Tag: Food

Chapter 9: Views – Updated 2022

Part of Cape Town’s outrageous allure lies in the varied topography you’re exposed to. If skyscrapers or street canals don’t tickle your fancy, the world-class seascapes and mountain views probably will.

Azure

Aptly named after its colouring, Azure brings to mind an ocean palace. But this award-winning, fine dining hotel restaurant offers a diverse French-influenced menu, and an opulent, romantic setting.

Why go?

The breathtaking location is its strongest selling point. It stands along a scenic coastal road that connects the fashionable suburbs of Camps Bay and Llandudno. Providing unadulterated sea views as far as the eye can see.

Blends panoramic sea views with a menu of exceptional Cape cuisine, Image Credit: The 12 Apostles Hotel

Details

a: 12 Apostles Hotel, Victoria Road, Camps Bayt: +27 21 437 9000w: www.12apostleshotel.com/food-and-drink/azure-restauranth: Breakfast: Monday to Sunday, 07h00–10h30h: Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 12h30–15h30h: Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 18h00–22h00

Bilboa

A fusion of Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired delicacies, Bilboa prides itself on fresh seafood and sustainable fish.

Why go?

Slap bang in the middle of the action on Camps Bay’s sunset strip, with a first-floor location that gives you spectacular sea views—and takes you out of the buzz downstairs.

Enviable views across the Atlantic Ocean, Image Credit: Bilboa

Details

a: Shop 120, First Floor, The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bayt: +27 21 286 5155w: bilboa.co.zah: Monday to Sunday, 12h00–23h00

Bistro Sixteen82

Named after the year in which Steenberg Wine Estate was established, Bistro Sixteen82 first opened its doors in 2009, and has been Cape Town’s tapas and bistro-style darling ever since.

Why go?

Bistro fare that’s seasonal, flavourful and bursts with freshness. The terraced dining area leads into reflective water features, unfurling into views of the magnificent stone mountains and expansive winelands.

Surrounded by indigenous gardens and reflective water features, Image Credit: Bistro Sixteen82

Details

a: Steenberg Rd, Tokait: +27 21 713 2211w: www.steenbergfarm.comh: Breakfast: Monday to Sunday, 09h00–11h00h: Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 12h00–15h00h: Tapas: Monday to Sunday, 17h00–22h00

Bungalow

Bungalow has something to appeal to almost everyone’s tastes. Add on a pretty comprehensive wine list, and you have a great spot for an evening of relaxed indulgence.

Why go?

With great views of the Atlantic Ocean, Bungalow is a peaceful and isolated option away from the humdrum of main restaurant strips.

Plays host to some of the finest sunsets in the world, Image Credit: Bungalow

Details

a: Glen Country Club, 3 Victoria Road, Cliftont: +27 21 438 2018w: www.thebungalow.co.zah: Monday to Sunday, 12h00–23h00

Grand Africa Café and Beach

Whether you come for the panoramic views, the delicious food, retro ambience or some feet-in-the-sand indulgence, The Grand perfectly encompasses why Cape Town summers deserve to be spent outdoors.

Why go?

A combination of paradise meets luxurious lifestyle, picturesque ocean views and a 5-star menu to die for.

Embraces a free-spirited beach café culture, Image Credit: Grand Africa Café and Beach

Details

a: 1 Haul Rd, Granger Bay Blvdt: +27 21 425 0551w: grandafrica.comh: Friday to Sunday, 12h00–24h00

Pot Luck Club

The sister restaurant to Test Kitchen is a more commercial Luke Dale-Roberts option. Sitting in a glass-and-steel box at the top of an old silo, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. But the star attraction is undoubtedly the food.

Why go?

The focus is on five flavour profiles (salty, sour, bitter, sweet, and umami), and plate-sharing is encouraged, so you get to savour them all.

High above the city, the best place to enjoy a late summer night, Image Credit: Pot Luck Club

Details

a: The Silo, The Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstockt: +27 21 447 0804w: thepotluckclub.co.za/homeh: Lunch: Monday to Saturday, 12h30–14h00h: Dinner: Monday to Saturday, 18h00–22h00h: Sunday Brunch: 11h00–12h30

Waterside

Tempting guests for a spot of ocean-side dining on the ground floor of the Pierhead Building is The Waterside Restaurant – offering a sophisticated, but more casual menu.

Why go?

