World City Guide

Restaurants

The selected restaurants have been divided into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The restaurants are listed alphabetically within these different categories, which serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments.

South Africa has a VAT of 14% on services, which is usually included in the prices quoted on menus. Most restaurants do not levy a service charge and ‘waitrons’ (local term which incorporates waiters and waitresses) expect to be tipped 10–15%; however, tables of over six or eight are often charged an automatic 10% service charge. During the peak season, it is advisable to always book a table in advance. Diners should also take note that smoking laws are strict in Cape Town and smoking is not permitted in most restaurants.

The prices quoted below are for an average three-course meal for one person and a bottle of house wine or cheapest equivalent; they include VAT but they do not include tip.

Gastronomic

Aubergine
Intimate and confident with silver-service sophistication, Aubergine is ever popular with those in the gastronomic know. Chef and owner Harald Bresselschmidt knows what he is doing in the kitchen – his many awards and indeed his culinary creations are testament to this. Seated around the palm tree on the terrace, diners can enjoy delights such as the ‘mosaic of sea and freshwater fish with green curry foam’. Dishes are inventive, with subtle Asian influences on classical favourites and an extensive wine list to complement each course; a sommelier is on hand to guide diners to the perfect choice. With its location in an historic house, the restaurant’s décor is sedate and elegant, with old church pews and full-bodied aubergine tones to match the name. Lunch on Thursday only. Closed Sunday.

39 Barnet Street, Gardens
Tel: (021) 465 4909. Fax: (021) 461 3781.
E-mail: aubergin@mweb.co.za
Website: www.aubergine.co.za
Price: R205; R210 (three-course menu including coffee, sorbet and friandises).
Wine: R65.

Blue Danube
One of the very best restaurants in Cape Town, Blue Danube is located in a charming Victorian house with polished wooden floors and a living room intimacy. Local art explodes on the beautiful blue walls – some supplied by the master chef, Tomas Sinn, himself. Sinn brought renown to many of the city’s better restaurants before venturing out on his own into the world of haute cuisine. Austrian undertones reflect the chef’s nationality, while many of his dishes remain faithful to Africa, with tasty morsels such as the roast loin of springbok with shallot sauce. The Austrian dessert Salzburger Nockerln is not to be missed. No lunch Saturday to Monday.

102 New Church Street, Tamboerskloof
Tel/fax: (021) 423 3624.
E-mail: info@bluedanube.co.za
Website: www.bluedanube.co.za
Price: R180; R220 (five-course chef’s menu). Wine: R65.

Buitenverwachting
Buitenvewachting takes its name from the wine estate upon which this sumptuous restaurant is located. The interior is classically stylish, with high-backed chairs, dusky blues, burnt reds and understated floral. There is also an enclosed terrace offering stunning views of the vineyards. The cuisine is international in style and always excellent, with local touches adding some South African flavour; the constantly changing menu might include cardamon grilled kudu fillet with oriental red cabbage sauce or kingklip-pasta galette with pesto fried prawns and grilled marinated vegetables. The comprehensive and award-winning wine list includes their own labels, as well as other local and international vintages. No lunch Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Klein Constantia Road, Contantia
Tel: (021) 794 3522. Fax: (021) 794 1351.
E-mail: restaurant@buitenverwachting.com
Website: www.buitenverwachting.co.za
Price: R190; R208 (five-course dinner menu). Wine: R75.

La Colombe
La Colombe is just one of a handful of excellent dining opportunities at Constantia Uitsig, one of Constantia’s premier wine estates. This homely white and light blue summerhouse-style restaurant offers poolside seating and simply exquisite culinary delights. Chef Franck Dangereux expertly blends Provencal delights with South African influences in an open-plan kitchen, creating such masterpieces as deep-fried mature goat’s cheese, crumbed with sesame seeds and served with a fig and blackcurrant sauce. With an award-winning wine list, a constantly changing menu and friendly and knowledgeable service, this restaurant is superb. No dinner Sunday. Advance booking is essential, especially during the summer months.

Constantia Uitsig, Constantia
Tel: (021) 794 2390. Fax: (021) 794 7914.
E-mail: lc@uitsig.co.za
Website: www.lacolombe.co.za
Price: R260. Wine: R70.

one.waterfront
one.waterfront is the much-celebrated restaurant in Cape Grace (see Hotels). With upholstered high-backed chairs and white linen set against soft beiges, earthy browns and velvety creams, the restaurant displays an understated opulence and local pride, with 95% of the decor and artwork locally produced. In keeping with this attitude, executive chef Bruce Robertson creates imaginative, beautifully presented and indigenously influenced dishes. For example, for starters West Coast oysters chilled on ice with natural grape juice, shallots and homemade tobasco, followed by baked feta and waterblommetjie cannelloni or a kingklip kedgeree. Reservations for both lunch and dinner are essential and dress code is smart/casual.

