Pam’s favourite Cape Town Restaurants

When planning your eating – keep in mind that it is a fantastic way to experience different sides of our extended city – so plan a mix of areas eg one night city, one night Camps Bay, one night Waterfront,  lunch in Constantia, lunch on the Peninsula and make sure you do not miss out on our wine regions such as Franschhoek and Stellenbosch (for recommendations see the Cape Winelands list)

CITY (often referred to as the City Bowl by locals):

1. Café Paradisso – See the New Cape Restaurants section for more details.
2. The Grand Beach & Café: – See the New Cape Restaurants section for more details.
3. Bizerca – fantastic gourmet French style bistro nestled in the middle of the business district.  This is well worth booking in advance as it is a fun culinary experience.  It is owned by a French chef (Laurent) who is married to a South African girl (Cyrillia) – together they make a strong team and have become a firm local favourite.  Tip: Make sure your taxi driver knows how to find it before you depart from the hotel!  I have had lots of people getting lost en route!  Note you must book as they are extremely popular. Jetty Street, Foreshore, Cape Town. 
Reservations: +27 (0)21 418 0001
Open: Monday-Friday  for lunch & dinner.  Closed weekends.  www.bizerca.com
4. The Round House -  (Cape Town – en route to Camps Bay) – is  an exciting addition to Cape Town’s fine dining restaurant scene and is located in a historic building dating back to 1786.  In the 1800′s it was used as the hunting lodge of Lord Charles Somerset.  Now it is home to a fine dining establishment and chef Ronan o’Dwyer who trained in Ireland and spent time working in London at Quaglino’s & Euphorium before heading to the warmer climates of Sydney.  In my opinion The Round House offers the best service in Cape Town and creates a wonderful ambiance in a histroical setting.  In short, I like it a lot!  For wine lovers, the wine list is impressive and they will happily pair each course with a recommended wine.  Great fun.  Address: Kloof Rd, Camps Bay. Tel 021 438 4347 .  Open Wed – Sun for lunch, Wed – Sat for dinner.  Note that there are offer sun set drinks and music on various dates, so it is well worth watching the website and rerserving a table during summer for these evenings.www.theroundhouserestaurant.com
5. 95 Keerom – offers up-market northern Italian cuisine.  The attention to detail is amazing and is reflected in the glamorous furniture, excellent service and delicious food. Pam’s favourites: the seared tuna and the pork neck. This restaruant is still fantastic and one of my favourites.  Note that they have opened Carne – the meat restaurant just across the road from their current restaurant.  I loved Carne – it is a great addition to Cape Town.   Address 95 Keerom Str, City.   Tel: +27-21-422-0765 (to book 95 or Carne).  www.95keerom.com Closed on Sundays.
6. Carne - Successful restaurateur and owner of the highly rated 95 Keerom Street Restaurant (best for Northern Italian cuisine in the city), has opened Carne.  Carne is a northern Italian style steak house.  Giorgia Neva has taken steak houses to a new height of glamour with this venture.  The restaurant features a stylish bar upstairs for drinks before dinner, before you descend into the basement area for dinner.  This room has funky plastic transparent chairs and is just simple and chic.  The evening starts with a very delicious bread basket.  We followed the bread with a shared portion of the lamb shoulder ravioli  – which was superb.  The meat for the main course was brought out raw on a platter in all of its glory.  The waiter explained the different cuts and that all of the meat was dry aged.  We opted for the T-Bone served as it is in Florence, ie a huge T-Bone that they slice and serve on two platters.  It was the best steak I have had for years.  I would highly recommend Carne.  However, there are no options for vegetarians on the menu – so only take meat -loving friends with you! Location of Carne: Cape Town city centre – top of town. Tel: +27-21-424-3460. 70 Keerom Street, City Bowl
