Nothing enhances a travel experience quite like really good food.
Here we take a look at recommendations from Capetonians.
Cape Town was voted The Best City for Food in the World in 2024 by Condé Nast. For many visitors Cape Town’s choice of excellent restaurants is one of this city’s main attractions. But how to choose which restaurants to visit when faced with so many choices. Well, we thought you’d like to hear from locals about their favourite eateries.
Belly of the Beast – Cape Town
Tasting menu
This is what The World’s 50 Best has to say “Chefs Anouchka Horn and Neil Swart invite diners to come along and trust them – there are no menu options or set-course taster here, just a selection of what they deem local and seasonal. As the name would suggest, Belly of the Beast is carnivore-friendly, with all meat from sustainably farmed animals. Dishes could include anything from pumpkin risotto to cured stumpnose fish or gemsbok (antelope) tataki. Don’t miss the baked Alaska with feuilletine and hazelnut praline by talented pastry chef Horn.”
“One arrives not knowing what to expect and leaves dumbstruck by fantastic food and the friendly and knowledgeable staff. The restaurant is quite small so the atmosphere is quite intimate, which we really enjoyed. It does mean that you need to book a few weeks in advance,” Anton.
https://bellyofthebeast.co.za/
Between Us – Cape Town
Elegant dining
Between Us is an elegant restaurant located in Cape Town that offers menus focused on immaculate flavours, sustainability and seasonality.
“Between Us on Bree Street was the first restaurant that came to mind. Exceptional food, we always share, tapas style because it is all so delicious, it would be too hard to choose just one or two dishes. The restaurant is in a beautiful old building that has been sensitively restored with edgy decor and flowers,” Sarah.
“This is our go to place, we love taking our overseas visitors to this elegant city restaurant, they always come away impressed with what Cape Town has to offer. Stunning vegan options, which is important these days,” Luci.
Bilboa – Camps Bay
Contemporary chic
“Where the only distraction from the food is the view. Breezing onto the Camps Bay strip, Bilboa brings with it its own brand of contemporary chic, exclusive location and enviable views across the Atlantic Ocean. Diners are offered a contemporary space, unlike any other along the beachfront. Coupled with an uninterrupted view, this lends Bilboa to an elevated level of sophistication accompanied by a contemporary Mediterranean seafood-inspired offering.”\
“Camps Bay’s reputation as a premium Atlantic seaboard destination is internationally recognized. If you’re eating in Camps Bay you want the best views of the ocean, right? You also want fine food to match the location. Bilboa is hard to beat,” Frances.
https://www.kovecollection.co.za/bilboa/
Black Sheep – Gardens
Laid-back neighbourhood gastropub
“Great vibe, friendly staff and really great food what more can I say. The menu changes quite regularly so one never gets bored,” Anton.
“We love the ‘blackboard specials’ on offer at Black Sheep. Only complaint, for a local, it’s often tricky to get a table, booking essential,” Nick.
Blue Cafe – Tamboerskloof
Sidewalk café
This small neighbourhood spot with outdoor seating serves cafe fare made with local ingredients.
This is a popular day time meeting spot for locals. The food is consistently nice and fresh, but most importantly, their coffee is good.
Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room – Cape Town
“A local go‑to for laid‑back all‑day dining: their butter‑fried brioche‑bun burgers and grilled‑cheese‑plus‑tomato‑soup combo hit hard on flavour without hitting your wallet. It’s got just the right buzz with friendly service — perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner in a relaxed vibe,” Peter.
Conscious Kitchen De Waterkant – Cape Town
Café and juice bar
A health cafe that serves a large variety of vegan & vegetarian dishes with gluten free options.
“A local vegan spot with good food, healthy options that are mindful of the planet and don’t break the bank,” Rachel.
COY – Waterfront
Ocean inspired food
COY celebrates local craftsmanship, the essence of Africa and its cuisines, the beauty of ingredients, and the vibrant spirit of Cape Town.
“COY at the Waterfront for fabulous food, relaxed atmosphere, stunning views, excellent service and superb food. I have been taken there twice this year,” Ann-Gail.
Giovannis Deli World – Green Point
The ultimate Italian deli, coffee, fine wine & grocery destination serving scrumptious sandwiches, ready-made meals and the best cappuccinos in Cape Town.
“For coffee and a morning pastry, Giovannis is our Go-To,” Carol.
Fyn – Cape Town
Fine-dining food, Japanese, South African
2024 Traveler’s Choice Awards 22nd of Best of the Best Restaurants in the World.The winner of the Flor de Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award 2023. In 2022 World Best 50 Restaurants, Fyn ranked 37th. These are just a few of the many awards bestowed on this fine restaurant.
At Fyn you go on a nine-course journey from Africa to Japan.
Hacienda – Cape Town
Coastal Mexican
Inspired by Baja California, Hacienda is a destination where guests can experience a modern twist on authentic COASTAL MEXICAN cuisine.
“Fantastic Mexican but an upmarket menu and vibe,” Colleen.
“This is where one gets to travel with one’s taste buds. Our experience at Hacienda seemed to transport us. We loved it and will be back,” Luci.
