3 Best Restaurants in East City (Zonnebloem), Cape Town

Serving classic South African Portuguese fare—think spicy trinchado (braised beef), prego rolls (rump steak fried in wine and garlic with a fried egg), spicy peri-peri chicken livers, and grilled sardines—for lunch and dinner, this resoundingly popular taverna is an institution, with a dive bar atmosphere. Although there are some great views of Table Mountain, diners come here for the reasonably priced, spicy, and garlic-infused meat and seafood, the cheap drinks, and the dimly lit atmosphere. It's a popular spot for celebrations, so expect karaoke and a live band on weekend nights, when large tables can get up to rowdy fun. There are two other locations in Claremont and Bellville.

The savory buckwheat galettes and sweet crêpes are a great alternative to typical breakfast and lunch menus found elsewhere. The stylish, naturally lit crêperie exudes Parisian charm with its blue and red accents, dangling wooden birdcages, and pizzazz, all thanks to the inherent style of the French proprietor, a former model. Other French classics feature, too, like croque monsieur, ratatouille, raclette, and petite boulette (meatballs)—plus all the teas (and coffee) you’ll ever need.

When self-proclaimed coffee evangelist David Donde moved into an old warehouse on Buitenkant, it was this venue that proved Capetonians (and tourists) were prepared to trek east for a quality caffeine kick. A vintage roaster (adorned with copper dispensers, gauges and contraptions)—the inspiration for the café's steampunk design—helps to create that sought-after coffee, and the barista academy and a bakery churning out kick-ass sourdough (used to fashion excellent breakfasts and sandwiches) add to the fun, but never frivolous, atmosphere where they take the provenance of food and beans very seriously. With its full bar, and live performances on many nights, Truth continues to capture the happening atmosphere in what has evolved into Cape Town's creative hub. Observing the ebb and flow of the always-bustling clientele, from mobile office workers to business folk and camera-toting tourists who almost can't believe their luck when they "stumble" into this slightly crazy alternate universe, is almost as good as the coffee. Note that Rapt, the weird little chocolate factory-cum-shop across the road, is also owned by Donde, and is worth a visit.