Search img
0203 816 0985img
We're open Monday at 9am
img
img
Top Holidays

A culinary guide to Cape Town

  • Food & Wine
  • By Seanagh Palmer-Pilgrim
  • Published 13 April 2018
  • Revised 28 February 2024
  • Published 13 April 2018
  • Revised 28 February 2024

A paradise of decadent delights, Cape Town is every foodie’s dream come true. Whether you’re after a gourmet coffee, world-renowned wines, seafood so fresh it pretty much jumps from your plate straight from the ocean or any other tasty treats, you’ve hit the jackpot in South Africa’s culinary capital. But no one could possibly try each and every restaurant available, especially when you’re on holiday. What you need is a guide, full of local knowledge and expertise… well, get ready to sit back and relax because that’s exactly what we’re about to give you.
 

Breakfast

Widely regarded as the most important meal of the day, deciding on where to go for breakfast can be tricky – do you want a full fry, a salmon bagel or just some toast and marmalade? Where’s open? Do they serve Earl Grey? The checklist of important questions seems endless. Luckily for you, we know some pretty good spots that’ll whisk your worries away in no time. Found in The Bromwell Boutique Mall in Woodstock, Bread Café will capture your heart and your appetite with its homely feel, rustic elegance and mouth-watering smell of fresh pastries. With a seasonal artisan menu offering home baked goods and breads as well as a selection of delicious teas, you’ll find everything here is to your taste. Morning munchers will particularly enjoy ‘The Elvis’ option – a drool-worthy tower of bananas and peanut butter stacked on thick bread and topped with smoky bacon and syrup. Sound like something you can’t wait to indulge in? Check out the Bread Café.

For a more refined start to your day, 126 Cape Kitchen & Café at the Hilton Hotel on Buitengracht Street is an unbeatable choice. Giving customers something a little different, this stunning eatery serves a delectable array of dishes featuring a fusion of Capetonian and Middle Eastern influences. So, whether the sound of Malay-spiced smoked snoek pâtè on toast tickles your taste buds or the more traditional Cape Mini Club fry catches your eye, there’s certainly something for everyone. If your mouth is watering at the thought, start planning your trip to 126 Cape Kitchen & Café now.
 


You’ve spent your morning shopping at the V&A Waterfront or climbing Table Mountain or visiting the penguins on Boulder’s Beach and now your breakfast seems like a distant memory. But where to go for lunch? The city has finally woken up and the options for your next food stop are overwhelming. A venue so popular that booking in advance is essential, Test Kitchen at The Biscuit Mill is a place where food and art are synonymous. Under the supervision of master food artist Luke Dale-Roberts, anyone eating here will find their palate seduced by a range of innovative spices and unique flavours. Not only does the food taste like heaven but it’s served with style too, so get your cameras ready for your next Instagram upload. The Test Kitchen awaits you! Do you know what you want to order yet?

Looking for a meal with a side of delightful views? Then book yourself in for stunning vistas at Chef’s Warehouse Beau Constantia. With a valley sprawled out below, good wine in hand and a veritable feast of carefully crafted dishes, this is a one-stop shop for everything truly scrumptious! Couples will particularly enjoy the ‘Tapas for Two’ option which offers three courses of delicious sharing platters. If you can’t wait to tuck into the tapas, check out Chef’s Warehouse Beau Constantia.
 

Lunch

You’ve spent your morning shopping at the V&A Waterfront or climbing Table Mountain or visiting the penguins on Boulder’s Beach and now your breakfast seems like a distant memory. But where to go for lunch? The city has finally woken up and the options for your next food stop are overwhelming. A venue so popular that booking in advance is essential, Test Kitchen at The Biscuit Mill is a place where food and art are synonymous. Under the supervision of master food artist Luke Dale-Roberts, anyone eating here will find their palate seduced by a range of innovative spices and unique flavours. Not only does the food taste like heaven but it’s served with style too, so get your cameras ready for your next Instagram upload. The Test Kitchen awaits you! Do you know what you want to order yet?