Cape Grace, West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront
Tel: (021) 418 0520. Fax: (021) 418 0522.
E-mail: onewaterfront@capegrace.com
Website: www.onewaterfront.co.za
Price: R190; R220 (six-course menu). Wine: R90.

Business

Anatoli
High ceilings, tiled floors, bare brick walls covered with kilim tapestries, elegant photographs, live music and a trendy locale all conspire to make this Turkish restaurant one of the best locations in the city. Waitrons bring massive trays filled with a selection of hot and cold mezze, which can often be much tastier than the somewhat ordinary mains. Titbits to look out for (dishes change daily) are the lamb meatballs with walnut purée, dolmades (stuffed vine leaves) and the stuffed mussels. Mains, such as yahni (a spicy lamb-rib stew) and traditional donner kebab, are available from the open-plan kitchen’s deli-style counter and always include a veggie, meat and chicken option. Turkish coffee to finish is a must. Closed Monday.

24 Napier Street
Tel/fax: (021) 419 2501.
Website: www.anatoli.co.za
Price: R110. Wine: R45.

The Cape Colony Restaurant
This award-winning restaurant brings some contemporary African chic to the Old World elegance of the Mount Nelson (see Hotels). The new executive chef, Stephen Templeton, has a contemporary and undeniably Capetonian approach to his cuisine, fusing Cape Malay influences with Mediterranean and East Asian flavours and styles. Classic mains from the menu’s ‘African Collection’ include the Cape Malay chicken and prawn curry with jasmine rice and roti, and the Cape crayfish lasagne with a sweet masala and Edelkeur sauce. Nightly jazz helps diners to unwind. No lunch.

Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street
Tel: (021) 483 1850. Fax. (021) 483 1846.
E-mail: restaurantreservations@mountnelson.co.za
Website: www.mountnelsonhotel.orient-express.com
Price: R205. Wine: R80.

The Conservatory
Located in the peaceful, cool conservatory of The Table Bay Hotel (see Hotels), this restaurant has delightful views of the harbour and Table Mountain. With its attentive waitrons and relaxed yet sumptuous decor of palms, wicker, floral prints and gilt-framed mirrors, it is the epitome of easy elegance and graceful charm. From the delicious appetite-wetters of foccacia bread embedded with dried tomato onwards, the menu includes imaginative creations. The spiced tomato and tiger prawn broth is beyond compare. Mains might be chargrilled Mozambican giant prawn and calamari tempura or double Karoo lamb cutlet with spring roll and barley sprouts, pickling artichoke and bell pepper salad. Half portion sizes are available and the sommelier is on hand to provide expert advice. Open for lunch and breakfast daily. Closed for dinner Tuesday and Wednesday.

Table Bay Quay 6, V&A Watefront
Tel: (021) 406 5762. Fax: (021) 406 5656.
E-mail: tbfb@sunint.co.za
Website: www.suninternational.com
Price: R180. Wine: R80.

Kennedy’s Restaurant and Cigar Lounge
With its shamelessly American affluence and undeniable gentleman’s-club style, Kennedy’s attracts the city’s tourists and locals, including a healthy business clientele. Downstairs is an intimate cigar lounge and jazz venue, while the plush restaurant and piano lounge is situated upstairs. Sumptuous yet undeniably masculine, the restaurant has a dark wood and leather interior, as well as a balcony terrace. There is live jazz in the downstairs venue Monday to Saturday, with free entrance until 2100, and upstairs in the piano lounge from Wednesday to Saturday. The food has an international flair, with an excellent variety of seafood, meat and vegetarian options. Dishes such as the paupiettes of sole, served with peppadew mousse, French vegetables and an orange butter sauce, are excellent. Open 1200-0400 Monday-Saturday; restaurant opens 1900.

251 Long Street
Tel: (021) 424 1212. Fax: (021) 423 0910.
E-mail: info@kennedys.co.za
Website: www.kennedys.co.za
Price: R195. Wine: R75.

Marco’s African Place
Quintessentially African in every way, Marco’s African Place is the favourite hangout for Cape Town’s political elite and media jet set. Marco’s excels in African chic, with all the prints, pots, beads, furniture and sculptures that make up the inimitable décor hand-selected by chef and owner Marco Radebe and his wife. And the food is just as authentically African as the design, with house specialities including upens (tripe prepared in the local tradition, with onions and brown sauce), crocodile tail, and ulwimi (steamed ox tongue with mustard sauce). For those less adventurous, there is a variety of classics, from pastas to duck a l’orange. Speciality beers, such as Gugulethu Mqomboti, and live music and dancing every night add to the uniquely African experience to be had here. Booking essential.

