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Cape Town is the culinary capital of South Africa and quite possibly the continent. It certainly has the best restaurants in southern Africa. Nowhere else in the country is the populace so discerning about food, and nowhere else is there such a wide selection of high-quality restaurants. Western culinary history here dates back to the 17th century—Cape Town was founded specifically to grow food—and that heritage is reflected in the city's cuisine and the fact that a number of restaurants operate in historic town houses and 18th-century wine estates.
Cape Town dining today offers a global culinary experience, with Cape chefs showing the same enthusiasm for international food trends as their counterparts worldwide. French and Italian fare has long been available, but with Thai, Japanese, and Pan-Asian influences flooding in, accents of lemongrass, miso, and yuzu have become de rigueur in fine-dining kitchens. Middle Eastern cuisine is finally making some headway, and the Americas have also come to the fore, with plenty of burgers and ribs, and even chicken and waffles popping up on menus these days, not to mention a few South American and passable Mexican eateries. Ubiquitous pan-Asian fare is probably not as good as what you might be used to in major American cities; sushi is also easily found, though largely limited to tuna and salmon, and often prepared with lots of drizzled mayo and sauces. The locavore trend toward organic produce and healthful dishes is also gaining popularity, though attitudes toward vegetarianism in this meat-happy land remain somewhat backward.
Hidden in the Montebello Design Center and Nursery is this quaint little cafe that has been serving locals for decades. Serving thoughtful breakfasts, light lunches, sandwiches, and a select number of delicious hot meals. There is an extensive cake, pastry, and deli counter with all kinds of homemade goods. On warmer days, a seat outdoors allows you to view the wonderful plants in the nursery next to it and there's a small play area for kids to enjoy.
This friendly daytime bistro serves a variety of globally inspired breakfasts (from shakshuka to huevos rancheros and everything in between), brunch classics with a modern and imaginative twist, and an all-day lunch selection of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. They have a few inspired, must-try desserts, like cheesecake French toast and a lotus pancake stack, but you might simply want to be here with a coffee and an eye on the parade of passersby—the people-watching is top-notch.
This much-loved bakery and café is where locals meet for coffee, all-day breakfasts, or to tuck into some of the city's most scrumptious toasted sandwiches, stuffed croissants, fresh pastries, baked goods, burgers, and elevated hot dogs. The "kick-ass pies" are indeed kick-ass, as are the filled bagels, and the fast-flying croissant-doughnut hybrids ("doughssants") that Jason (the real-life owner-baker behind the name) regularly invents and advertises only on social media (they're usually available Saturdays, and sell out quickly).
A Sea Point institution since 2014, this New York–style deli blends traditional Jewish recipes with the best local ingredients to bring freshly baked bagels and an assortment of schmears, toppings, and homemade sauces. Be sure to try out a few of their pastries like babka and rugelach, and their New York cheesecake which has a choc-mint crust (when not sold out). They've expanded and now have a branch in Gardens (and one in Mayfair, London).
From among a seemingly endless variety of flavors, ranging from super-traditional (stracciatella, pistachio, chocolate) to singularly South African (rooibos, milk tart), and seasonal and slightly experimental, the day's selection of what's available is listed on the wall-mounted menu. Better, though, is to chat with the gelato-slingers behind the counter—they'll have tasted them all and will make personalized recommendations. As at other Moro branches across the city, they also serve vegan sorbetto, in flavors like turmeric ginger lemon, gingerbeet, fig, and mandarino.
Tapiwa Guzha, the Zimbabwe-born ice cream maker and founder of Tapi Tapi, makes delicious and daring handcrafted African ice creams that have turned this proverbial hole-in-the-wall into a Cape Town institution that's a must-visit. Tapiwa is on a mission to challenge how the world perceives African food and indigenous ingredients (like imphepho and sorghum) by constantly seeking out and creating new flavors from across the continent. He hand-makes everything and there's always a couple of new (and unexpected) flavors to try—including vegan options (like musika, made from tamarind and coconut cream). He also offers ice cream–making workshops.
Don't miss Mount Nelson's legendary high tea, which has been offered since the hotel was erected in 1899 to welcome the then Prince of Wales on his visit to the Cape. Served from noon to 3 pm, afternoon tea offers sweet and savory treats and more than 40 tea varieties, which an expertly trained tea sommelier can guide you through. You should most definitely book in advance.
With tables spilling onto the sidewalk, there's almost always a buzz at this vibrant neighborhood café. Expect all-day traditional breakfasts and café fare with a Cape Malay twist—spicy masala mince shakshuka, burgers with cheese and macon (a halal-friendly bacon substitute), pastas, smoothies, and flat whites alongside baked goods and sweet treats like koesisters (a fried dough dessert steeped in syrup). If you can't find a table, head across the street, where the annex also incorporates The Sweet Spot, a good place to find imported sugary treats.
