Cape Town Restaurants & Bars: A Guide to the 28 Best Dining Experiences

Cape Town is a culinary paradise, offering a vibrant mix of flavors, atmospheres, and experiences that cater to every taste. From chic eateries to hidden cocktail gems, this guide to Cape Town restaurants and bars will inspire your foodie adventures in one of our favorite destinations in the world.

Explore the city's diverse cuisine, influenced by its rich cultural heritage and proximity to the sea. Discover unique restaurants serving everything from Cape Malay dishes to fresh seafood, along with trendy bars and fun tours for foodies.

Whether you're indulging in a fine dining experience, bar hopping in the center, or embarking on a guided food tour, Cape Town promises unforgettable gastronomic moments. Let this guide be your passport to savoring the best the city has to offer, no matter what kind of experience you're looking for.

Cape Town Cuisine: A Quick Intro to the Flavors of South Africa

Cape Town cuisine is a unique blend of old traditions, a variety of cultures, and a pinch of modern twists. 

The variety of flavors reflects the city’s rich cultural diversity, offering a fusion of tastes influenced by its Dutch, Malaysian, Indian, and African heritage.

This melting pot of cultures has given rise to a vibrant food scene that caters to all tastes, from traditional dishes to innovative contemporary creations.

 Traditional Dishes in Cape Town

At the heart of Cape Town’s culinary identity is Cape Malay cuisine, known for its fragrant spices, sweet and savory combinations, and dishes like bobotie (spiced minced meat topped with an egg custard) and samoosas (spiced meat or vegetable-filled pastries). 

Fresh seafood also plays a major role in Cape Town, with options like snoek (a local fish, often smoked or grilled) and creamy mussel potjies (stews).

Braai (barbecue) culture is deeply ingrained, bringing people together over flame-grilled meats and hearty side dishes, as well as biltong, an iconic meat snack found in delis and markets alike.

For those with a sweet tooth, Cape Town offers treats like koeksisters (fried dough drenched in syrup) and malva pudding (a spongy dessert with apricot jam).

The city’s thriving restaurant scene ranges from casual eateries to fine dining, showcasing seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients with global influences. Paired with South African wines, Cape Town’s cuisine offers an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

Unique Cape Town Restaurants and Bars

Now that you know a bit about what the cuisine is like in the city, let's start exploring all of the fun and unique Cape Town restaurants and bars!

 Cape Town Restaurants and Bars with Local Flavors

If you're new to Cape Town, then trying local cuisine is a must. As a diverse city, it's becoming harder and harder to find authentic local cuisine, but these restaurants are our favorites for savoring the flavors of South Africa.

Mama Africa

If you're looking for a variety of African cuisines all in one restaurant, then don't miss out on Mama Africa.

The vibrant restaurant has an incredible array of dishes from across the continent, and is one of the best Cape Town restaurants for South African flavors, as well as other neighboring countries.

Karibu Restaurant

Karibu was hands-down our favorite of all of the Cape Town restaurants and bars we experienced.

Located on the second floor of the V&A Waterfront, we were worried this was going to be a tourist trap. While a bit pricey, it certainly delivered on the cuisine, including local cuts of a variety of animals such as ostrich steak and different game.

The restaurant is beautiful and lively, and they also have a surprise performance of local dancers!

Carne Kloof

Another great restaurant with delicious meats and local dishes in a more modern setting is Carne Kloof.

It's conveniently located between the city center and Lion's Head, and is one of our favorite restaurants for a nice dinner out in Cape Town.

(There are actually two Carne restaurants! While we went to the one in Kloof, you can also find another one on Keerom Street).

 Great Cape Town Restaurants and Bars with International Flavors

while Cape Town has excellent local flavors, one of the things that makes this city so special is that you can find a large variety of cuisines for any set of tastebuds.

Here are our favorite Cape Town restaurants and bars featuring flavors from around the world.

Tjing Tjing House

This was one of our favorite Cape Town restaurants and bars, as it offers a variety of dining and drinking experiences in just one place.

