Things to do in Cape Town
Things to do in Cape Town – Wouldn’t it be delightful to seek refuge from the season’s cold embrace, snuggly seated in front of a crackling fireplace, indulging in hearty meals with good company?
Join us as we present the perfect blend of comfort, ambience, and exquisite cuisine offered by the Mother City’s dining scene, with our list of 15 cosiest culinary experiences in Cape Town.
Jonkershuis
One of Groot Constantia Wine Estate’s dining gems, Jonkershuis draws you in with its character, olde world charm and cosy ambience. During the Cape’s colder months get cosy by the fireside while indulging in fresh cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The stunning outdoor areas are kept warm with large gas heaters so don’t let the chill keep you at home.
Location: Groot Constantia Road, Constantia
Price: From R72
Opening and closing times: Sunday to Thursday 8am–5pm; Friday and Saturday 8am–9pm
Call: 021 794 6255
Visit: jonkershuisconstantia.co.za
Foxcroft Restaurant
The industrial chic setting with screed floors and coppery tones makes for an elegant backdrop for delicious cuisine. SOI·GNÉ, meaning prepared with great attention to detail, showing sophisticated elegance, is what you can expect at a Foxcroft dining experience. Indulge in classy comfort with their 4-course winter lunch menu.
Location: Groot Constantia Road, Shop 8, High Constantia Centre, Constantia
Price: 4-course winter lunch menu R595
Opening and closing times: 12pm–8:30pm
Call: 021 202 3304
Visit: www.foxcroft.restaurant/home
Kloof Street House
Beneath the pressed ceilings of this twentieth-century Victorian house is a feast of design passion. From beautiful chandeliers to a suitcase‑stacked bar, the restaurant is a visual treasure for the diner. Every inch of the house is a memoir of a time or place that escapes the modern city around us. As the chill of winter sets in, curl up on the chesterfield couches in the library lounge or savour the glow of the dining room fireplaces.
Location: 30 Kloof St, Gardens
Price: Winter lunch special from R195
Opening and closing times: Monday 12pm till late; Tuesday to Sunday 10am till late
Call: 021 423 4413
Visit: www.kloofstreethouse.co.za
Azure Restaurant
As far as views go, nothing comes close to Azure at the Twelve Apostles as it looks out over the Atlantic Ocean, especially during a typical Cape Town winter storm. The restaurant offers an indulgent fine dining experience in its luxurious dining room that features two grand fireplaces.
Location: Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Price: From R185
Opening and closing times: Lunch 12:30pm–3:30pm; Dinner 6pm–10pm
Call: 021 437 9029
Visit: www.12apostleshotel.com/dining-and-drinks/the-azure-restaurant
Rick’s Cafe Americain
With its three fireplaces and Moroccan‑themed decor inspired by the film Casablanca, Rick’s is cosy personified. The kitchen serves predominantly Middle Eastern inspired comfort fare, but there are also burgers, tapas and grill choices. Keep the cold at bay with their daily warm winter specials.
Location: 103 Kloof Street, corner Weltevreden Avenue, Gardens
Price: Lunch specials from R98
Opening and closing times: Tuesday to Sunday 11am till late
Call: 021 822 1100
Visit: www.rickscafe.co.za
The 41
The 41, on the Camps Bay strip, offers unsurpassed vistas across the white sandy beach and glistening ocean. With an extensive, multifaceted menu, the restaurant offers a diverse culinary experience. The chic, minimalist setting with dark hues and illustrious Mumm Champagne bar fountain creates an atmosphere of understated opulence.
Location: 41 Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Price: Set menu from R250
Opening and closing times: 9am–10:30pm
Call: 021 437 0558
Visit: the41.co.za
Asoka
Sophisticated food for a sophisticated crowd in a cosy atmosphere, Asoka in Kloof Street is as popular in winter as it is in summer. The menu includes dishes with bold flavours, inspired by cuisine from around the world. With live music over the weekend and jazz on Tuesday evenings, they encourage you to come for dinner and stay for the drinks.
Location: 68 Kloof St, Gardens
Price: 3-course dinner R245
Opening and closing times: 6pm till late
Call: 021 422 0909
Visit: asoka.za.com
The Wild Fig Restaurant
A stone’s throw from the CBD and set in a beautifully restored 18th-century Victorian building, is The Wild Fig Restaurant. The restaurant’s large open fireplace provides a warm, cosy atmosphere, while the kitchen serves up hearty home-style fare. The restaurant’s bar, Annie’s Arms, offers more than 35 single malt whiskies to savour with your meal.
