Where to Eat in Cape Town
Cape Town is foodie heaven. With a rich wine and seafood heritage, and focus on sustainability, the Mother City satisfied every craving I had on my five day visit with industry friends. From crispy prawn rolls off Greenmarket Square to white linen dining on the Cape Peninsula, I discovered a food scene that rivaled my home town of New York City. But its clear advantage was the fact that I could dine like a queen without losing my wallet.
Read on for 10 delicious ways to eat and drink your way through South Africa’s culinary playground.
Seafood pasta at Life Grand Cafe
Chances are you’ll spend a bit of time at the V&A Waterfront like I did. Make a point to dine outside on a beautiful day where views of the harbor and Table Mountain dazzle the mind. Soak in the scene over a generous plate of garlicky pasta piled with grilled prawns at this stylish venue along the water. Life Grand Cafe
Glazed tuna at The Pot Luck Club
Yes, it’s still one of the hottest dining destinations for tourists. Sure, the locals will tell you there are many places equally as good. But for my first time in Cape Town, I felt this “it” spot tucked away in a former biscuit mill, was a must-do. The small plates menu is divided into Salty, Sweet, Umami and Sour dishes. Inventive standouts included the Doenjang glazed tuna, lamb rib marinated in harissa and pomegranate, and crispy calamari flecked with coconut sambal. Book in advance. The buzzy dining room is small and seatings fill up quickly. The Pot Luck Club
Juicy steaks at Belthazar
The V&A Waterfront offers a maze of international dining options. At Belthazar I feasted on steaks with the works - Caesar salad, cream spinach, fries, even the signature fried onion blossom. The steak menu offers a variety of on and off-the-bone cuts and weights. They boast the biggest wines by the glass selection in the world. A comparable meal in New York runs $150 per person. Here our decadent dinner set us back a mere $50 a head. Belthazar
Line catch of the day at Two Oceans Restaurant
Visiting the edge of the world at Cape Point should be paired with an out-of-this world meal. Plate after plate of delicious seafood and sushi landed on our table at this chic cliff-side eatery overlooking the sea. Between courses we gazed at the Two Oceans
Fresh tuna burger at Sea Breeze Fish & Shell
We stumbled upon this airy charmer after a morning exploring the colorful houses of Bo-Kaap on Signal Hill. My seared tuna burger with crispy greens burst with flavor - another example of consistently amazing seafood. Sea Breeze Fish & Shell
Steak tartare at Kloof Street House
Dinat at Kloof Street House is like have a big dinner party at your eccentric aunt’s grand Victorian home. There is plenty of people watching, between the mismatched arm chairs, cozy nooks and candelabras. The energy and food are decidedly cool. The eclectic menu features a decadent steak tartare paired with the classic garnishes of raw egg yolk, diced capers and homemade mayo. I’d definitely return for champagne brunch in the lush courtyard. Kloof Street House
Fitch & Leeds pink gin + tonics, everywhere
Why don’t we have Fitch & Leeds pink tonic in the U.S.? Somehow it makes the refreshing G&T even more fun to drink, with a hint of rose and cucumber flavor. I found cans for purchase at the airport Duty Free. And yes, I loaded them into my bag home.
South African Pinotage
I fell head over heels for this signature South African red. I couldn’t get enough of its juicy, full bodied flavor especially after a visit to L’Avenir Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. My suitcase home was loaded with a few extra bottles. And a few more in hand luggage from Duty Free at the airport. L’Avenir Wine Estate
Anything at Willoughby & Co, V&A Waterfront
My South African friend Duncan recommended this local standby popular for its fresh seafood and sushi. He also warned not to be put off by the shopping mall location. It happened to be our first meal upon arrival. We snacked on plump mussels, prawn cocktail and toasted with celebratory glasses of rose. Willoughby & Co
Red cap rooibos cappuccino
South Africans love their aromatic rooibos tea. Our Taj Hotel tour guide encouraged me to try a red cap on our walking tour around the city. It’s a strong brew of the rich tea topped with steamed milk. The result is so delicious, I bought some organic tea bags to bring home.