Lucille Sive's Favorite Cape Town Restaurants

The city has established itself as a hub for art, design, food, culture and coffee. From cool markets and innovative food trucks to secret food meets and high-quality restaurants; Cape Town continues to offer an impressive variety of epicurean experiences.

A word on the wine – South African wine is respected all over the world. The climate of the Cape equals that of a Mediterranean country, providing for perfect wine-making conditions. A lot of the best wines can be found in Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl areas with some other interesting wine regions being more noticeable. The picturesque region of the Hermanus Wine Route draws wine lovers from all over the world to Hemel En Aarde (Heaven on Earth), where the unspoiled shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the lofty mountain ranges and fynbos-clad hills add to the allure and always offer a memorable experience when one visits the few wineries, each producing exceptional quality wine.

Then there is the Elim Wine Region near Gansbaai where there are a handful of pioneer wine growers who have worked together to use the environmental boundaries of this area to produce a remarkable range of wines that are taking the world by storm. There is something decadently pleasing about sampling the wines of the newest and southernmost wine route in Africa bordering the blustery, unsheltered Agulhas coastal plains.

I have a short review of some of my favorite, really trendy hip restaurant treasures that are definitely worth a try:

  
Salmon dinner and Bea Tollman's famous double baked cheesecake at Azure Restaurant.

At the top of my list is Azure Restaurant, where I have most definitely enjoyed fine dining and incredible views at this award winning and very popular location. Overlooking the ocean, the terrace is the place to be when the weather is at its best. Here the executive chef creates a variety of exquisite dishes using the finest seasonal ingredients available. They probably have one of the best wine lists in the country, selected under the experienced hand of their renowned sommelier. The best way to end off a perfect meal is with owner Bea Tollman's double baked cheesecake. It is unquestionably the dessert to have.

The Black Sheep Restaurant

The dining experience at this laid-back eatery, The Black Sheep Restaurant, offers incredible food, excellent wine and amazing décor. The main floor has great views of Table Mountain. You can also just stop by for sundowners at the trendy street-side bar for a cocktail or craft beer. The menu depends on seasonal ingredients and the chef’s mood. There is a small set menu of comfort food and daily specials where Chef Johnny brings his legendary flare to all his dishes. No one leaves The Black Sheep hungry.

Kloof Street House

Kloof Street House is an eclectic-inspired restaurant and bar with a definite buzz, set in a magnificent Victorian house, nestled in the Table Mountain valley. The menu is a mix of Mediterranean and Moroccan dishes. All the food is flavorful, hearty and impressive. Whether it is Sunday lunch with Jazz entertainment, a candlelit dinner in the dining room, drinks in the beautiful garden area that is drenched in fairy lights or just unwinding on the couches in the cozy lounge, this is a great place for a meal.

Bocca Restaurant

If you a looking for a place with lots of atmosphere then Bocca is the place. All the sharing plates, 'spoons', 'small plates' and 'large plates' are rustic and hearty and the wine list is expertly assembled. The pizzas are served on wooden boards with their own cutting wheels for you to cut your slice any way you like! Outside tables on the deck are perfect for watching Bree Street go by.

Chefs Warehouse

Chefs Warehouse has a canteen offering Tapas focused meals, with the menu changing daily. All the flavorful dishes overflow their large wooden tray in a parade of mini copper pots, steaming baskets and slate plates. Take a seat outside at the simple wooden counters and high stools which are a great place to enjoy a meal. Menus are printed on rice paper clipped onto sushi rolling mats, lending an understated Asian vibe to the place.

Bistrot Bizerca

Bistrot Bizerca is a place where they serve down-to-earth food with exceptional skill and great passion in a casual, relaxed bistro-style of eating. Eat indoors or outside in the brick-paved courtyard which is famous for having the oldest fruit-bearing vine in Southern Africa. The menu concentrates on combining simple flavors in classic combinations with lots of flavor. Daily specials on the chalkboard menu tempt your taste buds with down-to-earth fare. No-one will mind if you mop up the rich sauces with the freshly-baked breads.

Haiku Restaurant

At the trendy and sophisticated Haiku Restaurant you will experience a culinary tour through East Asia in a chic and popular venue. Chinese dim sum, wok and barbeque; Japanese grills and sushi, served tapas-style, are some of the dishes to be shared and enjoyed in this stylish setting. The combination of superior produce, luxurious surroundings and friendly service ensures a unique experience of superior taste and unforgettable dining.

The Foodbarn

At The Foodbarn at Noordhoek Farm Village, they serve delicious and decadent 'fine-dining' style food but in a super relaxed and characterful old barn. During the day the Foodbarn Deli invites you in with aromas of fresh bread and the best coffee in the Noordhoek Valley. At night the Deli is transformed into a charming Tapas Bar.

Cape Town's food offers many varied alternatives with influences from every corner of the globe served up in restaurants and café's across the city. So whatever your taste buds are tempted with, I hope that you give at least one of my favorites a try and let me know how you enjoyed your meal.