| Cape Town
Restaurant Guide |
| Contents |
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| Introduction |
Unsuspected by many visitors,
there is a superb tradition of cuisine in Cape Town. The creativity began with
Asian slaves who transformed the traditional dishes of Europe and Britain into
a unique 'Cape Malay' style, using local fruits and spices from passing ships.
Such dishes include Bobotie and Breedies and Malva pudding. 
Most restaurants focus upon Mediterranean and Pacific Rim
influences. Naturally, fish and other seafood is very important too and there
is a growing number of African restaurants.
You will find local cuisine in various styles from around the world cooked and
presented superbly. Many restaurants have beautiful settings and decor.
Visitors are also amazed at how inexpensive it is to eat out. Too good to be
true? Just try. |
| Fish
Restaurants |
Ba'ia in the Waterfront is a large but popular fish
restaurant. The Cape Town Fish Market is another quality option in the same
complex.
The Codfather is situated one road back from the Main
Road in Camps Bay. Sushi starters and very unusual sea food platters are on
offer.
Panama Jacks is a well kept secret. Located deep in the docks (don't
even try to find it, get a taxi), the decor is dominated by flags pinned to the
ceiling and water tanks full of crayfish (pick your own!). Lively and down to
earth.
The Black Marlin is well located en route to Cape Point with fine views
over False Bay. It is geared to tour groups, but retains some character and
style. |
| South African
Restaurants |
Emily's is in the Waterfront and owned by well known
food critic, Peter Veldsman, with staff under his training. The food is
fascinating and excellent. Emily's is located on the 3rd floor of the
Clocktower development in the Waterfront.
Jonkershuis is on the Spier estate, near Stellenbosch. An extensive Cape
Malay buffet, this is the best introduction to traditional Cape Town food
available. |
| Haute
Cuisine |
Buitenverwachting is the most 'classy' restaurant
in Cape Town. It is on a wine farm of the same name in Constantia, about half
an hour from Cape Town. Brilliant presentation, polished service and delicate
preparation.
La Colombe on the Constantia Uitsig estate is less formal but very
upmarket and commonly regarded as Cape Town's most highly rated restaurant. A
strong Mediterranean feel, high quality cuisine and a lovely setting.
Bosman's at the Grande Roche Hotel in Paarl has the grandeur of a French
Country house and the finest of food, meriting high awards from Relais and
Chateau. Paarl is some distance from Cape Town, but if you are in the area it
sets a high standard of quality. |
| Hotel
Restaurants |
The Radisson is a modern hotel near the Waterfront
and serves 'fusion' food. Arrive before sunset, the bar has one of the best
views over the Atlantic.
The Mount Nelson has the most famous high tea in Cape Town, but this
historic, aristocratic hotel also has a fine restaurant in the 'Cape Colony'.
Grand and imposing, it is an evening to remember. |
| International Restaurants |
Balthazar in the Waterfront offers high quality
dishes, especially its steaks.
95 Keerom at the top of Keerom Street, is a restaurant
with an excellent reputation and a very high standard of food.
Blues in Camps Bay has a great view at sunset. It has
been a popular Cape Town restaurant for many years.
Beluga's is in the 'Foundry' tucked away in Greenpoint. Interesting
wood/ industrial decor and good food.
Aubergine is a restaurant with a reputation for a
consistently high standard. Located near Parliament in Lower Gardens.
Quay 4 has a good setting, on the old dock in the
Waterfront complex. The food and service are pleasing, and downstairs there is
a lively pub, often with live music.
Peddlars on the Bend has fine 'country' food, well prepared and an
excellent team of staff. Located in Constantia. Very well priced and with a
popular bar and garden. |
| African
Restaurants |
| Africa Cafe in Heritage Square, also in the city
centre, offers an interesting 'African Feast' with samples of foods from across
the continent. Order as much as you like of the ones you enjoy. |
| Indian
& Asian Restaurants |
Bukhara on Church Street in central Cape Town, near
Greenmarket Square, is an excellent Indian restaurant.
Haiku has four Asian kitchens, producing Asian tapas of the highest
quality. The Peking Duck and Robata are exceptional. |
| Music
Restaurants |
Green Dolphin is 'dedicated to the preservation of
Jazz'. Cape Town's most enduring and classy jazz restaurant is easily located
in the Waterfront complex, and the food is good and the music excellent.
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| Family
Food |
For general fare, chain and inexpensive restaurants,
simply wander in the Waterfront, or any other good shopping centre. Sea Point
Main Road also has numerous places to eat, although at night the area can feel
seedy.
In particular look out for Nando's - a good South African take-away
Portuguese chicken chain and Primi Piatti, is a popular pasta chain
(there is one in the Waterfront). Pizzas, and plenty of other take-aways can be
ordered from 'Mr. Delivery'. |
| Restaurant
Areas |
There are good concentrations of restaurants and eateries
of many flavours in the following areas: Upper Long Street in Cape Town; Kloof
Nek Road, above the city centre; Camps Bay Beach Road; Sea Point Main Road and
Beach Road, and in the Waterfront and other shopping centres.
In the Winelands there is no doubt that Franschhoek represents the
height of fine South African food. There are forty three restaurants in this
small town, several in South Africa's top ten. Head for Rubens, Haute Cabriere,
Le Quartier Francais or La Petite Ferme. |
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