Looking for a meal with a side of delightful views? Then book yourself in for stunning vistas at Chef’s Warehouse Beau Constantia. With a valley sprawled out below, good wine in hand and a veritable feast of carefully crafted dishes, this is a one-stop shop for everything truly scrumptious! Couples will particularly enjoy the ‘Tapas for Two’ option which offers three courses of delicious sharing platters. If you can’t wait to tuck into the tapas, check out Chef’s Warehouse Beau Constantia.
 

Planning your next journey ?

Our expertise, worldwide connections, and the way we do things with a relentless drive means whatever your travels needs are, we can make it happen for you whenever, however, wherever and every time.

Coffee

Connoisseurs of coffee in need of a midday brew will not be short of choice in this caffeinated city. But where’s the ideal place for the perfect cup of java? If you’re searching for somewhere with an incredible atmosphere then no look no further than Espresso Lab Microroasters. Just steps away from Test Kitchen at the Old Biscuit Mill, this coffee joint is excitingly contemporary with a minimalist vibe and some seriously good bean roasts. Letting you tour the world in just a few cups, you’ll find coffee grown in Ethiopia, Kenya and Costa Rica among others, proving that no two brews are the same. Just one sip of the joe at Espresso Lab Microroasters will make you want to stay forever. Don’t believe us? 

The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth! At Truth Coffee Roasting on Buitenkant Street, you certainly won’t be disappointed when on the hunt for a steaming cup of java. The sublime smell of softly simmering coffee and steampunk-inspired décor come together in a wonderful harmony to bring you one of the best coffee experiences in South Africa. With optional extras like a tour of the roastery and coffee taster sessions, this one-of-kind venue is ideal for the secret hipsters among you. Are you jonesing already? Satisfy your caffeine fix by checking out Truth Coffee Roasting!


Whether it be with family, friends, clients or your other half, there’s nothing quite like a delicious dinner. It’s the perfect culinary round-off to any day and a chance to sit back and unwind in good company. We’ve discovered venues where the atmosphere is ‘kick back and relax’ while the food is of the highest standard, maintaining a soupçon of upper-class chic. If you fancy a day of wine tasting and golf followed by a gourmet meal then Kleine Zalze wine farm is the ideal place for you. With a lodge, golf course, tasting room and a world-renowned restaurant, this farm has anticipated your needs. The star of the show, Terrior restaurant is considered one of the top five eateries on the Cape with master saucier Michael Broughton leading the charge with deceptively simple flavours that always hit the sweet spot. Terrior is sure to impress every single visitor.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to keep the vineyard views but amp up the seductive vibes then set your sights on Bistro Sixteen82. Vistas for days, an extensive menu of sumptuous fare and wines that are out of this world, what more could you ask for? Romantic yet also suitable for families, this all-in-one restaurant is brilliant for early evening feasts. Bistro Sixteen82 is the perfect spot – all that’s missing is you.
 

Dinner

Whether it be with family, friends, clients or your other half, there’s nothing quite like a delicious dinner. It’s the perfect culinary round-off to any day and a chance to sit back and unwind in good company. We’ve discovered venues where the atmosphere is ‘kick back and relax’ while the food is of the highest standard, maintaining a soupçon of upper-class chic. If you fancy a day of wine tasting and golf followed by a gourmet meal then Kleine Zalze wine farm is the ideal place for you. With a lodge, golf course, tasting room and a world-renowned restaurant, this farm has anticipated your needs. The star of the show, Terrior restaurant is considered one of the top five eateries on the Cape with master saucier Michael Broughton leading the charge with deceptively simple flavours that always hit the sweet spot. Terrior is sure to impress every single visitor.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to keep the vineyard views but amp up the seductive vibes then set your sights on Bistro Sixteen82. Vistas for days, an extensive menu of sumptuous fare and wines that are out of this world, what more could you ask for? Romantic yet also suitable for families, this all-in-one restaurant is brilliant for early evening feasts. Bistro Sixteen82 is the perfect spot – all that’s missing is you.
 