Tjing Tjing house is located inside a 200-year old building, and has three floors with 4 distinct spaces for different culinary preferences.

4 Spaces of Tjing Tjing House

• Tori: The first floor serves lunch from 12 pm to 4 pm with reservations accepted, and operates on a walk-in basis after 4 pm. Here you can find Japanese fare inspired by the vibrant yokocho alleys in a lively setting.
• Lounge: a dark and moody sophisticated lounge ideal for intimate meals on the second floor
• Momji: an exclusive Omakase menu on Saturday evenings, with a separate Lounge that opens from 4 pm on the second floor
• Top Level: Here you can find a Rooftop Bar, with both indoor and outdoor seating, accompanied by relaxed and trendy decor, and a unique indie and electronic music vibe.

We ate and drank on the rooftop, and all of the food and cocktails were exceptional.

Nikkei Japanese Peruvian

If you're looking for Japanese food with a twist, then don't miss out on Nikkei, which is the perfect fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. 

Apart from having fabulous food, Nikkei Japanese Peruvian features 2 different Omakase menus with 9 courses each. They Sushi & Sake Sundays with a live DJ, half-priced cocktails, and specials on sushi platters.

Nikkei Japanese Peruvian caters to parties, and also runs special events through the year, making it a true treat out for any special occasion. 

Scala Pasta Bar

Run by the same owners at Nikkei Peruvian Japanese, Scala Pasta Bar is the ultimate Italian find in Cape Town. Featuring fresh handmade pastas and ingredients imported from Europe, this restaurant is a must for Italian food lovers.

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Ouzeri

Ready to teleport to Greece? Well, this cozy Greek/Cyprian restaurant uses old family recipes with fresh local products to feature seasonal menus throughout the year. From its chic vibe to scrumptious dishes, this is one of the best restaurants in Cape Town, located right in the heart of the city center.

Bodega Ramen

Located right next to Ouzeri you'll find a chocolate shop. Walk through and head up the stairs for what locals say is one of the best ramen spots in the city.

The place looked stunning and the food looked incredible. Unfortunately they were fully booked though, so it's definitely one that will be on the list for the next visit!

 Unique Cape Town Restaurants and Bars: Cafes & Bakeries

As digital nomads constantly working while traveling, we're always on the hunt for great places to have coffee and delicious breakfast spots. 

Here is a round up of some of our favorite coffee shops and bakeries in Cape Town to add to your list.

Revved Up Cafe

Looking for one of the most unique cafes in Cape Town? Well, Revved Up Cafe is actually a small cafe inside of a car dealership. What makes them special is their hot chocolate tasting menu, which is paired with different cookies!

(Keep in mind this cafe gets BUSY, and isn't one we'd recommend whipping out your laptop out for long.)

Heaven Coffee Shop

This is another one of our favorite cafes in Cape Town. Located right near the African Curios market, we happened to stumble upon this little gem.

Heaven Coffee Shop is an adorable cafe tucked away inside a cathedral. With delicious coffee and the friendliest staff, this easily became one of our favorite spots to grab a cup of joe. 

Rapt - The Art of Indulgence

Rapt is more than just a chocolate shop - it's where art meets indulgence in the heart of Cape Town.

From hand painted bon bons and brulee chai lattes, this truly is an elevated desert experience for your Cape Town bucket list.

Rapt also offers special events like workshops, so make sure to check in advance so that you can add it to your list of unique things to do in Cape Town.

Ou Meul Melkbosstrand

This was a bakery recommended to us by our friend from Cape Town on the road towards Namibia, and boy did it deliver.

The local shop is adorable and has some of the best pies we've ever tried. They also have killer bread, the friendliest staff, and a variety of interesting sauces and local products to stock up on.

If you're road tripping through South Africa and heading north or Cape Town, then definitely add this place to your itinerary!

 Cape Town Restaurants and Bars with a View

With beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs, it's no wonder that some of our favorite Cape Town restaurants and bars are those with epic views.

If you're looking for a wonderful atmosphere, then here are some of our go-to spots.

