7 Fantastic Restaurants in and around Cape Town
By Lucille Sive
Cape Town is Africa’s culinary capital, home to cuisines from all over Africa and the world. For the traveler looking to taste their way through South Africa, there is no better place to start your trip than in Cape Town! The Mother City’s busy culinary scene means that new restaurants, bistros, and cafes open up all of the time, so it can be hard to keep up. That’s why I try to visit as many new culinary hotspots whenever I’m in Cape Town. Here are seven of my favorites from my most recent trip.
Villa 47
A cheese plate (left) and pasta (right). Photo credit: Villa 47.
Villa 47 is a contemporary Italian restaurant that serves classic dishes with modern twists. All three menus—brunch, lunch and dinner—have something to satisfy your palette and diet. As a vegetarian, I was delighted at the selection of fresh salads and cheese plates, featuring only the best ingredients such as their divine Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, which is imported directly from Italy. The relaxed atmosphere of Villa 47 hits the perfect notes of classic elegance urban cool, while the open kitchen layout means that you can watch the expert team of chefs prepare meals.
The Africa Café
Food (left) and the dining room (right). Photo credit: The Africa Café.
Travelers looking for authentic African cuisine in Cape Town need to look no further than the Africa Café. This restaurant is the culinary manifestation of “Ubuntu”—guests get their hands washed in rose scented water by attentive staff before eating and meals are shared with your party as communal feasts. Waiters and waitresses bring guests colorful bowls of hot food such as mango chicken, beef stews and Xhosa pot bread—delicious flavors from all over Africa. The history of the Africa Café is as exciting as the food: founders Portia and Jason De Smidt opened the cafe’s doors under apartheid, where they faced many barriers in realizing their dream of serving traditional African food in South Africa. Decades later, the restaurant is thriving and is a living celebration of Africa’s diversity and rich history of tastes and aromas.
The Stack
The Stack dining room. Photo credit: The Stack.
The Stack takes up the second floor of Cape Town’s Leinster Hall and offers delectable dishes in the French bistro tradition. Housed in an old mansion, the bistro features a plush interior and a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. But it is the hearty French food that keeps people coming back again and again. Staples of French cuisine such as French onion soup and oysters are local favorites, while delectable desserts including the crème brûlée offer the perfect end to your meal. For vegetarians, the ratatouille or butternut au gratin are tasty choices.
Il Leone Mastrantonio
The outdoor patio at Il Leone Mastrantonio. Photo credit: Mastrantonio.
Named one of South Africa’s 500 best restaurants in 2015 and 2017 by EatOut Magazine, Il Leone Mastrantonio is one of Cape Town’s most renowned Italian restaurants. The restaurant is perfectly situated in Cape Town’s Green Point neighborhood, a short 15-minute walk from the iconic Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Popular dishes at the restaurant include the carpaccio di pesce, made with market fresh fish, and the pansotti, a delectable dish of artichoke and risotto. Il Leone also has an impressive walk-in wine cellar and a wide selection of South African wines. Craving dessert? I highly recommend the tiramisu.
The Short Market Club
Crème brûlée (left) and Egg and Soldiers (right). Photo credit: The Short Market Club
The Short Market Club is the latest venture of Luke Dale-Roberts, the renowned executive chef of The Test Kitchen. Set in a beautiful heritage building in downtown Cape Town, The Short Market Club is a stunning and luxurious dining space. The tasteful interior decorating, featuring dark leather and wood, creates an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. The star of the show here, however, is the food. Executive chef Wesley Randles is Luke Dale-Roberts’ protégé, and it shows in the stylish re-interpretations of classic dishes. One of my favorites is the Za’atar Charred Cauliflower with mashed goats cheese, mint and lentil dressing. Simply impeccable! The Short Market Club is the perfect restaurant for those in search of the modern tastes of Cape Town.
Willoughby & Co.
Willoughby & Co. Restaurant. Photo credit: Willoughby & Co.
Ideally situated in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Willoughby & Co. has rightfully earned a reputation for offering some of Cape Town’s best seafood. Sushi, tempura, soups and salads are the fine dishes that come out of its stellar Japanese kitchen. The amount of variety offered on the sushi menu is impressive. Even the standard California rolls impress with their fresh ingredients and vibrant flavor. Other popular dishes include calamari, sole and fish and chips. With seafood as fresh and delicious as this, it is little surprise that Willoughby & Co. is a popular stop for locals and tourists alike. My advice is to arrive early to avoid the lines and to ensure fast service.
Café BonBon
The dining room at Café BonBon (left) and the vineyard at La Petite Dauphine (right). Photo credits: Café BonBon and Lucille Sive
Spending a day exploring the Cape Winelands on your visit to Cape Town is essential. The area is known for its rich history, exceptional scenery and superb wines. On your trip to the Winelands, you will stop in Franschhoek, a charming little town that has a reputation as a gourmet capital of South Africa. One of my favorite little restaurants near Franschhoek is Café BonBon, located on the La Petite Dauphine farm and vineyard. This cafe is a rustic gem, featuring the best in country cuisine including breads, spiced chutneys, crisp salads and more. Vegetarian options are available too: one of my favorites is the risotto of courgettes, asparagus and crunchy walnuts—simply delicious! I also encourage guests to explore the vineyards and farm. The wine tastings and tours really complete your country experience!
Ask our Africa Specialists about making restaurant reservations for your next trip to Cape Town.