7. Bukhara - Stylish North Indian restaurant with a great, well deserved following. Simply delicious high quality food.   Tel: +27-21-424-0000 (Location: 33 Chruch Street, City Bowl). (My Indian clients tell me that it is the best Indian restaurant they have been to!)
8. Manna Epicure – This stylish pavement cafe is open for breakfast and lunch.  For breakfast enjoy soft scrambled eggs with Norwegian salmon …….complemented by delicious freshly baked breads and freshly squeezed beetroot and ginger juice.  For lunch or a mid afternoon snack pop in for an array of Tapas and a glass of chilled wine.  This spot will allow you to start relaxing into your holiday in Cape Town.  151 Kloof Street. Tel +27-21-426-2413www.mannaepicure.com Closed on Mondays.
9. Haiku - This restaurant ran trials for chefs in China prior to making their final decision.  Haiku combines the cuisine from a couple of Asian countries and as such makes for a fun evening where you can experience many small courses ranging from dim sum to Peking Duck to Sushi.  Take as many people as you can with you as this will allow you try many dishes – the concept is to share and food comes out randomly when it is ready.   Note they offer split times for bookings – 7pm or 9pm.  Food Type: Asian Tapas Tel: +27-21-424-7000  I highly recommend that you ask the waiters for their recommendations on what dishes to order and follow the advice given!
10. Savoy Cabbage - Relaxed fine dining in a chic and stylish setting of historic brick, glass and concrete.  Signature dishes are the tomato tart, good seafood and well cooked game items.  Heritage Square, 101 Hout Street. Lunch Mon-Fri, Dinner Mon – Sat. 424-2626. Booking essential (Location: City Bowl) Note: Very expensive – try it if you want to spoil yourself! www.savoycabbage.co.za
11. Headquarters (HQ) - This is a novel concept.  There is only one dish on the menu – steak.   It is a no option menu – you start with a salad with Parmesan shavings, followed by a  sirloin steak served with skinny fries.  The owners of Caveau have opened this restaurant.  Caveau is the best wine bar in the Cape Town central area.  It boasts an innovative creative modern tapas menu and is a “must do” for any “wino’s” that are also “foodies”.  Headquarters is a glamorous venue for an evening out in the city – but take care to tell your friends that it is a “no choice” menu!  Location of Caveau and Headquarters: city centre, next door to each other. www.hqrestaurant.co.za Tel no +27-21-4246373.  Address: Heritage Square, corner Shortmarket and Buitengracht Street.  (Note that this restaurant has become the “in” spot on a Friday night for the 30 something crowd to meet for drinks – so if you are looking for a quiet evening – do not book here!)
12. Salt – This glamorous restaurant is located in the Ambassador Hotel in Bantry Bay.  It boasts panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean with floor to ceiling glass windows that stretch the length of the restaurant.  The décor is modern and glamorous.   Start the evening with a pre-dinner drink at the Salt bar  to watch the sunset followed by dinner.  Book well in advance to get a window table.  The menu offers fresh, modern South African cuisine with ethnic influences.  Open daily for lunch and dinner. Tel +27-21-439-7258.  Ambassador Hotel, Victoria Rd, Bantry Bay.  (Pam’s comments: I have now been to Salt about 5 times.  The setting is gorgeous, dress up a little when you go as this is a fun glamorous night out.  The menu is a mix of really excellent dishes, some mediocre items and some old fashioned favourites. – in general the food is average – but I  this is a favourite of mine as it is one of the most romantic restaurants in Cape TownNote the view of the ocean is best appreicated in the light – so head there for lunch or sun downer drinks or an early dinner.