Guests can enjoy both indoors, and on the outdoor deck – perfect for sumptuous summer lunches after an eventful day in the V&A Waterfront. Taking a peek at The Waterside’s menu, guests can look forward to Cape Malay crayfish salad or Asian pork belly with scallops.

Escape to the tranquility of waterside dining, Image Credit: The Waterside

Details

a: Pierhead Building (next to the NSRI, V&A Waterfront)t: +27 21 879 6329w: thewaterside.restauranth: Monday to Sunday, 12h00–20h30

Chapter 9/14

Featured image credit: Azure

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Chapter 10: Family-friendly – Updated 2022

Dining with kids can be hard, but luckily Cape Town caters for foodies of all ages.

Café Roux

Since opening in 2006, Café Roux has become an institution in the Noordhoek Valley. Set in a quaint, old-fashioned farm village, the café is half restaurant, half outdoor music venue, and classy enough to impress on both counts.

Why go?

Expect a fresh, seasonal menu, accompanied by chalkboard specials that change regularly. Sit outside in the sun under sprawling oak trees or in a walled-off, child-friendly corner beside the playground.

menu that caters for all tastes including vegans, vegetarians and carnivores alike, Image Credit: Café Roux

Details

a: Chapmans Peak Dr, Noordhoekt: +27 21 789 2538w: www.caferoux.co.zah: Breakfast: Monday to Sunday, 08h30–11h00h: Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 12h00–15h30

Café Paradiso

Cafè Paradiso is a home from home which celebrates long-held traditions and family values; where enticing aromas emanate from the bakery long before dawn and the pasta machine is hard at work all day.

Why go?

Emulating the look and feel of a country farm stall, Café Paradiso stands out as one of the best family restaurants in Cape Town – with plenty of romantic nooks for couples.

Children are not only welcome, they are specially invited, Image Credit: Café Paradiso

Details

a: 110 Kloof St, Cape Townt: +27 21 422 0403w: www.cafeparadiso.co.zah: Monday to Friday, 11h30–22h00, Saturdays & Sundays, 09h00–22h00

Dunes

With gorgeous views of the mountains and bay, good service in a lovely setting and an excellent play area for children, Dunes ensures quality family time without compromising on the finer things in life.

Why go?

The only beach restaurant on the Atlantic seaboard!

The Traditional Fish & Chips, sometimes you just can’t beat the classics, Image Credit: Dunes

Details

a: 1 Beach Cres, Hout Bayt: +27 21 790 1876w: www.dunesrestaurant.co.zah: Monday to Friday, 11h00–22h00, Saturday & Sunday, 09h00–22h00

Jonkershuis

Nestled inside the historic centre of the Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Jonkershuis delivers classic Cape Malay cuisine surrounded by ancient oak trees and the legendary Groot Constantia vineyards.

Why go?

The views of the peninsula and majestic Constantia Valley are unrivalled.

Family style lunches on their front lawns, Image Credit: Jonkershuis

Details

a: Groot Constantia, Groot Constantia Rd, Constantiat: +27 21 794 6255w: jonkershuisconstantia.co.zah: Monday to Saturday, 08h00–21h00, Sunday, 08h00–17h00

Massimo’s

As arguably one of the best Italian-style eateries in the Mother City, Massimo’s needs little introduction—if any, to be frank.

Why go?

There’s pasta and spuntini (tapas-style small plates) on offer, but the wood-fired thin-crust pizzas are a Massimo’s speciality.

Voted ‘Best Pizzeria in Africa’ by 50TopPizza.com, Image Credit: Massimo’s

Details

a: Oakhurst Farm Park, Main Rd, Hout Bayt: +27 067 324 0261w: www.massimos.co.zah: Monday to Thursday, 16h00–21h00, Friday to Sunday, 12h00–21h00

Forries

Established in 1852 and nestled at the foot of our majestic mountains, in the leafy suburb of Newlands, Foresters Arms Restaurant and Pub (fondly referred to by the locals as Forries), is one of the oldest pubs in South Africa.

Why go?

Famous for pizza, draught beers and a family-friendly ambiance, this welcoming space provides guests with the opportunity to sit down, relax and enjoy a fine draught beer accompanied by a delicious meal selected from a varied gastro-pub menu.

