Publik 

Is a wonderful small wine bar selling lesser known wines from smaller estates.   They support the smaller producers and as such it is great fun to head  over there to try interesting wines. They have a small food offering – mostly some bar nibbles and charcuterie and cheese platters.   Have a snack here and if you are still hungry  there are lots of fun spots for eating across the road.  11D Kloof Nek Rd .  Ps – do not miss out on having a taco across the road at the El Buro Taqueria – delicious taco’s and great vibe!  Ps 2 – then head for a drink to the Power & The Glory (next door to Publik) – it is a quirky and fun bar.  Ps 3 – if you head upstairs to The Moveable Feast – there is a hidden bar next to the restaurant upstairs.   This is a great hood for drinks and dinner.   Note that if you enjoy Japanese – Kyoto Sushi is wonderful! 

Lekker Vegan

Fun late night naughty Vegan restaurant.   Most things are deep fried.  Even a healthy vegan needs to have some naughty food every now and again.  They only open at around 12h00 each day and stay open  late…………..so if you need your sweet fix or grease fix after a night hitting the Cape Town bars – find them in Kloof Street!

Kloof Street House

this is a wonderful spot for a fun night out with a group of mates.  The decor is fun and eclectic and almost feels a bit colonial.  It is in a gorgeous Victorian house on Kloof Street which lends an intimate atmosphere to the spot.  The food is fun, wonderfully presented and the food is always nice – it is good enough to keep everyone happy…….and not aiming to be a fine dining establishment – good and wholesome.  We have had a variety of different levels of service – twice it was excellent – once it was mediocre and the waitress seemed to be untrained.   Overall – I love this spot and will return often – it is not just about the food – this one is fun and vibey and great as a meet up spot for a group of friends or a birthday.  30 Kloof Street.   It is essential to book – even for the bar area!  Note that in summer – try and get a booking in their outside courtyard.

Tamboers Winkel

Is a tiny cafe and wine bar just off Kloof Street in the city.  It is warm and welcoming and really small. It is a local hole in the wall – and it looks like they have upped their game and are having special wine tasting nights on a Wednesday night.  For details check out their facebook!  They do pastries & light meals.  They have a license for selling wine too!   They are open Monday to Friday 7am to 10pm and close at 3pm on weekends. 3 De Lorenz Street Gardens.

Manna Epicure

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 is a favourite local spot for breakfast 151 Kloof Street. Tel +27-21-426-2413.  Closed on Mondays.

Black Sheep

This was the first gastro pub in Cape Town – and the locals fell in love with it.  It has an upmarket bar feel – hands on owners – consistently good food – and as such it has a tribal following of locals.   It is full every night and they have two seatings.   It is best to book at least two days before.    104 Kloof Street

Dark Horse

Following from the success of Black Sheep – the owners have opened a wonderful fun bar called Dark Horse.   They do not take bookings.   It does however have a tapas style menu that is quite good.    I loved our visit here.  They have a rooftop and a terrace on to the street – so for good weather this is a great choice.   The decor is fab inside too.   This is a great addition to Kloof street.   The perfect spot to meet up with mates for a few drinks.   145 Kloof Street

Unframed Ice Cream

Arguably the most delicious ice cream in Cape Town!  Worth tracking down. Open fairly late! Note they have vegan offerings too.

Yours Truly

Is a wonderful outdoor coffee shop, a bar and casual eatery – nice pizza’s, sandwiches & salads. Great coffee spot. Young, vibey and fun.  Also a good spot for meeting for drinks and an inexpensive dinner in the evening.  Tip – head upstairs early evening for drinks and dinner on their terrace. It is alongside a backpackers.   So the crowd is young and fun. One comes for the vibe – not the liquor selection – which is a challenging offering for any wine lover as there is no choice!  73 Kloof Street .   RECOMMENDED FOR THE FUN VIBE  – day or night – great for people watching and chilling.   Younger crowd.    THEY HAVE OUTSIDE SEATING WITH LOTS OF PLANTS AROUND YOU. 