There are plenty of baked goods, including traditional cheesecake, and a very tempting lineup of desserts from matcha chiffon rolls to mango and coconut mousse, plus beautifully buttery scones at this tiny, pastel-hued café in De Waterkant. Sometimes there are savories such as Japanese egg sandwiches or croissants with cheese and tomato, but ultimately you're here to experience some extraordinary baking skills, and you certainly will.
This is a café in wine country, but its in-house bakery has made this place justifiably famous for its exquisite breads, pastries, and cakes. If you're going to have wine and want something more substantial, menu items range from nourishing bowls and breakfasts that lean into organic, clean, nutritious ingredients, to full-blown fried eggs and bacon "Piggy" breakfast. Their burgers, wraps, smoked salmon bagel, and falafel bowl all hit the spot as well.
This little ice-cream cafe has blown up in popularity and expanded to several other locations around Cape Town. With handmade ice cream made with free-range eggs and other quality farm ingredients, you can always find the signature flavors (65% chocolate, sweet cream, sea salt caramel, peanut butter) and extra seasonal flavors that have huge followings like cornflake milk, birthday cake, and honeycomb crunch. Staying open until 11 pm, people can be seen queuing for ice cream at all hours of the day. They also serve great coffee and waffles.
Take a break from your Waterfront wanderings at this Belgian-style eatery, where you can enjoy great views while also savoring an impressive range of Belgian beers and as good a pot of moules et frites as you're likely to find anywhere in Cape Town. With its focus on meat and seafood, expect other dishes like fillet béarnaise, rabbit simmered in Belgian beer, or Norwegian salmon in a beurre blanc. Sitting on the pier between the Albert Mall and the Clock Tower (where boat trips to Robben Island depart), this glassed-in Belgian-themed space with a fireplace in winter enjoys lovely harbor and mountain views whether you sit inside or out, and makes for great people- (or seal-) watching.
Cute, sassy and retro-themed, this eggceptionally handsome diner has established itself as a reliable purveyor of tasty comfort food, specializing in anything and everything related to eggs. Foodwise, the focus is on dishes that transport you back to simpler times––steak and eggs; adventurous-sounding egg-themed sandwiches; or a soft brioche bun burger with an egg in there for that extra bit of taste bud–pleasing protein. If eggs aren't your thing, they have wagyu beef burgers, perfectly grilled cheese sandwiches, and tortillas with vegan fillings. What's ineggscapable, though, is the eggy-color scheme: the deep-yellow banquettes; light fittings resembling eggs; adorable yolk-hued outfits worn by on-the-ball waitstaff; the central bar area, adorned with vintage radios and ancient TVs, is infiltrated with golden glass panels; and even the coffee machine is yellow.
It's hidden away a bit, but once you track down this gelateria, you will marvel at the available flavors (Pino Pinguino—chocolate hazelnut gelato with a layer of Nutella—is always a favorite). The store is part of a large family-run gelato chain that started in Cape Town, and their sorbets, vegan gelato (made with soy milk and sweetened with stevia), and diabetic options are happy-making, too.
With floor-to-ceiling shelves stacked with everything delicious from French champagne to truffle oil, Giovanni's is a classic Italian deli with global ingredients unavailable elsewhere, making it a great place to stock up for a gourmet picnic or to enjoy a bite to eat at the counter. There's always a wide selection of hams and cold cuts as well as fantastic cheeses, and the display counters and fridges have a wide selection of pay-by-weight pasta dishes, salads, and other ready-to-go meals. Though a little chaotic at peak times—and to be honest, the raised counter seating is not especially comfortable—this place shouldn't be missed for its unflinching sense of being part of the Green Point "scene."
New to Newlands is Noordhoek's famous ice cream shop. You can find a variety of signature and seasonal flavors ranging from standards like vanilla bean to more comfort food favorites like rocky road, to kid-friendly mermaid and T-Rex flavors. This playful cafe caters to dairy-free, vegan, and sugar-free eating preferences and has a small seating area outside in the busy restaurant hotspot, the Cardiff Castle.
This wonderful inside-outside cafe manages to pull in every imaginable kind of customer, from businessmen doing deals over espresso to ladies from the suburbs out for tea and maybe a full-blown lunch. Apart from being a great breakfast spot, there's also a packed lunch service, with salads, pies, fish dishes, burgers, and lots more to tempt you, so much so that you need to watch yourself if you still have dinner plans (Although you could reasonably stay here for that, too).
This buzzy, bright, light-filled café enjoys a prime spot facing the beach, while being removed from the crowds, so it offers a sense of respite—plus you can enjoy freshly baked pastries, terrific breakfasts, or a heartier lunchtime meal while keeping watch over the shimmering ocean. French toast, eggs Benedict, and buttermilk pancakes are crowd favorites, as are the smoothies, freshly pressed juices, and difficult-to-resist cakes.
