Cape Town, South Africa
Carnivore culture: Cape Town’s 5 must-try spots for meat lovers
Feast at these top meat-driven restaurants in Cape Town
There’s nothing quite like the joy of sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked piece of meat and Cape Town does it like no other city. We’ve been on a quest to uncover the best spots where meat takes centre stage and what we found is nothing short of inspiring. From intimate tasting menus that make you feel like part of the family to bustling farm-to-table butcheries that put sustainability first, Cape Town’s carnivore scene is as diverse as it is delicious. In this guide, we highlight the must-try destinations where meat is served with passion and precision.
01
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, only a multi-course tasting experience. Co-founded by chefs Anouchka Horn and Neil Swart, it follows a nose-to-tail philosophy, ensuring that every part of the animal is used in their dishes. As the menu changes frequently, diners surrender to the creativity of the chefs. The chefs enjoy experimenting, utilizing all parts of an animal for the dishes and meat lovers will have plenty to nibble on. Some standout meat dishes that have been featured in the past include braised lamb, beef tongue and wagyu beef kebab and venison tataki. One of the unique dishes we enjoyed on our last visit was a braaied (grilled) chicken skewer that consists of different cuts of chicken, including chicken hearts.
Belly of the Beast
110 Harrington St
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Belly of the Beast
02
L.A. Farms
At L.A. Farms, the farm-to-table concept comes alive in a way that truly honours the journey of your meal. Located in Green Point, this retail butchery, deli and eatery is where premium meat meets a sustainable ethos. In the butchery, every cut is handled with care, offering speciality items like artisanal biltong, salami and even organ meats for the discerning palate. The eatery complements this with a menu that features hearty, comforting dishes, where the fresh flavours of locally grown vegetables and premium meat are celebrated in every bite. It’s not just about a meal here, it’s about understanding where your food comes from and appreciating the journey from the farm right to your plate.
L.A. Farms
105 Main Rd
Green Point
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of L.A. Farms
03
Merchant Bar & Grill
Situated on the first floor of 91 Bree Street, Merchant Bar & Grill is a modern nod to old-school culinary craftsmanship. This collaborative venture – brought to life by Liam Tomlin, chef David Schneider and Adrian Hadlow – embodies a return to kitchen basics while embracing a contemporary, relaxed format. Set in a 19th-century building with modern industrial accents, Merchant features The Larder, a glass-enclosed showcase of house-made charcuterie, cheeses and preserves. The restaurant embraces nose-to-tail cooking, highlighting South Africa’s top producers with dishes like pasture-raised lamb and pickled mushrooms. Fermentation and preservation are key. The menu, which changes daily based on the best available produce, offers a five-course tasting experience that highlights everything from succulent lamb and beef to fresh, seasonal seafood.
Merchant Bar & Grill
91 Bree St
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Merchant Bar & Grill
04
Bouchon Bistro
Set within a charming urban winery in the heart of Cape Town’s City Centre, Bouchon Bistro is a hidden gem that exudes warmth and genuine hospitality. This wine bar and bistro is a must-visit if you appreciate the art of small plates paired with an exceptional wine list. Behind the scenes, winemaker Christophe Durand and restaurateur Faisal Khakoo have created a space where down-to-earth flavours meet a refined dining experience. The weekly Travel Through Your Glass selection invites you to explore a curated range of wines, both local and international, which perfectly complement the uncomplicated, seasonal tapas and desserts on offer. Some tapas that we think meat lovers will enjoy are the tacos with pulled brisket, avocado mousse, pico de gallo and coriander shoots, the slow-cooked beef short rib with creamy polenta and herb gremolata and the BBQ pork ribs served with Pernod cabbage and pickled red onion.
Bouchon Bistro
95 Hout St
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Bouchon Bistro
05
Carne Keerom
If you’re serious about your meat, Carne Keerom is the place to be. Led by the iconic Chef Giorgio Nava, Carne Keerom keeps things simple and authentic. The menu is a carnivore’s dream, featuring a wide range of cuts sourced from Nava’s own Karoo farm. Grilled in a Josper charcoal oven from Spain, every cut – whether it’s the perfectly seared T-bone or the game-inspired specials – is cooked to perfection with a smokiness that’s simply irresistible. The minimalist Italian influence on the menu adds a touch of elegance without overshadowing the quality of the meat. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century building and the interior is a nod to its heritage, with exposed brick walls, high ceilings and wooden beams which create a warm, rustic atmosphere.
Carne Keerom
70 Keerom St
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Carne Keerom
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