South Africa
The 2025 hot list: the 35 best new restaurants in South Africa and beyond
The 2025 restaurant openings in Cape Town, Johannesburg, the Cape Winelands and beyond
Do you want to know where to eat and drink in South Africa, right now? Restaurant aficionados want to know what’s new, what’s popular and where their favourite chefs have settled – and with a slew of highly anticipated debuts in Cape Town, Johannesburg, the Cape Winelands and beyond, there are more places to explore than ever before. We maintain a current list of all new South Africa restaurants, bars and cafés that have opened in the last year, conveniently divided down month by month so you can see exactly when they opened. Here is the complete guide to South Africa’s newest, best and buzziest restaurants, bars and cafés.
Got hot tips on new spots? Email us!
December
1/12
Le Bistro de Jan
Cape Town, South Africa
Le Bistrot de Jan hits the V&A Waterfront with French bistro bones and a Cape Town heartbeat. Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen brings the brand home, setting up inside the renewed The Table Bay Hotel. In charge day to day: Giles Edwards of La Tête, the chef who made nose-to-tail feel modern, not moral. The brief is simple and exacting – clean flavours, proper technique, zero fuss. Think pâté en croûte that holds its line, fish cooked on the dot, a steak that doesn’t need a speech, sharp salads, real sauces, desserts with intent – France in grammar, Cape Town in accent.
Le Bistro de Jan
6 W Quay Rd
V&A Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Le Bistro de Jan
1/12
Amura
Cape Town, South Africa
At Cape Town’s Mount Nelson, the storied Belmond hotel with its pink façade and century-old gardens, Amura brings an oceanic vision to Africa for the first time. The restaurant is led by Ángel León – “the Chef of the Sea,” whose Andalusian flagship Aponiente holds three Michelin stars. His philosophy is to elevate the overlooked: plankton, halophyte plants, by-catch fish reimagined as haute cuisine. At Amura, that approach meets the Cape coastline, with tasting menus built on unsung seafood, wild herbs and open-fire cooking. Interiors by Tristan du Plessis channel the kelp forests offshore, dark and cinematic. The result is León’s marine manifesto, transplanted from Cádiz to Cape Town.
Amura
76 Orange St
Gardens
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Amura
September
15/9
Café Sofi
Cape Town, South Africa
Off Kloof Street, Café Sofi lands with the kind of confidence you can’t fake. Stripes, soft yellows, deep manganese blues – a room that reads eccentric but pulled together properly. The story is Sophia Electra, mother of Natasha and Savva Sideris of Tashas fame, and the menu mirrors her style: honest food with a wink. Mornings start with the city’s most talked-about croissant with honey and crème fraîche. Lunch moves to coronation chicken, tuna on sourdough, and salads with bite. Evenings lean into pasta, grilled fish and a perfectly judged tiramisu. Order a Sofi Spritz, find a corner and let the room do the rest. Longkloof just got a new default meeting point.
Café Sofi
2 Park Rd
Longkloof
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Café Sofi
August
19/8
Tannin
Cape Town, South Africa
After a decade running a country inn in the Cotswolds in the UK, Dominic and Lisa Wood moved to Cape Town and built Tannin on Bree Street — three floors of South African wine done properly. The list sits at 430 labels, with another 300 waiting for shelf space. Ground floor: a lively wine bar. First floor: a slower dining room. Top floor: events under art, plants and warm light in a restored heritage building. Forty far-from-ordinary wines pour by the glass and change often. Chef Blaine Coetzer sends out punchy small plates and sharp platters that match the mood. It’s serious about wine and relaxed about everything else – exactly what the CBD needed.
Tannin
86 Bree St
CBD
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Tannin
July
26/7
The Salt Road
Johannesburg, South Africa
If you’re looking for an unexpected dining experience centred around a pantry staple, don’t miss The Salt Road in Johannesburg. At the heart of this concept are chefs Craig Cormack and Beau du Toit. With decades of culinary experience, they’ve built a menu around more than 180 types of salt. South African brines sit alongside Peruvian crystals, each chosen for its character. These salts are not just seasonings but a way of telling stories. The dishes draw on traditions of preservation, fermentation and global salting practices – a kind of culinary anthropology on the plate. The design is contemporary without being sterile – raw woods, ceramics and open shelving give the space a lived‑in warmth.
