WINE AND DINE

From braais to bacchanalia, Cape Town just tastes good.

Cape Town is more than just famous for its restaurants: dining – given the availability of both fresh ingredients and spellbinding settings – is a city pastime. Because the city is smack-bang in the middle of a major wine-growing region, dining really does go together with its often-used rhyme, wining.

It offers just about any cuisine you can think of (often for much better value than you’d expected). That being said, the local speciality is, naturally, seafood, so make sure you partake in some local catch. It’s an enduring image of the city: a sunset, a seafood platter and a Chardonnay.

CAPE TOWN CENTRAL

Cape Town offers a culinary experience for every kind of traveller, from the simple to the most experienced palate.

Enjoy traditional Cape Malay meals in the historic Bo-Kaap. If you prefer to have something from the sea, Cape Town has more than enough seafood restaurants to choose from.

The Westin Executive Club Restaurant, situated on the 19th floor of the The Westin Grand Cape Town Arabella Quays, offers unsurpassed views of Cape Town including Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Fresh, contemporary, and memorable dishes are served with discrete, yet attentive service. With subtle and stylish décor in extraordinary surroundings, the combination is an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication and intimacy. Their award-winning wine list, with an extensive selection of South Africa’s very best wines, completes the experience.

African and local isiXhosa cuisine are served in trendy restaurants in the City Centre, such as at Marco’s African Placeand Mama Africa. Visitors can ‘go wild’ and sample warthog, gemsbok and shark.

The Africa Café on Heritage Square serves a feast of flavours infused with African soul, in dining rooms which have their own individual character inspired by African countries and people.

With more than 70 eateries, the V&A Waterfront has something to offer from every continent and an array of local dishes to suit the most discerning palate. Restaurants range from 5-star dining to affordable family venues.

Long and Kloof Streets offer a wide variety of unique and world – acclaimed dining experiences – no wonder Cape Town has become famous as a dining mecca. A great tip is to ask locals where their favourite eateries and pubs are. There are few people in the world who enjoy their food and wine quite in the same way as Capetonians.

Moving away from town, Don Pedro's is one of the most prominent local hangout spots (formerly for young revolutionaries) in Woodstock; today its clientele represent more of the area's multi-cultural residents. The neighbourhood, grittier than that of the CBD or Southern Suburbs, has seen its star rise of late, thanks to rising property prices in those areas. The resultant gentrification means Woodstock now has a number of trendy restaurants offering a place to eat and meet with friends.

For late-night revellers, there is only one place to stop and that’s Saul's on Main Road, Sea Point. The food isn't spectacular, but for a sample of Cape Town's highly heterogeneous night owls look no further.

The suburbs from Mouille Point to Camps Bay have a wide variety of restaurants and although Camps Bay may offer a more costly meal, the scenery of the famous Camps Bay beach has every traveller feeling the need to indulge. The cosmopolitan beachfront is vibrant throughout the year, with people thronging the cafés and restaurants. Or better yet, contact Cape Town Tourism for advice on Cape Town’s restaurants and wineries. Make sure you ask for one of our handy Food and Wine Maps to find your way around Tel: +27 (0)21 487 6800.

A number of restaurants are situated along the beach and harbour front, and further along is Fish on the Rocks Tel: +27 (0)21 790 0001, one of the best fish and chips diners in town (it's open daily until 19h30). You are likely to spot whales (from June to November) as well as plenty of seals from these perfectly positioned venues.

If any fish can be said to be uniquely South African and carry in its flavour the very taste of the Cape, it must be the snoek. Make a point of being in Hout Bay during August for the annual Snoek Derby, when local fishing boats leave the harbour at sunrise to compete for the biggest catch of the day.

Once used as holding cells for the local police station, The Workshop, Africa’s smallest pub, now offers its ‘inmates’ the opportunity to enjoy a cold beer and a pizza while reading, – and even adding to, – the décor!

Call + 27 (0)21 791 8380 for more restaurant recommendations in this area.

A member of the great wine capitals of the world, Cape Town boasts three world-famous wine routes within easy reach of the city centre. The Constantia Wine Valley, Durbanville Wine Valley and Helderberg Wine Route offer the visitor a wide range of wine tourism activities, including renowned restaurants and country kitchens where fine wines, provide the foundation for memorable experiences.

CAPE TOWN EAST

Igugu le Afrika Cooking and Catering School trains members of the Khayelitsha community in hospitality skills and runs a very successful restaurant where visi­tors can experience delicious African cuisine Tel: +27 (0)21 361 1975.

A number of B&B’s in Khayelitsha also offer traditional dishes Tel: +27 (0)21 387 6189.

Somerset West is at the heart of the Helderberg Wine Route Tel: + 27 (0)82 454 7312. The character of the wines produced in the Helderberg area is in­fluenced by the proximity to the ocean and therefore the cooling summer sea breezes. The soils, are among the finest in the region,  and also have a marked effect on the growing and nurturing of the vines.