Seaforth Restaurant (Boulders Beach)

As we were visiting Boulder's Beach we were on the hunt for a nearby restaurant, and came across this true gem.

Located right along the beach, this stunning restaurant is large, open, and bright with boat decor, and feature super fresh and delicious seafood specialties.

While it was a bit on the pricier side, the food, service, and ambience were well worth it. Plus, outside you'll have the chance to see wild penguins!

Two Oceans Restaurant (Cape Point Reserve)

Located right inside Cape Point Reserve, Two Oceans Restaurant is one of the best Cape Town restaurants and bars for panoramic views.

Jutting out over the the grand peninsula and sparkling waters surrounding it, this is a must for grabbing a bite to eat or just having a drink and enjoying the view.

Unfortunately they were still closed when we went, so we can't attest for the food, but we can promise that the views deliver!

Grand Africa Cafe & Beach

Just steps away from V&A waterfront is the Grand Africa Cafe & Beach is the ultimate beachside dining venue.

It offers a choice of five bars, ocean-view decks, nine private function venue areas, and on-beach dining, making it perfect for a variety of occasions, and one of the best Cape Town restaurants and bars for your bucket list.

 The Top Fine Dining Cape Town Restaurants & Bars

Looking for a little bit of luxury in your life? Well, these fine dining establishments are ready to wow you with their incredible dishes. Grab your wallets and get ready for some of the top Cape Town restaurants and bars you could imagine.

La Colombe Restaurant

This has been rewarded as the best restaurant in Africa, and truly is one for your South Africa bucket list.

La Colombe offers both lunch and dinner tasting menus offering 9 carefully curated plates, and offers a vegetarian version for each. 

We unfortunately didn't make it here for this trip, but has been highly recommended by locals and tourists alike.

Salsify at the Roundhouse

Located in the picturesque Camps Bay, this is another award-winning restaurant for your Cape Town bucket list.

SeaBreeze Fish & Shell

Experience a modern take on Cape Town's vibrant seafood tradition, featuring carefully prepared comfort dishes made with the freshest locally sourced catch.

SeaBreeze Fish & Shell is centered around quality and sustainability, using only fresh, locally sourced and seasonal produce in each of their dishes, making it a top destination for foodies and those that want to travel more sustainably.

Harbour House V&A Waterfront

Ready for incredible food and iconic location wrapped all in one?

Harbour House Restaurants provide an elegant dining experience on the stunning waterfront, featuring exceptional Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, exquisite décor, and warm, attentive service.

 Other Cape Town Restaurants We Love

Now you know almost all of our top recommendations for the best Cape Town restaurants. But here are just a couple of more that we'd love to recommend.

Sonny & Irene

Tucked between the sea and the city, this spot strikes a balance of charm and style. With earthy greens, soft pinks, and touches of gold, the space features natural wood, marble, and cozy velvet, all with a hint of Art Deco flair for the most elegant, yet casual dining experience.

With an extensive menu and excellent brunch options, this was definitely one of our favorite Cape Town restaurants.

Atlantic Express Train Restaurant

This is one of the most unique dining experiences in Cape Town. Located in Sea Point, you can have a meal right onboard an old train coach. They feature a Halal menu and offer vegan-friendly options, making it an inclusive and one-of-a-kind experience. 

 Cool Cape Town Bars

Now that you know the top Cape Town restaurants, let's take a look at some of the best bars in town!

Gorgeous George Hotel

We originally came to Gorgeous George for "First Thursdays", and while we missed their free drinks, we fell in love with the ambience of this Victorian-themed bar.

With its perfectly dimmed-lighting, giant teddy bears, and quirky animal decorations, the bar at the Gorgeous George hotel is an intimate setting to grab a drink while exploring Cape Town.

Talking to Strangers

This bar was recommended to us by locals, and while it doesn't have anything particularly unique about it, they had excellent cocktails, great service, and delicious food served til late.

The Athletic Club & Social

This is an absolute must in Cape Town for music lovers, and is such a vibe. On Thursdays there is jazz in the basement's whiskey bar, and on Fridays there is a DJ playing on the 1st floor.

