Last Updated on May 7, 2026 by Hannah Stephenson
Looking for the best restaurants in Cape Town?
Look, I’m not a fine dining person. I don’t tend to go for tiny portions and three-hour tasting menus.
What I look for in a restaurant is fresh local food and fun vibes. So this isn’t a list of the fanciest restaurants in the city, it’s a guide to the places I keep on going back to, and where I take my family and friends when they come to visit me in Cape Town.
Also, all of these options are in central Cape Town, so you should be able to easily take an Uber to any of them, or even walk. I’ve categorised them according to what you’re looking for, whether that’s a nice dinner, a casual spot, or a unique dining experience.
I’ve just updated this for 2026 after another few months of eating my way around the city, so there are a few new favourites in here too!
If you only try a few restaurants in Cape Town…
Best overall: Kloof Street House
Best experience: Reverie Social Table
Best for a fun night: Duchess of Wisbeach
Best casual go-to: Life Grand or Rockpool
Quick Note About Fine Dining in Cape Town
Cape Town has an incredible fine dining scene, with restaurants like La Colombe and Fyn often ranked among the best in the world.
That said, I’m personally not much of a fine dining person, so this list is based mainly on restaurants I’ve actually visited and loved. If you are into high-end dining, then La Colombe is probably the most famous spot to check out, especially for a special occasion. My friend even got engaged there!
Best for a Nice Dinner Out
1) Kloof Street House
Kloof Street House is truly a must-visit when you’re in Cape Town! I always bring friends and family here when they come to visit, and it never fails to impress.
The restaurant is set in an old Victorian mansion, and it definitely gives me Great Gatsby vibes. It feels very glamorous inside, although in the summer I love to sit out in the garden area.
The grilled ostrich is absolutely out of this world, and it’s a quintessentially South African dish to try! I also love their pornstar martinis. The first time I ordered one, the waitress warned me that I would never be satisfied with a pornstar martini from any other establishment afterwards. So far, she’s been right!
You’ll definitely want to book a table, and during the peak summer months I would highly recommend doing this a week or more in advance.
If you can’t get a dinner seating, you can also come for lunch. They run a great value lunch special from Monday to Saturday, where you can get two courses for R250 or three for R295!
I think if I could only eat at one restaurant for the rest of my life, it would be Kloof Street House. That’s how good this place is!
2) Harry’s Beach Restaurant
I’ll level with you – I don’t go to Camps Bay all that often. I run through it sometimes, but I’ve never really had a go-to cafe or restaurant here.
However, when my mum and sister went to Harry’s and raved about it, I knew I had to try it for myself… And I’m pleased to report that it blew me away!
I thought it might just be overpriced and relying on its location along the Camps Bay strip, but I’m happy to say I was totally wrong. This place is absolutely wonderful, and I can’t wait to go again!
The food is absolutely next-level. I had their kingclip special and I truly never wanted the meal to end. It was cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of citrus tang… I’m not the best at describing food to be honest, but it was mouth-watering!
The girls and I also got through several bottles of MCC and the service was absolutely impeccable. They also had live music on while we were there, which I thought might be too loud for good conversation, but they got it just right. The performers created a really fun vibe without being too much for an old grandma like me – I always want to be able to hear myself think.
There’s a real holiday vibe at Harry’s, and it sits right across from the beach so you get great views to boot. I’m not the kind of person who goes to bougie places just for the sake of it, but I really do think Harry’s is worth the hype.
3) Cousins Trattoria
Pasta lovers should make a beeline for Cousins Trattoria, a sought-after spot that’s hidden down a sketchy-looking street. This place is probably best known for their signature cheesy pasta dish, which is mixed right in front of you inside a wheel of parmesan. We had to order it when we went, and it didn’t disappoint!
Cousin’s has an authentic trattoria feel. There are no airs and graces here, the staff are really friendly, and the food is delicious.
Bookings are required, especially at weekends. It’s best to book at least a few days in advance, especially if you want a prime slot, although it is easier to get in for their early seating if you’ve left it until the last minute. And don’t try and squeeze extra people onto your table, because I’ve been a rejected fifth wheel here before!
4) The Codfather
When I first heard of the Codfather, I assumed it was a fish and chip shop. But oh no, my friends, this is an INCREDIBLE seafood restaurant in Camps Bay. It’s tucked just slightly back from the main strip, next to the beloved Dizzy’s pub, and it’s SO GOOD.
There’s no menu at the Codfather. Instead, you go up to the counter, choose the fish and seafood that you want, and then they cook it fresh for you and serve it family-style, with complimentary sides of steamed vegetables, rice, and potato wedges.
