Cape Town Foodie Guide: The Best Places to Eat in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a foodie heaven. It’s widely considered one of the best places in the world to eat..

The food in South Africa, and Cape Town especially, is strongly influenced from the many cultures and nationalities that call the city home. From restaurants serving up Malay dishes to vegan brunch spots and Michelin-starred fine dining, Cape Town has it all.

On each visit to Cape Town, I go armed with a list of places I want to try so I can now say I’ve been to quite a few. So here’s where to find the best food, coffee and drinks in Cape Town:

Best Places to Eat in Cape Town

Best Restaurants for Dinner in Cape Town

Mama Africa

This eclectic restaurant, located on Long Street in the heart of Cape Town city centre is a must-visit. Established just after the end of apartheid in 1995, this restaurant delivers the best Southern African food in Cape Town. Try the Zimbabwean Dovi, a chicken dish in a mild peanut sauce or Mama’s bobotie. The atmosphere is fun and vibey, with live music most evenings. There is also a curio shop where we bought some lovely art. Reservations are recommended.

• Website: https://www.mamaafricarestaurant.co.za/
• Address: 178 Long Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Beluga

So many people told me I had to go to Beluga for sushi before I first went to South Africa. And wow they were right, the sushi platters here were incredible. I could have eaten here every night!

The restaurant is actually Euro-Asian fusion and the menu is really extensive. It’s located quite close to the Waterfront area and has a huge outdoor seating area in a very pretty square. Reservations aren’t essential.

• Website: https://beluga.co.za
• Address: 70 Prestwich St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa

Bombay Bicycle Club

This funky restaurant is one of the most unusual places to eat in Cape Town, especially on a Friday evening when the dining experience is themed. It’s fun, wacky and memorable! Definitely make a reservation ahead of time.

• Website: http://www.thebombay.co.za
• Address: 158 Kloof Street Gardens, Cape Town

Kloof Street House

Located along Kloof Street is this wonderful resturant, unmissable for its numerous fairy lights. Where you want to enjoy a Sunday Roast, drinks with friends or a romanic dinner, Kloof Street delivers.

• Website: http://www.kloofstreethouse.co.za
• Address: 30 Kloof Street Gardens, Cape Town

Best Brunch and Breakfast Spots in Cape Town

Kauai

Kauai is a health cafe chain located all over South Africa. It’s certainly not unique to Cape Town, but if you’re looking for a dependable spot for great smoothies, coffees, wraps and healthy bites – hit up Kauai. My favourite one was in the V&A Waterfront area, right under the big wheel.

• Website: https://www.kauai.co.za
• Address: 1, Union Castle, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002, South Africa

Harvest

Located in the cool area of Bo Kaap in the heart of Cape Town, this cafe and deli offers up the most delicious health dishes for breakfast and lunch. Harvest’s beautiful location overlooks the colourful streets of Bo Kaap and is a serene slice of food magic. I highly recommend the eggs benedict. These are served up on zucchini fritters with spinach, toasted almonds, sautéed mushrooms & cranberries. Breakfast comes out about £13/$16 (two drinks, two mains) and I’d go back there tomorrow if I could!

• Address: 102 Wale Street, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

The Potluck Club

Considered one of the coolest spots in the City, the Potluck Club features on most lists of the best places to eat in Cape Town. Located in hipster Woodstock, it’s worth visiting to sample its eclectic menu from around the world.

• Website: http://thepotluckclub.co.za
• Address: Silo Top Floor, The Old Biscuit Mill, 373-375 Albert Road Woodstock

Best Coffee Shops in Cape Town

Espresso Lab Microroasters

Situated on the ground floor of The Old Biscuit Mill in the hip district of Woodstock is this excellent roastery and coffee shop. I think Espresso Lab has some of the best coffee in South Africa. They source their coffee beans from fully traceable farms, estates and cooperatives, so you can feel happy knowing it is sustainable.

• Website: https://espressolabmicroroasters.com
• Address: 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa

Bootleggers

One of the most well known coffee shop chains in the city, it was originally founded by three friends about six years ago. They serve up some of the best coffee in Cape Town and are well worth visiting, especially if you’re a coffee snob seeking excellent coffee.

• Website: https://bootlegger.co.za
• Address: Bootlegger Sea Point, 39 Regent Road, Cape Town (one of many in CPT)

Daytime drinking in Cape Town

Tiger’s Milk

This popular day and night spot has several outposts across South Africa. I particularly love the Tiger’s Milk in Camps Bay overlooking the ocean. The atmosphere is vibey and it’s the perfect place for some sundowners.

• Website: http://tigersmilk.co.za
• Address: 35 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape

Silo Hotel

As one of the most luxurious and exclusive hotels in Cape Town, you might be surprised I’ve added this to the list. However, its rooftop is a must-visit.

The Silo Rooftop is reservation only, so it’s worth booking ahead to guarantee a lovely spot and you don’t need to be a hotel guest. I’d highly recommend picking up a couple of cocktails either mid-afternoon or at sunset and watching Cape Town from above. However, it is worth noting that you do have to be a hotel guest to use The Silo’s (amazing) rooftop pool!

• Website: https://www.theroyalportfolio.com/the-silo/overview/
• Address: The Silo Hotel, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront, 8001, Cape Town

The Lawns at The Roundhouse

Tucked away above Camps Bay is The Lawns at The Roundhouse. With an incredible view of mountains and the South Atlantic Ocean, this chilled-out stylish spot is a great place for family lunches or sundowners with friends.

