“Where in Cape Town do I have to eat?” can be a tricky question to answer, since the Mother City is brimming with fantastic restaurants featuring great views and even better food. But we’ve narrowed down the options as much as we could to bring you our guide to the best tourist spots in Cape Town.

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel (Gardens)? 

There’s really something for everyone at this iconic hotel based in the heart of the city. The afternoon tea, held in the sumptuous lounge and glass conservatory, is legendary for its generous stands of mini sandwiches, quiches and other savouries, and table laden with sweet treats. If you’re looking for something a little more dressed down, the menu at the Planet Bar won’t disappoint, and neither will the view. The burger is reportedly one of the best in the city, but you’ll also find a great mix of lighter snacks and platters to suit whatever mood you’re in.

? Available for online bookings on the Eat Out app.

Bistro Sixteen82 (Tokai)

For a brunch before wine tasting or tapas after a long day of bubbly, this is a beautiful spot to bring wine-loving out-of-towners. The estate makes some of the best vino in the country and is nestled in between green indigenous gardens, vineyards and stone mountains. Bistro-style dining is perfect for lazy summer weekends and offers options such as luxurious eggs Benedict for breakfast, and light antipasti or fresh oysters for lunch.

 

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Cape Point Vineyards Market (Noordhoek)

This Thursday market has not only the best views, but it also offers up some of the most mouth-watering savouries and treats. Situated at the Cape Point Vineyards, the foodie fair offers everything from sushi, spring rolls and oysters to gnocchi, flatbreads and pulled pork buns. Purchase a bottle of Cape Point Vineyards Isliedh and savour it on the green lawns overlooking the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.

The picturesque views at Cape Point Vineyards. Photo supplied.

Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia (Constantia)

Even for locals, Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia is an absolute must, but for tourists it’s the perfect combination of what makes Cape Town so great: a view of the endless rolling Constantia winelands, a wine estate that produces an exceptional product and, of course, some of the best food you’ll eat in the city. Arrive early for a wine tasting then move on to chef Ivor Jones’ ever-changing menu of shared plates. While you might not know what to expect, you can look forward to a risotto that will likely ruin you for all other risottos, bookended by a collection of inventive and tasty dishes.

A dish by Ivor Jones of Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia. Photo by Claire Gunn.

Clarke’s (City Bowl)

While this laidback diner might not have the sights of other tourist attractions, Clarke’s is one of those spots that simply can’t be missed. Not only is the food consistently good, but here you’re able to sit back as you watch the passing Cape Town parade and pretend you’re a local, which is the whole point of travel, isn’t it? On the food side of things, you can’t go wrong with any order. However, their cheeseburger, fried chicken sandwich and tomato soup with grilled cheese have all amassed a cult following, as well as their Bloody Mary. Be it for drinks and dinner or a morning-after breakfast, Clarke’s has you covered.

 

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Fire Eggs to warm the soul! 2 eggs baked in tomato chickpea stew w/ Swiss chard, aubergine, fresh herbs & fire-grilled sourdough toast. We serve breakfast all day! . . . . . #clarkescapetown #alldaybreakfast #brunchgoals #breestreet #lovecapetown

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The Company’s Garden Restaurant (City Bowl)? 

One of the city’s most enchanting and child-friendly restaurants invites you to sit under the shade of old trees in the historic Company’s Garden and enjoy hearty breakfasts and teatime favourites. Offerings include simple toasted sandwiches and buttery scones or showstoppers like the beer-battered camembert fritters and sirloin with béarnaise and chunky fries. Sweet treats include beautifully displayed cakes and pastries, as well as koeksisters with fig preserve. Take a stroll around the gardens for a refreshing post-meal exercise. It gets busy, so do book to secure a seat outdoors.

? Available for online bookings on the Eat Out app.

The Creamery (Mouille Point, Newlands, Palmyra and Durbanville)

Whether it’s for a late night waffle at the leafy Southern Suburbs branch, a refreshing scoop after a stroll through Woodstock or a cheeky cookie and ice cream, this dessert parlour is a serious treat for those with a sweet tooth. Top tip: All branches are closed on a Monday, but their stall at the V&A Market on The Wharf is open and ready to scoop.

A delicious ice cream dessert from The Creamery. Photo supplied.

De Grendel Restaurant (Durbanville)? 

Located a quick 30-minute drive from Cape Town’s city centre, this picturesque wine farm restaurant offers fine dining with exquisite views of Table Mountain. Chef Ian Bergh uses fresh local ingredients to create beautiful plates. Starters include cured salmon served with radish, fennel and beetroot slivers, or pan-fried calamari and prawns with spicy chorizo. For mains, look forward to dishes such as the sous vide pork belly with pork medallions and bacon. Enjoy a wine tasting on the sunny terrace beforehand to decide which wine to pair with your meal.

? Available for online bookings on the Eat Out app.

A dish served at De Grendel Restaurant. Photo supplied.

Den Anker (V&A Waterfront)? 

It’s inevitable that tourists will want to visit the Waterfront, and for good reason – it’s one of the world’s oldest working harbours and filled to the brim with local stores, restaurants and general revelry. After all that shopping, you’ll need a good spot to rest and fill up and there’s no better spot for that than Den Anker. With an Instagram-worthy view of Table Mountain and the harbour, Den Anker allows you to sightsee while you fill up on its consistently good Belgian-inspired fare. The mussels are the real drawcard here – locally sourced and simply prepared, they come with a necessary side of frites and mayo. Other winning dishes are the seafood stew and the cheese croquettes, which are all washed down exceptionally well with one of the many beers on offer.

? Available for online bookings on the Eat Out app.