We had HUGE crayfish, calamari, and the most delicious seared tuna, which they cooked just how I like it! The wine menu was extensive, too, so we washed it down with some white from Quoin Rock, which is one of my favourite wineries in Stellenbosch.
I’m also a big sushi fan, so I was delighted to discover that they also have a sushi conveyor belt. I just had one dish as a starter, but it was so fresh and delicious. I would definitely come back here next time and just have sushi by itself!
5) The Bungalow
The Bungalow is another one that’s touristy, but worth it if you want a bougie dinner out! It’s an ocean view spot between Clifton and Camps Bay, and I always think it has a very “Ibiza” vibe.
The views here are pretty amazing but they often have to pull the windbreak screens down thanks to that pesky Cape Doctor! I must admit, I was a bit disappointed because both times I’ve been here, I’ve never gotten the full knockout view. However, I still wanted to include The Bungalow on this list because I’ve always had a great time here.
This place is on the pricey side, but the food is delicious. I love the tuna tartare here – I would seriously eat it every day if I could! I also really rate the chickpea bowl if you’re not a big meat or seafood person, and mum and Mols both adored the roast chicken with lemon garlic.
You’ll definitely want to make a booking here, and it’s best to do it a couple of weeks in advance for the busy summer months. The service is quite slow, so again, this one isn’t for a quick dinner. You definitely come to the Bungalow to make an evening of it!
Best for a Unique Experience
6) Reverie Social Table
Reverie Social Table is Cape Town’s most unique dining experience – in my opinion, anyway! It’s a dinner party experience run by a local chef Julia Hattingh and let me tell you, she is incredibly talented! She carefully curates a seasonal set menu that showcases local produce, and serves it family-style alongside plenty of wine.
No two nights at Reverie are the same so I can’t tell you exactly what you eat, but I got the most incredible white fish, tender ostrich, and tomato salad, to name but a few dishes! In fact, I’ve been twice, and the menu was very different both times.
What makes Reverie special is that it’s a great way to meet new people. We were encouraged to get up and shuffle around a few times between courses so that we got a chance to speak to everyone at the event. In fact, both times I’ve done this, I’ve met new people that I’ve stayed in touch with!
I’ve got an in-depth review of Reverie Social Table here, but the most important thing for you to know is that you need to book at least a few weeks in advance, especially if you want a specific date. I think I booked about two months in advance when I went!
7) GOLD Restaurant
GOLD is not just a restaurant, it’s actually a whole experience! It’s a 14-course dinner featuring dishes from all over Africa, intertwined with a drum show and lots of music and dance performances.
I booked GOLD for my mum and sister when they came to visit me in Cape Town, and we had a blast!
We opted for the drumshow, which takes place before dinner. It’s super interactive, so we each got our own drum and learned a few basic rhythms. The lead drummer was hilarious and learning the sequences was so much fun, although I must admit that my hands hurt by the end.
The drumming lasted for around half an hour, and then the first dishes were served. My goodness, we had so much food over the course of the evening! My favourites included the Namibian ostrich salad, the South African rosterkoeks, and the samoosas.
Between courses, there were performances on stage and the performers also moved through the crowds for more intimate showcases. Yoh, these guys are super talented. The dancers were so energetic, I really don’t know how they did it! And I loved the musician who came around and explained different African instruments to us, like the calabash and the fula flute.
We also got our faces painted! I didn’t want to wash mine off. Then, the night ended with the performers teaching the crowd the Jerusalem dance up on stage, so things ended on a high note.
The whole evening was so fun and interactive! It was mum and Molly’s final night in Cape Town, and I think it was the perfect send-off.
Of course, GOLD is very touristy, but it’s also a great time, and an opportunity to sample lots of different foods that you don’t always see a lot of in Cape Town.
You’ll need to book this one in advance, which I did via their website. Just a heads up, the drum show is optional when booking but I highly recommend including it! I had to pay a deposit of R200 per person when I booked, which was taken off of our bill at the end.
8) The Lawns
The Lawns (or the Lawns at the Roundhouse, to use its full name) is basically a destination in and of itself!
It definitely stakes a claim at being one of Cape Town’s most beautiful restaurants. It’s a big, al-fresco restaurant and bar in Camps Bay, and it’s spread across three different grassy terraces, with ocean and mountain views.
From the top two lawns, you can enjoy amazing views of the Atlantic and the Twelve Apostles. It’s absolutely stunning!
The lawns are numbered, and you have to specify which one you want to sit at when you book. I recommend booking Lawn 1 (aka the top lawn) if it’s available, although Lawn 2 also has good views. You can book your table (and your lawn) here.