Location: Liesbeek Avenue, Valkenberg Estate, Mowbray
Price: From R95
Opening and closing times: Monday to Saturday 12pm–10:30pm; Sunday and Public Holidays 12pm–9pm
Call: 021 448 0507
Visit: thewildfig.co.za
The Thirsty Oyster Tavern
This restaurant is the toastiest in the whole of the Helderberg area, with a fireplace heating both the restaurant and bar sections. Whether you want a tasty seafood dinner or live music and beers, the Thirsty Oyster is a fantastic option.
Location: 155 Beach Rd, Gordons Bay
Price: From R70
Opening and closing times: 11am–2am
Call: 021 856 4457
Visit: www.thethirstyoyster.co.za
Café Paradiso
An idyllic setting wrapped in warm ambience, tuck into exotic and “foreign” fare such as tzatziki, dolmades and babaganoush as well as the delicious country-style dishes emanating from Paradiso’s bustling kitchens. Feast on their set menu, while seated in front of burning logs and bubbly conversations.
Location: 110 Kloof St, Gardens
Price: Set menu from R180
Opening and closing times: Monday to Friday 11am–10pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am–10pm
Call: 021 422 0403
Visit: www.cafeparadiso.co.za
Blockhouse Kitchen
A conscious kitchen focusing on fresh seasonal ingredients, bask at the fireside while relishing delicious, easy-to-eat comfort food this winter. Simple and classic cooking is at the heart of every meal, while natural materials and textures adorn this beautifully dressed space. Service is relaxed, friendly and unpretentious, and mealtimes considered sacred.
Location: Spaanschemat River Road, Fir Grove
Price: Small plates from R62
Opening and closing times: Sunday and Monday 8am–5pm; Tuesday to Saturday 8am–9pm
Call: 021 794 3010
Visit: www.blockhousekitchen.co.za
Touch of Madness
Housed in a charming Victorian building, this quaint establishment is snuggly hidden in the bohemian capital of Cape Town. Vintage décor, mismatched furniture, and various curiosities, create a cosy, yet eccentric atmosphere. Join evening winter festivities with a seat close to a roaring heath.
Location: 12 Nuttall Rd, Observatory
Price: From R55
Opening and closing times: Monday to Thursday 9am–11pm; Friday and Saturday 9am–2am; Sunday 11am–10pm
Call: 021 447 4650
Visit: web.facebook.com/ATouchofMadness.Obs
Cheyne’s
Delivering a fusion of flavours and culinary styles, this restaurant combines elements of Asian, Mediterranean, and South African cuisine. The ever-evolving menu reflects the chef’s experimental approach to cooking. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, with an intimate tone. Due to its popularity and small size, booking in advance is recommended.
Location: Main Road, Hout Bay
Price: Winter special R300 for 6 dishes shared between 2 people
Opening and closing times: Tuesday to Thursday 5pm–10pm; Friday to Sunday 12pm–10pm
Call: 066 412 3289Visit: web.facebook.com/cheyneshoutbay
Damhuis
This historic beachfront restaurant has a rich heritage, dating back to the 18th century. The name Damhuis translates to “House by the Dam” in Afrikaans, referencing the dam that existed near the restaurant. A beguiling blazing fireplace, toasty atmosphere and spectacular sunset attract patrons from all around the world, to this tiny seaside gem. Damhuis specialises in traditional South African cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and classic dishes.
Location: 32 Beach Rd, Melkbosstrand
Price: Winter special from R113
Opening and closing times: Tuesday to Sunday 9am–11pm
Call: 021 553 0093
Visit: www.diedamhuis.co.za
Chocolat Bistro
Nestled in the heart of Durbanville, Chocolat Bistro promises a luxurious French affair to all who visit. From glittering chandeliers to soft velvet seating, everything oozes lavishness and sophistication. Exuberant menus reveal decadent dishes, designed to entice and enthral, while pleasantly warm embers set the perfect winter mood.
Location: 46 Oxford St, Durbanville
Price: From R69
Opening and closing times: Monday 7am–5pm; Tuesday to Saturday 7am–10pm; Sunday 8am–3pm
Call: 021 975 2426Visit: www.chocolatbistro.co.za
