam Tomlin and blends refined dining with a relaxed, earthy vibe. Just outside, the kitchen garden supplies fresh herbs and veggies for chef Ivor Jones’s bold, flavour-packed dishes. The set menu for two brings out global flavours with dishes like coal-roasted line fish with Balinese sambal and venison tartare with bramble jelly and truffle. The vibe is relaxed but refined, with low tables, handcrafted chairs and that unbeatable terrace view. Save room for dessert – the smoked cassia bark ice cream is worth it.
Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia
Beau Constantia Wine Farm
1043 Constantia Main Road
Constantia Nek
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia
06
Ouzeri
Our first visit to Ouzeri took us by surprise – Ouzeri’s Cypriot-inspired menu felt so refreshingly different. Chef Nic Charalambous dives into rustic, bold dishes that deliver serious flavour without relying on fancy presentation. Anari dumplings with burnt tomato butter are comforting and rich, while coal-seared tuna with pickled fennel flowers brings a bright, layered kick. Master Studio’s design adds to the charm, with arched niches, mosaic floors and whitewashed walls that feel straight out of the Aegean. Paired with small-batch wines served in classic tumblers, every element here – from the food to the atmosphere – makes for a memorable, joyful meal.
Ouzeri
58 Wale St
CBD
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Ouzeri
07
Hemelhuijs
Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner, a meal at Hemelhuijs is always a colourful, inspiring and fun event – a bit of escapism, really. Opened by talented designer Jacques Erasmus in 2010, this Cape Town haven feels like an art studio, with seasonal decor shifts – from lush greens to sunny yellows – and floral displays that mirror the vibrant dishes. Handmade ceramics frame nostalgic yet inventive plates like cabbage-wrapped meatballs with buttery mash or seared tuna with pickled daikon. Drinks are just as imaginative, with jewel-toned juices, botanical cocktails and custom-blended coffee. Hemelhuijs is a beautifully crafted escape right in the heart of the city.
Hemelhuijs
71 Waterkant St
CBD
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Hemelhuijs
08
Grub & Vine
Grub & Vine may be small, but it’s big on charm. The cosy dining room, with its teal green walls, hanging lights, potted plants and clubby banquettes, makes you feel instantly at home. The bistro vibe is laid-back, but Chef Matt Manning’s food is all about flavour and skill. The menu is short and to the point, featuring dishes like pork belly with braised apple, rainbow trout with pea and bacon fricassee, and smoked impala with parsnip puree – each one rich, balanced and beautifully plated. The wine list is equally thoughtful, with boutique local selections playfully categorised as ‘French plonk’ or ‘tannins are your friend’.
Grub & Vine
103 Bree St
CBD
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Grub & Vine
09
Between Us
We’ve been going to Between Us since they opened in 2018, and it’s become a favourite for its quiet sophistication on Bree Street’s busy strip. Created by twin sisters Jesse and Jamie Friedberg, this Victorian gem balances modern decor – exposed brick, brass vases with seasonal blooms and custom wooden furniture – with an elegant menu. Clientele range from well-dressed creatives and models to business lunchers, all here for dishes like pappardelle with oxtail ragu and black rice with poached egg – simple yet refined, offering a welcome break from the city’s sometimes very casual fare. Don’t miss the ‘nemesis’ chocolate cake, a rich dessert that’s as balanced as the setting itself.
Between Us
176 Bree St
CBD
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Between Us
10
Pier
At the V&A Waterfront, you have to choose carefully – there are simply too many tourist traps. But Pier is a true standout. Set in the Pierhead Building with views of the harbour, this cosy 30-seater is run by chef John Norris-Rogers, known for his work at La Petite Colombe. The 11-course tasting menu is a celebration of seafood, with dishes like caviar on cauliflower purée, langoustine with pork jowl and spiced coconut and West Coast oysters poached right at the table. The space is minimalist, with big windows and custom ceramics that let the food shine. Paired with local wines, each course brings out inventive flavours you won’t find anywhere else.