• Website: https://thelawnsct.com
• Address: Round House Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa

Kapstadt Brauhaus

Looking for cocktails served in steins? Yep, the Kapstadt Brauhaus is your place. I’m had a few stein-sized pina coladas in here. Located in the V&A Waterfront, this is a great place for a drink following a day of sightseeing. It’s also the perfect place to meet friends with its beautiful vantage point and super friendly and fun staff.

• Website: https://www.kapstadtbrauhaus.co.za
• Address: SHOP G13, Clock Tower, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002

The Brass Bell

This huge waterside restaurant/pub/bar/cafe is one of the best spots in Kalk Bay and was recommend to us by almost everyone. It’s a bit of a hodge podge structure, with all kind of extra rooms and terraces having been added on over time. I recommend trying the Incinci Intsimbi if you go at breakfast time, but it’s later in the day when The Brass Bell really comes alive!

• Website: http://www.brassbell.co.za
• Address: Main Road, Kalk Bay, Cape Town, 7990, South Africa

The Bungalow at Clifton

Offering by far the most stunning views in Clifton, The Bungalow is the perfect place to enjoy day time food and drinks. Stay for sunset and even stay for dinner. It will not disappoint!

• Website: https://www.thebungalow.co.za
• Address: The Bungalow, Glen Country Club, 3 Victoria Road

Best Mediterranean Food in Cape Town

Maria’s Greek Cafe

Hidden away in a gorgeous little square and under a sky of tiny fairy lights is the atmospheric and charming Maria’s. To my surprise, I was served by a Brit, who like the rest of the staff was very friendly. Similar to a typical Greek taverna, it serves up all the best Greek cuisine.

• Website: https://www.facebook.com/MariasGreekCafe/
• Address: 31 Barnett Street, Dunkley Square, Gardens, 8001

Col’chacio

Serving up some of the best pizza in Cape Town, this is an Italian chain for your pizza and pasta fix! There are several across the city and all are really relaxed and casual.

• Website: https://colcacchio.co.za
• Address: Shop 57, Isaacs Corner, Victoria Road, Cape Town

Best Seafood Restaurants in Cape Town

Bertha’s Seafood Restaurant

By the waterfront in pretty Simon’s Town is the excellent Bertha’s. This is a great place to eat if you’re heading to Boulder’s Beach to see the penguins. The staff are super friendly and there’s always excellent local street performers outside on the terrace.

• Website: http://berthas.co.za
• Address: 1 Wharf Road, Simon’s Town, 7975, Cape Town

Harbour House

Another excellent restaurant, also located in Kalk Bay on the Cape Peninsula. Serving up delicious seafood on its large desk overlooking the bay, with mountains in the distance.

• Website: http://www.harbourhouse.co.za
• Address: Kalk Bay Harbour, Cape Town

Cod Father

Cod Father is known for having the best seafood in Cape Town, hands down. In the absence of a menu, their staff talk you through the catch of the day and how to have it served. An awesome experience.

• Website: https://www.codfather.co.za
• Address: 37 The Drive, Camps Bay, Cape Town

Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Cape Town

The Test Kitchen

Routinely featuring on lists of the best restaurants in the world, The Test Kitchen is one of the finest dining experiences to be had in Africa. Located in the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, diners are treated to world class food and this is undoubtedly one of the best places to eat in Cape Town. Bookings are required months in advance.

• Website: https://www.thetestkitchen.co.za
• Address: The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock

Chef’s Warehouse

Located in the stunning winelands area of Beau Constantia, just outside of the city, Chef’s Warehouse is a true meal with a view. Their menu is ever-changing, but the views do not – you’ll be surrounded by beautiful vineyards and Table Mountain in the distance. Book ahead.

• Website: https://www.chefswarehouse.co.za/
• Address: Constantia Main Road, Glen Alpine, Constantia

For something a bit different..

Die Strandloper

Strandloper is one of the most famous restaurants in South Africa for its unusual foodie experience. Its location is just over one hour’s drive out of Cape Town up the West Coast. This means it requires a bit of effort to get there and I would recommend to hire your own car. If you want an authentic Afrikaans eating experience in an amazing setting, this is a must-do. Definitely book in advance!

• Website: www.strandloper.com
• Address: Jan Olfsen Street, Leentjiesklip, Langebaan

Afternoon Tea at Belmont Mount Nelson

If a decadent afternoon tea takes your fancy, then this is definitely the place. The pastel-pink luxury hotel is one of the most beautiful places in Cape Town, and one of their exquisite afternoon teas makes for a rather special occasion. Definitely book in advance|!

• Website: https://www.belmond.com/hotels/africa/south-africa/cape-town/belmond-mount-nelson-hotel/afternoon-tea
• Address: 76 Orange Street, Gardens

So there’s my guide to some of the best places to eat in Cape Town! The city is one of the best destinations I have ever been to – and it has food to match. If you’re planning on visiting soon, you might find some of my other guides useful such as my Cape Town itinerary planning guide and post on all of the best things to do in Cape Town.

If you’re spending a bit longer in Cape Town or South Africa, you might find my day trips from Cape Town guide helpful, as well as my guide to safari in Kruger National Park too.

Feel free to drop me a line if you would like any advice or further recommendations for planning your trip to Cape Town. If you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best places to eat and drink in Cape Town, then please do share using the below links!

Wanna see more? Check my Instagram here, my Facebook here or my Twitter here!

Disclaimer: This visit to Cape Town was entirely paid for by myself, and there was no involvement from the tourism board or a hotel. This is an independent guide.