Top Restaurants

Photo courtesy Gary Bembridge

If you're interested in fine dining, fusion cuisine, homegrown fare or distinct African flavours, rest assured that Cape Town is the foodie capital of South Africa. Whether you're looking for a light snack in the summer sunshine or a hearty winter's meal near a warm hearth, the Mother City is the ultimate culinary destination.

When it comes to dining out, you are simply spoilt for choice.

La Colombe on Constantia Uitsig Wine Farm (+27 (0)21 794 6500) in the Constantia Valley is one of the finest restaurants in Cape Town. In 2006, it was voted the Best Restaurant in Africa and the Middle East and the 28th Best Restaurant in the World by Restaurant magazine, published in the United Kingdom. It has maintained its excellent reputation ever since. Chef Luke Dale Roberts is inspired by the seasons and each meal is paired beautifully with carefully selected wines. Make sure you book in advance.

The prestigious South African Eat Out Magazine Awards selected Cape Town restaurant, Aubergine, in its pick of the 2010 Top 10 Restaurants in South Africa. This venue is situated at 39 Barnet Street, Gardens. You can phone them on +27 (0)21 465 4909 to make a booking.

Wine magazine identified Bibi’s Kitchen (+27 (0)21 797 1054),The Food Barn (+27 (0) 21 789 1390) and Mzoli’s Place (+27 (0) 21 638 1355) as three of Cape Town’s Top 10 Everyday Restaurants. Bibi’s Kitchen in Wynberg offers spectacular Indian fare; The Food Barn in Noordhoek was started by renowned chef Franck Dangereux and has an excellent bistro menu and relaxed atmosphere; Mzoli’s is an authentically African restaurant in Gugulethu that is known all over the world for its good vibes and meaty menu.

For sushi, head to Wakame (+27 (0)21 433 2377) in Beach Road, Mouille Point. For a touch of Moroccan you have to go to Mojolenas (+27 (0) 21 426-2351) to try out the chocolate chilli steak and for your fill of fabulous pizza, Vabbo (+27 (0) 21 448 0282) is a sure bet.

If you'd not sure what you're in the mood for and would like to browse a variety of restaurants easily, head to the V&A Waterfront, where you'll find a wide selection of restaurants (and prices), almost all with a spectacular view of the harbour and Table Mountain.