Where to eat and drink on and around Cape Town’s Bree Street

Anthm, one of Cape Town’s hottest cocktail bar, combines the rustic elegance of a kominka, a traditional Japanese folk house – with the vibrant energy of New York City. Located in the CBD, this unique venue features antique furniture, wooden floors and customised glassware, creating an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and chic. The ground floor’s 40-seater restaurant offers an intimate dining experience, while the upstairs live music lounge pulses with jazz and rock ’n roll. The cocktail menu, inspired by classic songs, includes standout drinks like Smokestack Lightin’, a smoky concoction of scotch whiskey, amaro and porcini. Pair it with the crudo, the sirloin tartare with spicy miso and yuzu, for a perfect fusion of South African ingredients and Japanese flavours.

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.

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, 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.

Burger & Lobster on Bree Street takes the classic surf-and-turf concept to the next level, focusing on just three things – burgers, lobster and lobster rolls. Their signature dishes include the classic B&L burger, the decadent lobster roll and the indulgent whole lobster, all served with crispy chips and a fresh salad. The interior of Burger & Lobster is casual yet trendy, with exposed brick walls, wooden tables and a lively atmosphere that makes it a great spot for both lunch and dinner. They also have a well-stocked bar, offering impressive craft cocktails and a selection of local and international beers.

Chef’s Warehouse & Canteen on Bree Street marks a thoughtful revival by renowned chefs Liam Tomlin, David Schneider and Adrian Hadlow. The ground floor is a harmonious blend of rustic and contemporary design, with stone walls and sleek leather seating creating a space that feels both intimate and dynamic. A wood-burning fireplace adds a cosy touch, making it an inviting spot for diners to enjoy the carefully curated global tapas menu. The communal table encourages a shared dining experience, a fitting way to appreciate the collaborative efforts of the chefs. Signature dishes, like the expertly seared tuna and earthy wild mushroom risotto, are a testament to the team’s commitment to bringing back the beloved flavours of the original Chef’s Warehouse, reimagined for today.

Read the full article on Chef’s Warehouse & Canteen.

Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room is an iconic spot on Bree Street, renowned for its relaxed vibe and friendly service. It is one of our favourites for many reasons, but the most important is certainly the breakfast. We love the classics! Full English breakfast? Check. Egg croissant? Check. Three egg omelette? Check. Plus they bake their own buns, croissants and breads – there’s nothing better than a freshly baked croissant. With its central location and consistently great food, it’s no wonder Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room is a staple in Cape Town’s breakfast scene.

Culture Wine Bar is a chic establishment, adjacent to the renowned Grub & Vine bistro, that offers a curated selection of South Africa’s finest wines, including rare gems and cult classics. The bar’s ambience is sophisticated yet cosy, with leather booths and exposed brickwork creating a perfect setting for unwinding. Their weekly events, like Vine Night and Culture Club, provide opportunities to learn about wine in a fun, engaging way. The bar also offers a small but innovative menu featuring gourmet bites like charcuterie and cheese platters, perfect for pairing with your wine.

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’.

Hacienda Coastal Mexican takes its inspiration from Baja California with a focus on coastal Mexican cuisine and you can feel it the moment you walk in. The first thing you notice is the interiors – a little bit of art deco, a splash of palm fronds and sunlight that pours in all afternoon. There is an easygoing, slightly sultry buzz that ramps up after dark. Chef Justin Barker brings a keen eye for detail and a background in modern fine dining to the Mexican classics at Hacienda. Our favourite dish is hands down the Baja Langosta tacos, filled with tempura lobster, fennel tajin salsa, pomegranate aioli and topped with dried grapefruit. Also, try their tequila and mezcal tasting flight – taste your way through their bespoke selection of tequilas and mezcals that are exclusively sourced from the Bajio region.

Renowned for its artistic approach to breakfast, but also a great spot for lunch, Hemelhuijs blends unique flavours with impeccable presentation. The interior design is chic and inviting, reflecting the restaurant’s focus on fine living and eating. Jacques Erasmus is the creative force behind Hemelhuijs, and also of the Jonkmanshof hotel in Montagu. His culinary philosophy centres on sourcing and growing the finest ingredients, and has created a menu that features dishes that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Start your day right at Hemelhuijs with their signature pomegranate and pink apple mimosa. We also highly recommend the homemade potato rösti with herbed crème fraîche and soft poached eggs breakfast – absolutely divine!

