Julia’s Favorite Cape Town Restaurants

You may have heard that South Africa, and Cape Town in particular, has great food. In reality, it’s somewhat of an understatement: I would argue that Cape Town has one of the best culinary scenes on the planet. What makes the case even more compelling is how relatively inexpensive food is in the Mother City for those coming from abroad. Since moving here, Donald and I have rediscovered our love of restaurants after growing increasingly disillusioned by overpriced and overhyped hotspots in Miami: it is simply so much more fun to eat out when the value is there.

A question we often get from our foodie clients is, “How many Michelin star restaurants are in Cape Town?” It is hard to believe that the answer is ZERO, yet after three disappointing Michelin-starred restaurant dinners this past year (one in Spain, another in Provence and a third in Miami), I’ve become rather disillusioned with the qualification and what it actually represents. Coming to Cape Town and eating the most delicious and creative dishes of my life, all with the finest wine pairings, for well under $100 per person, has rendered Michelin stars even more irrelevant for me.

With that said, not everything in Cape Town is a Michelin experience, with many fantastic casual joints and steady flow of trendy restaurants. Below is a quick overview of some of our favorite Cape Town restaurants for different occasions. From Cape Town classics to avant-garde cuisine to local gems, there is undoubtedly something to satisfy every taste in Cape Town.

Salon

• Address: Old Biscuit Mill Silo, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa

• Website: https://salonct.co.za/

• Price Range: $$$

• Best For: Luke Dale Roberts’ devotees looking for his next big thing

Having just opened its doors in April 2023, Salon is the newest creation from famed British-South African chef Luke Dale Roberts, perhaps most recognized for his role behind Cape Town’s famed Test Kitchen, one of the first restaurants to put the Mother City on the international food map. Salon’s menu is meant to showcase Luke’s culinary journey from the UK to Asia and finally back to Africa. The unique fusion of three vastly diverse regions results in a delicious experience for the diner. Salon offers a five-course and nine-course tasting menu, both with an optional wine pairing. Something I found quite unique was that in addition to the more typical vegan and vegetarian alternative, they also offer a pescatarian menu. Our friend opted for the fish-friendly selection and was not disappointed, though I must say that my Wagyu beef was a highlight of the meal. The restaurant itself channels salon vibes with intimate dining corners and low ceilings. The space is cozy and the bar well-appointed, and Salon is a wonderful addition to the Old Biscuit Mill Silo where the rest of Luke Dale Roberts’ creations reside. To be perfectly honest, I think The Pot Luck Club, located just upstairs, probably takes the cake as the surer thing and better overall value (it’s worth coming if only for their Thai Green Curry Vodka Martini). But Salon is certainly worth a try and, considering we visited in their second week of operation, is only likely to get better and better.

Belly of the Beast

• Address: 110 Harrington St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa

• Website: www.bellyofthebeast.co.za

• Price Range: $$

• Best For: Cape Town’s most cutting edge foodie haunt (and really good pics for the ‘Gram)

If you’re looking for an authentic foodie experience in the heart of Cape Town’s city center, Belly of the Beast is a fantastic place to start. This fairly new addition to the local scene boasts a fully set menu without any option for substitutions (other than for allergies), and a single seating in the intimate 30-person dining room for either lunch or dinner. Belly of the Beat delivers an over the top culinary experience without the pomp and circumstance -or price tag- of other restaurants of a similar caliber. The managing chefs, one of whom is a woman, are extremely hands-on and diners get the feeling that the entire restaurant team is truly passionate about what they do. The fixed menu changes seasonally, relying strictly upon locally farmed produce. The last menu from which we had the good fortune of ordering included delectable plates like bobotie spring rolls and beef tartare with ponzu gelée, pickled shallots and horseradish cream. For dessert, we left drooling over their signature crème brûlée, served with poached strawberries. There are many trendy restaurants in Cape Town, and we think Belly of the Beast is one of the best.