The Salt Road
10 2nd Ave
Houghton Estate
Johannesburg
South Africa
Photography courtesy of The Salt Road
25/7
Tambourine
Cape Town, South Africa
Tambourine is the new Cape Town restaurant making insiders talk. Chef Keane Munro, together with executive chef Kyle du Plooy, has built a menu around unexpected flavour pairings, moving comfortably between South African influences and global inspiration. Housed in a renovated heritage building on Harrington Street, the interior balances original brickwork with playful, dichromatic light art and leather seating. At Tambourine, sustainability and provenance guide every ingredient. Beef, lamb and chicken are pasture-raised; vegetables come mainly from the restaurant’s own pesticide-free, regenerative farm in Khayelitsha and fish is line-caught and wild whenever possible. Small plates celebrate fire, acid and texture – charred baby cabbage with chestnuts and blue cheese, Jerusalem artichoke risotto with smoked hay butter and lamb broth with mieliepap (maize porridge) and crispy skhokho (crispy crust left after cooking).
Tambourine
104 Harrington St
District Six
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Tambourine
24/7
The Mussel Monger Observatory
Cape Town, South Africa
Food visionary Kyle Dods is taking The Mussel Monger to new levels with his new flagship space in Observatory. Together with his sister brand, Dashi x The Mussel Monger is a shared space that brings together premium seafood and Japanese-inspired bowls – two distinct brands cohabiting in a seamless culinary narrative. Mussels and oysters are farmed ethically in Saldanha Bay and arrive fresh daily, served simply to highlight their briny purity. The Dashi side offers umami-rich poke bowls and street-style dishes that complement without overshadowing the sea’s stars. The space reflects Dods’ signature ethos – light, clean and pared-back elegance – blended with ocean and umami inspirations.
The Mussel Monger Observatory
51 Gogosoa St
Observatory
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of The Mussel Monger Observatory
8/7
Kleinsky’s
Johhannesburg, South Africa
Cape Town’s much‑loved Jewish deli has found a home in Johannesburg and it’s already become a city favourite. Kleinsky’s is known for its bagels – handmade, slow-fermented, boiled, baked and finished with toppings that are both traditional and inventive. Folks are flocking for the classics – pastrami bagels alongside tangy pickles and house-made coleslaw. But trust us, this joint isn’t just about old-school favourites. Try the California bagel, with wasabi cream cheese, smoked salmon, avocado, pickled ginger and a sweet soy drizzle – it’s a hit. The Johannesburg space reflects the same retro design nods as the Cape Town spot, filled with local artwork, the hum of conversation and the cosy feel of a community staple.
Kleinsky’s
64 St Andrew St
Birdhaven
Johannesburg
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Kleinsky’s
3/7
Ocaso
Johannesburg, South Africa
Ocaso, meaning sunset in Spanish, is Corona’s first flagship venue in South Africa, where sun-soaked afternoons transform into lively nights. The venue takes over the former Shortmarket Club site in Oxford Parks – owned by Luke Dale-Roberts until early 2025 – and is now steered by restaurateur Heinz Rynners alongside Ben Stanger and Luke Dakers. The interiors, brought to life by Bourne Kreative, feature handcrafted finishes like a glowing woven bar inspired by Corona’s motifs, bohemian beaded lanterns, ocean-blue floors, macramé cushions and textured plaster walls. The tapas-style menu combines Mexican favourites with South African edge – try the beef birria tacos with consommé, corn ribs dusted in smoked paprika and mini taco boards (with tuna, chicken, lamb and pork). And don’t miss the cocktails – the Sol Bravio is a must.
Ocaso
1 Oxford Parks
199 Oxford Rd
Rosebank
Johannesburg
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Ocaso
June
16/6
In The Meantime
Cape Town, South Africa
In The Meantime is a study in focused Korean home cooking, free from fusion or dilution. Located in Makers Landing, the restaurant thrives on seasonal ingredients and time-honoured fermentation techniques. Kimchi, doenjang and gochujang form the backbone of the kitchen’s flavour profile. The menu changes often, but signatures like kimchi pancakes, slow-braised pork belly and gochujang-glazed wings are regulars for a reason. In The Meantime also runs fermentation workshops, inviting guests to understand the process behind the flavours. The space is intimate and unadorned, spotlighting food without distraction.
