Going out in Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it has a diverse and thriving culinary scene. The mother city is home to far too many eateries to list all of them so we’ve picked out a selection of our favourite Cape Town restaurants for you. There are so many talented chefs creating exquisite menus representing diverse ethnicities that you are sure to find something to suit you. With such a variety of restaurants to choose from in so many different locations around the city it can be hard to decide where to eat. If you choose one of the places on this list you will definitely enjoy a memorable meal. The food on offer at these restaurants would satisfy a king’s palate!

Fork has the fascinating aura of a traditional Spanish taverna. Boasting rustic brick walls throughout there are two floors, the bar and lounge are on the ground floor while the restaurant is upstairs. The tapas on the menu are authentic and delicious, a delectable fusion of South African ingredients and European sensibility. Dishes including marinated sardines with crostini, raviolini stuffed with ricotta and spinach, pork rillettes and parmesan rolls make for an exquisite and original dinner idea. And, if you dare, you can even ask for a spoon. Town or beach? Town Atmosphere: Casual, Cozy Address: 84 Long St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa Map Phone: +27 21 424 6334 Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 12-11pm, Sun: Closed Opening season: Year-round Website Facebook

As the name suggests this restaurant is housed in a former barn. It has been renovated to create an endearing and lovely ambience under the vaulted, beamed ceilings you would expect given the building’s past. Decadent dining is provided by chef de cuisine Franck Dangereux, who delights his guests with delicacies such as chorizo spring rolls, Karoo lamb and winter risotto. By day there is a deli where you can grab some sweet treats or a quick, hearty takeaway lunch. At night the deli is transformed into a vibrant, spirited restaurant and tapas bar. Town or beach? Town Atmosphere: Groups, Kids, Quick meals, Special occasions Address: Noordhoek Farm Village, Corner Village Lane and Noordhoek Main Road, Noordhoek – 7979 Map Phone: +27 21 789 1390, Opening hours: Lunch: Monday to Sunday 12pm – 2.30pm Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday 7pm to 9.30pm Opening season: Year-round Website Facebook

La Mouette’s menu is focused on the culinary culture of the South of France with an influence of the Mediterranean. Mouette is French for seagull and you’ll see plenty of these big birds in the coastal neighbourhood of Seapoint where La Mouette is located. The menu offers delightful starters such as cheese and truffle croquettes. and mains including their delicious crispy lamb shoulder with fondant potato and aubergine puree. If you still have room for more, their exquisite rhubarb crumble could be the perfect end to your meal. Town or beach? Town Atmosphere: Contemporary international menus, both à la carte and tasting, in historic building with terrace. Address: 78 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa Map Phone: +27 21 433 0856 Opening hours: Sunday Lunch – 12.00 -3: 00 pm Dinner Open 6 nights a week (Closed on Monday) 6:00 p.m – 10:30 pm (kitchen closes at 10pm) Opening season: Year-round Website Facebook

This marvellous up-scale restaurant is located at The Cellars-Hohenort hotel. Offering a superior dining and culinary experience, you can be sure that all your expectations will be exceeded when you visit the Greenhouse. Peter Tempelhoff, one of South Africa’s most acclaimed chefs, is commander-in-chief of the kitchen and the Greenhouse provides an extremely sophisticated dining experience. The Greenhouse caters for a maximum of just 45  guests, so if you’re keen to visit we recommend you book in advance. Town or beach? Town Atmosphere: Sophisticated, Modern Address: 93 Brommersvlei Road Constantia 7800 Map Phone: +27 21 795 6226 Opening hours: Dinner : Tue – Sat 6m – 9pm Lunch: Fri/Sat 12pm – 2pm Opening season: Year Round Website Facebook

Addis in Cape is, without doubt, the best Ethiopoan eatery in Cape Town. We can’t recommend this experience highly enough. The chefs and staff have gone to great lengths to ensure the menu and your dining experience is as authentic as possible, showcasing Ethiopia’s rich cuisine, history and traditions throughout. From the traditional furnishings to the classic Ethiopian coffee ceremony and the service of the food itself, your visit will be an exotic alternative to anything you have previously experienced. Town or beach? Town Atmosphere: Cultural dining experience with Ethiopian dishes served in a woven basket table and eaten by hand. Address: Corner Church & Long Street, 41 Church St, CBD, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa Map Phone: +27 21 424 5722 Opening hours: Mon- Sat 12pm–10:30pm Sunday Closed Opening season: Year Round Website Facebook