Constantia Glen

• Address: Constantia Main Rd, Constantia, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa

• Website: www.constantiaglen.com/eat

• Price Range: $$

• Best For: A neighborhood bar that doubles as an idyllic wine farm & restaurant 
  

Located in the heart of Constantia, Constantia Glen instantly became our neighborhood go-to. In fact, it was driving up the dramatic entrance road to the wine farm with Donald on Christmas Eve (in search of last minute holiday booze) and witnessing the breathtaking views of Constantia Valley that cemented our decision to move here. While the Cape Winelands towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek never disappoint, the wines of Constantia are equally impressive and require minimal driving time when staying in the city. And when you live in Constantia like we do, you can make logistics even simpler by walking to your favorite wine farm. Constantia Glen is beloved by Capetonians for offering a nearly unparalleled combination of exceptional scenery, food and wine; neighboring Beau Constantia certainly gives the Glen a run for her money, though getting a table without a reservation at the former is nearly impossible, and as such we tend to favor the latter for a last-minute, dining out treat. Here you can sample some amazing wines from their award-winning selection including Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drivers and lightweights beware: their tasting flights are rather generous! Every Friday evening they host live music events with local bands performing classic covers as well as original songs. Their gourmet chef serves up delicious dishes like pumpkin risotto or slow-cooked lamb shoulder paired perfectly with their wines, though Donald and I are partial to the cheeseburger or expansive charcuterie board.

La Colombe

• Address: Silvermist Wine Estate, Main Road, Constantia Nek, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa

• Website: www.lacolombe.restaurant

• Price Range: $$$$

• Best For: When you want a European Michelin experience that’s half as expensive and twice as good at Africa’s most iconic fine dining establishment
  

La Colombe is often referred to as the best restaurant in Africa, and in my opinion far more deserving of a Michelin star than many European restaurants boasting the much-coveted designation. For fine dining lovers, a trip to Cape Town all but requires an evening at La Colombe. The utterly elegant restaurant, nestled in the scenic forest hills between Constantia and Hout Bay, serves up modern French cuisine with an African twist using only locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. We had the distinct pleasure of spending Valentine’s Day at La Colombe and our 5 hour plus dining affair did not disappoint. One of our friends opted for the wine pairing, a commitment undoubtedly not for the faint of heart. The menu is constantly changing but some current must-try dishes include their tuna tartare served with papaya salsa or their pan-fried duck breast with wild mushrooms and black garlic glaze. For dessert don’t miss out on their signature crepe suzette flambéed tableside. Make sure you book your table at least two months in advance. 

Dunes Restaurant

• Address: 1 Beach Cres, Scott Estate, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa

• Website: dunesrestaurant.co.za

• Price Range: $$

• Best For: For a local, “lekker” spin on Mykonos casual dining
  

Dunes is located right on Hout Bay beach where patrons can enjoy breathtaking views while savoring a casual yet delicious meal. The whitewashed building, white wooden chairs and sandy floor instantly remind you of your favorite Grecian beach club. Dunes is ideal for a stunning sunset cocktails with friends or parents with kiddies in search of a casual haunt that still has a vibe: like so many restaurants in South Africa, Dunes offers a fantastic playground onsite where your little ones can entertain themselves while Mom and Dad get their drink on. The menu showcases fresh seafood caught by local fishermen paired with locally grown herbs and vegetables from nearby farms. I am faithful to their fish and chips, though their sushi is fairly good as well. Don’t forget to try their signature cocktail—the Dunes Mojito—which combines mint leaves, lime juice, sugar syrup and white rum. If you’re looking for a beach vacation feel on a warm summer day, Dunes is a fantastic place to change it up and feel a bit more like a local. Dunes is a Cape Town restaurant with waterfront views, without the touristy vibe of the waterfront.

High Tea at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

• Address: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, 6 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

• Website: belmond.com

• Price Range: $$

• Best For: A sinfully delicious afternoon delight with classic Cape Town charm
  

High tea at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is perfect for those looking for a luxurious afternoon delight. I am somewhat of a high tea snob and despite many attempts can find very few places -even in London- that can compete with the experience offered at Mount Nelson. The idyllic grounds of the historic hotel make it worth a visit in and of itself. But the four-course offering,  featuring exceptional twists on traditional English finger sandwiches, perfectly baked scones with clotted cream and pastries fit for a queen, are the real show-stoppers. You can also choose from over 30 different kinds of tea ranging from classic English Breakfast to exotic blends like Moroccan Mint or Indian Spice Chai. I’m a sucker for anything that incorporates Rooibos tea, and my go-to drink at the moment is their African Pride Honeybush blend. 

Anytime we have an out-of-town visitor I try to take them to the Mount Nelson for high tea. To be totally honest, I would go once a week by myself if it weren’t for the fact that Craig, the overwhelmingly kind, engaging and knowledgeable in-house tea sommelier, would start to recognize me and I’d feel ashamed for consistently finishing off the trays flying solo. 