CAPE TOWN CITY WINE BARS

These spots are perfect for wino’s who want to experience the local wines as they all have a variety of wines available by the glass.   All serve lighter dishes to snack on while you are there – so it is also perfect for those not feeling like a heavy meal!

VICTORIA & ALFRED WATERFRONT (known as the V&A by locals!)

1. Meloncino – Take the combination of an Italian co-owner, 3 Italian chefs, a policy of making everything they can from scratch (pasta, sauces, pizza), importing only the best ingredients from Italy and you have a truly great Italian experience.   Add to the combination slick contemporary decor, a warm Italian host who is a former Italian Diplomat (Alberto di Gristomo) and very passionate well trained staff and you have a winning combination.  It is well worth making a booking to experience this spot – check out my blog on this restaurant.  Location: V&A Waterfront – upstairs in the main mall boasting a view of the harbour area.  Tel +27 21 419 5558. www.meloncino.co.za
2. Balducci’s – This is the best restaurant to visit if you feel like just simply relaxing.  They specialize in uncomplicated lighter meals in a chic environment.  They are renowned for their pizzas, their salads , their burgers and their great wine list. In addition they offer great value for money – so expect to find the locals beating a path to their door.  Main Mall V&A Waterfront – faces the water if you sit outside.  Tel no: +27-21 421 6002. www.balduccis.co.za
3. Willoboughby & Co – This spot is located inside the main mall at the Waterfront – however this is its only fault!  Willoboughy’s has the reputation for offering the best sushi in Cape Town.  This reputation is well deserved and we tend to head down there at least once a month to do the pilgrimage! If you are into sushi, make sure you make it to this spot.  They also offer an extensive seafood menu – we however have never tried it as we are hooked on the sushi!  V&A Main mall.  Tel no: +27 21 418 6115.  Open daily for lunch and dinner – no reservations taken.  When you see the queue heading out of the restaurant, you know you have found the right place!
4. Den Anker – This is the Belgian restaurant in the Waterfront.  It boasts one of the nicest locations as it is in the middle of the Waterfront campus – ie it overlooks the boats and it is a magical spot for lunch or dinner as the view is fantastic.   House specialties include fresh West Coast mussels, served with pomme frites and Belgian Beer – a fabulous combination! V&A Waterfront.  Tel no: +27 21 419 0249  Open daily. www.denanker.co.za
5. Belthazar – This is the best spot for steak in the Waterfront.  I went and ate there last week after boycotting it for more than a year as I had had bad feedback from people who had been.  We not only had the most fantastic steak, but managed to meet the head chef.  He is a butcher by trade who has reinvented himself as a chef.  His passion shone through and the quality of the meat is now once again outstanding.  It is definitely worth a visit. In addition Belthazar offer the largest number of wines available by the glass in the Southern Hemisphere.  They have introduced a technology using nitrogen to preserve the wine – so if you are into wine and great meat – this is the spot for you.  V&A Waterfront.  Tel no: +27 21 421 37 53 Open daily for lunch and dinner.  www.beltahzar.co.za
6. Baia Seafood Restaurant - Portuguese inspired upmarket seafood restaurant in the V&A Waterfront.  A winning combination of excellent seafood with impeccable service.  The prices are steep – but it is worth it as you will enjoy every mouthful.  If the weather is good book an outside table.  Note that it is essential to book as they are very popular.  Tel +27-21-421-0935.  Open daily for lunch and dinner www.baiarestaurant.co.za
7. Panama Jacks – This is located in the working part of the harbour and cannot be accessed by foot.  As such if you wish to head through to this rustic seafood restaurant you need to take a taxi to get there.  Panama Jacks is an institution in Cape Town – locals love it and the prices are great!  There are absolutely no frills and if you are a seafood lover – I would highly recommend it!  In addition, just getting there is an adventure.  This spot is also great for people watching – it attracts everyone from the well off, through to the staff that come in from the working boats that are in the harbour, sometimes with working girls with them!!  There is not much in terms of innovative dishes or presentation of the food – but somehow this spot is just a great seafood meal done with no frills.  Address Quay 500 Cape Town Harbour.  Open daily for dinner & lunch – but closed for lunch on a Saturday.  Tel no: 021 448 1080 or 021 447 3992www.panamajacks.net

CAMPS BAY

Camps Bay is our “Miami area” in Cape Town.  It boasts a wonderful long beach lined with palm trees and a row of bars and restaurants that overlook it.  This is the best spot to watch the sun setting accompanied by sundowner drinks.  As it is so gorgeous, one simply does not mind the fact that there are very few gourmet gems on the strip.   Probably the best for good food is The Codfather – it is however at the back and does not have the view.   Note that the main aim of coming through here is to relax and to watch the world go by, and so the food is secondary.  Some nice spots in the area are:

1. The Codfather – is a simple seafood restaurant that offers a wide variety of fresh seafood.  This is a casual and relaxed spot.  They offer good sushi – but if you are there for seafood – try and avoid the temptation of starting with the sushi!  For mains they lead you off to the fish counter and you get to chose combo’s of a variety of fresh fish, calamari, prawns of different sizes, lobster etc – and you always end up chosing more then you can eat – so hold back on the sushi!  Preparation is simple – you can have it plain or cajun.  The formula of excellent fresh seafood is a winner – so make sure you put a booking in for the Codfather.  My advice would be to go early and watch the sunset with cocktails on the main road and then head to the Codfather for dinner.  Open daily for lunch and dinner.  37 The Drive Camps Bay (behind the Pick n’Pay on the main rd).  Tel +27 (0)21 438 0782/3   www.codfather.co.za
2. The Grand –boasts a great setting right across from the ocean.  It is the perfect spot to roll from the beach onto cocktails and onto a relaxing dinner.  The décor strikes me as slightly colonial in nature.  The setting is lovely and the food is pretty good – so this is a good bet for a venue along the strip.  Prices are on the higher end of the spectrum.  35 Victoria Rd, Camps Bay. www.thegrand.co.za Tel: +27 [0]21 438 4253 
Closed on Mondays
3. The Kove – Fantastic décor and great ambiance created with chilled lounge music – this is a wonderful spot to have sundowner drinks followed by dinner.  The staff are all really nice and very attentive and friendly.  We have had some wonderful evenings here. The food is what I would think of as comfort food – nice, without trying to be too fancy or pretentious.  They do really good steaks as they only serve meat that has been allowed to mature.  Location: Camps Bay promenade, Victoria Rd – close to the Pick n’Pay side.  Tel no: 021 438 0012 www.thekove.co.za
4. Lots of new spots have opened – see the whats new page

