When it comes to eating out in Cape Town, it’s a minefield filled with some smoking hot places and some duds! There is a plethora of restaurant categories and restaurants in Cape Town, too. So you need to decide what kind of vibe you’re going for. Do you want a lively place or some romantic ambience? Would you rather dine in the city, Winelands or seascape views? Would you like to taste contemporary, traditional African or Indian cuisine? The list is endless.
To help you with that, we made a list with the top restaurants in Cape Town. So here’s ours to dazzle your taste buds in Cape Town and its surroundings.
[toc]
The Test Kitchen
This place is seriously famous due to the accolades the chef has accepted over the years. Luke Dale Roberts is a South African foodie royalty. The Test Kitchen is exceptional for its bold, contemporary tastings that start in the Dark Room with tantalising tapas and finish up in the LightRoom with world-class cuisine.
The Foodbarn
One of the best restaurants in Cape Town is The FoodBarn. Relaxed yet decadent is what chef Franck Dangereux does best at this friendly diner. Fine-dining inside a light-filled, converted barn in the laid-back village of Noordhoek – a recipe for a memorable outing.
The Conservatory at The Cellars Hohenort
This ancient hotel restaurant set in magnificent gardens is still pulling in the crowds for its historical reverence as well as its eclectic food. Chef Paul Nash’s classic menu includes Cape Malay favourites that been lifted to another level. Get there early and enjoy a walk in the gardens.
Fyn
Go for the magnificent views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Go for the seductive Afro-Japanese menu. Maybe go for the unique wine pairings. Go for the breath-taking interiors and the exciting ambience – but just GO!
Planet
You’ll be seeing more than stars in the high ceiling at this magnificent dining room at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Gardens. A visit to the “Pink Lady”, as she’s fondly called, is a treat in itself and the cuisine at Planet is legendary.
The Pot Luck Club
You’ll be lucky to get a spot at this top-notch eatery at The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock with stunning views of the city from the top floor. With a menu from Luke Dale Roberts, you can expect a gastronomical affair featuring all five flavours – salty, sour, bitter, sweet an umami.
Beluga
Located in the trendy De Waterkant precinct, perfect for a lover’s tryst, Beluga oozes romance and offers all things aphrodisiac. Perfect for special occasions or simply a mid-week treat, Beluga will not disappoint.
Pastis
For a casual, cosy vibe try this charming brasserie set in the Groot Constantia vineyards. Log fires, excellent wine and French cuisine – what can go wrong?
Pigalle
If it’s stylish entertainment what you’re looking for, visit the friendly Greenpoint eatery. Locals flock here for its fresh seafood, sublime steaks and Portuguese panache. There is also live music – and a dancefloor, too!
True Italic
Candlelight, rustic décor and mama’s real Italian food make for true romance at this relaxed venue in the city centre. The exciting menu is refreshed often enough to keep locals returning for more Tuscan fare.
Olympia Café
Don’t miss a visit to this popular café, renowned for its freshly prepared, generous portions of home-style food. It’s tiny so you might have to queue but the passing parade is always interesting in Kalk Bay and you can grab a delicious Truth coffee from the bakery while you wait.