Unique Restaurants in Cape Town

Deciding where to eat in Cape Town is totally overwhelming. I once spent an afternoon deciding where to eat, only to be so hungry that I just ate an apple in my Airbnb. I’ve jotted down the most unique restaurants in Cape Town from my explorations. I’ll keep adding to the list each time I make a visit from Joburg. Happy eating!

I recommend making a reservation for anywhere you want to eat just in case.

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Fine and Fancy Dining in Cape Town

FYN

You’ve got to plan ahead to dine at Fyn. We’ve tried several times to make a reservation to dine at this incredible Afro-Japanese fusion restaurant in Cape Town. Finally, we had enough forward planning to book 2 months in advance. Two months!? Yes, that’s necessary for a weekend dinner reservation. You can also book for lunch if the dinner times don’t work for you.

The food here is incredible and is totally worth the splurge! The dinner menu is 8 courses so you should skip lunch. My favorite course was the bento box!

The 5 course lunch menu is another great option. Lunch service takes almost 2.5 hours so plan your day around that. The menu had changed between the times I went for dinner and lunch so it was fun to get a different experience.

As with the dinner option, there is a vegan, veg, and pescetarian menu available.

Potluck Club

Make a reservation well in advance to eat at the famed Potluck Club. Located on the 6^th floor of the Old Biscuit Mill, the dining experience and food are definitely worth the hype.

Foxcroft

Located just 20 minutes outside Cape Town in the wine area of Constantia, Foxcroft is a small restaurant with great flavors. We came here for our NYE dinner in 2021. The service and food were excellent for the set menu. Foxcroft is part of a group of restaurants that are known for their unique dining experience.  

La Colombe

In 2021, La Colombe made it onto the top 50 list for the World’s Best Restaurants Awards. Although I didn’t have a chance to visit (because I was on the Garden Route Road Trip), Wilhelm went with his parents and they really enjoyed the experience. The tasting menu took about 3 hours.

The Nines

Located on the top of one of the highest buildings in Sea Point, The Nines is an excellent place to catch the sunset in Cape Town and indulge in a lux meal. I love the wooden accents and glass walls.

My Aunt Cherry and Uncle Paul took me and my parents here for me and my moms birthday celebration dinner when they were all visiting. I loved it! The restaurant has excellent seafood dishes so we all opted for something with fish or shrimp.

Post and Pepper

If you’re up for a little drive in the afternoon or evening, I highly recommend Post and Pepper in Stellenbosch, located inside the old post office building in town. The restaurant serves up a fusion of Asian and South African flavors. The interior is classy and modern, with a velvety jungle theme perfect for year-round dining. It promises a new take on fine dining: “fun dining.” The restaurant has a delicious and a unique vegetarian tasting menu for 3 or 4 courses!

Post and Pepper: Veg Fine Dining in Stellenbosch

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Unique Nibs in Cape Town

Meeting Point

My favorite laid-back restaurant in Cape Town, Meeting Point is perfect for lunch and dinner any day of the week. Bring your appetite. Check out my full review here.

Bo-Kaap Kombuis

Head to Bo Kaap Kombuis for a sunset dinner of Cape Malay cuisine with views over Lion’s Head and Table Mountain. The vegetarian platter is a great option to get a sampler for different dishes. The service is so friendly and welcoming.

Pahari

Located in Salt River, Pahari serves no-fuss African food. Their sampler plates are perfect for sharing. The small platter easily serves 3 people though it’s meant for 2. If you want to try Mopane worms and kapenta (tiny sardines), this is the place to do it.

Tjing Tjing

This Japanese restaurant is inside a 200-year-old house. The design is funky and there are three dining options to choose from at Tjing Tjing. Torri Restaurant is a no-reservations a la carte menu and is good for casual dining. The Momiji Restaurant requires reservations and has a set menu.

The Tjing Tjing rooftop bar is super cool and is open Tuesday-Saturday from 5pm.  