In The Meantime
Corner of Sir Lowry Road and Selwyn St
Woodstock
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of In The Meantime
18/6
Blazed
Johannesburg, South Africa
Blazed has elevated fried chicken to cult status in Johannesburg. What started as a passion project has quickly grown into a destination for diners chasing crunch, heat and daring flavours. The chicken is brined, battered and fried to perfection, then served with sauces that pull from global street‑food traditions – think spicy Korean glaze, smoky American barbecue or peri‑peri heat. The interior design of Blazed is a modern take on a classic diner aesthetic. As you step inside, you’ll immediately spot the red and white checkered tile that evokes a nostalgic, retro feel. We love the large, playful mural of a rooster in a suit, which serves as a central artistic piece, while a retro-style marquee sign displays witty phrases, adding to the casual and fun atmosphere.
Blazed
95 Iris Rd
Norwood
Johannesburg
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Blazed
17/6
Harbour House
Cape Town, South Africa
Harbour House has long been a must-visit seafood destination in Kalk Bay and V&A Waterfront, but now this hotspot is also on the shores of Camps Bay. Coming from their roots in Kalk Bay’s iconic Harbour House, where dining is literally at sea’s edge with floor‑to‑ceiling windows and crashing waves, this new spot carries that dramatic coastal vibe into the Camps Bay setting. The location is unbeatable – right on the main strip, with huge glass windows framing the Atlantic. Designed by KT-Interior, the interiors strike a balance between contemporary coastal cool – pale woods, ocean tones and sweeping glass – and that classic Camps Bay glamour. The menu is rooted in fresh, Mediterranean‑inspired seafood, with standout dishes like Miso Mirin Seabass and Spicy Laksa featuring sustainably sourced, traceable ingredients from local suppliers like Fish With A Story.
Harbour House
87 Victoria Rd
Camps Bay
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Harbour House
May
30/5
Ongetem
Cape Town, South Africa
Ongetem is chef Bertus Basson’s first City Bowl venture (inside Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof) and it’s defiantly down-to-earth. Basson says he’s not trying to be a hotel restaurant – instead, he built Ongetem as a welcoming neighbourhood spot. The interior feels homey with dark timber, open fires, vintage posters and Edison bulbs under a high ceiling. The menu is equally straightforward – no pea shoots, no foam, no drama – just seasonal cooking and Cape classics given a fresh edge. Some dishes that steal the show are flame-grilled steaks, open-fire breads, local mussels and a traditional lamb stew. We love the little details like the neon logo sign, which proudly reads – Butcher, Baker, Cocktail Maker. Ongetem delivers what Basson promised – a bold, wild and untamed counterpoint to Cape Town’s fancier tables.
Ongetem
24 Park Rd
Gardens
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Ongetem
16/5
Curate at Ellerman
Cape Town, South Africa
Ellerman House has always been the grande dame of Cape Town hospitality – now it’s adding a gallery-worthy new chapter. Enter Curate, an immersive, ultra-intimate chef’s table experience that fuses art and gastronomy in the mansion’s atmospheric wine gallery. This eight-course tasting menu is put together by Head Chef Kieran Whyte, with a focus on hyper‑seasonal South African fare like amagwinya served with caviar and Cape mushroom melktert – perfectly paired with rare bottlings from their 10,000-strong cellar. The space, designed in collaboration with sculptor Angus Taylor, melds stone, steel and light for a serene, art-driven dining chamber.
Ellerman House
180 Kloof Rd
Bantry Bay
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Ellerman House
16/5
Aruba
Cape Town, South Africa
Kloof Street is buzzing with the arrival of Aruba – a playful, Caribbean-inspired eatery and bar that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Daniel Kruger & Murray Hunter‑Smith have transformed the space into a riot of tropical textures – think leafy prints, rattan and a laidback surfboard centrepiece above the bar. Aruba offers a tapas-style menu with a fusion of Mediterranean and Caribbean dishes. Jerk chicken with local slaw, rum cocktails muddled with fresh fruit and plantain fries you’ll order twice. On Sundays, Aruba’s brunch offers bottomless mimosas and a soundtrack that keeps the mood buoyant. The whole place is designed for kicking back, with sunny corners and a sense of easy-going fun.