On warm, sunny days, enjoy the outdoor air by relaxing at tables in ivy-covered arbours, Image Credit: Forries

Details

a: 52 Newlands Ave, Newlandst: +27 21 689 5949/70w: https://forries.co.za/contacts/h: Monday to Friday, 11h30 till lateh: Saturday, 09h00–23h00, Sunday, 09h00–21h00

Ou Meul

You will struggle to find a better meal anywhere in the area. Stop by for wholesome breakfasts, lunches and suppers. Oh! And make sure to take home one of their famous Sourdoughs, Ciabattas, Croissants or Rusks.

Why go?

Only the best leaves the kitchen. Free-range chicken and eggs. Pure beef burgers. Fresh, locally sourced produce. At Ou Meul Bakery you’re going to get quality and value every time.

Freshest baked goods, Image Credit: Ou Meul

Details

a: Cnr Montrose & Upper Orange Street, Oranjezicht, Cape Town, 8001t: +27 21 532 1592w: www.oumeul.co.zah: Monday to Saturday, 07h00–20h00, Sunday, 07h00–19h00

Noordhoek Farm Village

Visiting the Noordhoek Farm Village is like seeing an old friend. It’s easy, relaxed and no-nonsense in a comfortable and welcoming environment. A large outdoor playground provides a safe and spacious area for kids to have fun in while you do too.

Why go?

Here you’ll find artisan breads freshly baked daily, handcrafted ice cream using the finest natural ingredients, a coffee roastery, raw juice bar, café and tapas restaurant, live music, and a village pub.

A relaxed unhurried lifestyle at the village, Image Credit: Noordhoek Farm Village

Details

a: Cnr Of Village Lane & Noordhoek Main Roadt: +27 21 789 1390w: http://www.thefarmvillage.co.za/h: Monday to Saturday, 08h00–22h00, Sunday, 08h00–14h00

Chapter 10/14

Chapter 11: Drinks – Updated 2022

Whether you’re looking for high-end concoctions mixed by a tied and suited bartender or pining after the most scenic summer sundowner spot, one of these top spots in and around the city should have you covered.

Art of Duplicity

The bar will transport you to another time using a space filled with luxury crystal glassware, mahogany, soft amber lighting and the hum of live jazz.

Why go?

Hidden in a top-secret location and inspired by the 1920s Prohibition Era, The Art of Duplicity is only accessible to those lucky enough to obtain a reservation and secret password.

Decadent jazz and cocktail speakeasy bar, Image Credit: Crave Concepts

Details

a: Secret location which you find out after bookingt: N/Aw: 170120.co.zah: N/A

Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen

This cocktail emporium is turning the traditional on its head—making it a must-visit for cocktail-lovers wanting to broaden their horizons.

Why go?

The menu of bold and expertly-crafted cocktails (updated every month) is divided into three parts, the cocktail equivalent of a three-course meal.

Uses raw ingredients and effects them into flavour, Image Credit: Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen

Details

a: The Rocket Shed, 280 Dock Rd, V&A Waterfrontt: +27 21 422 0266w: http://causeandeffect.co.za/h: Monday to Sunday, 09h00–01h00

Harringtons

A prime cocktail lounge, bar and exclusive nightclub with 5-star service and a quality range of the best drinks in Cape Town. Make no mistake about it—‘upmarket’ is an understatement.

Why go?

The open panoramic windows present beautiful visuals and provides the perfect perch on which to sit, relax and indulge in one of the tasty libations, craft cocktails or tantalising tapas.

Evokes a feel of otherworldly opulence and style, Image Credit: Harringtons

Details

a: 61B Harrington St, Zonnebloemt: +27 21 461 2276w: thefirmct.co.za/harringtonsh: Wednesday to Saturday, 16h00–04h00

Momiji Lounge – Tjing Tjing

If you don’t have time for the full kaiseki experience of the restaurant, or just want a quiet, exquisite drink, Momiji Lounge is where you should install yourself. Tucked away adjacent to Momiji Restaurant, the lounge is dark and moody, with sunken booths and a long, low couch.

Why go?

This reservations-only lounge enjoys a wide variety of speciality spirits, cocktails, Japanese whisky, premium sake and a unique wine list to complement the food.

Expect a wide selection of bespoke cocktails, Image Credit: Momiji Lounge

Details

a: 165 Longmarket St, Cape Townt: +27 21 422 4920w: www.tjingtjing.co.za/momiji-loungeh: Tuesday to Saturday: 12h00–00h00

Secret Gin Bar

Tucked away behind Honest Chocolate Café on Wale street, the Secret Gin Bar is a Mediterranean-style, exclusively gin-serving spot that has been feeding the centre of Cape Town with some creative gin cocktails over the last few years.