With multiple floors, beautiful decor, and a variety of music offered, this was definitely one of our favorite bars in Cape Town.

The Gin Bar

If you're a gin lover, then don't miss out on the Gin Bar, tucked away behind the incredible Rapt chocolate boutique. It's sophisticated with quality cocktails, and the perfect stop for a drink while barhopping in the heart of Cape Town.

Barcadia

Bring out your inner child and visit one of the coolest bars in Cape Town, featuring classic arcade games, great cocktails, and a giant popcorn machine.

 Awesome Cape Town Markets

Now that you know all of our favorite Cape Town restaurants and bars, we'd like to make some honorable mentions to some of the great markets in the city offering a variety of great eats.

Mojo Market

Mojo Market is a vibrant gastronomic market located in Sea Point. With over 80 food vendors, live music, and craft stalls, it’s the perfect spot to sample Cape Town’s diverse culinary scene.

We personally loved sampling the biltong, as well as chocolate kiosk right in the center.

Old Biscuit Mill Market

On Saturdays and Sundays the Old Biscuit Mill turns from a simple shopping center to a full market experience.

Whether you're looking for some good local snacks or unique international flavors, you can find a bit of everything at the Neighborgoods market.

Sit at one of the long tables inside the tent, or grab a table outside to listen to the local DJ play and soak up the vibes right next to the bar.

Cape Town Foodie Experiences

Now that you know all of the best Cape Town restaurants and bars to explore, let's dive into some of the cool foodie experiences you can sign up for!

 Malay Cooking Classes

Discover the rich flavors of Cape Malay cuisine through hands-on cooking classes in Cape Town.

Learn to create traditional dishes like bobotie, samoosas, and fragrant curries while exploring the vibrant cultural heritage behind the recipes. It's a flavorful journey perfect for food enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike!

Here are a few great tours that you can sign up:

 Join a Food Tour

Embark on a food tour in Cape Town and savor the city’s rich culinary heritage. From vibrant local markets to hidden foodie gems, there are a variety of food tours in Cape Town to choose from.

Whether you’re strolling through colorful neighborhoods or enjoying paired bites with South African wines, a food tour is the perfect way to experience Cape Town’s vibrant food scene while uncovering its unique history and culture.

Here are a few fun food tours you can check out:

Go Vineyard Hopping

Explore Cape Town's world-renowned wineries nestled in the stunning landscapes of the Cape Winelands. 

From lush vineyards to boutique cellars, enjoy wine tastings, scenic views, and insights into South Africa's rich winemaking traditions. Perfect for wine lovers and those seeking a relaxing day trip!

Here are some epic winery tours you can sign up for in Cape Town:

 Take a Steam Train to Elgin Railway Market

Step back in time and travel aboard a vintage steam train from Cape Town to the lively Elgin Railway Market. This unique journey offers breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town, False Bay, and the surrounding countryside as you pass over Sir Lowry’s Pass. 

Relax, sip a custom cocktail, and enjoy the charm of slow travel as the rhythmic sounds of the rails create a nostalgic atmosphere. At the Elgin Railway Market, dive into the vibrant local scene with delicious food, craft gin, and beer, accompanied by live music.

Browse unique artisan goods, savor the flavors of the region, and soak in the bustling energy of this one-of-a-kind destination. It's a perfect way to explore the food and drinks of Cape Town, paired with incredible landscapes.

So are you ready to experience all of awesome Cape Town restaurants and bars? We know you're going to fall in love with the food & drink scene in this city, as it's truly one of the most diverse cities in the world.

Want to learn about all of the fun things to do in Cape Town and South Africa? We have a few other Cape Town travel guides, as well as several other South Africa travel guides for you to check out. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you can stay up to date with our most recent content, and get exclusive offers!

Ready to book your trip to Cape Town? We're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers travel planning services that build custom itineraries and find you unique hotels and activities. Not only that, but we're creating really incredible group trips to South Africa soon!

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