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Abigail Donnelly, Taste food director and former editor of Eat Out, knows just where to find consistently great food with a view to match. We got the veritable legend‘s pick of must-try spots in her neck of the woods, the deep south. 

This is my list of favourite laid-back places where I enjoy eating and shopping in the south peninsula. Most are chilled spots; a mix of seaside pavement cafés to pop in for breakfast after a tidal pool dip, or to pick up the best-ever fish rolls to munch on whilst sitting on the promenades.

Blended (Glencairn)

You’ll probably find me having breakfast here most Saturday mornings. The avo on toast is what I go for most often; creamy avo piled onto farmhouse toast and spread lightly with homemade tomato sauce and hemp seeds. Dogs are welcome, the view is great and it’s a part of a yoga and surf shop. What more could you ask for?

 

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A post shared by Blended (@blended_healthcafe) on Sep 6, 2018 at 3:22am PDT

Carla’s (Muizenberg)

Prawns are paramount here and I can’t think of a better place in Cape Town to have them. Carla herself serves them to you and they come simply grilled, with eight or twelve in a unique peri peri sauce. Take your own wine or bubbles and remember: cash only!

The Café and Deli at Harry Goemans (Sunnydale)

There’s something quite special about eating breakfast or a light lunch in the middle of a nursery. The traditional fried breakfasts are delicious and so are the iced coffees.

Cucina Labia at Casa Labia (Muizenberg)

If you fancy something more posh, the chefs’ menu here comprises modern Italian food and the view is spectacular. (Psst… I hear they’re opening a gin bar soon, but in the meantime they make a great Pimms.)

 

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A post shared by Cucina Labia @ Casa Labia (@cucinalabia) on Jan 14, 2019 at 3:37am PST

Dalebrook Café (Kalk Bay)

The sister restaurant of Chardonnay Deli in Constantia, Dalebrook Café has just opened its doors opposite DaleBrook Pool in Kalk Bay. It’s perfect if you fancy oysters or a fluffy omelette for brekkie after a swim. Else just pop in and pick up a sourdough or quiche for lunch.

Dixies Restaurant and Pub (Glencairn)

This place is an institution. Before my family lived in the area, we’d make a day out of a beach trip and have a late lunch at Dixies. The Dutch pea soup is great, as are the toasted sarmies, lime milkshakes and pizzas.

 

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A post shared by Dixies Restaurant (@dixiesrestaurant) on Nov 8, 2018 at 4:51am PST

Fish Hoek Fisheries (Fish Hoek)

It’s hard to drive past without stopping. The fried fish and chips are on the top of my fish-and-chips list but I always go for the battered fish roll, which is just magnificent. There’s a huge queue on Friday evenings for good reason.

Folk Café (St James)

This second branch of the Bree Street sidewalk café, is at the beach. The eggs Benedict are great for a garden-setting breakfast and the pizza oven sends out some great thin-based pizzas for a casual family dinner. Lots of parking is available, which is a treat for a busy main road.

 

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A post shared by Folk Cafe (@fca_cpt) on Jan 13, 2019 at 10:40pm PST

Neighbourhood Farm Shop (Fish Hoek)

The community (myself included!) is loving Justin Bonello’s new vegetable farm initiative to promote sustainable food. The little shop sells whatever has been harvested – from bunches of elongated breakfast radishes to heirloom tomatoes and a fridge stocked with kombuchas, kefirs and Camphill dairy. There’s also a caravan nearby that sells a good cup of coffee.

Olympia Café and Deli (Kalk Bay)

I keep on going back to this iconic bakery for its takeaway pretzels, sticky honey-roasted pork bangers (which I often have on the way to work!) and the seafood pasta. Their coffee is good too.

 

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Poached eggs with kassler loin, asparagus and topped with hollandaise

A post shared by Olympia Cafe (@olympia_cafe) on Dec 4, 2018 at 10:04pm PST

Pizzaman (Noordhoek)

Hands down this is my favourite pizza down south. It’s mostly a takeaway spot, with the exception of a couple of bar tables and chairs. It’s worth having a seat especially if, like me, you like your pizza hot and still bubbling. The base is thin and crispy and the balance of toppings makes all the difference.

Stargarden Boutique Café (Fish Hoek)

I’d describe Stargarden as modern (for Fish Hoek) with a twist. It’s open for breakfast and, at the moment, for Sunday lunch.

 

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A post shared by Stargarden (@stargardenfishhoek) on Jan 29, 2019 at 4:23am PST

The Sweetest Thing Patisserie (Simonstown)

It’s difficult not to let this spot become your new haunt. The baked goods are the best around, especially the apple pies. I grab a few, warm them up and serve with vanilla ice cream. The lemon tarts are just as good, as are the peach…

 

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A post shared by The Sweetest Thing Patisserie (@sweetesthe) on Sep 14, 2018 at 3:37am PDT

Yoffi Falafel (Muizenberg)

A visit to Yoffi Falafel on Muizenberg beach is a must and worth the detour. It’s not fancy but they do make the ideal crispy deep-fried chickpea morsels that are packed into pitas with all the trimmings, pickled turnip, melting brinjal, garlicky yoghurt, hummus and tahini. (Pro tip: Take some  falafels away and make your own pitas.)

Plus I have to go to…

Tiger’s Milk and Umami Restaurant for sushi

The Lighthouse for steak and burgers

Want to find great spots in your neighbourhood (or find these)? Use the free Eat Out app, which you can download now. 

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