Updated 8 September 2020
If sunny garden lunches or breezy seaside dinners are your thing, here are a few of Cape Town’s finest to wine and dine at.
Azure Restaurant (Camps Bay)
Boasting a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean from the terrace at the Twelve Apostles Hotel, Azure Restaurant is a perfect spot to enjoy breakfast or lunch during the summer months. Guests can enjoy the finest indigenous and international cuisine and the double baked cheesecake is to die for!
View this post on Instagram
Bistro Sixteen82 (Tokai)
Adjacent to Steenberg’s winery, this restaurant opens onto a beautiful indigenous garden and reflective water features. Try dishes like beef tataki, roasted pork belly, and almond and caramelia torte. Also pop in for tapas or a decadent breakfast. The outdoor dining area has amazing views of the Steenberg wine farm. You can also enjoy a wine tasting at the adjoining tasting room and deck.
Brass Bell (Kalk Bay)
Join for a seafood pub experience on the decks at Brass Bell. You can expect all the favourites like fresh oysters and fresh fish and chips. Nothing like ocean views accompanied by a seaside breeze!
View this post on Instagram
The Bungalow (Clifton)
Situated at Glen Country Club in Clifton, this restaurant boasts a 180-degree view of the icy Atlantic. Whether you’d like to catch some sun at the pool deck or dine in the shaded area on the comfortable chairs with soft cushions, the view of the ocean can still be appreciated. Food ranges from sushi and seafood platters to burgers and steaks. Don’t forget to try the Bungalow Sundae – it’s got caramel popcorn and fudgy chocolate sauce!
View this post on Instagram
Café Paradiso (Gardens)
If you’re in the mood for a relaxed restaurant dining experience with a large garden serving country-style dishes with a Mediterranean touch, Central Café Paradiso is just the place!
Die Damhuis Restaurant (Melkbos)
From home-made pickled fish to traditional bobotie and a Lindt dark chocolate torte, the Dam Huis menu will win you over as you relax in the perfect outdoor seating with a beach-style theme.
View this post on Instagram
Dunes (Hout Bay)
The laid-back outdoor tables overlook the white sands of Hout Bay beach and the vast menu includes steaks, ribs, burgers, salads and seafood. There’s also plenty of space for kids to run around and play.
View this post on Instagram
Foxcroft (Constantia)
Book a sunny spot outside the restaurant next to the fountain and enjoy a lazy day in leafy Constantia, with a lovely buzz coming from the surrounding restaurants. Order the R435 menu to get Foxcroft bread, four small starter plates, mains with a side and a dessert. Look forward to dishes like aubergine tartlet, lamb shoulder and bergamot syllabub.
Kloof Street House (Gardens)
This restaurant has an amazing outdoor area right in the city with whimsical garden vibes and heaters and blankets for those typical colder Cape Town evenings. Pick from their brunch, lunch or a la carte menu or simply join for a delicious cocktail.
View this post on Instagram
La Mouette (Sea Point)
The cobblestone courtyard, with its fountain and surrounding garden beds, makes up for missing panoramic city or ocean views. Try chef Neill Anthony’s five-course tasting menu at R350 per person, which includes canapés, confit cauliflower and braised beef. Save space for the warm chocolate mousse dessert with puffed rice and condensed milk ice cream.
View this post on Instagram
Lily’s (Mouille Point)
This seaside eatery serves up contemporary comfort food. Enjoy a relaxed meal on the stoep with sea views at Lilly’s. The menu caters effortlessly to vegans and those with food allergies.
View this post on Instagram
Rockpool (Sea Point)
Pizza, beer and views of the Sea Point promenade is what you’ll get here. On sunny days, the terrace is prime position, but it’s the built-in lounge area that’s hot property. Book your spot for a long, lazy lunch in the sun.
Sotano (Mouille Point)
From sushi to tapas and flatbreads with dips, Sotano has a little something for everyone! Join for sundowners on the deck as you watch the sun set over Mouille point.
View this post on Instagram
Starlings Café (Claremont)
This suburban eatery has a popular outdoor seating area in the garden out back, with shade from the trees and a charming, relaxed atmosphere. Pot plants, teapots and greenery surround you as you enjoy your meal. The menu is unpretentious, featuring comfort food dishes like salmon Benedict for breakfast and open sandwiches, wraps and wholesome salads for lunch.
View this post on Instagram
Wild Fig (Mowbray)
For an outdoor country dining feeling, Wild Fig is just the spot for you! From baked camembert to creamy lemon chardonnay risotto to chicken and leek pie, the menu has all the comfort-food favourites – not to mention they’ve got a baked white chocolate cheesecake for dessert!
Did we miss your favourite outdoor restaurant in Cape Town? Let us know in the comments section below.