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Cape Town’s best food & drink

  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Last updated: 15 July, 2024

From tapas to sushi, coffee to wine, Cape Town’s international food, with an African twist, is sophisticated and superb.

Cape Town is perhaps best known for delicious Cape Malay cuisine – curries that are fragrantly spicy rather than fiery – a unique style of cuisine originating with the thousands of Malay slaves brought to Cape Town from Indonesia and Malaysia in the 17th and 18th centuries. See our recommendations below for tasting tours and Cape Malay cooking classes.

Being a port city, fresh seafood features prominently – expect plenty of fresh local line fish, crayfish and mussels – though meat is much-loved and excellent too. In summer look out for fresh yellowtail and rock lobster. Also, see our round-up of traditional foods you must try in South Africa.

Two world-class wine regions – Constantia and Stellenbosch – are on the city’s doorstep. Constantia is a 40-minute drive from the city centre, Stellenbosch around 1 to 1.5 hours, so both are very do-able on day trips.

What to try

Cape Malay curries made with chicken or lamb, and eaten with roti are a speciality of the city. Also try bobotie, a spicy mince dish topped with savoury baked custard. The calorie-laden Gatsby sandwich – stuffed with spiced steak, salad and chips – is a favourite with late-night revellers.

Also see Richard’s round-up of traditional South African foods to try in South Africa.

Recommendations

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  • Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa

A day in Franschhoek

Bucket List Experience

A day in Franschhoek

Cradled in a valley of fynbos-clad mountains, the ‘French Corner’ of the Cape Winelands is famous for outstanding food and wine experiences. The lovely, character-filled town of Franschhoek, known as South Africa’s gourmet capital, is the hub for exploring the best of it. From boutique wineries offering cellar tours and tastings, to charming bistros and fine dining in the heart of the village, it is a bucket list destination for bacchanalian adventures.

Alongside the feast of food and wine, there’s culture to discover here too, from the town’s graceful Huguenot Monument to the many art galleries dotted along the main road and on surrounding estates.

If it’s joie de vivre in the Cape you’re after, head straight to Franschhoek. It’s barely an hour’s drive from Cape Town – very doable for a day trip – though foodies and oenophiles will undoubtedly want to stay longer.

Good for age: 18+

Aegir Project Brewery

  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Close up of beer vats on the wall in the bar

Experience

The craft beer revolution is in full swing in Cape Town, and the Aegir Project in laid-back Noordhoek has long led the charge. Their easy-going taproom and restaurant offer a range of local brews and fine views.

Good for age: 18+

Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia

  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia

Experience

Constantia’s growing culinary clout is on full display here, with chef Ivor Jones’ small-plate menu offering some of the city’s most inspired, and affordable, fine dining.

Adult price: £50

Good for age: 18+

  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

A vineyard blossoming in the spring

Bucket List Experience

Constantia Wine Region

The picturesque Constantia Valley is a compact wine route; home to some of the oldest wine farms in the Cape. Ten wineries are open for tastings, ranging from boutique cellars to grand estates.

Situated just 20 minutes’ drive from the city, it’s a convenient option for those lacking the time to visit Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The valley’s ocean-facing location, cooled in the summer by steady sea breezes, results in vibrant white wines reminiscent of Bordeaux, alongside structured and elegant red wines. The valley is also increasingly becoming a culinary hotpot in the city.

Good for age: 18+

Elgr

  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Close up of a meal

Experience

Chef Jesper Nilsson blends his Swedish heritage with local culinary traditions to create a multi-cultural dining experience.

Adult price: £35

Good for age: 18+

Neighbourhood Goods Market

  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Exterior view of the restaurant during the daytime

Experience

This Cape Town institution, set up in an Old Biscuit Factory in 2006, features food stalls from around the world, plus local artisans selling designer clothing, accessories and quality handicrafts. Live music adds to the atmospheric buzz and energy.

Good for age: 18+

Oranjezicht City Farm Market

  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Woman Selling Fresh Local Vegetable at Farmers Market

Experience

A bustling food, wine and design market situated in Granger Bay, next to the V&A Waterfront and overlooking the ocean. It’s renowned for wonderful fresh produce, including many local delicacies, served up by dozens of food stalls. It’s a great place to try local delicacies. See our round-up of traditional foods you must try in South Africa – see how many you can find and try here. Open weekends, 9am-2pm.

Good for age: 18+

  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

The wine estate on a summers day

Bucket List Experience

Stellenbosch Wine Region

South Africa’s oldest wine route is home to more than 150 wineries, many of them still family owned, and the estates around Stellenbosch continue to produce wines that are internationally recognised for their excellent quality.

With a mild Mediterranean climate, proximity to cooling sea breezes and good clay soils, this region is becoming increasingly known for red wines – cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, Bordeaux-style blends, and pinotage.