15 Rose Lane, Bo-Kaap
Tel: (021) 423 5412. Fax (021) 423 9125.
E-mail: marko@marcosafricanplace.co.za
Website: www.marcosafricanplace.co.za
Price: R105. Wine: R48.

Trendy

La Med
The favourite watering hole for trendy locals and beach bodies, La Med is a fantastic sundower spot, with a massive boardwalk terrace for alfresco dining (or just drinking). The venue is somewhat of a chameleon, changing from bar to restaurant to popular live music venue in a matter of hours – and is always busy, especially at the weekend. The grub is quite basic but extremely tasty, with a healthy selection of pizzas, burgers, seafood and salads. The pizzas are particularly good, with creations such as the Clifton First Pizza, with chicken strips, mushroom and avocado. No lunch weekdays.

Glen Country Club, Victoria Road, Clifton
Tel: (021) 438 5600. Fax: (021) 438 2018.
E-mail: lamed@kristensen.co.za
Website: www.lamed.co.za
Price: R80. Wine: R39.

Long Street Café
The sister bar of the Obz Café in Observatory (see Bars), this deli-style city café is a magnet for the beautiful people and the media set, with its industrial chic, big-screen TV, floor-to-ceiling windows and fabulous cocktails. Service can be infuriatingly slow (it seems the waitrons are chosen more for good looks than ability) but the atmosphere is excellent, especially on the pavement tables. The food is average but tasty and inexpensive, with dishes including ostrich burgers, coconut chicken strips with Thai curry and creamy chilli or spinach roulade, as well as a range of pizzas, baguettes and ciabatta toasties. Closed Sunday.

259 Long Street
Tel: (021) 424 2464.
Price: R60. Wine: R35.

Mama Africa
Mama Africa is not just another tourist trap peddling ‘authentic’ Africana for gullible foreigners. The big crowd of locals and tourists that gathers to enjoy the nightly live music spills over into the dining area so diners should chose a table as far from the bar as possible if they prefer eating their food out of the way of gyrating bodies. The decor can only be described as African kitsch – bamboo-lined walls, multicoloured chairs, a giant crocodile lamp and a zebra-striped pool table are just some of the splendid oddities. The food has a strong local flavour, including specialities like crocodile kebabs, Dovi Zimbabwean chicken and peanut stew, bobotie (a Cape Malay baked meat and egg dish) and frozen yoghurt for dessert. Open late. Closed Sunday.

178 Long Street
Tel: (021) 424 8634. Fax: (021) 424 9457.
E-mail: mama@gem.co.za
Price: R130 or R160 (three-course set menu). Wine: R54.

Miller’s Thumb
Solly’s seafood is the speciality at this bustling and extremely popular little restaurant on the fashionable Kloof Nek Road, although there is a number of other options available on the frequently changing menu at the Miller’s Thumb. Influences come from around the world (including East Asian, Mediterranean, Indian and Cajun cooking) resulting in such delights as the Jambalaya (prawns, clams, mussels, chicken and chorizo sausage in a pan of Canjun-spiced rice and peppers) and the Yaki Soba (a Japanese noodle stir fry with chicken, prawns and cashew). The atmosphere is cosy and friendly, with menus scribbled up on big blackboards, a dinky terrace for outdoor dining and a distinctive décor of colourful orange and green. No lunch Monday and Saturday. Closed Sunday.

10b Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof
Tel/fax: (021) 424 3838.
E-mail: thethumb@mweb.co.za
Price: R110. Wine: R35.

Wasabi
In the genteel surroundings of Constantia Village, Wasabi has established itself as the restaurant for the trendy crowd, who come to enjoy the effortless Japanese food. Sitting beneath the luminous lanterns with a Wasabi seafood platter is a wonderful way to round off a day. The decor dabbles with dark wood, bamboo, wicker and stone floors, while the menu is extensive, including Japanese favourites of ramen, sushi, wasabi, maki, as well as a variety of salads (including a sushi salad), stirfry, meat, poultry and seafood options. South Africa meets East Asia with the mouthwatering flame-grilled ostrich fillet with a teriyaki basting. The kitchen is open-plan, so diners can marvel at the chefs’ abilities. The chocolate spring rolls with choc-almond or choc-banana fillings are a glorious must.