Foxcroft

• Address: Shop 8, High Constantia Centre, Groot Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa

• Website: www.foxcroft.restaurant

• Price Range: $$$

• Best For: A cozy, intimate lunch or dinner that’s always a sure thing

Another Constantia mainstay, Foxcroft offers contemporary European cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients cooked over open flames in unique ways such as sous vide or woodfired grilling techniques resulting in truly remarkable flavors that will delight your palate! Foxcroft ofters a full tasting menu and a slightly reduced one (unless you’re starving, a near-impossible occurrence while traveling within South Africa, the reduced menu works perfectly well), with the patron able to choose between two dishes per course. The menu changes seasonally but often features items like woodfired pork belly served with smoked potato puree or seared salmon served on top a bed of sautéed greens - all expertly prepared by renowned chefs Adrian Cook & Emma Chen who have worked together since 2005!

Foxcroft is perfect for a chilly night, as they have a massive fireplace at the center of the indoor dining room that exudes coziness. Because it’s in Constantia, it has a much more local flare; you get the sense that many Capetonians choose Foxcroft for a special date or birthday dinner. The wine list is also phenomenal, supplied largely by all of its wine farm neighbors. The restaurant is certainly well-known amongst locals, but we consider Foxcroft to be a hidden gem in Cape Town for visitors.

Chef’s Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic

• Address: Tintswalo Atlantic Hotel, W9M9+W5, Hout Bay, Cape Town, 7979, South Africa

• Website: chefswarehouse.co.za/cw-tintswalo

• Price Range: $$$

• Best For: Our pick for the best restaurant in Cape Town with a view
  

If you want to combine one of the most sensational views in Cape Town with a menu that competes with the best in town, an evening at Chef’s Warehouse Tintswalo Atlantic is essential for your trip. Located within the Tintswalo Atlantic Hotel, just south of Hout Bay en route to Chapman’s Peak and the Cape Peninsula, this special spot feels a literal world away despite being just a 20-25 minute drive from our preferred hotels. I always thought Tintswalo Atlantic was a fantastic property but wondered if the location was just a bit too remote for first timers visiting Cape Town. After eating at Chef’s Warehouse however, I’m convinced a stay at this hotel is more than worthwhile, particularly for those who are less interested in city life and would rather be closer to the underrated splendor that is the Cape Peninsula or the wine farms of Constantia. But I digress, as this is not a hotel review! Old habits die hard. 

The fixed menu at Chef’s Warehouse is tapas style, so although a whopping 16 courses are served, the plate sizes are fairly small and to be shared, ensuring that you will not find yourself paralyzed in a food coma (ahem, La Colombe). The offerings are primarily seafood and we could not find fault with a single dish. To be totally honest, we enjoyed the meal as much -if not more- than FYN, which also happens to be more expensive. 

Conclusion  

Is Cape Town a foodie city? The answer is a resounding yes, and the brief list above is just a quick sampling of the many incredible restaurants found all over town. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or just want to explore what the Mother City has to offer, these are just a sprinkling of some of my personal favorite spots for Cape Town’s greatest food and wine. From Michelin-star quality restaurants like La Colombe to trendy yet casual eateries like Belly of the Beast there’s something for everyone here in Cape Town! So if you’re ever looking for new places to explore then be sure to check out any (or all!) of these amazing spots!

Here are some additional tips for enjoying the food and wine of Cape Town:

1. Whenever possible, book your reservations in advance.** Particularly in summer months when both international and South African travelers alike are out and about in Cape Town, restaurants are often fully committed weeks in advance. The team at Craft Travel will always assist you with curated restaurant reservations to match your itinerary (and tastes) and work with our behind the scenes connections to secure hard-to-get tables.  

2. Very few restaurants in Cape Town will be serving you a “light” meal. As such, make sure you plan on just one big outing per day. If you try to go to Belly of the Beast or the Mount Nelson for lunch and then Foxcroft or La Colombe for dinner, rest assured you won’t want to do much more than nap for the foreseeable future! It appears that sometimes too much of a good thing isn’t good, or at least not conducive to exploring a new and exciting city.

3. Try out restaurants in varying neighborhoods in Cape Town to experience different architecture, vibes and cultures. Cape Town is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities imaginable. Each neighborhood reflects a different piece of the city’s cultural fabric. From Bo-Kaap to Gardens to Woodstock to Camps Bay to even stuffy, old Constantia (don’t hate!), let each new restaurant introduce you to a new side of Cape Town. In my view there is no better way to understand a city than through its food, and that is probably why I’ve ended up calling this culinary paradise my home.  

Did your favorite restaurant make the list, or did we leave out one that’s simply unmissable? Please reach out and let us know. Looking to plan your ultimate Cape Town food and wine experience? Contact us today for a culinary journey through Cape Town, the Winelands and beyond!

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