The distinction and uniqueness of the wines are mirrored in the craft of the wine makers, viticulturists and wine growers, who craft their wines. Most of the estates offer wine tastings and all of them sell directly to the public.

Contact the Cape Town Visitor Information in Somerset West Centre for a complete list of wine estates and restuarants Tel: + 27 (0)21 840 1400.

Morgenster Estate produces and sells extra virgin olive oil at this historic estate in Somerset West.  Sales Mon – Fri: 10h00-17h00Tel: + 27 (0)21 852 1738

Kuils River is home to six wine cellars and falls under the official Stellenbsch Wine Route Tel: + 27 (0)21 487 6800. In the heart of Kuils River lies the historic Zevenwacht Wine Estate.  Besides winemaking, it produces traditional hard and pressed cheeses from Jersey and Friesland milk Tel: + 27 (0)21 903 5123.

The Saxenburg Estate is situated on the hills above Kuils   River. Its Guinea Fowl Restaurant specialises in fresh seafood, game and a variety of guinea fowl dishes. The lapa makes a perfect setting for braais, spit braais and sundowners Tel: + 27 (0)21 903 6113.

The vineyards of Brackenfell are ideally situated for the growing of export grapes and the making of some of the finest wines of the Cape.

The Gordon’s Bay Waterfront Development,  Harbour Island, is an exciting entertainment area with many restaurants and pubs. Seafood dining at the harbour is recommended.

CAPE TOWN NORTH

BLAAUWBERG

The Blaauwberg area has a number of restaurants catering to every taste and budget, from fast-food outlets for those on the run, to gourmet restaurants serving a variety of delicious dishes. Whether you prefer seafood, pasta, Thai, Chinese or hamburgers you will be sure to find a restaurant to tantalise your taste buds. Contact the Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centre for restaurant listings Tel: + 27 (0)21 521 1080.

If wine tasting is more your style, the areas surrounding Blaauwberg are rich in wine farms.

LANGA

The Eziko Cooking and Catering Training Centre in Langa is a non-profit organisation that trains the unemployed. A visit to the area with a local tour operator should include a lunch in the restaurant with its African-style décor and cuisine Tel: + 27 (0)21 694 0434.

Lelapa Restaurant offers the usual restaurant fare but you are welcome to request, when booking, a traditional African menu. Enjoy the sounds of the marimba while you eat Tel: + 27 (0)21 694 2681.

Tiger’s Place on Washington Road, Langa, is a local butchery and shebeen. Enjoy the vibe of kwaito music while playing pool with the locals. Contact the Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centre Tel: + 27 (0)21 695 5098.

Radebe's Coffee Shack, which reflects township life, offers full breakfast, tea, coffee and traditional meals for up to 25 people Tel: +27 (0)21 695 0508.

For a walking tour of the township including visits to a shebeen and a sangoma, contact the Tsoga Centre Tel: +27 (0)21 73 157 3726.

For a relaxing afternoon drink or lunch with an African touch visit Imbizo Lounge and Restaurant. For dinner and drum and marimba sessions, visit Ibuyambo Tel: +27 (0)21 915 4084.

TYGERBERG

The Tygerberg area offers a wide range of restaurants catering to every taste. The vineyards and wineries of the Durbanville Wine Valley are situated within 20 minutes, drive from the city centre. Visitors can experience a full spectrum of wines and other related activities. Some of the best fine dining restaurants as well as informal country kitchens can be found within the region, while ol­ive products (including extra virgin olive oil and tapenades,) are produced from locally sourced olives.

For where to go and what to do in the beautiful Durbanville Wine Valley Tel: + 27 (0)83 310 1228 or visit www.durbanvillewine.co.za.

There is also a Wine and Food Map available at all Cape Town Tourism Visitor Centres Tel: +27 (0)21 915 4080.

CAPE TOWN SOUTH

Call Cape Town Tourism for a list of restaurants in this area Tel: +27 (0)21 787 9140.

CAPE FLATS

Traditional isiXhosa and Cape Malay cuisine can be enjoyed as part of an organised tour.

Guguletu, Nyanga and Crossroads are well worth a visit to experience traditional Xhosa cooking with its flavoursome combinations of maize meal and vegetables like Umqa (pumpkin and mealie meal) and Umngqusho Nenyama (samp and beans with stew). Sampling local cuisine usually done as part of an organised tour, but any Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centre will be happy to recommend the best places to visit and the best township operators.

To sample a real township Saturday afternoon, visit Mzoli's: the hip and happening local butchery turned music venue and eatery. This is probably the most multicultural experience you'll have in Cape Town, but finding it can be tricky. Grab a local and go braai!

Tel: Cape Town Tourism in Guguletu + 27 (0)21 637 8449 to book your tour.

