Curator’s statement
Cape Town serves as a vibrant gateway to South Africa, brimming with culture and offering an exciting blend of food, adventure and diverse landscapes. In one day, you can hike Table Mountain at sunrise and unwind by sunset with an ocean view. Whether you're seeking laid-back vibes in Hout Bay, world-renowned wine in Stellenbosch or the sophistication of downtown Cape Town’s fine dining scene, this city has it all. A particular highlight is the exceptional and affordable tasting menus crafted by the talented chefs of the Western Cape. With so many dining options to explore, this guide will help you curate the ultimate foodie bucket list for Cape Town.
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Where to stay in Cape Town
Taj Cape Town
In a walkable old city location, this popular stay is in a historic building and gleaming modern tower.
Fora Perks
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa
Experience ultimate luxury and breathtaking vineyard views at Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa, a jewel in South Africa’s Winelands.
Tintswalo Atlantic
An oceanside gem at the base of Table Mountain, with just 10 light-filled suites on stilts, all designed to make the most of the bracing Atlantic Ocean views.
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Things to do in Cape Town
The top 3 restaurants in Cape Town:
La Colombe
La Colombe offers the most decadent fine dining experience in the Western Cape. While it comes at a higher price point, it’s worth every cent.
The atmosphere is elegant and serene, with theatrical dishes that surprise and delight. We went for their chefs menu lunch, a pro tip if you cannot get a dinner reservation because both menus are the same. The courses range from bread and charcuterie to tuna, wagyu or lamb, cheeses with honey, a refreshing rhubarb and pistachio palate cleanser and more. Don’t let the simplicity of this list fool you. Every dish is an artistic masterpiece, bursting with flavors, colors and textures. Their cocktails and wine pairings are equally luxurious, but I won’t spoil any surprises!
If you choose lunch, you’ll also enjoy the warm daylight filling the space and the stunning view of the winery. The experience takes about three hours, making it the perfect midday event with time to spare for your evening plans.
Fyn
Fyn (pronounced like “fane”) offers a completely different experience from the other restaurants on this list, yet is just as thrilling and delicious. At Fyn, you can expect a unique and graceful marriage between delicate Japanese flavors and local Cape Town influence. So definitely try this restaurant if you enjoy Asian cuisine and want a break from heavy, indulgent dishes.
The interior is sleek, modern and artistic, with an urban and buzzing atmosphere. We particularly enjoyed sitting upstairs, where we had a great view of a stunning ceiling art installation. The food was simply exceptional. Our experience menu (which changes) started with nigiri and rooibos tamagoyaki, then moved through dishes like abalone with miso wakame, Madagascan caviar and Cape wagyu. Each course was beautifully balanced, offering fresh, umami-rich flavors that left us very satisfied without feeling overindulgent.
While the 8-course dinner and delicious cocktails were unforgettable, what really set Fyn apart was the outstanding service. The warmth and hospitality made the evening even more special, creating a heartfelt dining experience.
Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia
Beau Constantia, a breathtaking wine estate nestled in Constantia Nek, links the vineyards of Constantia to the scenic views of Hout Bay. Among its many delights is Chef’s Warehouse, one of the celebrated culinary ventures by renowned chef Liam Tomlin.
The atmosphere at Chef’s Warehouse is as captivating as the food — its cozy, modern interior and the stunning backdrop of the winery create the perfect setting for a romantic dining experience. The five-course tasting menu, with two options per course, is ideal for sharing. For a complete experience, the wine pairing features both Beau Constantia’s estate wines and a curated selection of local gems.
Our meal began with coal-fired bread, setting a warm tone for what was to come. We savored fresh seafood, including Namibian crab with coal-fired tuna and a refreshing winter citrus granita, before moving into heartier flavors, like Thai beef skirt paired with a coconut sticky bun and umami butter. Other highlights included a delicate parmesan risotto, coal-fired tortellini and duck with a coffee bean purée. We ended on a sweet note, leaving us fully satisfied. Every dish was thoughtful and layered with complexity, earning Chefs Warehouse a well-deserved five-star rating not just for its flavors, but for the impeccable service, stunning views and inviting ambience.
The estate itself is worth a visit, especially for a daytime wine tasting. Be sure to book your reservation in advance!
Places to eat & drink in Cape Town
Belly of the Beast: Another notable tasting menu in the heart of Cape Town. If you have room for another tasting experience, definitely check this one out for more urban, intimate vibes.
Hoseki: An omakase restaurant in Stellenbosch located at the Delaire Graff Estate. Enjoy an omakase menu or delicious a-la-carte options in a beautiful atmosphere.
Eike: One of our Stellenbosch favorites and a culinary concept from the famous Bertus Basson. Enjoy a very local three-course menu presented to you by their extremely kind head chef. Flavors are rich and inspired by memories of growing up in South Africa.
Furny's Fine Wines & Taste Room: Such a fun tasting room! If you do the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive (highly recommended), finish your drive at Furny’s for a wine tasting in a humble, kind atmosphere. Their food is great too, and if you get lucky, you can enjoy some live music.
How Bao Now: Need a quick bite that won’t break the bank? Order some bao buns! But don’t be fooled, these are not just any bao buns. They are bursting with flavor and will make you cry real tears of joy.
The Fat Butcher: A Stellenbosch must-visit if you are a meat lover with a big appetite. Enjoy a wide variety of high-quality steaks and cuts with huge portions of sides, salads and more.
Remhoogte Wine Estate: A gorgeous wine estate that has zebras and antelope grazing on the property. Ask for their honeybunch chenin blanc!
Uva Mira Winery: A romantic, intimate wine tasting experience overlooking rolling Stellenbosch hills. They specialize in gorgeous, crisp chardonnays.
Bon Appétit!
Travel Advisor
Michelle Senyard
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Cape Town. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Kelsey Casey's guide, 14 Perfect Days in South Africa