Timbuktu Cafe

Get yourself some authentic Ethiopian food in an eclectic dining experience in Observatory. The restaurant looks like a tasteful hoarder decorated the place. Make a reservation as there are just a few tables at Timbuktu Cafe. We ended up eating on the couch!

Anatoli’s

This Middle Eastern restaurant is the perfect spot to get dinner with family or friends. I love that Anatoli’s brings out the tapas dishes on a large tray and you get to pick what you want. I suggest you get a couple of tapas to share rather than opt for a main dish.

Osteria Tarantino

I loved our meal at Osteria Tarantino in De Waterkant. The Italian food here is authentic and incredible. I suggest you make a reservation as there are only a few tables and it looks likes they won’t double book a table for two time slots (from what we saw when we visited).

Hacienda

Hacienda is a Baja Californian tex-mex restaurant. It’s hard to find really good Mexican food in South Africa, but Hacienda is incredible. The menu is varied and everything we tried was delicious. It has something for veg and vegans too. It’s hard to pick a star dish. The most unique dish was the mole which is made with 30 different ingredients prepped in different ways. Mole is alive, similar to a mother dough starter for sourdough bread. The sauce is kept alive by feeding it each day!

The Oaxaca adobo rice was stunning. Prepared with salsa verde, queso fresco (which tastes like a cloud), and pineapples), I’ve never had a dish like this before. As we sat down, we were offered three sauces and some fried tortilla chips. The salsa verde was my favorite and was probably also used in the rice dish.

The Lobster tacos were juicy and tasty. I’m sorry to say that we didn’t try to bean tacos we ordered because we were too full. Next time! I also had to get the street corn. Your meal will end with a cotton candy cloud too!

I recommend you order a few dishes at first and then order more later because the kitchen is fast and some of the dishes are more filling and larger than a typical tapas dish. We visited on a Sunday afternoon and didn’t need a reservation. You can make one online on their website. They have drink specials as well as several specialty drinks. I got a “Lost Paradise” mocktail that paired so well with all the dishes. Hacienda is located on Bree St.

Fynkos

I was super impressed by Fynkos inside Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. We had an excellent meal here after wandering the gardens. The coffee, juices, smoothies, and dishes were really flavorful. They have a wide variety of food so you can get a snack or a full meal.

Good for dining in-person and the couch

These unique restaurants in Cape Town are great either to visit for in-person dining or to order delivery.

The Cousins Trattoria—This is the only Italian restaurant you need to visit in Cape Town. The Cousins Trattoria has authentic Italian pastas in a super cute setting. You may think you’re in Italy. The food is also great as delivery after a busy day.

Curry Club— For unique and delish Indian food, visit Curry Club. The in-person dining is decorated in a cool and quirky manner, so if you manage to make it off the couch, you won’t be disappointed! There is lamb as well as vegan dishes. p.s. If you call their number to make your dinner reservation (which you should do), you’ll be very amused.

Cape Town Fish Market—The first time I visited Cape Town (for work in 2019), I had my first meal at CTFM. There are several locations around the country (and even in Tanzania—which I ate at too!). I’ve had a reliable and tasty experience each time, even though it seems a little like a tourist trap. However, the location at the V&A Waterfront is also great for in-person dining. I had the West Coast Potjie and still remember the flavors.

I Love the Dough— Pizza is a core food group, for sure. Located on Bree street, I Love the Dough is a cool spot also perfect for delivery. We ordered almost every single vegetarian pizza from them when we had a big dinner with our families.

Casual Eateries

The Conscious Kitchen

With two locations around town, The Conscious Kitchen has reliably delicious food. I’ve just been to the Observatory location but I love it! I’ve passed the Kloof Street location and it looks poppin’ The vegan eats are so good and unique. I suggest the vegan smoked salmon bagel—the salmon is actually carrot!

The Sunshine Food Sprouting Co Vegan Café

I haven’t yet been to The Sunshine Food Sprouting Co Vegan Café, but it’s on my list. We attempted to go but were too hungry and Pauline’s was closer. Let me know how it is! They have a new location inside Makers Market and I had a really good smoothie there.

