10 Best Restaurants in Cape Town, South Africa

Super-stylish Hemelhuijs is both a showcase for a range of exquisite and fanciful ceramicware, and a centrally located restaurant serving equally fanciful and exquisite food. Though a little pricey for lunch, the owner-chef's inventive seasonal dishes burst with freshness and flavor (think pear-and-celeriac salad with hazelnuts and trout, or a crispy panfried veal of sublime flavor and texture) are well worth it. On one of Cape Town's few pedestrian walkways (near the footbridge crossing busy Buitengracht Street), this tiny designer space, where food is served in gold-painted bowls under chandeliers hanging with beads, driftwood, and star-shape seedpods, is truly a treat. Needless to say, breakfast and brunch are also divine.

Get ready to eat with your hands at this otherwordly Ethiopian restaurant that's covered head-to-toe in obscure trinkets, plants, and trees. There's always a delightful smell of cooked spices, and the food is delicious, with meat and vegan options, all served with tangy and spongy injera (naturally gluten-free flatbread). This restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner.

Located in the vibey Dunkley Square, this lovely Greek restaurant serves all kinds of Greek mezzes which can be ordered as a platter, or traditional dishes like moussaka, calamari, and lamb chops. This local favorite also serves pitas, souvlaki, and burgers, as well as good vegetarian options. On good weather days, have dinner outside for a magical ambiance. 

This quaint little dim sum bar on the top of Long Street is often packed in the evenings. The menu is always changing with available options written on a little chalkboard, but flavorful and delicate dim sum is always on offer, as is a warm brothy soup.

A much-loved cultural Cape Town and Bo-Kaap landmark, diners flock to this no-frills restaurant to eat traditional Cape Malay cuisine, like bredies (a thick slow-cooked stew, usually tomato-based and made with spices, meatballs, mutton, or lentils and vegetables), denning vleis (usually made with lamb or mutton, this traditional dish is cooked with tamarind and has a sweet and sour flavor), curries, and of course beloved snacks like samoosas, half-moons (savory breadcrumb covered, fried dough bites filled with meat or vegetables) and chili bites (a spicy deep-fried snack, usually chickpea flour-based, made with onion, spices, and herbs). The menu though is not limited to Cape Malay cuisine but includes Indian dishes and light meals like toasties (toasted sandwiches like grilled cheese) and wraps. No alcohol.

This Portuguese taverna in District Six is Cape Town's answer to a dive-bar-meets-diner. Serving classic South African Portuguese fare—think spicy trinchado (braised beef), prego rolls (rump steak fried in wine and garlic with a fried egg), spicy peri-peri chicken livers, and grilled sardines—for lunch and dinner, Dias Tavern is an institution. Although there are some great views of Table Mountain, diners come here for the reasonably priced, spicy, and garlic-infused meat and seafood, the cheap drinks, and the dimly lit atmosphere. It's a popular spot for events like bachelor's parties and big birthdays, so expect karaoke and a live band on weekend nights, when large tables can get up to rowdy fun. Service is brisk, friendly, and no-nonsense, as one would expect.

A charming cafe in the Alphen Boutique Hotel, La Belle Constantia has fresh bakes, salads, and more filling lunches, though they are known for their cakes and pastries—be sure to try the lemon meringue or the berry frangipane. In warmer weather take advantage of the delightful outside seating. 

An upmarket and modern Vietnamese restaurant, Saigon has a superb and extensive menu with dishes that include spicy beef basil with chili sauce and Saigon ginger fish. Views of Table Mountain and an inviting atmosphere, have made this a popular spot so make sure you book ahead. Complimentary shoulder massages are a dinner perk. 

With its steampunk design, full bar, and live performances on many nights, this spot captures the happening atmosphere in Cape Town's creative area that was once part of District Six. A great coffee shop with a variety of coffees and teas, the fun usually spills out onto the pavement so come prepared to have fun.