Why go?

Boasting an impressive collection of over 40 locally crafted gins, the mysterious bar manages to conjure up some of the tastiest concoctions around.

They have more gins than you can shake a stick at, Image Credit: Secret Gin Bar

Details

a: 64A Wale Street, Cape Townt: +27 71 241 2277w: www.theginbar.co.zah: Monday to Wednesday, 17h00–01h00, Thursday to Friday, 15h00–01h00

Village Idiot

This fantastical bohemia-meets-1980’s-farmhouse restaurant and bar is lodged on Loop Street. Positioned perfectly; the popular neighbourhood hangout is a fair distance from the city’s congestion while still being close enough to feel connected to the exciting buzz of the innercity locale.

Why go?

A true inner-city, vintage neighbourhood bar and restaurant that embraces South African braai culture.

A true Inner City haven, Image Credit: The Village Idiot

Details

a: 32 Loop St, Cape Townt: +27 21 418 1548w: thefirmct.co.za/the-village-idioth: Wednesday to Saturday, 18h00–02h00

Yours Truly

This hipster watering hole, draped in jacaranda trees and immersed in greenery, is set in one of the busiest and trendiest areas in Cape Town.

Why go?

Visit the fairy-light covered rooftop bar and try out the delicious cocktail menu.

Immersed in greenery, Image Credit: Yours Truly

Details

a: 73 Kloof St, Cape Townt: +27 21 426 2505w: NAh: Monday to Sunday, 07h00-23h00

The House of Machines

The House of Machines was created to be the essential bricks-and-mortar meeting house for a community, a beacon against the white noise of everyday life. It’s the personification of many passions: All things finely curated, well crafted and purposefully made.

Why go?

Built around genuine people, authentic history and a desire to create new memories, The House of Machines is all things motorcycles and riding, live music, solid cocktails, craft beer, bold coffee and classic apparel.

Think bar, bikes and music, Image Credit: The House of Machines

Details

a: 84 Shortmarket St, Cape Town City Centret: +27 21 426 1400w: thehouseofmachines.comh: Monday to Friday, 07h00–02h00, Saturday, 09h00–02h00

Chapter 11/14

Featured image credit: Yuanbin Du

Chapter 12: Rooftop Drinks – Updated 2022

Rooftop bars in Cape Town all have views to-die-for, where delicious drinks are a given. But these cloud-busting hangouts all have a little something extra to offer.

Chinchilla

With killer views of the ocean a stone’s throw away, it’s the ideal place to lounge past the hours sipping on gloriously refreshing cocktails and listening to the coolest beats spun by Cape Town’s finest DJs.

Why go?

A beachy boho-chic vibe, bold and brilliant colours and expansive, panoramic views.

Much-loved rooftop venue, serving up the perfect Cape Town lifestyle, Image Credit: Chinchilla

Details

a: Victoria Rd, Camps Bayt: +27 21 286 5075w: chinchillarooftop.co.zah: Wednesday to Friday, 16h00–23h00, Saturday & Sunday, 12h00-23h00

Cloud Nine

Two storeys above the ground, the bar at Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & Spa sits flush against Cape Town’s Kloof Nek sidewalk in Tamboerskloof, offering the best 360-degree views, a lively vibe and a rooftop plunge pool.

Why go?

The is the perfect innercity sundowners spot.

Offering spectacular 360-degree views of the city and Table Mountain, Image Credit: Cloud 9

Details

a: 12 Kloof Nek Rd, Cape Townt: +27 21 424 1133w: www.hotelcloudnine.comh: Friday to Saturday, 07h00–23h00

GiGi at Gorgeous George

The show-stopping cocktails reflect much of the sky-high designer influence of this rooftop bar. Think dry ice drama, unique glassware, elaborate decoration and outlandish ingredients.

Why go?

GiGi boasts a wooden and terracotta-tiled pool deck, an emerald-green glass-panelled swimming pool, and views of whitewashed heritage buildings.

A place where overstaying your welcome is always encouraged, Image Credit: Gigi Rooftop Bar

Details

a: 118 St Georges Mall, Cape Townt: +27 87 898 6000w: www.gigirooftop.comh: Monday to Sunday, 07h30–10h00 & 12h00–23h00

The Silo Rooftop

Located on the 11th floor of the V&A Waterfront’s tallest building, The Silo Rooftop is a brilliantly imaginative mixture of the traditional and the contemporary. Expect well made classic cocktails and delicious South African wines.