Shop 17, Old Village, Constantia Village Shopping Centre, Constantia
Tel: (021) 794 6546. Fax: (021) 794 0450.
E-mail: info@wasabi.co.za
Website: www.wasabi.co.za
Price: R140 or R160 (three-course set menu). Wine: R50.

Budget

The Brass Bell
While all the tourists cram into the trendy bars along the Atlantic Seaboard to watch the sun go down, the locals sit in relative peace on the other side of the mountain in Kalk Bay, enjoying the scruffy charm of this local institution. Although The Brass Bell can be a little bit rough and ready at times, the location is stunning, with the False Bay waters lapping at the walls. The Brass Bell is five venues in one, with two pubs and three restaurants. The Water’s Edge is an informal terrace restaurant located downstairs, while upstairs is more formal, with the Engine Room specialising in seafood and the Oriental Cabin serving East Asian fare. The Water’s Edge is where the local beach bums and lifesavers gather for a drink at the new Bikini Deck cocktail bar and some hearty food, such as the Hunter’s Platter (smoked venison and grilled guinea fowl, whole grain mustard and horseradish cream), fresh local seafood (mussel pots, deep-fried calamari and grilled kingklip) or some lip-smacking pizzas.

Waterfront, off Main Road, Kalk Bay
Tel: (021) 788 5456. Fax: (021) 788 3430.
E-mail: thebrassbell@mweb.co.za
Price: R90. Wine: R45.

Don Pedro's
This café-restaurant has been a meeting place for liberal thinkers for well over a decade and is still fostering a community spirit and artistic edge in the trendy neighbourhood of Woodstock. Hip and wallet-friendly, this place is colourful and casual, with some stunning photos and African artwork, some of which are for sale. Another plus is that it is often open until dawn, which makes it a perfect spot for late-night grazing. The menu is varied with tandoori chicken, sweet and sour lamb, rosemary lamb, spare ribs and vegetable paella all on offer, as well as a variety of pizzas. The Don Pedro summer salad with tomato, mozzarella, Peppadew, avocado, basil and olive oil is a great choice on a hot summer day. A second Don Pedro’s has recently opened on Beach Road, Muizenburg.

113 Roodebloem Road,Woodstock
Tel: (021) 447 4493.
Website: www.donpedro.co.za
Price: R70. Wine: R19.

Ocean Basket
An incredibly popular seafood restaurant chain, this waterfront Ocean Basket is by far the best located. The light seaside atmosphere is enhanced by checks, tiles, pastels and pine. Diners might have to wait some time before being seated among the families feasting on fresh and affordable fish dishes, as bookings are not taken. Items such as whole crayfish, kingklip, calamari steak and line-fish specials are complemented by spectacular platters (all with chips, of course) and a number of combo options. Starters are primarily Mediterranean, including haloumi and Portuguese sardines, as are the desserts, which include baklava and kataifi. Other good Ocean Basket venues are in Kloof Street (Gardens) and the Canal Walk shopping mall (Century City).

Shop 222, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront
Tel/fax: (021) 419 4300.
Website: www.oceanbasket.co.za
Price: R100. Wine: R36.

Primi Piatti
With industrial-arty flare to match the Pompidou Centre, this Italian restaurant is one of seven in an increasingly popular franchise. This Primi Piatti is located in the ever-popular Cavendish Square shopping mall in Claremont and is a favourite spot for movie-goers looking for some pre-entertainment grub. There is a wide range of pastas and pizzas, as well as other Italian options such as the minestrone alla Genovese (vegetable soup with lamb stock and pesto). The mad, colourful décor includes a wall made of bottles, a comfy waiting area complete with carpets, sofas and newspapers, and blazing neon signs. Service can be hurried at times, as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly (and noisily), but is, on the most part, extremely friendly and competent. There is also a bar area serving speciality cocktails such as the Southeaster, named in honour of the famous Cape Town wind and just as likely to blow you over. Other good branches are located at the V&A Waterfront, Canal Walk, Camps Bay, Greenmarket Square and Table View.

Shop 67, Cavendish Square, Claremont
Tel: (021) 671 2696. Fax: (021) 674 3913.
E-mail: cavendish@primi-piatti.com
Website: www.primi-piatti.com
Price: R100. Wine: R55.

Wangthai
Excellent and authentic East Asian edibles at affordable prices is what Wangthai is all about. This is also the perfect place for a party of diners, as orders can be easily shared and taking part in the ritual that is Thai cuisine is part of the enjoyment. Diners can choose from either a set menu or a range of mix-and-match dishes – each menu item comes with a heat rating on the menu, so diners can be sure to either feel or avoid the burn, as tastes dictate. Dishes include steamed fish with lemon chilli sauce and a number of firm Thai favourites. The décor is exotic and chic, with sculptures and ornaments to enhance the Thai experience. Service is friendly, swift and sometimes shoeless. Other branches are located in Constantia and Mowbray. No lunch Saturday and Sunday.