 

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The Foodbarn (Noordhoek)

A family-friendly restaurant with an elegant touch. Chef Franck Dangereaux combines fine-dining dishes with local flavours in dishes such as goat’s cheese fritters, bouillabaisse, risotto, curried oxtail tripe and outstanding crème brûlée. The light and airy bistro also offers a delectable kiddies’ menu and a play area for the little ones.

Harbour House (Kalk Bay)? 

This stylish must-stop for seafood has gorgeous sea views, too. A variety of ocean delights are on the menu, with the specials blackboard tempting with more options. Try the warm tuna niçoise; a starter of ceviche or black mussels; luxurious grilled prawns; a seafood platter; or simple calamari with smoked paprika. Staying in the city? Try their branch at the V&A Waterfront with gorgeous harbour views.

? Available for online bookings on the Eat Out app.

 

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IceDream (Hout Bay)

Take a trip to this little gem and grab a decadent gelato before driving up Chapman’s Peak. Italian ice cream flavours include flavours such as hazelnut, mint choc chip, rum and raisin, tiramisu, and peanut butter.

 

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Jason Bakery (City Bowl and Green Point)

This hip bakery has pavement seating on Cape Town’s trendy Bree Street, where you can enjoy views of Lion’s Head with your morning Deluxe coffee. The menu might include decadent filled doughssants (Saturdays only), heavenly brownie cookies, bacon croissants, and lush handmade pies filled with mac ’n cheese or crayfish. Sandwiches on offer are beefed up with meat from Frankie Fenner and made with glorious breads and brioche rolls.

A pastry at Jason Bakery. Photo supplied.

Kalky’s (Kalk Bay)

A favourite for locals and tourists alike, this classic fish ’n chips shop is a go-to for great calamari, beer-battered fish and vinegar-drenched chips. Grab a takeaway and find a place to sit on the harbour wall overlooking False Bay.

Knead (Muizenberg)

Situated on Surfer’s Corner, this is the ideal spot for a scrumptious brunch and good coffee. Delve into brioche French toast with crispy bacon or Nutella, or enjoy a heart portion of scrambled eggs with creamed spinach and slow-roasted tomatoes. After the mid-morning feast, head to Muizenberg beach for a refreshing swim and walk.

La Colombe (Constantia Nek) ? 

This one should be on everybody’s hit list. Views of Constantia Valley are the backdrop to La Colombe’s sophisticated food with a playful touch. Look forward to dishes such as miso-seared scallops with glazed sweetbreads; pan-fried line fish with smoked mussels, squid, sweetcorn and curried snoek; and oak-smoked Stanford Gruyère with quince, pecans and sherry-pickled onions.

? Available for online bookings on the Eat Out app.

The interior at La Colombe. Photo supplied.

The Lawns (Camps Bay)? 

This ticks the boxes for delicious pizza and knockout views of Camps Bay and Twelve Apostles. Find a spot on the lawns and watch the sun sink into the ocean while you sip on cocktails and enjoy thin-crust pizzas. Charcuterie platters are also wildly popular and pair well with the great wine list.

? Available for online bookings on the Eat Out app.

Mzoli’s (Gugulethu)

A list for tourists could not be complete without a stop at Mzoli’s. Select your meat in the attached butchery and then hand it over to the talented chefs who cook it over the coals. Eat it with your hands with pap, salads and delicious house chakalaka. Bring your own drinks in a cooler box or buy them from the shebeen across the road.

Neighbourgoods Market at Old Biscuit Mill (Woodstock)

This famous market is a must-visit. Offering everything from poached eggs, flammkuchen, paella and curries to fresh breads, vegetables and gorgeous flowers, this is a one-stop-shop for food lovers. There are also delicious cocktails, icy craft beers and by-the-glass bubblies on offer. After feasting on the food stalls, get some shopping done from the range of local crafts, clothing and jewellery. Get there early to avoid the crowds.

A tasty treat from Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. Photo supplied.

Oranjezicht City Farm Market (V&A Waterfront)

Head here for breakfast or brunch, where you’ll be spoiled for choice. From Kleinsky’s famous bagel sandwiches and Sheckter’s Raw’s pumpkin pie flapjacks to Sababa’s freshly made shakshuka, you’ll satisfy every craving and more. Before leaving, be sure to take a turn through the vendors’ stalls for the best selection of organic veggies, locally produced olives, cheeses, wines and spirits.

The Pot Luck Club (Woodstock)

Perched on top of the silo at Woodstock’s Old Biscuit Mill, this super stylish eatery boasts sweeping views and flavourful tapas. Street-food-style dishes are transformed into fine dining options such as beef tataki, doenjang-glazed tuna and zingy fish tacos. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

A peri peri prawn dish from The Pot Luck Club. Photo by Andy Lund.

Schoon (Somerset West)

This humble family-run bakery made a name for itself in its original space on Bird street in Stellenbosch, but has since moved to Somerset West. Everything else is as you loved it, however, and you’ll be able to stop by here for a spoil of the country’s best breads, bakes and treats, as well as simple plates of croque monsieur, soft mielie pap and homemade granola with farm-fresh yoghurt.

Two breakfast dishes from SCHOON. Photo supplied.

The Test Kitchen (Woodstock)

This is a truly special dining experience. Start in The Dark Room, where you’ll be treated to appetisers that exhibit the team’s global expertise – think pork scratchings, lamb roti, ssam jang vegetables and blesbok tartare. Be parepared to continue the rest of your culinary journey in The Light Room, where dishes could include the likes of smoked scallop sashimi, goat and spring lamb, and rhubarb trifle. Wine and tea pairings are available, as are vegan and vegetarian variations. You’ll need to book three months in advance, so make sure to plan ahead.

A nicoise salad from The Test Kitchen. Photo supplied.

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