Fast Açaí Café

Another spot that’s on my to-visit list is Fast Açaí Café. It looks super cute and the açaí bowls and juices sound perfect for a hot summer’s day.

The Strangers Club

Part cafe, part shop, the Stranger’s Club in Green Point has great food, cakes, and coffee.

Banana Jam

Banana Jam is a Caribbean-style cafe with great drinks, food, and vibe. I got the jerk burger and it was good. Wilhelm used to visit Banana Jam when he lived in Cape Town during undergrad and he had the same walnut veggie burger that he had back in the day. It was just as good.

Banana Jam Menu

Yen’s Vietnamese Street Food

Wilhelm suggested his parents visit Yen’s Vietnamese Street Food when they were visiting Cape Town. They loved it so much, they ate here several times during their month-long trip. A couple of months later, Wilhelm and I visited and I LOVED IT.

Yen’s serves authentic Vietnamese food like Bahn Mi and Pho. On one of our trips, we ate at Yen’s twic3-dayour 3 day trip. You can eat for under R100.

Yindee’s

My parents and I had a great Thai meal at Yindee’s when we visited after my wedding. I loved the traditional dining on-the-floor style at Yindee’s. The soups were excellent on a slightly chilly evening. We shared the two soups and two mains between the three of us and still had leftovers to take back to our Airbnb!

On other trips, Wilhelm and I have ordered delivery from here too!

Fatima’s West African Food

This is literally a hidden gem on Long St. Enter the building on Long St. and then go right up the stairs. Fatima’s will be there. The food is great and the vibe is chill.

Madame Taitou Ethiopian

Madam Taitou on Long Street in Cape Town will be sure to draw you in. The leafy entrance gives way to cozy spaces, perfect for group dining.

For 4 people, I suggest you order the veggie sampler (2 of them), lamb tibs, and doro watt. The doro watt was the star of our meal: a slow-cooked Ethiopian chicken stew with caramelized onions flavored with the traditional berbere spice. Reservations are recommended for the weekend. We spent R190 pp with tip and tea.

Seven Colors Eatery

On the waterfront canal, Seven Colors Eatery offers traditional South African food. The name “Seven colors” comes from the colors of the plate as it is common to place red beetroot, yellow rice, multicolored vegetables, and brown meat dishes all overflowing from the same plate to make a rainbow soul food experience.

Definitely try the Sorgum beer too!

Coffee and Cafes

Mochi Mochi— Mochi Mochi is hands-down the cutest cafe in Cape Town. Here you can find unique Japanese teas and a wide variety of mochi, as well as milk bread stuffed with cheesy goodness.

Wifi is available and there are plug points. We spent an easy 3 hours working here while nibbling on mochi, sipping tea, and eating a cheesy jalapeno pan.

Mochi is R15 and teas are around R40. There are also Chemex pour-overs, ice cream, and other hot + cold drinks.

We got the black sesame, lavender milk chocolate, red bean, and matcha mochis. The earlier you come the more flavours are available.

Here is the menu:

Origin Coffee— The breakfast bagels and coffee at Origin are excellent. There are also high-quality teas.

Pauline’s— Perfect for light nibs and (several) cups of coffee after walking along the Sea Point boardwalk.

Rosetta Roastery Cafe— Visit this tiny cafe on Bree Street for great coffee.

Kanéla Café— With an all-day dining menu, coffee, and specialty teas, Kanéla is a great place to grab breakfast or lunch. Check out this beautiful smoothie bowl!

Heaven Coffee Shop—This cool cafe is located inside an old church. We saw it on our Cape Town Bicycle Tour.

Truth Coffee Roasting— Pretty much on every “must-visit” coffee list in Cape Town, you need to see to believe this “steampunk” cafe. P.S. They also have a great selection of teas.

Pang Specialty Coffee—Get a cup of coffee here before or after your One Day Africa City Bicycle Tour.