Drinks

In the mood for a liquid meal? Cape Town is home to a plethora of superb drinking dens where you can live it up in superior style. If you thought that the Cape Royale was just a hotel, think again! This resort’s most famous feature is its Zenith Sky Bar, a party plateau where stars are the lighting and the ocean is the soundtrack. There’s even a rooftop pool where you can see the city lights spread out below, glass in hand. Featuring the mojito as its signature cocktail, you’ll be bowled over by the range of spectacular tipples here. If you want to feel like royalty at Cape Royal Hotel Zenith Sky Bar, look no further…

For another galaxy themed chance to sample the best of Cape Town’s cocktail craft, you can do no better than Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel’s Planet Bar and Restaurant. With planetary chandeliers, sparkling mirrors and galaxy patterned floors, you’d better get dressed up to cloud nine as that’s where you’ll be headed! Be sure to check out the six-page wine list and the fresh oysters. Does this sound like a bit of you? Check out Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel’s Planet Bar and Restaurant.
 


Ah, those lazy Sunday mornings when your lie-in confuses your eating schedule in the best way means that you just have to indulge in a deliciously decadent brunch. Right on the seafront with live jazz music floating languorously around it and the smell of freshly baked scones drifting out the door, Harveys at Winchester Mansions is a must for any connoisseurs of the early afternoon mean. Complimentary newspapers and bubbly are a given so expect to be treated like royalty right from the off. Take a look at what Harveys has to offer.

How does unlimited refills of Graham Beck Methode Cap Classique sound? If this has your mouth water then it’s imperative you book yourself in for a heavenly brunch at Savour Restaurant at 15 on Orange. There’s a delectable variety of dishes on offer that are sure to startle the eyes and stun the taste buds. You’re guaranteed to be drooling simply at the sight of the starters that include duck liver crème brûlée with apple chutney and pecan nut brioche and seafood mains such as seared yellowfin tuna tataki with soy sauce. Can’t wait to get stuck in? Find out more about this delightful venue.

If you simply can’t wait to sink your teeth into Cape Town, give our personal travel managers a call on 0203 816 0985 and you’ll be in glorious South Africa before you know it.


 

Sunday Brunch

Ah, those lazy Sunday mornings when your lie-in confuses your eating schedule in the best way means that you just have to indulge in a deliciously decadent brunch. Right on the seafront with live jazz music floating languorously around it and the smell of freshly baked scones drifting out the door, Harveys at Winchester Mansions is a must for any connoisseurs of the early afternoon mean. Complimentary newspapers and bubbly are a given so expect to be treated like royalty right from the off. Take a look at what Harveys has to offer.

How does unlimited refills of Graham Beck Methode Cap Classique sound? If this has your mouth water then it’s imperative you book yourself in for a heavenly brunch at Savour Restaurant at 15 on Orange. There’s a delectable variety of dishes on offer that are sure to startle the eyes and stun the taste buds. You’re guaranteed to be drooling simply at the sight of the starters that include duck liver crème brûlée with apple chutney and pecan nut brioche and seafood mains such as seared yellowfin tuna tataki with soy sauce. Can’t wait to get stuck in? Find out more about this delightful venue.

If you simply can’t wait to sink your teeth into Cape Town, give our personal travel managers a call on 0203 816 0985 and you’ll be in glorious South Africa before you know it.


 

Enjoyed This Article?
Now choose what happens next...
1 Looking to Book a Holiday?

This button will take you to a short form where we'll ask about your destination and preferences. If you don't like filling in forms simply give us a call on 0203 816 0985 and we'll be happy to help you.

Let's Plan Your Trip
2Receive Our Exclusive Offers

Join our email to receive exclusive offers and airline sales direct to your inbox. Unsubscribe anytime (but why would you want to?)

Get in touch with our team of personal travel managers to start planning your trip
img
  • The human touch
  • Complete concierge service
  • 24/7 out of hours contact