3 Best Restaurants in Cape Peninsula, South Africa

Not so much a restaurant as a once-in-a-lifetime immersive dining experience during which you sit down with the legendarily masterful chef Nicky Gibbs at her kitchen table for a superlative six-course meal. Menus are inspired by ingredients found in Nicky's garden as well as from local suppliers and farmers and knowledge of food's healing benefits. Each course is paired with a floral or herbal tea, and you'll hear about the medicinal properties of what you're drinking as well as stories behind some of the other produce and dishes. Expect surprising and adventurous flavors, unexpected combinations, and tremendous attention to detail, plus wonderful conversation, enchanting views, and an all-round fairytale setting. That's if you can score a reservation since it's quite understandably frequently booked out.

This family-friendly taproom and restaurant was established to showcase a local independent brewery, but it's become a much-loved institution known for its laid-back dining experience, sea views, sense of community, and delicious food. Whether you come for the healthful (and allegedly hangover-curing) breakfasts, the toasted sandwiches (with interesting fillings such as cheese and barbecue jackfruit or cheddar with toasted pickled pineapple and bacon), the classic (and vegetarian) burgers made with soft Hokkaido-style milk buns, or the Neapolitan-style sourdough-base pizzas and the beers on tap (there are typically nine different beers), you will not be disappointed. There's also room for children to run around and play while you enjoy a relaxing meal, which is an added bonus. 

Come for the views and the wines, and there's a good chance you'll be tempted to stay for a full-blown meal at one of the three dining options; some are booked up in advance, so you'll need to plan ahead. There is a slightly upmarket á la carte bistro with wine pairings and dishes that run from steak tartar to deconstructed beef Wellington, or Meldt, the sushi-and-wine component of the restaurant, or The Courtyard, which does more casual family-friendly meals like burgers, pizzas, and fish-and-chips. More in fitting with the beautiful setting, though, the best option might be to reserve a pre-packed basket for a picnic on the lawns—it's probably the most fabulous way to take in the views, and a great spot to simultaneously take in a few bottles of wine.