Are you looking for cosy restaurants to visit in Cape Town? Places where you can enjoy the warmth of the fireplace and indulge in hearty meals with good company? We have compiled a guide of restaurants boasting lovely fireplaces to visit this winter.
Here are some of our top picks:
Jonkershuis
One of Groot Constantia Wine Estate’s dining gems, Jonkershuis, draws you in with its character, olde-world charm, and cosy country-style ambience. During the Cape’s colder months, warm up by the fireside while indulging in fresh cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition 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
Opening and closing times: Sunday to Thursday 8am–5pm; Friday and Saturday 8am–9pm
Contact: Call 021 794 6255 or 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 at R695pp.
Location: Groot Constantia Road, Shop 8, High Constantia Centre, Constantia
Opening and closing times: 12pm-2pm, 6pm–8:30pm
Contact: Call 021 202 3304 or visit foxcroft.restaurant/home
Kloof Street House
One of Cape Town’s trusted favourite restaurants – beautiful any time of year but especially charming in winter – 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 guests. 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. Feast on their special winter menu between 12-4 pm, from R295.
Location: 30 Kloof St, Gardens
Opening and closing times: Monday: 12pm till late; Tuesday to Sunday: 10am till late
Contact: Call 021 423 4413 or 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
Opening and closing times: Lunch: 12:30pm–3:30pm; Dinner: 6pm–10pm
Contact: Call 021 437 9029 or visit www.12apostleshotel.com
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 from R105.
Location: 103 Kloof Street, corner Weltevreden Avenue, Gardens
Opening and closing times: Tuesday to Sunday: 11am till late
Contact: Call 021 822 1100 or visit 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
Opening and closing times: 9am–10:30pm
Call: 021 437 0558
Visit: the41.co.za
Asoka
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 on Sunday and jazz on Tuesday evenings, they encourage you to come for dinner and stay for the drinks.
Location: 68 Kloof St, Gardens
Opening and closing times: 6pm till late
Contact: Call 021 422 0909 or 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 single malt whiskies to savour with your meal.
Location: Liesbeek Avenue, Valkenberg Estate, Mowbray
Opening and closing times: Tuesday to Saturday 12pm–9pm, and Sunday, Monday, and Public Holidays: 12pm–8.30pm
Contact: Call 021 448 0507 or 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 ticks all the right boxes
Location: 155 Beach Rd, Gordons Bay
Opening and closing times: 11am–9pm, but the bar open until late
Contact: Call 021 856 4457 or visit www.thethirstyoyster.co.za
Café Paradiso
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. The restaurant is child and pet-friendly.
Location: 110 Kloof St, Gardens
Opening and closing times: Monday to Friday 11am–10pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am–10pm
Contact: Call 021 422 0403 or visit www.cafeparadiso.co.za/
Blockhouse Kitchen
Bask at the fireside while relishing delicious, easy-to-eat comfort food at Blockhouse Kitchen. This conscious kitchen focuses on fresh seasonal ingredients and classic cooking is at the heart of every meal. The service is relaxed, friendly and unpretentious, and mealtimes considered sacred.
Location: Spaanschemat River Road, Fir Grove
Opening and closing times: Sunday and Monday:8am–5pm, and Tuesday to Saturday: 8am–9pm
Contact: Call 021 794 3010 or visit 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. Think vintage décor, mismatched furniture, and various curiosities. Join evening winter festivities with a seat close to one of the two fireplaces.
Location: 12 Nuttall Rd, Observatory
Opening and closing times: Monday to Thursday: 11am–11pm; Friday and Saturday: 9.30am–11pm; Sunday: 12pm–11pm
Contact: Call 021 447 4650
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 3289
Visit: 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
Opening and closing times: Tuesday-Thursday: 12pm–9pm; Friday-Saturday:9am-9pm; Sunday: 9am-3pm
Call: 021 553 0093
Visit: www.diedamhuis.co.za
Chocolat Bistro
Nestled in the heart of Durbanville, Chocolat Bistro promises a luxurious French affair. From glittering chandeliers to soft velvet seating, everything oozes lavishness and sophistication. Exuberant menus reveal decadent dishes, while pleasantly warm embers set the perfect winter mood.
Location: 46 Oxford St, Durbanville
Opening and closing times: Monday: 7am–5pm, Tuesday to Saturday: 7am–10pm, Sunday: 8am–3pm
Call: 021 975 2426 or visit www.chocolatbistro.co.za