Aruba
108 Kloof St
Gardens
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Aruba
10/5
Here
Johannesburg, South Africa
In Rosebank, Here has quickly become the go-to weekend hangout. This cafe/workspace opened in May 2025 with a focus on creating a community-friendly gathering space. Here feels both airy and intimate with big windows on a park corner, raw concrete floors paired with matte tile walls, minimal decor, potted plants and carved-wood communal tables. For owner Poelano Malema it’s not just about coffee but about creating a space that feels alive, intentional and personal. The concept of Here is to be a creative third space for networking, co-working or casual meetups. The menu keeps things simple – toasted sourdoughs and shakshuka for breakfast and a tasty line of flat whites and cold brews.
Here
8 Tyrwhitt Ave
Rosebank
Johannesburg
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Here
5/5
Kolonaki Greek Kouzina
Sandton, South Africa
A second branch of Parkhurst’s acclaimed Greek mezze house, Kolonaki Greek Kouzina, has opened in Bryanston. Kolonaki is the brainchild of chef-owner Vassilios Lemoulas, an award-winning Greek-Australian whose playful menus have transformed Johannesburg’s Greek scene. This modern counterpart to the Parkhurst heritage home setting offers an ambience with graceful Grecian drapes, textile accent ceilings and blush neutral shades, designed to transport you to a high-end, marble-clad restaurant set somewhere above the Aegean Sea. On the menu, you can expect the same flavour and style as the original Kolonaki – from grilled octopus drizzled in local olive oil to halloumi with honey and sesame – all showing Vassilios’s bold, inventive style.
Kolonaki Greek Kouzina
Winnie Mandela Drive & Wedgewood Link Rd
Bryanston
Sandton
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Kolonaki Greek Kouzina
1/5
Bohemia Art Gallery & Wine Bar
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Art, wine, good vibes – that’s what you’ll find at Bohemia Art Gallery & Wine Bar. As you step in, you’ll find the show-stopping wine wall – rows of wine bottles refilled weekly with fresh flowers, like a constantly evolving floral installation. Behind this wall, Bohemia unfolds – walls filled with a curated selection of art, quirky antiques and shelves stocked with rare wine bottles that blur the line between décor and display. Every element of the interior design was handpicked by the owner and brought to life with the help of Strukt Architects. Striking design features include the bespoke wallpaper, featuring the Vase of Flowers painting by Jan Davidsz De Heem, pink marble tables and two grand antique mirrors. The wine list? Eclectic and exciting – over 250 labels with a focus on boutique, small-batch and experimental wines. Bohemia’s philosophy is simple – make wine feel fun, unpretentious and full of discovery. It’s a place where wine lovers gather not to impress, but to explore, connect and raise a glass to creativity.
Bohemia Art Gallery & Wine Bar
29 8th Ave
Walmer
Port Elizabeth
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Bohemia Art Gallery & Wine Bar
April
16/4
Chingada’s
Cape Town, South Africa
Kloof Street’s latest addition, Chingada’s, is putting authentic Mexican cooking centre stage with a brash, no-rules approach that’s a breath of fresh air. The owners are determined to keep things lively, unpretentious and, above all, authentic – tacos hit the table overflowing with braised short rib, grilled fish or house-pickled veg and the tortillas are made fresh each morning. The interiors bring a lively mix of textures and bright colours, with a mural that draws the eye and gives the space a sense of personality. Behind the bar, tequila and mezcal aren’t just an afterthought – there’s an entire wall dedicated to small-batch bottles straight from small producers in Mexico that you’ll want to sample. If you’re craving that fiesta spirit, layered flavours and a setting that’s anything but shy, Chingada’s is the place to be right now.
Chingada’s
50 Orange St
Gardens
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Chingada’s
3/4
Una Más
Cape Town, South Africa
If you’ve been waiting for a proper taqueria at Time Out Market, your patience is rewarded with Una Más. Una Más was founded by three restaurateurs – brothers Gavin and Sean Binder and Ricky Simon from Three Wise Monkeys. With a shared passion for the spirit and flavours of Mexico, they opened the flagship spot in Sea Point and now they bring that same flavour to Time Out Market. Una Más has taken the Mexican street‑food crown with lamb al pastor tacos, charred gem lettuce, nachos and churros with house‑made chocolate molé. Una Más feels like a little slice of Mexico in the middle of Cape Town’s buzziest food market.