SOUTHERN SUBURBS AND CONSTANTIA  (15 to 25 minutes drive from the city centre)

1. 1. La Colombe – is one of our top fine dining restaruants in the country and has been for many years – despite changes in the chef’s along the way, they have managed to keep standards extremely high.  Under Luke Dale Roberts they have been rated again as one of the Top 59 restaurants in the world by UK Restaurantmagazine.  What I always find delightful here is that the setting in an outside courtyard has a country like feel to it and it is really relaxed.  As such do not be surprised to find people in shorts and t-shirts enjoying lunch.  So, it is typically Cape Town, top end service and fine dining dishes, in a relaxed environment!  La Colombe chalk up their offerings on a black board each day and the waiter will give you a blow by blow description of their dishes.  The dishes are all innovative, delicious and beautifully plated.  Possibly sometimes they look like someone has had to work on the components for many many hours – there are things pointing out and layers and rolls and all sorts in the creations!  Note that as it is rated one of our top restaurants in the country it is always adviseable to put your booking in place well in advance!   Location: Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, Constantia, Southern Suburbs. Tel 021-794-2390   www.lacolombe.co.zaOpen 7 days a week (but closed on Sunday nights during winter).  Note tht this restaurant is very expensive –  however my guests have found it well priced and value for money for a top fine dining experience.
2. Spaanschemat River Cafe - Fabulous food in a fabulous country setting.   The meals are light, well presented and each item on the menu is more delicious than the next.   The service is excellent.  Once you have finished lunch go for a tasting of the estates wines in the wine shop next door 9or before so that you know what to order with lunch!).  Tel +27-21-794-3010 (Location: Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, Constantia, Southern Suburbs)
3. Myoga – Top chef Mike Basset (owner of Ginja restaurant, which has closed down) has opened up Myoga to high accolades – see the feedback from patrons on Eat Out – they range from impressed to chef’s who claim it is the best meal they have ever eaten.  Food type: Fine dining.  Décor: Contemporary, while being understated.  Location: Vineyard Hotel, 60 Colinton Rd, Newlands.  Note that this is Southern Suburbs and as such is about a 15 minute taxi ride from the city in non-peak traffic times.  Tel: +27-21 6574545 www.myoga.co.za
4. SIXTEEN82 Bistro on Steenberg Wine Estate – is a delightful lunch spot to try while you are in the Constantia wine region.  The Bistro is located just off the tasting room area for the Steenberg Winery.  Steenberg are famous in South Africa for producing some of our best sauvignon blanc wines and a great champagne (called MCC in South Africa).  The décor is contemporary and the cuisine is bistro like in style.  I have now eaten here about 3 times and each experience is better then the last.  This is a lovely setting to meet up with friends, have lunch and simply spend the whole afternoon enjoying a few bottles of wine.  The food is well priced and represents fair value for money in my opinion. Tip – head here in the later afternoon for a bottle of bubbles and oysters from their raw bar – they also serve tapas in the late afternoon.  Open daily for breakfast, lunch and late afternoon snacks!  Tel: +27 21 713-2211 http://www.steenberghotel.com/dine/bistro-sixteen82/
5. Jonkershuis on Groot Constantia Estate – is a favourite of mine for the setting and for breakfast on the weekends.  On weekends it is popular and so it pays to make a booking.  Weather dependent, there is nothing nicer then booking to sit under the old oak trees.  From here on a clear day you can see the sprawl of the Constantia vines, the distant view of Muizenberg and also a glimmer of False bay in the distance.  It is the proximity of Constantia to the sea that keeps the vines cool and as such makes them such a great area for sauvignon blanc.  Closed Sunday night – open the rest of week. Tel: 021 794 6255  www.jonkershuisconstantia.co.za

PENINSULA (about 45 minutes to an hour from the city)