I’ve spent many a happy summer’s day sipping cocktails at the Lawns, although it’s also a first-class sunset spot. They also offer Aperol Spritz Sunday brunches at the moment – how cool is that? Food-wise, I really like the salads and pizzas here.
9) Faeza’s Home Kitchen
Bo Kaap is one of the most vibrant and interesting neighbourhoods to explore in Cape Town, and sampling some Cape Malay cuisine is a must while you’re in the area. And if you ask anyone, they’ll tell you that Faeza’s Home Kitchen is THE place to do it.
Cape Malay cooking is a unique fusion of African, European, and Asian culinary traditions. Popular dishes include:
- Bobotie – spiced minced meat with a creamy egg-based topping
- Samoosas
- Koeksisters – fried twisted dough that’s soaked in syrup.
- Cape Malay curry
I came to Faeza’s for lunch after taking a walking tour of Bo Kaap. My guide recommended it to my friend and I, so we shared the 3-course lunch special. We had samoosas to start, a delicious bowl of Cape Malay curry, and then a koeksister to finish, although there were other options to choose from.
10) The Duchess of Wisbeach
The Duchess of Wisbeach is a pub-slash-restaurant that also just happens to be one of Cape Town’s best party spots. In fact, it’s notorious for its wild Thursday nights.
When you go to the Duchess, you start with a sit-down meal and then around 9:30 pm, the staff hand out sparklers and everyone gets up on the tables and starts dancing to Sweet Caroline. From then on, it’s an all-out party until 2 am.
So given that this place is known for parties, you might think that the food comes second to all of that… but you would be mistaken.
At Duchess, there’s a small menu with gourmet dishes like tuna tartare, fillet steak, and a rack of roasted lamb. I highly recommend the truffle mac ‘n’ cheese – it’s the best I’ve ever had! There are also lots of fresh salads to start with and a really nice wine menu.
You’ll definitely need to book in advance to eat here, and at least a couple of weeks beforehand during the summer. It’s super popular on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays! The downside is they take a pretty big deposit, (R1000 per person) so you need to be organised to ensure you don’t end up out of pocket.
Best Casual Spots
11) Life Grand Cafe
Life Grand Cafe is the perfect all-rounder. It’s perched right on the harbour’s edge at the V&A Waterfront, and you can even sit right out on the dock and watch the cruises depart. The inside area is just as nice, though, with floor to ceiling windows and a plush yet down-to-earth feel.
They’ve got a pretty wide menu here, and there’s lots of seafood on offer. I’m actually not the biggest seafood pasta but I often get the seafood linguine when I come here because it’s just so fresh and yummy. The poke bowls and salads are also really good if you feel like something fresh!
Despite its prime location, the Life Grand Cafe really won’t break the bank, either. There are pricey bottles of bubbles available, but you can also get a nice glass of local wine for about R60, and the staff have a fantastically heavy-handed pour. It’s definitely one of the best affordable restaurants at the Waterfront!
The only negative thing I could really say about the Life Grand Cafe is that service can sometimes be a little slow. I wouldn’t come here for a quick meal, but it’s perfect when you want to kick back, relax, and enjoy the upbeat atmosphere of the Waterfront
12) Yen’s Vietnamese Street Food
Yen’s Vietnamese Street Food started out as a stall at the Oranjezicht Market but it proved to be such a success that Yen opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Dewaterkant in 2021.
Yen’s has a really special place in my heart because it’s the best Vietnamese food I’ve ever had outside of Vietnam itself. In fact, it’s the ONLY place to get authentic Vietnamese food in Cape Town. There are a few other restaurants that claim to be Vietnamese, but they actually serve up Asian fusion that’s nothing like the food you actually find on the streets of Saigon.
I lived in Vietnam for 2.5 years, and I promise you that Yen’s is the real deal. A few of the dishes are tweaked slightly for the western palate, but only by adding chicken or vegan options, or better quality meat, for example.
The decor will also induce a strong wave of nostalgia in anyone who’s ever been to Vietnam. The walls are painted a cheerful shade of Hoi An yellow, there are vintage beer labels stuck to the walls, and the lampshades are in the shape of non la (the conical hats that are traditionally worn by Vietnamese people).
Yen’s is a casual restaurant with limited seating, so book a table if you want to come here for dinner on a Friday or Saturday night. You order and pay at the counter, and then the staff bring your food over to you. They’ve also recently opened their own Vietnamese grocery store over the road, which I think it’s a super cute idea!