Una Más
Time Out Market
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Una Más
2/4
Dawn by Dusk
Stellenbosch, South Africa
At Dawn by Dusk, the minds behind the Dusk restaurant have unveiled an ultra-exclusive private dining laboratory in the heart of Stellenbosch’s Winelands. Dawn by Dusk offers an intimate venue, with seating for only 24 guests. An open kitchen set at eye level, paired with a 45-degree mirror above the pass, brings the action into full view. Every sear, stir and final detail is easy to follow, turning the kitchen into part of the dining experience. At its core, Dawn by Dusk doubles as a living test kitchen, where Executive Chef Callan Austin experiments with hyper-local produce, fermentation techniques and multi-sensory presentations that layer texture, aroma and flavour. The menu evolves constantly, depending on seasonal harvests and the chefs’ latest inspirations, so no two evenings at Dawn by Dusk feel the same.
Dawn by Dusk
43 Plein St
Stellenbosch
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Dawn by Dusk
March
21/3
Bo-Vine in the City
Cape Town, South Africa
This isn’t your average steakhouse. The team behind Bo-Vine on the Atlantic Seaboard has taken their slow-aged, grass-fed philosophy inland – and Bo-Vine in the City lands right in the heart of Cape Town with a new kind of swagger. Housed in an industrial-style space on Bree Street, the restaurant dials up the drama with charcoal walls, moody lighting and a display fridge stocked with Wagyu tomahawks and dry-aged cuts. It’s unapologetically meat-forward, but not without finesse – think truffle-parmesan fries, burnt butter béarnaise and a curated wine list showcasing the best of the Stellenbosch and Elgin reds. This is Bo-Vine 2.0 – still big on provenance, still proudly local, but now with a city edge and just the right amount of rock-and-roll.
Bo-Vine in the City
101 Hout St
Cape Town City Centre
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Bo-Vine in the City
14/3
Le Pickle
Cape Town, South Africa
Le Pickle is Cape Town’s newest smash-burger sensation in De Waterkant, launched by four friends with a passion for perfecting the basics. Pieter Aucamp, Vincent Viviers, Trenton Devine and Enrico Ferigolli turned late-night braai experiments into a full-fledged restaurant, driven by a shared love for smash burgers. Combining high-quality ingredients, handmade demi-brioche buns, custom sauces and pickles, they deliver crispy-edged patties with juicy centres and next-level fries. Le Pickle offers two beef smash options – the double-patty Le Classic and the onion-smashed Le Onion with aioli, plus a standout chicken smash paired with a house-made spicy sauce and Emmental cheese. Vegetarians aren’t left out, thanks to a versatile plant-based patty that fits any burger build. Breaking from retro-diner clichés, Le Pickle’s interiors pop with bold colours, communal seating and playful branding inspired by the founders’ emphasis on fun and community.
Le Pickle
Quarter Lifestyle Village
8 Jarvis St
De Waterkant
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Le Pickle
7/3
Seebamboes
Cape Town, South Africa
Seebamboes is the 2025 addition to chef-restaurateurs Anouchka Horn and Neil Swart’s collection. Seebamboes, located above Galjoen, is an intimate 16-seater restaurant redefining the classic surf and turf concept. This time the chef-restaurateurs duo have collaborated with Chef Adél Hughes and artist Liebet Jooste to design a dining experience that blends land and sea flavours. Head Chef Adél Hughes brings a wealth of experience from her time in South Africa’s coastal towns, particularly Paternoster. Her menus often feature ingredients she foraged herself from nearby beaches. Dishes feature innovative combinations such as seaweed with meat or a mix of seaweeds with land vegetables, showcasing the versatility of local ingredients. We love the interior design, especially the wall of curiosities, adorned with treasures collected from beaches and the veld, adding a personal touch to the space. The use of reclaimed glass with sea sand and colors inspired by sea bamboo really brings the feel of the shoreline inside
Seebamboed
99 Harrington Str
District Six
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Claire Gunn and Seebamboes
7/3
Chef & Co
Tulbagh, South Africa
Locals go crazy for the 2025 addition of Chef & Co, a deli, bakery and eatery rolled into one by Chef Pieter Malan. It’s the kind of spot that feels like an instant classic – laid-back but polished, with a menu that celebrates fresh, local ingredients. Breakfast is a serious affair here, from the Tulbagh Benedict with smoked trout and MCC hollandaise to the Skottel Breakfast stacked with farm eggs and boerewors sausages. Flaky croissants and buttermilk scones fly off the bakery shelves, while lunch offers gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads and pantry staples to take home. Whether lingering over coffee or stocking up on artisanal treats, Chef & Co is already a Tulbagh essential.
