Curator’s statement
Cape Town, South Africa, is a haven for food enthusiasts, boasting diverse culinary experiences - many of which are available at a fraction of a price compared to this level of dining in other locations. From vibrant neighborhoods like Bo-Kaap to fine dining at La Colombe and FYN's innovative dishes, there's an array of flavors to explore. Don't miss trying traditional South African dishes, visiting vineyard restaurants in the Cape Winelands and capping off your experience with inventive cocktails at spots like Cause and Effect for a truly unforgettable food journey.
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Things to do in Cape Town
Chapman's Peak Drive - one of the most picturesque coastal drives in the world. Combine it with a trip to the Cape Peninsula for a perfect day out.
V&A Waterfront - explore this bustling hub featuring shopping, dining, entertainment and beautiful harbor views. Ride the Wheel, grab ice cream at Unframed or a drink at the Willaston Bar inside the Silo Hotel.
Robben Island - take a tour of this historic site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, providing insightful tours about South Africa's struggle against apartheid.
Bo-Kaap - take a walking tour showcasing this vibrant neighborhood's colorful houses and rich Cape Malay heritage.
Table Mountain - take the Aerial Cableway up, offering a thrilling and convenient ride to the summit with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the city and the coastline. Once you reach the top various hiking trails and incredible vistas await.
Day Trips:
Bike Tour in Constantia
Get outside of the city for a day and explore the vineyards of Constantia, just a short distance away which can include Groot Constantia Wine Estate, the oldest wine farm in South Africa, and a delicious picnic lunch at Buitenverwachting.
Places to eat & drink in Cape Town
Belly of the Beast
There are no menu options or a set amount of courses at this restaurant. You just show up and trust the chef so you do need to have an open palette but if you do, you won't be sorry! It is a small restaurant so service was really personalized and when they learned it was our honeymoon, they even gave us a jar of tomato jam to take home with us!
Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo Atlantic
WOW - what a view!!!! This restaurant is a perfect stop for lunch during a drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive. Oysters and risotto are always on the menu as Chefs Warehouse specialties but the entire experience did not disappoint.
Kloof Street House
Set in a twentieth century Victorian house on Kloof Street, this restaurant exudes a cozy ambiance and serves a diverse menu of delectable dishes amidst an eclectic and vintage-inspired interior.
Pot Luck Club- Perched atop the Old Biscuit Mill, this restaurant features an ever-evolving tapas-style menu served from an open style kitchen set in a stylish, industrial-chic atmosphere. Make sure to get the beef dish - the sauce takes days to make and is 100% worth it!
FYN
The menu is Japanese at its core but also focuses on local African ingredients creating an amazingly creative result and immersive dining experience. Was awarded in the top 50 restaurants in the world and the top restaurant in all of Africa in 2022.
La Colombe
Technically outside of Cape Town, located in Constantia, this restaurant is worth the ride. It is one of the areas most well-loved and awarded restaurants. There are lots of surprises and interesting things awaiting you in this French and Asian fusion focused restaurant like a blind wine tasting and scissors served as one of your course utensils. Be prepared for this meal to last quite a while when choosing your seating time.
Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen
Kinda classy, kinda hood. A perfect stop during your exploration at the V&A Waterfront, this bar is revered for its experimental mixology and artistic presentation of drinks. With a focus on unique flavor combinations and an inviting atmosphere, the bar offers a diverse menu of expertly crafted cocktails, showcasing the creativity and skill of its mixologists.
Travel Advisor
Holly Lacombe
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Elena Federico’s guide, Things to Do in Cape Town.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Cape Town.