Iron Steak & Bar is where you go for a steak experience that’s as ironclad as its name suggests. This steakhouse prides itself on offering high-quality, flame-grilled steaks with a focus on sustainability. Every cut of beef here is sourced from free-range, grass-fed cattle, ensuring you get a steak that’s both delicious and responsibly sourced. The dining experience at Iron Steak & Bar is casual yet refined, with a fun, energetic atmosphere that’s perfect for a night out with friends or a relaxed dinner date. One unique feature that sets Iron Steak & Bar apart is its complimentary soft-serve ice cream, a sweet touch to end your meal on a high note.

Located on Bree Street, Maru is run by the Pan Collection and positions itself as a Korean steakhouse with metropolitan energy. We love how the restaurant phrases its ethos, “where soul meets Seoul”.You feel it the moment you step inside. The interiors are dark and moody with chrome touches and a Seoul neon that hums against house beats. At Maru, executive chef Justin Barker drives the menus, while award-winning consultant chef ‎Rikku O’Donnchu shapes the Korean authenticity. The menu hits a high-end grill philosophy. Premium Wagyu and Aberdeen Angus cuts are seared alongside crisp Korean fried chicken buckets. The bar keeps things playful with gochujang-laced cocktails, makgeolli-based twists and cold Hite beers to balance the smoke.

Chef Liam Tomlin, along with David Schneider and Adrian Hadlow, presents Merchant Bar & Grill, one of three exciting concepts at 91 Bree Street, alongside Chef’s Warehouse & Canteen and Room 91. 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 bar’s lively atmosphere complements the five-course Merchant Feast experience, blending old-school culinary values with a contemporary twist.

Whether you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, Peruvian flavours or simply looking for a new dining adventure, Nikkei on Bree Street is the place to be. Chef Rikku Ó’Donnchü is a globally recognized culinary artist known for his innovative approach to fusion cuisine. A quintessential Peruvian dish, Nikkei’s ceviche is a must-try, featuring fresh fish marinated in citrus juices, with a perfect balance of flavours. The restaurant features a rich deep green palette, complemented by hints of gold and simplistic wood panelling. The interior is adorned with small visual cues and refined touches that reflect the harmonious existence between the two cultures.

The concept behind Pizza Shed is simple: bring people together over great food in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The restaurant is housed in a cosy space with a laid-back vibe, complete with wooden furnishings and an open kitchen where you can see the chefs working their magic. Pizza Shed is known for their contemporary Neapolitan pizzas, using a signature slow-proofed dough that is nurtured for over 48 hours before being baked in wood-fired ovens. If you’re looking for an authentic slice of pizza, this is the spot for you. We love the classic Margherita, best enjoyed on the little front patio seating, on a sunny Cape Town day!

Rosetta Roastery Café on Bree Street is perfect for those who appreciate finely crafted coffee. The baristas at this spot are true coffee geeks, always happy to share their knowledge and help you find the perfect brew. Whether you’re into pour-overs, espresso or cold brew, you’ll find something to love here. The modern design of the café provides a calm and inviting space to enjoy your coffee. Rosetta Roastery Café is well known for its single-origin coffees, highlighting the distinct flavours of different coffee regions. We think the pour-over coffee is a must-try, it brings out the detailed notes and aromas of the beans.

Seabreeze Fish & Shell is located on Bree Street, one of Cape Town’s trendiest culinary streets. The restaurant showcases a sleek, modern interior with a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, it’s a popular spot for both casual lunches and formal dinners. Seabreeze Fish & Shell specialises in showcasing the best of South African seafood with a menu that changes daily depending on the catch, ask their friendly servers for the catch of the day and get ready to be treated with a fresh, innovative seafood dish. We think their fish tacos are a hit for lunch or dinner – tortillas filled with fresh line fish, tangy slaw and a punchy dressing that brings all the flavours together beautifully.

Sloppy Sam is back! After a brief hiatus, Sloppy Sam has found its perfect new home in Cape Town’s Heritage Square, housed within the characterful old brick walls that seem to have been waiting just for it. Owner Hooman Saffarian, a beloved figure in the local dining scene since 1985, has created an intimate, inviting space adorned with Persian carpets and vintage curios, evoking a warm, lived-in atmosphere. The menu celebrates Middle Eastern flavours with a focus on Greek, Turkish and Persian influences. Diners are encouraged to share mezze-style plates, with standout dishes like the succulent lamb riblets, pan-fried calamari and Hooman’s legendary hummus. The crispy Turkish Borek, filled with spiced potato and cheese, is also a must-try.

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.