Why go?

Arguably the best views among the rooftop bars in Cape Town, particularly from the 360-degree viewing platform, which may only be topped by Table Mountain itself.

Spectacular panoramic views of Cape Town from the tallest building in the V&A Waterfront, Image Credit: The Silo

Details

a: Silo Square, V&A Waterfrontt: +27 21 670 0500w: www.theroyalportfolio.com/the-silo/overviewh: Monday to Sunday, 12h00–sunset

Tjing Tjing Rooftop

Enveloped in wooden mansards, the old attic is an eclectic mix of new and old with a Japanese shrine-inspired red bar offset by a black and white Tokyo & Kyoto photo wall. The bar opens up to an airy outside rooftop terrace.

Why go?

This much-loved rooftop bar is well known for its current indie and electronic music, expect a wide selection of bespoke cocktails, spirits, wine and otsumami.

Signature Japanese shrine-inspired red bar takes center stage, Image Credit: Tjing Tjing Rooftop

Details

a: 165 Longmarket St, Cape Townt: +27 21 422 4920w: www.tjingtjing.co.zah: Tuesday to Saturday, 12h00–00h00

Utopia Dining Elevated

Situated on the top of the beautiful Mirage building in Chiappini Street, this new kid on the block, much like its namesake suggests, is a place where everything is perfect.

Why go?

A stop at Cape Town’s De Waterkant area is not complete without popping by Utopia for sundowners as you overlook the harbour and stadium.

A place where everything is perfect, Image Credit: Utopia Dining Elevated

Details

a: 40 Chiappini St, De Waterkantt: +27 21 418 3065w: www.utopiacapetown.co.zah: Monday to Saturday: 12h00–23h00

Chapter 12/14

Featured image credit: The Royal Portfolio. Photographer: Mark Williams

Chapter 13: Coffee – Updated 2022

Cape Town loves its coffee, and these days you can’t walk for five minutes through the city centre and not bump into a trendy coffee shop claiming to serve the finest flat white or the city’s best cortado.

Deluxe

Deluxe Coffeeworks is a dependable go-to for your daily caffeine fix. Its unconventional take on the modern-day coffee experience is perhaps its main selling point.

Why go?

The point is the coffee. No fancy food. No WiFi. Just the vibe: good music and an eclectic blend of people.

Dependable go-to for your daily caffeine fix, Image Credit: Deluxe

Details

a: 171a Buitenkant Street, Cape Townt: +27 21 462 3039w: www.deluxecoffeeworks.co.zah: Monday to Friday, 07h00–16h00, Saturday to Sunday, 08h00–13h00

EspressoLab

This passionately-run speciality coffee roastery has a handpicked selection of imported green beans roasted in small batches at low temperatures on the premises. Most of their beans are organic and they offer single-origin beans as well as blends. Escape the Saturday market crowd by ducking in here for a quick fix.

Why go?

The go-to coffee in the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. It’s all they do – and they do it very well. 

Constant pursuit of flavour excellence, Image Credit: EspressoLab

Details

a: 375 Albert Rd, Woodstockt: +27 21 447 0845w: espressolabmicroroasters.comh: Monday to Friday, 08h00–16h00, Saturday, 08h00–14h30

Loading Bay

This hip, industrial-looking restaurant and shop draws a very trendy crowd. Grab a croissant and a coffee off the simple menu while browsing the Aesop body products and a selection of imported menswear.

Why go?

The chic restaurant is one of the most pleasant spaces to tap away on one’s laptop. Its centre is a long table with benches, popular for creative meetings.

A space committed to facilitating an ethical movement of daily habitual activities, Image Credit: Loading Bay

Details

a: 30 Hudson St, De Waterkantt: +27 21 425 6320w: loadingbay.co.zah: Monday to Friday: 08h00–17h00, Saturday, 08h00–15h00, Sunday, 09h00–14h00

Truth

This steampunk-inspired fever-dream sits in an old warehouse in the City Centre and is great for anyone fascinated by the history of coffee, original blends, or Cape Town café society.

Why go?

The world’s best coffee shop.

Voted the world’s best coffee shop by the The Daily Telegraph, Image Credit: Truth

Details

a: 36 Buitenkant St, Cape Townt: +27 21 200 7000w: za.truth.coffeeh: Monday to Saturday, 06h59–18h00, Sunday, 07h59–16h00

Chapter 13/14

Featured image credit: Tyler Nix