Chef & Co
61 Van Der Stel St
Tulbagh
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Chef & Co
1/3
Baby
Cape Town, South Africa
Draped in velvet and illuminated by a cosmic glow, Baby offers an intimate atmosphere where premium cocktails meet refined bar snacks, all set to a high-fidelity, disco-inspired soundtrack. This luxury cocktail bar seamlessly blends 1980s-inspired aesthetics with modern elegance, with a first-floor vantage point, offering you glimpses of the bustling Sea Point streets below. We love the cocktail offering at Baby, some of the signature cocktails to try are the Disco Inferno with Don Julio Blanco, watermelon, fresh strawberry, habanero and lime and the Fluffy Paloma with 1800 silver, fluffy grapefruit, Aleppo salt and grapefruit soda. On the food side, give the teriyaki chicken skewers and fish tacos a try. Baby knows how to set the mood – pop in for an impromptu drink, stay for dinner and dance the night away.
Baby
1st Floor
13-17 Regent Rd
Sea Point
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Baby
February
28/2
Old Town Italy
Durban, South Africa
Old Town Italy brings an authentic Italian deli and restaurant experience to Durban’s beachfront. Designed by KT Interior, the space unfolds like a sun-dappled Mediterranean village, with earthy plaster walls, arched openings and sculptural curves that direct your gaze toward the sea. Natural textures – terracotta floor tiles, olive-green upholstery and wrought-iron light fixtures – layer warmth and authenticity throughout. As you step in, you’re greeted by a sprawling market-style layout, where a bakery overflows with freshly baked focaccia and ciabatta, while the salumeria and cheese counters tempt you with house-cured prosciutto and artisanal pecorino. Central to the dining room are wood-fired ovens, around which chefs assemble hand-stretched Neapolitan pizzas that blister at the edges and freshly made pastas sauced with slow-cooked ragùs and pesto blends.
Old Town Italy
39 Meridian Drive
Umhlanga Rocks
Durban
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Old Town Italy
13/2
The Oyster Lounge
Paternoster, South Africa
At the Abalone Hotel & Villas on Paternoster’s edge, The Oyster Lounge is the new seaside jewel. The concept is laid-back coastal chic – an ocean-view patio and stylish indoor bar where bottles of chilled Champagne await. As the name suggests, The Oyster Lounge offers fresh-out-of-the-water West Coast oysters alongside Nikkei-style sushi, tapas and a premium selection of Champagne and bubbly. The décor is breezy white wood with blue-grey accents, matching the Atlantic horizon. By afternoon, the deck glows under the African sun – this is the prime time to sip on a glass of bubbles and nibble on some olive tapenade toast or lime-dressed oysters.
The Oyster Lounge
5 Koenibos St
Bek Bay
Paternoster
South Africa
Photography courtesy of The Oyster Lounge
1/2
Cassette Tiny Wine Bar
Cape Town, South Africa
Cassette Tiny Wine Bar proves that great things come in small packages. With just 16 seats, this intimate wine bar is all about curated discovery – offering an ever-changing selection of small-batch and natural wines that you won’t find on the average menu. The space itself is a nostalgic nod to old-school cool, blending vintage cassette tapes, warm lighting and a laid-back energy that just feels so Cape Town. The wine list, handwritten and refreshed weekly, features offbeat varietals and lesser-known winemakers, often poured by the makers themselves. There’s no pretence here – just good wine, good conversation and an easygoing, retro vibe. Cassette is Cape Town’s best-kept secret for wine lovers looking to step off the beaten path. Pull up a chair, pour a glass and let the night unfold!