With gourmet restaurants, gorgeous Cape Dutch architecture and superb art galleries, the route offers so much more than just wine tasting. And it’s not just for adults. Some of the wine estates have good facilities to keep the kids entertained, such as the outdoor playparks at Tokara and Warwick.

Min age 18

Good for age: 18+

Time Out Market

  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Time Out Market

Experience

Located in the heart of Cape Town, this vibrant culinary hotspot features a curated selection of top chefs, restaurateurs, and mixologists, providing a diverse range of gourmet experiences. The market also hosts live entertainment, art exhibitions, and other cultural events.

A great refuelling stop when you’re sightseeing in the city centre, and the chance to try some local specialities. See our round-up of traditional foods you must try in South Africa before you go.

Good for age: 4+

Duration: -

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: -

Getting there & doing it

Bree Street in the city centre is a vibrant gourmet boulevard of wine bars, coffee shops and restaurants that’s best discovered on foot.

The extensive coastline means there’s no shortage of sea-view eateries serving up fresh seafood.

The winelands – Constantia and Stellenbosch – are peppered with outstanding restaurants serving exceptional food – in gorgeous al fresco settings inspired by Cape Dutch Architecture.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Cape Town

Embark on a culinary adventure at Bo Kaap Deli, where you'll start with a refreshing local beverage and meet your knowledgeable guide and fellow food lovers. Stroll through Bo Kaap's vibrant, colorful houses, soaking in the lively atmosphere. Next, step back in time to Heritage Square, established in 1771. Here, prepare your taste buds for a delightful experience at the charming Zannes Fare, famous for serving the best Bobotie and Bubbles in town. Our journey continues to Marcos African Cafe, where you'll savor an African platter featuring traditional meats and vegetables, paired with a ceremonial African drink. We'll then head to Fireman’s Arms, one of South Africa’s oldest bars. Here, you'll sample a tasting-size Bunny Chow and Malva pudding, perfectly complemented by your choice of a local craft gin or beer, rounding off your flavourful journey. Note that while we endeavour to keep our tasting details up to date, they are subject to change anytime due to operational changes.

Price ZAR 1,985

Min age 5

Rating 4.97 / 5 [297 ratings]

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  • Cape Town

Eat your way through Cape Town's culinary scene on a private food tour. Go on a delicious journey as you try 10 of the best food items beloved by the locals: from savory to sweet and local drinks; this tour will leave every foodie satisfied! Enjoy tastings typical of the local cuisine and hand-picked by a local guide passionate about food like Biltong and Koeksister. But that's not it! This tour is more than just food; it's a cultural experience! In between food stops, you'll also find city highlights making this experience a well-rounded tour that will satisfy every foodie. Withlocals The 10 Tastings Private Food Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Price €85

Min age 1

Rating 4.5 / 5 [142 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Cape Town

Join us in a cooking experience to learn how to cook a traditional African cuisine meal from start to finish. Enjoy your meal privately with family, friends, work colleagues and travelers from all over the world in a peaceful environment and experience African hospitality at its best. Be prepared to get your hands dirty as we show you step by step how to cook one of the best authentic African cuisine meals.

Price ZAR 1,000

Min age 10

Rating 4.96 / 5 [138 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Cape Town

Cape Town is a melting pot of Culture and divercity and so is the food, the mother city as a lot of food from the mother land you need to taste to fully experience Cape Town. On this experience, we will take you through four different African Restaurants tasting one meal in each country and providing the history of each nation. The experience will immerse you in the different cultures and their History and the food will allow you to use one of your most important senses, tasting. The experience is designed for foodies and those interested in different African cuisines: - Ethiopia - Nigeria - Ghana - Congolese We will be spending between 30 minute to 45 Munites at every location *This tour is customizable depending on special dietary requirements. NB) The experience is vegetarian-friendly.

Price ZAR 1,050

Min age 6

Rating 4.54 / 5 [42 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Cape Town

Welcome to an extraordinary journey, an invitation to explore the heart of Cape Town through the lense of African cuisine. Our African Food & Storytelling Experience takes you off the beaten path to uncover our favorite hidden African gems from different parts of Africa. Our experience celebrates community kitchens and hole-in-the-wall restaurants, each with its own story to tell. We delve into the vibrant tapestry of African cuisine, connecting with the rich traditions that span the African diaspora in Cape Town. Our journey comprises approximately 7 stops, each offering a taste of different authentic African cuisines and dishes as well as homemade beverages. But this experience goes beyond just savoring food; it celebrates resilience and entrepreneurship. We spotlight remarkable African entrepreneurs who have created unique community spaces in the face of economic and social challenges, especially in a city undergoing rapid gentrification.

Price ZAR 1,650

Min age 1

Rating 5 / 5 [31 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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