This quaint sidewalk café in the charming and pedestrian-friendly De Waterkant neighborhood above Green Point serves good coffees and teas, not to mention tasty breakfasts and lunches, both available all day. The quiches and savory pies are all flavorful, and the carrot-walnut cake remains deliciously moist. There are also more hearty options on offer—Karoo lamb shank, sticky spare ribs, and mac 'n' cheese—as well as a full bar and dinner service.
A more casual offering at the Roundhouse, this outdoor restaurant overlooking Camps Bay relishes in the fresh air, sunshine, and enfolding nature while children can run around and pets are welcome. Although the menu of pizzas, salads, pasta, burgers, fish-and-chips, and lovely desserts will stave off hunger, the real attraction is the festive mood, so summer cocktails and bubbly tend to be headline acts. Parking is treacherous (and getting out after hours of celebration even trickier), so use Uber and lose yourself in the moment.
Located at the V&A's cruise terminal, Makers Landing is a collection of food stalls, casual sit-down restaurants, and even a culinary school. The initial aim was to showcase a diversity of local food, and even though a fast-food vibe has set in, you can get a proper taste of South Africa at Pitso's Kitchen, taste a unique range of spirits at the Pienaar & Son distillery, or satisfy your sweet tooth with some of the best chocolate at Afrikoa.
Delivering unfussy comfort food from a gorgeously casual, slightly theatrical space, Mantra's second-floor vantage provides sweeping views of the beach and sea while also lifting you above the street-level irritations of cars and hawkers. A great spot for breakfast or brunch, the range of heartier mains for lunch and dinner should lure you in for steamed mussels or pan-seared prawns, burgers, or a well-grilled steak. The décor is an eye-catching blend of photographs, vintage mirrors, dangling plants, and Moroccan-inspired tiles creating a warm ambiance that invites lingering, especially when the sun glints off the ocean and bathes everything in a golden sheen.
From the chefs behind Tjing Tjing, this Japanese sweet and savory, quick-fix café is a breath of fresh air. Huge effort goes into replicating the authentic tastes and textures you'd find in Tokyo. Showcasing squishy little mochi cakes that are made from glutinous rice and come in an assortment of flavors from milktart to macha and black sesame, this place also serves filled steamed buns, okinomiyaki (pancake) dogs, and nikuman (steamed buns). It's a big, cool, anything-can-happen space to linger as you try out a variety of little treats and morsels, and they also have matcha soft-serve ice cream, sweet buns, daifuku doughnuts, and slices of crustless, fluffy, souffle-like Japanese cheesecake. Plus there's a selection of Japanese green teas.
This all-white café on trendy Bree Street is the go-to place for delicious, creative, and relatively healthful Middle Eastern–style fare, which is heavy on salads like quinoa with roasted vegetables and cranberries, pesto potato with peas and olives, or green beans with orange and hazelnut. The few mains options like butter chicken or lamb-and-lentil biryani are also stellar. For a set price, you can load up with three or four salads plus one main, and eat at the counter inside, a handful of tables outside, or take away. Don't forget to save space for the fantastic desserts like date balls or poppyseed cake with white chocolate ganache.
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.
Named for its altitude (1,067 meters above sea level), this cafe-style quick-eats venue has a captive audience at the top of the mountain. Usual suspects prevail: burgers, hot breakfasts, sandwiches, wraps, pizza slices, muffins, cakes, cool drinks, and beer and wine (there's a bar on the level below that serves spirits, too); most of the food sits pre-made behind glass so don't expect fresh, exceptional fare.
Almost entirely comprised of outposts of the Cape's most popular restaurants, this food hall has more than a dozen different kitchens and four bars (one that's wine-focused). For immaculate sushi, try Sushiya, where Cape Town’s lauded chef Peter Tempelhoff has collaborated with a Michelin-star chef from Japan, or visit Barakat for a contemporary take on Cape Malay cuisine (order the bobotie, a curried beef mince dish, followed by a couple of donut-like koesisters) or maybe stop by Milo for sish’nyama—aka braai or barbecued food created by one of the country’s most exciting young chefs, Vusi Ndlovu. Plus there's Asian street food from How Bao Now; simply delicious cooking at celebrity chef Siba Mtongana's Siba Deli; and the best ice cream in town from Unframed. Most stalls get going at 11 am—Nosh opens for breakfast at 8 am—and the market stays open well into the night with occasional parties and live music.
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.
Claiming a sweet spot at the V&A Waterfront with fabulous harbor and mountain views, this versatile eatery focuses on updated versions of global classics. From fish tacos to a Wagyu beef cheeseburger to salade Niçoise, dishes that you wouldn’t normally expect to see on the same menu are harmonized by shared traits of freshness, flavor, and quality. With a sleek, warehouse-inspired interior and outside seating that maximizes its position overlooking both Table Mountain and the harbor, Mondiall is a highly agreeable culinary stop. Open all day, this modern brasserie is a welcome addition to the Waterfront's often ho-hum offerings.