Pier
Pierhead Building
V&A Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Pier
11
Thali
Thali Restaurant, part of the Chefs Warehouse group, was conceptualised by renowned chef Liam Tomlin. Chef Tomlin has created a tapas-style dining experience, a journey through Indian-inspired small plates, perfect for sharing and exploring a variety of flavours in one meal. Standout vegan dishes include the crispy cauliflower pakoras and the vegetable biryani. The interior is a blend of traditional and modern elements. Vibrant Indian decor, including intricate patterns and rich fabrics, adorns the space, it feels like you have been transported to another world. Thali offers more than just good food; the attentive staff make you feel right at home. Ask for a wine recommendation and they will expertly pair the perfect wine with your meal.
Thali
3 Park Rd
Gardens
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Thali
12
Reverie Social Table
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.
Reverie Social Table
226A Lower Main Rd
Observatory
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Reverie Social Table
13
Foxcroft
Located in the unassuming High Constantia shopping village, Foxcroft is a gem that transforms its everyday setting into something special. Opened in 2016 by chef Glen Williams and the La Colombe team, this spot is all about flavour-forward food without the fuss. The seasonal tasting menu is a playground for the senses: think hot, sweet mosbolletjies paired with smoky snoek butter or creamy risotto topped with meltingly tender pork cheek and crisp crackling. Inside, the vibe is dark and stylish, with charcoal walls, wood accents and leafy touches that let the food shine. It’s refined yet relaxed – a constant favourite for inventive food lovers in the know.
Foxcroft
High Constantia Centre
Groot Constantia Road
Constantia
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Foxcroft
14
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
CBD
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of La Colombe
15
Tjing Tjing House
Tjing Tjing House in Cape Town’s CBD is a three-floor tribute to Japan. Start at the Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar for cocktails with a Japanese twist, like the Show Me Negroni or Murasaki Mojito, in a chic space with indigo walls and a red shrine-inspired bar. Below, Momiji offers a zen dining room with a ten-course omakase menu, blending local flavours with classic Japanese dishes. Next door, Momiji Lounge serves rare Japanese whiskies and sake in a dim, intimate setting. On street level, Tjing Tjing Torii delivers vibrant Japanese street food – think bao, ramen and gyoza – inspired by Tokyo’s bustling Harajuku. It’s a complete Japanese experience in one spot.
Tjing Tjing House
165 Longmarket St
CBD
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Tjing Tjing House
16
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
The Old Biscuit Mill
375 Albert Rd
Woodstock
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Salon
17
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
18
Bao Down
Bao Down has earned a loyal following, especially among Cape Town’s chefs, for its playful, flavour-packed take on bao buns. The menu is focused but satisfying, with options like sticky pork belly bao (worth every sauce spill) and beef tataki in a zingy soy, lemon and ginger dressing. Not everything’s bao-bound; try the tuna with nikiri sauce or charred broccoli with miso sesame paste. Even dessert gets a bao twist – deep-fried with ice cream and chocolate crumb. The interior is relaxed and the drink list spans wines, Japanese beer and sake, each chosen to pair beautifully with the bold flavours on offer.
Bao Down
79 Main Rd
Green Point
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Bao Down
19
Ramenhead
Insider scoop: If you’re after Cape Town’s most authentic ramen, get to Ramenhead early to grab one of the counter seats and watch chefs assemble bowls with precision. Known for their deeply umami broths (simmered up to 12 hours), Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss bring back flavours from Japan, blending dashi powder, star anise oil and ginger. The tonkotsu ramen with pork belly is a must, while regulars know to order the off-menu soupless wagyu ‘junk ramen’ – a hit of bold BBQ brisket and rich broth. For sides, the karaage chicken and pork gyoza are crowd-pleasers and the tuna tataki and ramen chips with miso dip make the perfect pre-ramen bites.
Ramenhead
37 Parliament St
CBD
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Ramenhead
20
Zuney Wagyu Burger
Zuney Wagyu Burgers on Kloof Street is all about celebrating the rich, intense flavours of Wagyu. This spot has a simple menu, but each option is a standout. Try the Classic, Cheeseburger or the Wacon (with Wagyu bacon), each stacked with flavour-packed ingredients like Wagyu-infused onions, crisp pickles and a secret house sauce, all on a soft brioche bun. Even the fries go big on flavour, fried in Wagyu tallow for an extra hit of richness. Headed by chef Lemar Desamparado, this spot isn’t about frills or fuss – just seriously delicious burgers that let the quality of their Eastern Cape farm-raised Wagyu take centre stage.
Zuney Wagyu Burger
69A Kloof St
Gardens
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Zuney Wagyu Burger
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