With a curfew still in place, you may be pushed for time when planning a night out. This is where the dinner-and-a-show concept comes into its own: tuck into delicious food while enjoying live music, a theatrical production, a dance show and more.

Stardust Theatrical Dining (Woodstock)

At this Cape Town institution, your waitrons are more than just servers – they can dance and sing too! Stardust’s variety shows highlight the young talent in the Mother City, all of which can be appreciated while you enjoy a two, or three-course, Mediterranean-inspired meal for R295 per person or R395 per person. For something extra special, book now for a Creation Wines and Stardust wine pairing night, which costs only R395 for five courses.

Gate69 (City Bowl)

The Trolley Dollies are standing by to serve you, so be prepared for a night like no other! The line-up changes regularly, but a drag show cabaret performance is always the order of the night, along with a lazy Susan piled with delicious food. From 8 September to 30 October 2021, you can book for their latest production, which is a tongue-in-cheek celebration of humankind’s tenacity called Apoca-Lips.

Pigalle (Green Point)

Pigalle boasts exceptional food and a variety of entertainment most nights of the week. This spring, you can enjoy their Jazz Rendezvous Evenings on Mondays as well as dinner-dances each evening. So if you’re looking for something special for date night, this is it. The menu is varied and offers a range of seafood and meat dishes, or start the evening with their bubbly and oyster special (R290 for a dozen oysters and two glasses of bubbly from 5 to 7pm).

Die Boer (Durbanville)

This is unpretentious fun where live music and good food come together. The programme changes every few days – this week, you can look forward to Idols sensation Elvis Blue. The menu is small but varied, with starters including the likes of red Thai curry mussels and lamb cacciatore salad, while mains range from burgers and sirloin to pastas.

GOLD Restaurant (Green Point)

For a truly unique African experience, book dinner at GOLD. The 14-course sharing menu includes dishes from across Africa (think Tunisian prawn briouat, a Namibian venison pot and Ethiopian pilau rice) and comes with entertainment to match. Mali puppetry and the sounds of the marimba percussion and djembe drums will transport you deep into the heart of Africa.

Barnyard Theatre (Bellville)

A staple in the Northern Suburbs, Barnyard always guarantees a fun night out! Purchase snacks at the bar before the show starts, prebook a platter 48-hours in advance or bring a picnic. (Note that drinks must be purchased at the theatre.) However you choose to line your stomach, you’ll be treated to a musical extravaganza like no other. From 17 September to 30 December 2021, take a trip back in time with “80s vs 90s”, or book for “Simon & Garfunkel Meet the Beatles” on select dates.

Anatoli Turkish Restaurant (De Waterkant)

While your taste buds go on a journey to the Mediterranean, your mind will be blown by the exotic movement of the belly dancers who make an appearance on Saturday nights. Opt to share mezze with the table or choose the five-course menu for R195 per person, in which you can enjoy dishes such as lentil and harrisa soup, confit lamb, beef fillet kebab, and a blueberry, coconut and chia dessert.