Cape Town food guide: The best restaurants in Cape Town

Cape Town, a jewel nestled at the foot of the awe-inspiring Table Mountain, pulses with an unmatchable rhythm of diversity. Known as the Mother City, Cape Town is a rare blend of art, nature and culinary excellence. During your cruise to South Africa’s capital, you’re certain to work up an appetite. Eat your way around the city with our guide to the best restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Cape Town. 

Each restaurant that has a star (⭐) next to it has been recommended by ROL Cruise team member Olivia who was lucky enough to visit Cape Town last year. You can read all about her experience here. 

• JARRYDS 
• Loading Bay 
• Our Local 

90 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8005

Famous for its pancakes, JARRYDS is heralded as the best breakfast spot in Cape Town. The all-day brunch spot and bistro, which is set in the courtyard of a boutique hotel in Sea Point, only uses the freshest ingredients, free-range eggs and some of the best coffee in town. Its warm and homely atmosphere attracts many hopeful diners, but tables are first come, first serve, which means you may have to wait a while for your stack of pancakes. But believe us when we say they’ll be worth it! 

30 Hudson Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001

“You are what you eat, and it starts from the source” is the motto behind the uber-cool Loading Bay. A go-to spot for breakfast lovers, Loading Bay takes an organic-only approach to food, meaning each ingredient is taken from the ground to the plate with no intervention. The breakfast menu is available all day and has everything from mashed avocado on toasted sourdough to croque monsieur.  There’s plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans and those that are gluten-free so everyone is certain to leave full and happy. 

117 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001 

Located inside an antique store and glasshouse nursery, Our Local focuses on a food experience that brings people together in a unique environment. The team has curated an impressive selection of antiques that surround you as you dine, so you may just find yourself walking out with something unique and unexpected. Our Local’s shakshuka is legendary - it’s green and made with spinach, edamame beans and eggs. The menu changes frequently, though, so make sure to ask the team what they recommend for each season.  

• Grub & Vine
• The Werf Restaurant at Boschendal ⭐
• Yumcious Café ⭐

103 Bree Street, Cape Town, 8000 

Situated on Bree Street, the unofficial heart of Cape Town’s vibrant food scene, Grub & Vine was opened in 2018 by Chef Matt Manning. The New York-inspired bistro boasts a small and seasonal menu that emphasises honest cooking and fresh produce. Each dish is prepared with great skill and attention to detail. The award-winning wine list features South Africa’s most talented producers as well as a hand-picked selection of fine wines from around the world. If you’re looking for top-notch fare in a relaxed, warm and inviting space, Grub & Vine is for you. 

Boschendal Estate, Pniel Road, Groot, Franschhoek, 7690

You’ll find The Werf Restaurant nestled in the grounds of Boschendal, a wine estate and working farm known for its award-winning wines and farm-to-table dining. The restaurant, which is positioned in the beautifully revamped original cellar of the Manor House, focuses on contemporary soil-to-fork cuisine that uses only the best available local, seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients. Guests can look forward to signature dishes such as Black Angus beef, forest-reared Duroc pork and freshly picked herbs and vegetables. 

27 Somerset Road, Green Point, Cape Town, 8001

Situated in the vibrant neighbourhood of Green Point, Yumcious Café is a family-run restaurant open seven days a week. As soon as you open the door to Yumcious Café,  you’re greeted with a warm welcome. And that welcoming atmosphere is evident until the moment you leave. The menu, which is extensive and caters to all tastes and preferences, boasts everything from hearty meals to light and healthy choices. The daily buffet features such a variety of dishes that you’ll find yourself returning again and again. 

• Belthazar ⭐
• Bobo’s ⭐
• GOLD Restaurant ⭐ 

19 Breakwater Boulevard, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001

Perfectly positioned along Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Belthazar is the biggest wine-by-the-glass bar in the world. Experienced sommeliers serve over 250 of the Cape’s finest wines while also offering advice on a selection of up to 600 fine wines. But the wine isn’t the only draw. Belthazar also specialises in the very best export quality grain-fed and grass-fed beef and an authentic selection of South African game. Expect to see anything from ostrich to crocodile fillet on the extensive menu. 

1 Two Oceans Beach, Beach Rd, Mouille Point, Cape Town, 8001

If you’re seeking a fusion of flavours, Bobo’s is for you. Situated in the buzzing heart of Mouille Point and boasting impressive ocean views, Bobo’s is a vibrant and cosmopolitan eatery that captures the spirit of the city’s culinary scene. Serving lunch and dinner daily from noon until late, the diverse menu offers everything from salads to pasta, steak to seafood. The trendy atmosphere and eclectic decor are complimented by the beautiful backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, with views that reach as far as Robben Island.

15 Bennett Street, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005

The authentic African dining experience at GOLD Restaurant is a celebration of food, flavours, family and friends. The evening begins at 6.30 with an interactive Djembe drumming session before moving onto a 14-dish ‘food safari’ served alongside unique live entertainment with storytelling, singing and dancing. Throughout your traditional meal, which is served to your table on sharing platters, you’ll learn about the country of origin, cooking techniques and spicing of each dish.