1. Harbour House - This is an absolute favourite of mine as this restaurant boasts the best sea view.  When booking try and get a table on the small side of the restaurant (the old part)…..then ask for a table in front of the windows – if you get one of these tables – stay for the entire afternoon.  The Harbour House has its own boats – so the fish of the day – is excellent.  Check out the chalk boards for what the fish of the day is and how the chef is preparing it.  My recommendation would be to sample what they do best – fish! Booking required during busy times.  However, one can come late and enjoy the view of the harbour from the lounge while you wait for a table.  Tel +27-21-788-4133. Open daily for lunch & dinner. Location Kalk Bay Harbour – above the Polana. Open daily www.harbourhouse.co.za Tip – move onto the Polana for drinks after lunch at Harbour House – this is a bar directly below Harbour House and it is open in the late afternoons daily and all day on weekends.  Here you can sit and watch the waves breaking in front of you!  It is a favourite spot to just relax!
2. Olympia Cafe - One of the Cape’s best kept secrets.  If you looked through the window you would walk right on past.  Very little has been spent on decor or the kitchen.  The chef (Bernie) prepares your food on a little gas stove behind the counter.  The imaginative Mediterranean menu changes daily with offerings chalked up on the wall. Each menu is dependant on what is fresh on the day and on what Bernie is in the mood to prepare.  The restaurant has its own bakery and supplies the best bread, croissants and pastries in the Cape.  Be sure to take a loaf of the ciabatta bread home with you – I am addicted! Note: No booking offered. If the restaurant is full on arrival, write your name on the chalk board next to the door immediately. The next table that becomes available will be given to the next person on the list next to the door.  134 Main Rd, Kalk Bay. Tel: +27-21-788-6396  Note: This is about a 45 minute drive from the city centre.NOTE- the Olympia cafe has opened a deli around the corner from the restaurant.  It is well worth a visit if you are staying somewhere where you can cook.  The offerings include their fabulous ciabatta breads, fresh tuna (when available), pies, cheeses etc.  Good to visit if you simply wish to go and have a picnic in the Kalk Bay Harbour.
3. The Foodbarn - Franck Dangereux has spread his wings and split the Foodbarn into two shops – the Foodbarn restaurant offers a fine dining experience and the FOODBARN Deli still offers the farm store produce such as delicious breads and deli items, as well as a lighter eating experience.  The deli is a fabulous spot to have coffees, eat pastries and read the weekend newspaper.  The payoff line for the FOODBARN is “100% PASSION     HANDMADE    REAL FOOD” This philosophy accurately summed up our eating experience.  Relaxed child-friendly outdoor setting, friendly service, emphasis on fresh  and innovative dishes ……….which was outstandingly delicious.  Note that the restaurant is right next to the village kids play area – so if you are into fine dining, but have kids with you – this is an ideal spot to book.  Bookings are recommended for the fine dining restaurant, no bookings are taken for the Deli restaurant. Tel +27-21-789-1390. www.thefoodbarn.co.za Note that the restaruant is only open for lunch on Sunday and Monday and is open for lunch & dinner from Tues to Sat.  TIP – about 100m up the road you will find Cape Point Vineyards – which is a fantastic vineyard – so stop for a tasting.
4. Live Bait – Kalk Bay Harbour – located just below the Harbour House.  This is a wonderful addition to the Kalk Bay Harbour.  It is relaxed and laid back with waves crashing along the side of the restaurant.  This has rapidly become one of our favourite spots for Sushi and great bottles of white wine.  The restaurants focus is on fresh fish which comes in daily from the local harbour next to it.  It is reasonably priced and strongly recommended for an afternoon of relaxing with a group of friends.  Open daily from 08h30 – 22h00. Booking recommended.  Tel +27-21-788-5755
5. Cape to Cuba - Visit for the mindblowingly awesome Cuban decor.  The restaurant is literally stuffed with kitsch items that somehow blend together to create the most amazing ambiance.  Enjoy lunch or dinner under giant chandeliers with the ocean alongside you and fantastic views of the harbour.  The food is however secondary to the decor……..regardless of the quality of the food, the experience is worth every moment spent here. Tel +27-21-788-1566  (Location: Peninsula, Kalk Bay) Cape to Cuba Kalk Bay also has a funky Cuban style beach bar which is fun to visit for drinks in the early evening.  They are also now open in Long Street – do not miss out on the cigar bar which is hidden at the back of the restaurant for a drink while doing a Long Street crawl.