Cape Town’s sensational food scene is a unique blend of cultures and flavours. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a fine-dining aficionado, or looking for a family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere, Cape Town has top-tier restaurants to tantalise your tastebuds.
Cape Town’s dining scene captures the essence of the city’s unique charm and attractions. These attributes range from picture-perfect scenery to appetising dishes with locally sourced ingredients. While taste is a must, Cape Town’s best restaurants also immerse guests with an equally important focus on ambience and experience.
Quay Four Restaurant, a landmark on the V&A Waterfront, is a must-visit for any seafood enthusiast. With curated menus at their Tavern and Upstairs spots, guests can enjoy breakfasts, lunches, and dinners while soaking in the Capetonian sunshine or enjoying the city lights.
Best Features at Quay Four:
One of the oldest restaurants at the V&A Waterfront and now a famous landmark, Quay Four’s world-renowned Tavern downstairs is open from 11 am, Monday to Sunday. The lively tavern welcomes local and international guests virtually every day of the year. The diverse menu caters to all cravings, from seafood and grills to kid-friendly food and decadent desserts. You can even catch a glimpse of happy seals and seagulls around the area, adding to the classic Capetonian seaside experience.
At Quay Four Upstairs, you can choose from a la carte menu. From expertly prepared fresh prawns available seven days a week to the delicious catch of the day, guests can indulge in tasty cuisine while soaking in beautiful ocean views.
Quay Four also hosts trendy “Battle of the Bands” competitions, encouraging support for local South African artists. To add to a fun-filled atmosphere, the competitions include numerous prizes and audience goodies for cheering on their favourite bands.
Tang Restaurant graces the V&A Waterfront with a distinctly Japanese and Cantonese flair. Expect a refined, luxurious dining experience inspired by Izakaya (Japanese gastropubs) and Cantonese restaurants in Hong Kong.
Best Features at Quay Four:
Tang treats its guests to authentic Asian cuisine and elegant surroundings, tantalising the senses for a truly unforgettable experience. The inspiration of Izakaya, the classic Japanese bars for friends to gather, enjoy meals, and have a good time, lets guests revel in cultural immersion. Located at the V&A Waterfront, Tang showcases the beauty of Cape Town with the famous Table Mountain as a backdrop. To encourage an overall positive vibe, Tang incorporates the Tang coin in its walls, which symbolises the idea of being present and encourages guests to savour every second of their dining experience.
At Tang, the Robata-grilled meats infuse delicious smoky flavours over the food, reminiscent of ancient fireside cooking styles. The Cantonese wok-prepared meals speak to Tang’s commitment to authentic Asian flavours. For the fresh taste of the sea, Tang’s expert chefs immaculately prepare various sushi dishes.
Venture to Blouberg for the pinnacle of Cape Town’s heritage and culture at Ons Huisie Restaurant. Its carefully crafted menu embodies the spirit and character of the local residents, offering a stunning coastal dining experience.
Best Features at Quay Four:
Housed in a charming 1900s beach cottage, Ons Huisie offers traditional West Coast cuisine in a welcoming setting. Exhibiting the resilience of Cape Town’s rich history, Ons Huisie overlooks Robben Island. While enjoying one another’s company, guests can treat their tastebuds to the flavourful dishes on Ons Huisie’s breakfast or lunch and dinner menus. From boerewors breakfasts to milk-tart pancakes, each dish embraces true West Coast meals.
Ons Huisie is pet-friendly because furry friends are part of the family too, adding to the restaurant’s homely atmosphere. There’s even a play area for the little ones, so the kids can have fun in the sun while parents take in the beachfront views and sip on a beverage.
For a Michelin-starred, French-Asian culinary experience, look no further than La Colombe Restaurant in the Silvermist Wine Estate. La Colombe has been voted the Best Restaurant in South Africa (2023) and received astounding recognition for its menus on a global scale.
Best Features at Quay Four:
La Colombe exudes elegance and luxury with its classy menus and fusion flavours. As one of the best restaurants in Constantia, it holds awards for its tasting menus. On top of its various South African accolades, La Colombe also has international acclaim, with the 56th position on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants as their highest rank.
Its contemporary fine-dining experience showcases a fusion of local, French, and Asian flavours. With delectable menus crafted especially for lunch and dinner, any reservation at La Colombe pulls guests into a haven of exquisite tastes and views. For a truly Capetonian atmosphere, guests can marvel at the vibrant city scene from atop Table Mountain in the national park.
Blowfish Restaurant at the Dolphin Beach Hotel in Blouberg is a gem for any occasion. With Table Mountain and the ocean ahead, there’s no setting more Capetonian for visitors to enjoy while relishing delicious seafood and sushi.
Best Features at Quay Four:
Picture this: The stunning sunset over the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain ahead with the glittering lights of the city. Blowfish provides this magical scene for anyone to enjoy delightful seafood dishes, whether casually or for a special event. Blowfish even captivates this dreamy setting in various affordable wedding packages to make anyone’s special day a picturesque memory.
This seafood and sushi spot caters to different budgets with daily specials, such as half-price sushi and oyster and champagne pairings, alongside their a la carte menu. Acclaimed chefs prepare the catch of the day to perfection for mouth-watering delight. Sushi enthusiasts can even take a sushi-making class, learning to make 21 pieces and savouring their own creations afterwards.
From casual beachside dining to world-renowned menus, Cape Town offers restaurants to suit every dining experience desire. Topping off locally sourced seafood and unmatched variety with committed service, Cape Town’s best restaurants are the perfect spots to explore to elevate anyone’s time in the Mother City.
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Cape Town. Source: Unsplash
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Restaurants in Cape Town © 2024