13) Hussar Grill
South Africa is renowned for its high quality meat, so it would be rude not to enjoy a good steak or two while you’re in the city, and the Hussar Grill is one of the best places to do it.
There are actually two Hussar Grill restaurants in Cape Town: one in Camps Bay and another in Mouille Point. They’re both great, so just pick which one is more convenient for you. The Camps Bay one does stay open a bit later.
Both locations feel very sophisticated inside, with dim lighting, dark wood, and walls that are lined with books. But despite this, prices here are really reasonable.
Hussar Grill does serve wine, beers, and cocktails, but you’re also welcome to bring your own wine to the Hussar Grill, totally free of charge! This is a fantastic way to save money, and it’s ideal if you’ve got a nice bottle that would pair perfectly with steak.
I recommend going to the Hussar Grill on a Tuesday evening if you can because Tuesday night is date night. You can get a two course meal each and a bottle of wine to share for just R499 per couple, or get three courses for R599.
14) Rockpool
Rockpool is popular in large part due to its location right opposite the Sea Point promenade. It’s a great place to grab a fresh, healthy lunch on a nice day or have dinner at sunset and then stay for drinks.
They’ve got a pretty wide menu with pizzas, delicious salads, and tapas. Right now, my favourite thing on the menu is the Argentinian bowl! I don’t really rate the cocktails, but the wine list is good!
This isn’t fine dining, but it’s a fun and casual spot with a great vibe. It’s an easy go-to in Sea Point. For more great restaurants in Sea Point, check out this guide.
15) Bodega Ramen
There’s nothing as comforting as a big hearty bowl of ramen, and Bodega Ramen serves the best in town!
It’s a hidden spot upstairs from the secret gin bar, and you can get a G&T downstairs and take it up with you if you like. It’s small and cosy upstairs, and they’ve got a limited menu with a few different flavours of ramen, but personally I think that the beef short rib and kimchi is the one to go for.
The sharing plates are also really good. Both the burnt cabbage and the spicy cauliflower bites are delicious.
16) Fat Cactus
Fat Cactus is a casual Mexican restaurant that doesn’t take itself too seriously. There are a few locations in Cape Town but the most central branches are in Gardens or Sea Point. It’s great for a Friday night dinner with friends (especially because they do an amazing gingerbread tequila).
I really like the quesadillas here, and the tacos are really nice and fresh, too. But the best thing about Fat Cactus is definitely the vibe!
17) Clarke’s Dining Room
Clarke’s is a somewhat hipster spot that serves good, honest comfort food. The smoked tomato soup and cheese toastie is the kind of food that just soothes your soul. They also do great burgers, salads, and Bloody Marys here.
Plus, it’s right on Bree Street, so it’s close to lots of Cape Town’s best nightlife. It’s a particularly great place to come for dinner on a First Thursday, because there’s a fantastic atmosphere and then you can hit the bars on Bree Street afterwards. Just book a table then, because this place is pumping on First Thursdays!
Best for Breakfast and Lunch
18) Between Us
Between Us is probably the coolest breakfast spot in town, with funky, minimalist decor and very hipster branding. If you want to drink coffee with Cape Town’s cool kids, this is where you should do it.
It’s got a small menu that includes lots of fancy iterations of porridge and a really yummy salmon and spinach frittata. They also serve great coffee and chai lattes.
You can go for dinner here, too, but I’ve only ever been for breakfast or brunch.
19) Jarryd’s Brunch and Bistro
Personally, I think that Jarryd’s offers the best breakfast in Cape Town, and I’m not alone in this. In fact, it was even featured as one of Cape Town’s best restaurants on Somebody Feed Phil!
The pancakes here have gone viral on TikTok and believe me, they’re just as tasty as they are pretty. You might want to share a stack between two people, though, because it’s a LOT of food to get through on your own – we learned that the hard way.
Recently, Jarryd’s have renovated and changed their menu. I’m a big fan of their new global breakfast plates, and the honey soy chicken salad on the dinner menu – uh, YUM!
You can’t make a booking here, but although it’s usually busy I’ve never struggled to get a table.
20) Kleinsky’s
Kleinskys is a Cape Town institution. Their bagels always hit the spot, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth then you’ll love their cinnamon rolls. They’re so soft and the icing is just delicious… I’m getting hungry just thinking about them! Plus, the cafe itself is super cute, and you can buy American imported goods here, like all of the different flavours of pop tarts that the rest of the world doesn’t get.
I’m usually partial to a smoked salmon bagel, but if you want something a bit different, the pastrami one is also really good. You can also find them at the Oranjezicht Market on weekends.
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