Bentleys Bread Co.— When all of Cape Town lost electricity on Dec 21, 2021 Bentley’s was the only place in Sea Point operating with both breakfast sandwiches and great coffee. 11/10 for disaster services.

Susu Bubble Tea— If you like bubble tea, then Susu is the place to go! They are popular and also have a location in Joburg. I love the colorful setup and photo ops here.

Houtbay Coffee— Expect good coffee in a super cute setting and excellent nibs. We had a veggie muffin and it was so good that we went and bought more.

Market Nibs

The Neighbourgoods Market

Head to the Old Biscuit Mill on Saturday for a variety of vendors at The Neighbourgoods Market. From fresh toast and waffles to spicy noodles, tacos, and Korean fried chicken you can have it all at the Neighbourgoods Market.

The Oranjezicht Market

Open over the weekend until 2pm and on Wednesday night (November-March).  The Oranjezicht Market has plenty of friendly food vendors for you to choose from. You can also get home goods, clothes, and veggies available for you to purchase as well.

Makers Landing

Makers Landing Market and cruise ship terminal, Makers Landing is a growing marketplace. From vegan stalls to food show contestants and high-end Zulu dining, this spot has it all without the crowds. It’s open Thursday-Sunday between 9am and 9pm, except on Sunday when it’s open until 6pm.

We got smoothies at Sunshine Food Co and some delish East African food at Tamu. It’s different from Meeting Point (where I typically get my East-African/Tanzanian fix) so you can deff visit both in the same trip. It’s all plant-based too! We tried the Isombe and the Maharage ya Nazi. Delish!

Although I haven’t had a chance to visit for food yet, Emazulwini Restaurant looks amazing. It offers a modern Zulu-inspired tasting menu. Veg folk should let the restaurant know in advance as some places it says no substitutions on the menu. However, when we walked in to inquire, they said vegetarians can be accommodated.

Visit the second floor for beer too.

Eastern Food Bazaar

Find (mostly) Indian and Chinese food stalls at Eastern Food Bazaar around Longmarket St. The inside area has intricate wooden doors, probably imported from India. There is an upstairs area that is good for seating.

Root 44 Market

About 40 minutes outside of Cape Town, the Root 44 Market is the perfect way to spend a couple of hours on your way to Stellenboshe or on a Garden Route Road Trip. I got an excellent umami garlic spread and a fun onigiri that I had seen on Instagram.

V&A Waterfront Food Market

The Time Out Food Market is the perfect place to try a bunch of different food items while at the V&A Waterfront.

The V&A market was replaced the Time Out market in November 2023

Mojo Market

Located in Sea Point, this funky indoor food market has a lot of food vendors. We happened upon Mojo Market after Sitara landed in Cape Town and she was craving a chicken burger. The whole setup is cool and has plenty of tables for seating.

Bars in Cape Town

Shackleton Brewing Company— This cool brewery is located in Salt River. I love it just because it has a penguin on the logo… We have visited almost every time we go to Cape Town!

The Athletic Club & Social— It’s likely that you’ve seen The Athletic Club & Social when driving around Cape Town. The wrought iron balcony on the vintage-style building is unmissable on Buitengracht St. We visited before dinner at Fyn and we really enjoyed the rinks and vibe. Be sure to make a reservation if you want to spend more time here.

Woodstock Brewery— Down the road from the Biscuit Mill, the Woodstock Brewery is a casual spot for a drink.

The Drinkery— Located on Shortmarket St, the Drinkery is the perfect place to get pre-dinner drinks. Sit outside on the balcony or play a couple of games of chess in the moody bar space. The drinks here are worth it.

Food Tours in Cape Town

If you’re totally overwhelmed by all the food options in Cape Town, don’t worry. You’re not alone. There are a lot of foodie tours that you can take with locals. It’s increasingly popular to visit with a guide. Check out this Taste of Africa tour, this local favorite’s private food tour, or the popular Cape Town Essentials Food Tour.