South Africans have a love-affair with meat, and when it comes to sizzling steaks, and with an extensive menu of steakhouses, restaurants and eateries serving mouthwatering red meat fare, Cape Town does not disappoint.
We take a look at 10 of the best places to grab a juicy steak in the Mother City.
Belthazar
No visit to the V&A Waterfront is complete without a meal at Belthazar. This swanky restaurant serves delicious, prepared-to-perfection rump, sirloin, fillet, and their specialty, Chicago Cut rib-eye steak. Being in one of the best wine regions of the world, Belthazar also offers an incredible selection of wine by the glass.
Contact: 021 421 3753
Website: www.belthazar.co.za
Nelson’s Eye
Tucked away on a narrow street around the corner from the Mount Nelson hotel, Nelson’s Eye has been a favourite among local carnivores since this ‘60s. It’s a no-nonsense affair with an emphasis on serving great steak you can choose straight from the grill. For hardcore carnivores, their 600g cuts of T-bone, rump or sirloin will surely hit the spot.
Contact: 021 423 2601
Website: www.nelsons-eye.co.za
Carne
Chef Giorgia Nava’s emporium of perfectly cooked meaty dishes has two branches, one situated in the beautiful area of Constantia and another conveniently located at 70 Keerom Street in the City Bowl. While serving traditional favourites like grass-fed rump, rib-eye, sirloin and T-bone, the award-winning Italian chef is also known for his unusual cuts like hanger steak and spider steaks. All dishes are prepared using flavourful Italian ingredients.
Contact: 021 424 3460
Website: www.carne-sa.com
The Hussar Grill
With six restaurants in and around the Cape Town area, The Hussar Grill has been serving succulent, expertly prepared beef and game for more than 45 years. With an extensive menu of meaty cuts, the restaurant is also known for friendly, expert service from their well-trained staff. What’s more, because they don’t charge a corkage fee, you can bring your favourite wine to enjoy with your mouthwatering meal.
Contact: 021 433 2081 (Mouille Point Branch)
Website: www.hussargrill.co.za
HQ
When it comes to focus and dedication, it’s hard to beat HQ. While they serve a selection of tapas, flatbreads and snack boards, they offer only one main menu meal – steak, salad and chips. Situated in Shortmarket Street, between Bree and Buitengracht, HQ is considered by many to serve the best steak in town, and it’s easy to see why.
Contact: 021 424 6373
Website: www.hqrestaurant.co.za
Cattle Baron Grill Room & Bar
Another favourite among Capetonians is the Cattle Baron, in fact, there are a number of these meat-minded eateries dotted around the Western Cape, each serving a selection of mouthwatering steaks, from the classics to its famous brandy flambéed Chateaubriand fillet.
Contact: 021 418 0230 (Cape Town CBD Branch)
Website: www.cattlebaron.co.za
Butcher Shop & Grill
In close proximity to Buzbey in Mouille Point, is the Butcher Shop & Grill. This relatively new addition to Cape Town’s meaty fraternity serves up a great selection of perfectly seasoned, flavourful steaks of various cuts and sizes from their butcher counter.
Contact: 021 434 0813
Website: www.thebutchershop.co.za
Bombay Bicycle Club
If you’re looking for something fun and unusual, the Bombay Bicycle Club is where it’s at. Situated in upper Kloof street, Bombay Bicycle Club is as known for its great steaks as its lavishly quirky decor and fun vibe. Specialities include their famed Oven Roast Beef and Sumac-dusted Organic Sirloin.
Contact: 021 423 6805
Website: www.thebombay.co.za
Primal Eatery
Another eatery offering something different is Primal Eatery in New Church Street in Gardens. Primal is known for its non-traditional methods of preparing meaty favourites, using everything from vacuum-sealed sous-vide, smokers, dehydrators and their wood-fire grill to capture the best flavour for their fare.
Contact: 021 422 3232