Article was updated on 27 June 2022

Cape Town’s cold and winter months can make anyone hibernate indoors and not go out. But fear not, for we have restaurants with fireplaces that give you the warmth, safety and hospitality long associated with a blaze on the logs. 

Foresters Arms (Newlands)

There’s always a roaring log-burning fire at this long-time favourite pub, nestled in the misty Newlands Forest. Try some of the popular pizzas, or go for broke with one of the superb burgers. There’s a great play area outside for kids, too.

Aubergine (Gardens)

The large fireplace dominates the room of this historic restaurant in the cold, wet months. Order some soul-warming dishes from the autumn bistro menu, like pressed Iberian pork terrine with pickled wild mushroom vinaigrette and baby beets; penne with mushrooms, thyme and blue cheese; and glazed raspberry mousse with vanilla namelaka, nutty shortbread and matcha ice cream for dessert. Note that they are currently closed for their annual break, but will be reopening in July.

Aubergine Restaurant. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Asoka (Gardens)

This Kloof Street bar keeps things warm with its central fireplace that crackles all through the night. Enjoy comforting tapas dishes, eclectic décor and live music until the early hours.

Foxcroft (Constantia)

Settle in for a cosy autumn lunch or dinner with some spectacular and beautifully plated food. The central fireplace will keep things warm as you share plates of modern tapas-style dishes washed down with delicious local wines.

A Touch of Madness (Observatory)

Situated in the centre of Observatory in a chic Victorian house, this restaurant boasts two wood-burning fireplaces: one in the main dining area and the other in the comfortable lounge room.

The toasty fireplace inside A Touch of Madness. Photo supplied

Azure at the 12 Apostles (Camps Bay)

There are two fabulously designed fireplaces and the setting is spectacular – dining here feels like being on a luxury ocean liner. Treat yourself to a delicious tasting menu while you’re warming your bones fireside.

Kloof Street House (Gardens)

This beautifully decorated restaurant is home to no less than three crackling fireplaces. Wintery dishes might include gorgonzola and wild mushroom arancini with aïoli and napolitana; Moroccan-spiced lamb rump, herbed couscous, red cabbage and cucumber slaw with tahini yoghurt; and sticky malva pudding served with vanilla ice cream, grilled pineapple and pistachio.

Blanko Restaurant (Constantia)

The all-white gallery-style space at this restaurant is warmed up in winter with two beautiful fireplaces. Feast on Italian-style food like seafood linguine pasta with prawns, calamari, mussels, clams, white fish and pomodoro sauce; or red-wine braised lamb shank served with rosemary and polenta.

Interior at Blanko Restaurant. Photo Supplied.

Den Anker (V&A Waterfront)

A roaring wood-burning fireplace makes this a warm option at the V&A Waterfront. A hearty bowl of their famous mussels and cheese croquettes will warm your bones on a chilly day.

Life Grand Cafe (V&A Waterfront)

Warm up next to one of Life Grand’s fireplaces and snack on something delicious and deep-fried from the tapas menu, or go for a hearty sandwich, bowl of pasta or pizza.

Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia (Constantia)

The fireplaces in the dining room at Chefs Warehouse in Beau Constantia will keep you warm while you enjoy the inspired tapas and breathtaking views. Note that a maximum of eight guests is allowed per reservation.

The fireplace at Chefs Warehouse in Beau Constantia. Photo by Claire Gunn.

Pajamas & Jam Eatery (Strand)

Located in Strand, this beautiful deli and eatery extends into a treasure trove of vintage collectibles, Instagram-worthy food, and a large, crackling central fireplace. Enjoy a menu packed with breakfast bowls, freshly baked goods and classics like two poached eggs served with slow-roasted marinated cherry tomatoes and toasted home-baked sunflower-and-raisin bread.

A comforting breakfast at Pajamas and Jam. Photo supplied.

On the Rocks (Blouberg)

Enjoy sweeping seaside and Table Mountain views from this cosy restaurant that boasts a roaring Venetian fireplace.

Tables at Nitida (Durbanville) 

A casual family bistro set in on a wine estate, Nitida offers both breakfast and lunch, and prides itself in serving up delicious, fuss-free meals. Cosy up to the fireplace and enjoy a quality selection of wines sourced from their in-house cellar.

The Toad (Noordhoek)

This homely pub is great in any weather, but it’s especially ideal in the cooler months, when you can grab a spot near the fire.

Rick’s Café Americain (Gardens)

This buzzing Gardens restaurant keeps regulars happy in winter with three fireplaces. The warmth, paired with the Moroccan-themed menu, will have you all set for a cosy evening.

Toni’s on Kloof (Gardens)

There are two fireplaces in this popular old cottage on Kloof Street. Warm up with the delicious Mozambican curry or traditional Portuguese stew with beans and pork, chicken or chorizo.

The Wild Fig (Observatory)

The large open fireplace roars at the one end of this historic restaurant. Specials are offered on a daily basis, but do try some of the hearty regular fare, like the fabulous chicken-and-mushroom pie or the famous lamb shank cooked in red wine until it falls off the bone.

Societi Bistro (Gardens)

You’ll be spoiled for choice with three crackling fireplaces in this perfect-for-winter bistro – there’s even one in the cosy bar, The Snug. Pair your glass of wine with snacks like the mushroom arancini or pan-fried haloumi.

The fireplace at Societi Bistro. Photo supplied.

Café Charles (De Waterkant)

This hidden gem of a restaurant is tucked up in Waterkant Street and, once you’re inside, you feel right at home, with its healthy menu, oven-baked croissants and, yes, you guessed it, wood-blazing fireplace.

The Moveable Feast (Tamboerskloof)

With live music and weekly DJs, this bistro is also a popular restaurant for its fireplace and candle-lit Moulin Rouge-inspired atmosphere.

The Village Idiot (City Bowl)

This busy Loop Street bar is always humming with locals who head here for drinks and bar grub. In winter, hunker down on one of the comfy couches next to the roaring fire with some snack platters and a bottle of good red wine.

The cosy interior at The Village Idiot. Photo supplied.

Café Paradiso (Gardens)

Warm up next to the fire at this Mediterranean-inspired eatery that serves it all — from wholesome breakfasts to laid-back lunches, romantic dinners or family meals, this paradise will warm your heart with its vintage wines and cracking fireplace.

La Parada (Constantia Nek)

Enjoy Spanish-style tapas reminiscent of Barcelona, Madrid and Seville in the warmth of a staccato of embers in the picturesque Constantia Nek.

The Interior at La Parada Constantia Nek. Photo Supplied.

Blockhouse Kitchen (Constantia)

With a seating area that accommodates over 200 guests, this restaurant is located at Constantia Uitsig and open from sunrise to sunset.

ëlgr. (Gardens)

Tuck into a delicious Nordic-inspired meal while you warm up in front of the fireplace. Options include the raw beef with Dijon and blue cheese, pork with apple and Swiss chard, and beetroot with cashew and coriander – to name just a few of the small plates you can enjoy. Or opt for the Chef’s Choice sharing menu.

Have you visited any of these cosy Cape Town restaurants with fireplaces? Let us know in the comments below.