Hussar Grill is situated in Camps Bay, one of Cape Town’s most glamorous locations. Its regional cuisine and outstanding views have made it a famous venue for meat lovers from all over the country. The restaurant is lined with dark wood and partly furnished with wooden wine crates, and in winter a fireplace that adds to its relaxed and welcoming ambience. The menu includes ribs that literally fall off the bone, carefully aged steaks that are grilled to perfection and local South African game and venison cuts including springbok, kudu and crocodile. If meat is your thing then the Hussar Grill is your place. If you save a little room you will find in the menu a wide selection of delicious desserts and Italian coffees. The view over camps bay is stunning. Town or beach? Beach Atmosphere: Cozy, Relaxed ambience Address: Shop 2, 108 Camps Bay Dr Camps Bay, Cape Town 8005 Map Phone. 021-4380151 Opening hours: Daily Mon-Thur : 6pm-10:30pm Fri – Sat : 6pm-11pm Sunday : 12pm-10:30pm Opening season: Year round Website Faceboo

Mzansi is in a truly authentic and traditional South African restaurant that showcases the country’s diverse cuisine and tastes in their purest form. The owners are a local South African couple, Nomonde and Vukile Siyaka. They opened the restaurant in 2008 and it has created a sustained buzz amongst foodies despite being well off the usual tourist trail. The mouth-watering local cuisine is served buffet style, showcasing the traditional Xhosa meal, (such as Umbhako and inquina, chicken feet). They also offer Braai (like barbeque, but bigger and better), sheep’s head and a range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes. There are cultural activities on site, like a live African Marimba band playing indigenous pop and jazz music, while customers are encouraged to learn to dance to traditional music. Nomonde also shares her powerful stories of her family history and the history of the restaurant. Other activities available upon request, such as traditional face painting, gumboot dancing, drum circles and township tours. The Mzansi Restaurant is situated in the “Soweto of Cape Town”, Langa. Langa is Cape Town’s oldest township, 15 km from the centre of the city and was a centre of the Anti Apartheid Movement. The site is safe and secure, and in close proximity to the Langa Police Station. The restaurant focuses on social responsibility, aiming to improve the standard of living for all in Langa through partnerships with local service providers for food & entertainment. Town or beach? Town Atmosphere: Cozy, Casual, Traditional, Authentic Address: 45 Harlem Avenue | Langa, Cape Town Central 7455, South Africa Map Phone: +27 21 694 1656 Opening hours: Please call at least 24 hours before or 72 hours notice or email to make a reservation nomonde@mzansi45.co.za Opening season: Year round. Website Facebook

Moyo embodies fine African urban cuisines in a romantic setting with stunning views of Big Bay and Table Mountain. You can try traditional South African dishes like Ushaka Lamb Bunny Chow, Crocodile Tail Pie, Klein Karoo Venison Potjie and Springbok Carpacciao and many more, all cooked to perfection. Moyo also showcases some of South Africa’s best local music and artists who display their talents in colourful traditional costumes. Their dramatic acts and the fancy foot work of the dancers all combine to produce a perfect romantic night out. If you’re there with the family the acts are great for the kids, too. Town or beach? Beach Atmosphere: Stunning views & ambiance Friendly Staff, Authentic, Great for the kid’s Address: Otto du Plessis Dr, Big Bay, Cape Town, 7441, South Africa Map Phone: +27212860662 Opening hours: Mon – Fri:11am–11pm Sat-Sun: 8:30AM–11PM Opening season: Year-round. Website Facebook

Cocoon offers a venue like no other in Cape Town. The night club is located on the 31st floor of the ABSA building in Cape Town’s cosmopolitan CBD. Its glass casing and incandescent chandeliers show off a club that spotlights glamour and dazzle. You can lose a lot of time here dancing with the cool kids high above Cape Town overlooking the harbour, city lights, waterfront and city bowl. Cocoon is a must see place for anyone who wants to party in Cape Town. Town or beach? Town Atmosphere: Good for groups – Incredible Views of Cape Towns Sky Line Good Music – Very Reasonably Priced Cocktails Address: 2 Riebeek St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa Map Phone: +27 21 421 0581 Opening hours: Sun – Wed: Closed Thur 10pm–4am Fri 10pm–4am Sat 10pm–4am Opening season: Year-round Website Facebook

Club 40/40 offers the ultimate sensory experience, with cutting-edge screens, full sound and visual effects, sensuous decor, rich textures, vibrant lighting, and brilliant colours all blending together for tan unforgettable dancefloor experience. The club hosts a sophisticated VIP area, a landing bar, exterior patio, and headliner room. 40/40 is a no fuss, relaxed venue directly in the heart of kite surfing alley. Generally, you will find a good-natured crowd here, the drinks aren’t expensive and the DJs play great beats to the beautiful people. Earlier in the evening, it’s a great place to start your evening after you jump off your board, watching the sun go down over the city with a cocktail and some nachos. as the sun goes down. Town or beach? Town Atmosphere: Good for groups – Casual – Dance – Sophisticated Address: 4 Buiten St, 8001 Cape Town, Western Cape Map Phone: +27 21 422 2027 Opening hours: Sun – Wed : Closed Thu – Sat 10pm–2am Opening season: Year-round Website Facebook