105 Main Road, Green Point
Tel: (021) 439 6164.
Price: R95. Wine: R48.

Personal Recommendations

Harbour House
Fresh seafood is the speciality of this light and airy restaurant, perched precariously on the edge of Kalk Bay Harbour, with breathtaking views of the mountain, harbour and ocean. Dishes might include West Coast mussels with fresh herb and white wine sauce for starters, followed by a selection of expertly prepared local favourites – kingklip, yellowtail, red steenbras and Cape salmon, depending on what is fresh. There are other options, such as ostrich medallions or French duck breast, but as the name suggests Harbour House is really all about fish. Be sure to ask for a window table when booking.

Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalk Bay
Tel: (021) 788 4133. Fax: (021) 788 4136.
E-mail: harbourhouse@icon.co.za
Website: www.harbourhouse.co.za
Price: R160. Wine: R65.

The Hussar Grill
One of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets, the unassuming and dimly lit Hussar Grill is a welcome alternative to the city’s many steakhouse chains. Here, chefs sizzle the sensational steaks right in front of diners tucked away in their cosy red and dark-wood booths. The house speciality starter is gin and tomato soup, while mains like grilled ostrich fillet, saddle of lamb, game steaks and other meats come with a variety of sauces (from fresh mushroom, garlic and white wine to creamy mustard and brandy). The ostrich steak has been described as the best in the Cape. More unusual options, such as grilled warthog ribs, are also available, as are seafood, pastas and salads. Closed Sunday.

10 Main Road, Rondebosch
Tel: (021) 689 9516.
Price: R100. Wine: R45.

Mesopotamia
With tapestries and drapery on the walls, this spacious upstairs restaurant is dark and tent-like but breathtaking. Large kilim rugs and cushions surround low circular metal tables, although traditional chairs are also available, as is second-storey terrace seating with a brighter ambience. The Kurdish cuisine (the first of its kind in the country), from a team of Kurdish chefs, includes a number of tasty mezze dishes as well as highly spiced mains like iskender (oven-roasted diced lamb with bread, garlic yoghurt and tomato sauce) or beyti (minced chicken kebab rolled in Nan bread with garlic yoghurt). Diners are entertained by a belly dancer every night of the week at 0930 (an extra R10 is added to the bill for this), while after-dinner hookah pipes, cigars and jazz are available at the upstairs venue, the Shisha Lounge. No lunch. Closed Sunday. All halal.

Corner of Long Street and Church Street
Tel: (021) 424 4664. Fax: (021) 426 5473.
E-mail: mesopotamia@diplomats.com
Price: R98 (three-course set menu). Wine: R60.

Peddlars On The Bend
Teetering on the edge of the Constantia Wine Route, this picturesque, country-style restaurant is frequented by tourists and well-heeled locals who come for the award-winning wine list and excellent meat, seafood and veggie dishes on the very comprehensive menu. Dishes range from British pub-grub-style fish and chips and chicken and leek pie to international options like the German eisbein (roast hock of pork with mustard sauce and potato bake) and a variety of pasta dishes. There is also a cheaper pub menu for pub patrons only. The atmosphere is relaxed, with marble tables under shady oak trees outside and red tiled floors, reed ceilings and wooden tables inside, and the service is excellent.

Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia
Tel: (021) 794 7747. Fax: (021) 794 2730.
E-mail: peddlers@mweb.co.za
Price: R110, R130 or R150 (three-course set menus). Wine: R50.

Rhodes Memorial Restaurant
Tucked away behind the monolithic memorial to the De Beers big man, Cecil John Rhodes, is the cosy thatched cottage of Rhodes Memorial Restaurant. Sitting underneath the umbrellas on the terrace, there are breathtaking views through the trees, while the stone walls and wooden furniture complete the gardener’s cottage feel. Dishes on the lunch menu have a mostly English theme, with a selection of pies such as spinach and feta or smoked salmon and line fish. They are best accompanied by the restaurant’s own wine from the Hartenberg Estate. This is also a great place for breakfast (such as eggs Benedict, Spanish omelettes or full fry-ups) or tea (possibly the best cheese cake in Cape Town). No dinner.

Groote Schuur Estate, Rondebosch
Tel: (021) 689 9151. Fax: (021) 689 9152.
E-mail: roy@global.co.za
Price: R90. Wine: R49.50.