The Greenhouse at The Cellars-Hohenort is a summer culinary hotspot. Photo courtesy The Cellars-Hohenort

Cape Town is certainly the home of good food. Our diverse multicultural history has seen a confluence of many traditional cooking styles and our proximity to the sea (and fresh seafood), as well as to exceptional wine-growing regions, means Cape Town is a real culinary adventure.

But don’t take our word for it – just check out the many foodie awards that have been dished out of late. One culinary authority, the highly respected 2011 Eat Out DSTV Food Network Restaurant Awards, selected five Cape Town restaurants for their national Top 10 (The Greenhouse, The Test Kitchen, The Roundhouse, La Colombe and Nobu).

Here are a few Cape Town favourites, in no particular order:

The Greenhouse at The Cellars-Hohenort

The Greenhouse is the ultimate in sophistication, with an intimate setting, seasonal menus and a focus on using local produce. Open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday.

Location: Constantia

Contact: +27 (0)21 794 2137

Website: www.cellars-hohenort.com/greenhouse

The Test Kitchen at the Old Biscuit Mill

The Test Kitchen is situated in the creative hub of the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, with the option of either a more formal a la carte menu or a casual "kitchen bar" vibe. Open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday.

Location: Woodstock

Contact: +27 (0)21 447 2337

Website: www.thetestkitchen.co.za

Planet Bar and Restaurant at the Mount Nelson

Start at the Planet Bar for a pre-dinner cocktail before moving to the lavish, recently renovated Planet Restaurant, which serves summer dishes from fresh local ingredients. Open for dinner Monday to Sunday.

Location: Gardens

Contact: +27 (0)21 483 1000

Website: www.planetbarandrestaurant.co.za/web/plan/index.jsp

The Roundhouse restaurant

The Roundhouse has a fascinating history dating back to the 1700s, not to mention the most captivating view of Camps Bay and Clifton. Serving French cuisine with a focus on exceptional service, The Roundhouse doesn’t disappoint. Open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday.

Location: Camps Bay

Contact: +27 (0)21 438 4347

Website: www.theroundhouserestaurant.com/

La Colombe at Constantia Uitsig

La Colombe is one of Cape Town's most well loved and awarded restaurants, currently featured in the S. Pellegrino Top 100 Restaurants for 2011. Not only is the cuisine divine, La Colombe is situated on one of the oldest wine farms in Cape Town and offers an award-winning wine list. Open for dinner, Monday to Sunday.

Location: Constantia

Contact: +27 (0)21 794 2390

Website: www.constantia-uitsig.com/pages/restaurants/la-colombe.php

The Foodbarn

The Foodbarn restaurant is a deli by day and tapas bar by night. Delicious fresh breads, great coffee and flavoursome tapas that “follow the mood of the market” are on offer in a charming old barn setting. Open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday.

Location: Noordhoek

Contact: +27 (0)21 789 1300

Website: www.thefoodbarn.co.za

Cape to Cuba

Cape to Cuba is an exotic Cuban restaurant with stunning views of Kalk Bay harbour and the ocean. The food is delicious and there are armfuls of obscure Cuban collectibles for sale. Open for dinner Monday to Sunday.

Location: Kalk Bay

Contact: +27 (0)21 788 1566

Website: www.capetocuba.com

Blues

Blues offers visitors a picture perfect view of palm tree-lined Camps Bay beach, plus delectable Mediterranean fusion food. Open for dinner Monday to Sunday.

Location: Camps Bay

Contact:  +27 (0)21 438 2040

Website: www.blues.co.za

For a taste of local flavour you must try:

GOLD Restaurant

GOLD Restaurant’s menu is the ultimate offering in local Cape Malay and traditional African cuisine, with tables set in what feels like a magical African forest. Open for dinner Monday to Sunday.

Location: City Centre

Contact: +27 (0)21 421 4653

Website: www.goldrestaurant.co.za

Mzoli’s Place

If you want to do like the locals, head to Mzoli’s for real braai meat, great company and music to suit the mood. Since opening in 2007, Mzoli’s Place has become a Capetonian favourite. Open for dinner Monday to Sunday.

Location: Gugulethu

Contact: +27 (0)21 638 1355