Thali Tapas

Top Chef Liam Tomlin’s famous signature 8 course shared tasting menu with Indian inspired flavours – enjoyed while surrounded by Moroccan style decor.   This is an absolute favourite foodie hang out – if you enjoy Indian flavours – head here immediately.  Note that they do not take bookings.   The concept is simple – 8 tapas dishes of the day to share between two people.   Options – regular, vegetarian or vegan.   RECOMMENDED FOR FOODIES.

Unfiltered

A fun collaboration between a South African brewer and 2 Italian Restauranteurs (the owners of Woodside Eatery).   We had a wonderful pizza and a salad that one was one of the most amazing salads I have ever eaten – a hot roasted pear & gorgonzola salad.   Decor – sterile – but nice and vibey once the restaurant filled up.   Clean lines.  Lovely staff.  Food – Italian.   Casual local and fun.   18 Kloof Street. (Just above the city)

Just above the city:

The Dog’s Bollocks at the Yard

Started its life as a no frills gourmet burger bar in a garage – with attitude!  You had to literally stalk them in the beginning to get a burger.  Read my original blog on them about how they were when they started.  Chef Nigel Wood formed a partnership with the wonderful Megan and the venture started growing in all sorts of directions – they serve “hubcaps” for breakfast – a flat bread with funky breakfast fillings, funky sandwich style options for lunch (at lunch it is called The Bitches Tits) and are still serving the burgers for dinner – the difference is that Megan has shrunk the burger a little and is adding less lettuce – now one can actually get your mouth around it!!   In the last year she upped the offering and has opened a wonderful pizza spot where Deluxe Coffee was – so you can now chose between a burger and pizzas at night.  There are four different styles of pizza – so this one caters for everyone from the thick crust to the chewy thicker crust pizza person.   Address:   6 Roodehek Street Gardens, Mon – Sat 5pm – 10pm.   Note there is no website – but if you would like to follow them on Facebook you are in for a rude and quirky treat!  Following them is NOT for the fainthearted! TIP – you still need to try and be there in the early evening to get space.   They now have table service!   Larger tables can now book.

Spirit Cafe Dunkley Square

Spirit Cafe opened a second branch on Dunkley Square about a year ago (original branch at the Constantia mall).   It is great to have a wonderful vegetarian/vegan eatery just above the city.   We really enjoy visiting Spirit Cafe.  They have the most delicious flavour packed salads.………everything is fresh and wonderful.  You queue to chat to the ladies about the options and then they weigh your plate.   You can sit inside – but we head to this spot so that we can sit outside under the trees on a sunny day.  I would highly recommend a visit.   100% passion.  100% flavour packed.  100% fresh.

Vandiars on Dunkley Square 

For a truly authentic taste of Durban Curry – track down Vandiars on Dunkley Square.  They have the BEST BUNNY CHOWS IN CAPE TOWN.   The restaurant has a lovely outdoor area under the trees for sitting in the summer.   The decor inside includes a history of the family on the walls.   A visit includes the history of the family and the cuisine!    Great friendly service as well as one of the most delicious mutton curry bunny’s ever.   

The Stack

SADLY CLOSED DOWN JULY 2020

The Woodlands Eatery 

Is a local favourite in my “hood“.  It is always full and buzzy as they offer great value for money dishes in a fabulously quirky comfortable setting.  They are famous for their pizzas and offer a seasonal bistro menu with an Italian slant.  This is a great spot for people watching – it attracts all ages and all levels of income……….with a 99% local following of regulars.  They got even better at the end of 2017 as an Italian from Bologna bought it – and with it came his grannies recipes and a passionate hands on owner.    2 Deer Park Drive, Vredehoek (Just above the city!) Tel 021 801 5799 Open daily for dinner and for lunch over weekends

Sidewalk Cafe

This spot has been in my “hood” forever – but it never had a soul in it.  Then the  Madame Zingara took it and waved a magic want and created an amazing quirky eclectic space that is both warm and fun.   Their signature is fun innovative dishes with great flavours at great prices.  This spot is great for breakfast, lunch or dinner or drinks, snacks or coffee and cake – settle in whenever you are walking the dog as you go past.  The staff match the decor and service can be a little absent minded – but always good hearted!   We love sitting on the odd angled pavement tables and watching the view of the city! Mon – Sat 8am to 10h30pm,  Sunday breakfast & lunch.  33 Derry Rd, Vredehoek (Just above the city) 021 461 2839