Hemelhuijs – Cape Town
Modern, chic choice offering sophisticated cafe fare, plus juice blends & breakfast cocktails.
“Always exquisitely decorated, it has a menu that one could describe as South African Contemporary. Jacques is the chef and knows what he does. Try their Bobotie, it will surprise and delight. Dishes are fresh, inventive and classy. Hemelhuijs,” Luan.
La Boheme Wine Bar and Bistro – Sea Point
Excellently revamped La Boheme serves delicious tapas in nice environment with excellent acoustics and food that is fairly priced.
“Excellent food at great value! The tapas menu offers a lot of variety to choose from,” Karen.
Maria’s Greek Café – Gardens
“Olive‑tree‑shaded pavement seating, warm Mediterranean flavours, and a reliably good chicken souvlaki make Maria’s a charming, value‑packed choice. It feels like a lazy summer evening in Greece, right here in Cape Town — without blowing your budget,” Peter.
Nikkei – Cape Town
Contemporary Japanese/Peruvian
From Fuji to Machu to table. Get ready for a culinary adventure like no other as we bring the vibrant fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours to your plate.
“We did go to Nikkei restaurant a while ago for my niece’s birthday. Japanese/ Peruvian food which is a pretty unique combo. Denis had the set menu which he raved about,” Vyvyan.
Nonna Lina Ristorante Pizzeria – Gardens
Authentic Sardinian Dining
“Our ‘local’ is Nona Lina. They have three branches; we go to the one in Orange Street. If you enjoy traditional, thin-crust Neapolitan-style pizza, then this is the absolute best in town. Try one, it will not disappoint. There are also delicious pasta dishes, many. The atmosphere is jovial, can be noisy, like being inside a busy market in Naples with everybody chattering at the same time. I find it uplifting,” Luan.
“I love Nona Lina in town, we often go before going to the Labia Theatre for movies. Their pizzas are great,” Julie.
Osteria Tarantino – De Waterkant
Family run Italian
Osteria Tarantino is an Italians café in De Waterkant promising to provide hearty home cooked meals to people craving traditional and authentic meals.
“Good, reliable Italian food, small and cosy. Takes me right back to Italy,” Dee.
Ouzeri – Cape Town
A contemporary celebration of Cyprus and Greece’s regional dishes
“My current favourite restaurant is in Wale Street, Ouzeri. The Best Cypriot food in town, Hands Down! Some restaurants rely on decor and bling to make them stand out amongst the bevvy of eateries in a city like Cape Town. Ouzeri, in contrast, pairs the decor down to the bare basics. Simple stools, crisp white tablecloths, cushions for comfort if sitting on the long bench surrounding the eating area. The floor gleaming, the kitchen is open for all to see what’s being prepared, and everything is spotless. What this place relies on more than anything else is the quality and taste of what they prepare for your unfussy table with its white starched tablecloth, drinking local white wine from a co-op in the Swartland. We ordered all the dishes from their taster menu, the tapas type dishes, and it did not disappoint. Small offerings that taste like pieces of heaven. Fresh and top-quality ingredients and a chef who knows about taste combinations make this no ordinary taster menu. Every morsel is a discovery. Do try this and treat yourself to the best Cypriot food in town. Don’t miss it!” Luan.
Spyced – Waterfront
Modern African with a nod to cape Malay food
“Spyced restaurant is a celebration of quintessential cape culture in all its guises. It is the joy of sharing food, cooking, the use of spices, stories, and entertainment. Cape town applauds its unique blend of diversity in people, language, culture, lifestyle, cuisine and attitude!”
“This restaurant is a follow on from the massively successful Gold Restaurant. Everything they do, they do magnificently. Spyced is destined for success! Good for small groups of up to 135 pax,” Lisa.
The Nines – Sea Point
Rooftop restaurant and cocktail lounge
“This slick establishment is located in a 9th floor penthousehas spectacular sea- and mountainscapes, The Nines should be on your hitlist when visiting Cape Town,” Jade.
TTK Fledgelings – Woodstock
Nouvelle Latin cuisine with a South African touch at inventive restaurant with contemporary decor.
“Having eaten at other restaurants of Luke Dale Roberts, some of the food can be quite rich, too many courses or not an easy-going ambiance, but the Fledglings has delicious food without being pretentious,” Carol (chef).
Upper Union – Gardens
Global
Inspired by the finest produce of the season, we have curated multi-dish menus designed to be enjoyed by all around the table.
“One of my favourite restaurants in Cape Town. Ambience is great (very chilled not too noisy). Service is exemplary. Food is fantastic. Highly recommended,” Penny.
Vadivelu Indian Restaurant – Gardens
As one of the most thriving foodie streets in the Mother City, Kloof Street is where you will find Vadivelu, an authentically South African Indian restaurant. With a menu and hospitality offering that echoes the owners’ Tamil ancestors who arrived in South Africa as indentured labourers 150 years ago, the restaurant truly embodies South African Indian heritage in more ways than one.
“My favourite Indian Restaurant is Vadivelu in Kloof Street,” Carol (Chef).
More coming soon!
Look out for our next travel enhancer for recommendations of restaurants in the Cape Winelands and further afield.