Mitchells Plain, Grassy Park and Athlone have a variety of restaurants that offer authentic Cape Malay dining. Not to be missed is bobotie (baked egg and mince dish) and snoek breyani (curried fish and rice).

There are a number of favourite eateries among the locals, but all agree the best hamburger in town (it’s called the Whopper) is available at the Wembley Roadhouse in Athlone. Whether in Athlone, Mitchells Plain or Grassy Park, you’d do well to sample a Gatsby, a samoosa, a koeksister, a slice of melktert or some potjiekos. It’s delectable local fare!

Tel: Cape Town Tourism in Guguletu + 27 (0)21 637 8449.

FALSE BAY

Muizenberg and St James’ eateries cater to a number of tastes.

From Portuguese to Levantine (where the olive is king), from Austrian to Indian. Restaurants range from intimate 20-seaters to larger venues with sweeping views of the ocean. Dinner theatre also has a home here, where both chef and performer vie for the applause!

Kalk Bay’s history is based on fishing and whaling. It has become one of the most popular places to dine. Cuban cuisine, seafood, deli and bistro style cuisine are all on offer in amazing locations. A tip from a local: buy some fish and chips at Kalk Bay harbour or end the day with sundowners at one of the many waterfront eateries in Kalk Bay.

Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town continue the seafood tradition with fine waterside dining. Whether it’s sand between your toes or the view of yachts and naval vessels, a number of restaurants offer both indoor and alfresco dining.

ATLANTIC (CAPE POINT TO HOUT BAY)

The Two Oceans restaurant at Cape Point boasts one of the most stunning views in Cape Town. The seafood is highly recommended.

Kommetjie, Scarborough, and Noordhoek is where crayfish (Cape Rock Lobster) is king! Whether it’s fireside or seaside dining, visitors will enjoy the laidback atmosphere of these rural and seaside villages.

Hout Bay, a quiet harbour area, offers something for the visitor who prefers to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city or the busy beach­es and have a quiet meal in this spectacular seaside village, which boasts South Africa’s first harbour-front emporium, Mariner’s Wharf. The harbour is a hive of activity with craft shops, restaurants, a fish market, an interesting museum, and lots more. You can also visit, by appointment, Ambeloui Wine ­Cellar, in Valley Road, a sparkling wine vineyard and the smallest vineyard in South Africa Tel: + 27 (0)82 441 6039.

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

Observatory (or Obs), Mowbray, Rosebank and Rondebosch are home to hundreds of University of Cape Town students. From budget pub fare to upmarket dining, visitors can enjoy Greek, Italian and Mexican cuisine.

The short stretch of Lower Main Road, in Obs offers a unique nightlife expe­rience: with late-night pubs, small owner-run restaurants, hippie hang-outs, pool venues, tattoo bars and live music venues. You will see some of the best Cape musicians perform here any day of the week.

Fine wines from the Constantia Wine Route combine superbly with the area’s 5-star cuisine, from Cape Malay to sushi to fusion. Constantia Wine Route and Restaurants Tel: + 27 (0)21 794 5128.

Travelling southwards, as you approach Cape Point, you'll find Cape Point Vineyards, with its two vineyard sites in Noordhoek and Fish Hoek. It is the only wine producer in the Cape Point district and therefore has its own Wine of Origin, Cape Point Tel: + 27 (0)21 785 7660.

Groot Constantia Wine Estate

Developed by Simon van der Stel in 1685, this is the oldest wine estate in South Africa. “Vin de Constance”, originally made in the 18th and 19th Centuries, was sought after by Napoleon, the aristocracy of Europe, King George IV and King Louis Philippe and praised by Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and Baudelaire. This legendary Constantia wine has been reproduced by Klein Constantia's wine­maker. Visitors can take scenic strolls through the vineyards and are welcome to order a picnic basket from the restaurants. The estate boasts two fine restau­rants, and wine tastings and cellar tours are available.

Summer: 09h00-18h00
Winter: 09h00-17h00
Tel: + 27 (0)21 794 5128

High Constantia Wine Cellar
Tel: +27 (0)21 794 7171
Mon – Fri: 08h00-17h00
Closed on Sundays

Constantia Uitsig

With 40ha under cultivation, the farm produces award-winning wines that include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The Constantia Uitsig Restaurant and La Colombe offer fine Mediterranean and Provencale cuisine.

Wine tasting and sales:
Mon – Fri: 09h00-16h30
Sat & Sun: 10h00-16h30
Tel: + 27 (0)21 794 1810

Steenberg Vineyards

With a rich 300 year old history, this estate boasts a state-of-the-art cellar, producing amongst others, the Steenberg Merlot, an internationally acclaimed wine.
Open for wine sales, tastings and cellar tours.
Mon – Fri 09h00-16h30
Sat: 09h30-13h30
Closed on Sundays
Tel: + 27 (0)21 713 2211