The Mother City has been awarded yet another feather for its cap: Condé Nast Traveller recently announced its Readers’ Choice Awards for the best cities in the world for food, and Cape Town came out on top, ahead of Milan, Italy, and Valencia, Spain, who took the second and third spots respectively. 

 

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“Despite its name, South Africa’s capital is no town; rather, it is a sprawling city consisting of distinct corners and crevices where various tastes rule what’s devoured. African, Dutch, Malay, and Indian cuisines influence South African cuisine, so it’s a veritable melting pot of exceptional food,” reads the article where the top 10 winners were announced.  

With no shortage of eateries, it’s no surprise that Cape Town features a number of Eat Out star restaurants. We’ve listed them below so you can add them to your must-visit spots when in the Mother City.  

The Eat Out star restaurants to visit in Cape Town

Ouzeri
Here, the seasonal menu is a contemporary celebration of Cyprus and Greece’s regional dishes and culinary traditions. 

The Red Room By Chefs Warehouse
The red, gold and black decor of this underground space fits perfectly with the Pan-Asian cuisines the kitchen serves up.  

 

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The Test Kitchen Fledgelings
An incubator of sorts, this Luke Dale Roberts-run initiative allows those without access to formal training a chance to be mentored by Luke himself and chef Nathan Clark, while working and earning full-time.  

The Waterside Restaurant
With a few different menu options that are inspired by the sea, this eatery gives guests the opportunity to dine right next to the ocean at the V&A Waterfront.  

Upper Union
Chef Amori Burger is the executive chef behind this stylish restaurant’s modern, shared-dining concept. Located in a heritage building just off bustling Kloof Street, guests can choose to eat either inside or outside downstairs or book the private upstairs space that seats eight.  

 

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Belly Of The Beast
Serving up plates inspired by traditional South African cuisine and using only local, seasonal and sustainably sourced ingredients, Belly Of The Beast is an intimate spot with space for 30 diners.  

Beyond
This restaurant, located on the Buitenverwachting estate, focuses on contemporary, country fare that celebrates great technique, fresh, seasonal elements and interesting indigenous ingredients. 

ëlgr
Another Kloof Street restaurant, ëlgr offers a good balance of meat and plant-based tapas-style plates for sharing, plus larger dishes for individual enjoyment.  

Foxcroft
As part of the La Colombe group, diners know that they can expect only good things from this Constantia eatery. As Chef Proprietor Glen Williams says, “deliciousness must come first. Our team of chefs believes in treating simple ingredients with the same care, attention and respect as those of rarity.” 

 

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Pier
Situated on the Pierhead at the V&A Waterfront, Pier serves a multi-course tasting menu that is inspired by the sea and paired with breathtaking views of the harbour.  

Salon
Inspired by chef Luke Dale Roberts’ travels around the world, Salon, under the guidance of Executive Chef Carla Schulze, takes diners on a culinary journey that draws from Luke’s encounters with diverse cultures and culinary traditions.  

The Pot Luck Club Cape Town
At PLC, guests can enjoy the restaurant’s small-plate menu concept, which offers modern global dishes that should be shared around the table. Word to the wise, their Sunday brunches are legendary.  

Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia
Diners will be hard-pressed to give all their attention to their exquisite food, as floor-to-ceiling windows offer unparalleled views of the lush Constantia Valley below. Luckily, the two combine to offer an out-of-this-world dining experience.  

 

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FYN
Run by chefs Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss, and service and beverage director Jennifer Hugé, Fyn offers its guests a world-class dining experience with Japanese-South African dishes that let the ingredients shine.  

La Colombe
Also awarded the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant of the Year award, La Colombe is the pinnacle of sophisticated dining in the Mother City. Executive Chef James Gaag sums it up perfectly when he says, “Food is our theatre, we hope you enjoy the show.”  

 

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Salsify At The Roundhouse
Diners can expect the unexpected from chef Ryan Cole’s kitchen at Salsify. An elegant study of local ingredients and unanticipated flavour combinations, the menu is inspired by nature and driven by the seasons.