Cassette Tiny Wine Bar
206 Main Rd
Sea Point
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Cassette Tiny Wine Bar
January
31/1
Our Local Sea Point
Cape Town, South Africa
Our Local, a cherished eatery in Cape Town, has expanded to another location in Sea Point. This new branch offers the same cosy and inviting atmosphere that we love from the OG spot. Our Local remains a top contender for the best breakfast spots in Cape Town and this new location shines bright with its bright and airy interiors, exposed brick walls and just the right touch of greenery to balance the old and new. The menu features some of their signature breakfasts, like the shakshuka, plus some new additions like the Pistachio Whip – pistachio, mint whipped feta with crispy kale, roasted carrots and pumpkin seeds served on a slice of toast. While the original Our Local in Kloof Street, Gardens is all about laid-back quirk and antique beauty, the Sea Point spot brings fresh energy to the brand with a sea breeze and that electric Sea Point atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Our Local Sea Point
295 Main Rd
Sea Point
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Our Local Sea Point
25/1
Alfi Pizza
Cape Town, South Africa
Alfi Pizza, the latest venture from the team behind Jarryd’s and Ariel, has introduced some fresh flavour to Cape Town’s culinary scene by bringing New Haven-style pizza to Sea Point. Originating from Connecticut in the 1920s, this thin-crust Neapolitan-style pizza is characterized by its hand-stretched dough and wood-fired preparation, resulting in a crispy yet chewy base with a distinctive char. Their pizzaiolos or sourdough DJs as they like to call themselves, serve up hand-rolled sourdough pizza with a variety of toppings. You’ll find four varieties of garlic pizza featuring mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan or simply olive oil and garlic. The menu also includes the classics like Quattro Stagioni and some seriously meaty options with double pepperoni, pancetta or chorizo. They even have a sweet option for dessert – a S’mores pizza!
Alfi Pizza
158 Main Rd
Sea Point
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Alfi Pizza
23/1
Wilde Vy Bistro
Cape Town, South Africa
Set under a 300‑year‑old wild fig tree on Hooggelegen Farm, home of Signal Gun Wines, Wilde Vy Bistro is the talk of the Durbanville wine route this winter. Wilde Vy Bistro is the creation of chef Jürgen Snyman (formerly at Asoka, Egghead) and Accra-based Ghanaian entrepreneurs Kwasi Osei-Kusi and Charles Bucknor. The space is chic but inviting, with a dark and moody colour palette, timber accents and artwork by local artists lining the walls. On the menu you’ll find small plates, fire-grilled locally sourced meats, a raw bar and an impressive list of vegetarian dishes. They also offer a Sunday roast, paired with Signal Gun wines – a great spot for a relaxed Sunday under the fig tree.
Wilde Vy Bistro
Hooggelegen Farm
Durbanville
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Wilde Vy Bistro
6/1
The Fountain by Planet Bar
Cape Town, South Africa
Housed within the lush gardens of Cape Town’s iconic Mount Nelson Hotel, The Fountain by Planet Bar offers a Mediterranean-inspired outdoor dining experience, where you can enjoy leisurely meals under umbrella-shaded tables surrounding a central fountain. The menu, curated by Chef Luke Barry, emphasises locally sourced ingredients, working closely with renowned local suppliers, including Farmer Angus and Meuse Farm. Standout dishes include the Zuney Wagyu bone marrow and the Nonna-style pork and beef meatballs with fresh bread. The seafood options are also plenty with dishes like West Coast prawn scampi, Saldanha Bay mussels or roasted calamari. But the best for last, dessert – decadent pistachio bomboloni or limoncello-infused tiramisu accompanied by fresh berries. Don’t forget the cocktails, expertly curated by the head mixologist Jonathan Makonga, try the Green Goddess!
The Fountain by Planet Bar
Mount Nelson Hotel
76 Orange St
Gardens
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of The Fountain by Planet Bar
3/1
Curry Club
Cape Town, South Africa
Curry Club began as a flight kitchen in Gardens, delivering fragrant North Indian-style curries right to customers’ doorsteps. It’s now evolved into an exciting restaurant set in a heritage house at the Cape Quarter in Green Point. The menu is unapologetically flavour‑forward, featuring London-style Punjabi curries, with the head chef hailing from the foothills of the Himalayas. These curries are known for being fragrant rather than overly fiery. Staples include the butter chicken, tikka masala and rogan josh. Don’t miss the inventive specials like the chicken sagwala, Kerala fish and gunpowder lamb aloo. Interiors are simple with a lively vibe, with quirky decor and an interesting 90s Britpop playlist.
Curry Club
The Cape Quarter Lifestyle Center
Corner Jarvis & Napier St
Green Point
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Curry Club
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