While Cape Town is best known for Table Mountain, one of the new 7 wonders of nature, and its Winelands. The mother city also has many incredible restaurants, including some with Michelin-star ratings.
With so many great restaurants to choose from your tastebuds will be spoiled for choice. That is why we decided to put together this list of our picks for the best restaurants in Cape Town. We will start with three of the most popular restaurants in Cape Town, and include a few more that are worth trying.
La Colombe
La Colombe is located on the Silvermist Wine Estate high up on the slopes of the Constantiaberg mountains. This location feels like an escape from the city and provides a beautiful backdrop for this fine dining experience. The interior has a minimalist aesthetic, that allows the food to take centre stage. It is easily one of the best restaurants in Cape Town, renowned for beginning the careers of many of Cape Town’s top chefs.
The food at La Colombe is overseen by executive chef James Gaag. James and his teams create unique French-Asian dishes, that are immaculately plated. They offer a range of set menus, with dishes that are both beautiful and delicious.
La Colombe is open from Monday to Sunday, opening for lunch at 12:00 with the last seating at 13:30, and opening for dinner at 18:00 with the last seating at 19:30. This Michelin-star restaurant has won many awards including the “Best Restaurant in Africa” presented by the World Culinary Awards in 2021. With its popularity reservations are essential, so be sure to book in advance for a fine dining experience you won’t soon forget.
The Pot Luck Club
The Pot Luck Club is another of the most popular restaurants in Cape Town. Located on the top floor of the Silo at The Old Biscuit Mill, it offers fantastic views of the city, especially at night. The interior has an industrial contemporary aesthetic, with an open-plan kitchen that makes the food prep feel like a show.
The food brought to you by chef Jason Kosmos strives to expose guests to all five flavour profiles (salty, sour, sweet, bitter, and umami). The dishes are tapas style with small plates that encourage sharing. These small plates will provide a wealth of culinary delights that will keep your tastebuds guessing.
The Pot Luck Club is open from Monday to Saturday for lunch from 12:30-14:00, and dinner from 18:00-22:00. They are open on Sundays for a set menu brunch from 11:00-12:30. With this tapas-style restaurant providing a host of delectable fine dining experiences. It is easy to see why it is one of the best restaurants in Cape Town.
Thali
Thali is another tapas-style restaurant that is among the most popular in Cape Town. Situated close to the city centre, this restaurant has a modern aesthetic with decor that proudly showcases its Indian heritage. With a darker snug interior, or courtyard seating that is more colourful with bright tile-topped tables. All this gives Thali a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy your food in.
The food curated by head chef Nate Coe is tapas-style Indian food. These include curries, sambals, tandoor, biryani, and naan. All of these dishes are designed to be shared, allowing guests to experience the full range of Thali’s culinary delights.
Thali is open from Monday to Saturday from 17:00-21:30. They don’t take reservations working instead on a first come first served basis. It is easy to see why Thali is so popular and why it is one of the best restaurants in Cape town.
FYN
FYN is a unique blending of Africa and Japan. Situated in the city centre on the 5th floor it offers beautiful city views as the backdrop. The interior has contemporary African decor, with a splash of Japanese influence. With an open-plan kitchen that will make you feel like a part of the action In this innercity eatery.
The food at FYN was devised by visionary chef Peter Templehoff, who strives to create a fusion of African and Japanese cuisine. Assisted by executive chef Ashley Moss they offer a variety of seductive set menus, that will satisfy any foodie. They have truly made a unique combination of flavours, textures, styles, and tastes, that culminate in a culinary experience that will blow you away.
Fyn is open from Monday to Saturday, for lunch from 12:00-14:00, and for dinner from 18:00-22:00.FYN offers a wonderful fusion that pushes culinary boundaries earning its place as one of the best restaurants in Cape Town.
Biesmiellah Restaurant
Biesmiellah is one of the best restaurants in Cape Town to get a taste of Cape Malay cuisine and culture. Situated in the Bo-Kaap, this unassuming restaurant looks more like a corner cafe complete with coca-cola advertising. Surrounded by rainbow-painted buildings that truly showcase the local culture. The interior is casual and comfortable perfect for those looking for an unpretentious dining experience.
The food at Biemiellah is a divine demonstration of fantastic Cape Malay cuisine. With traditional offerings like biryani, samosas, and curries. They even serve bobotie, one of Cape Town’s most popular foods. The friendly staff will make you feel welcome, and ensure that the food is to your liking.
Biesmiellah is open on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 09:00-22:00, on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10:30-22:00, and on Wednesdays from 10:00-22:00. This is the perfect restaurant for those who want to get a taste of Cape Town and it’s local cultures.
These are our picks for the best restaurants in Cape Town. We hope this helps you find the perfect dining experience for you. With all of these fantastic restaurants, Cape Town really is the place to travel, to tantalise tastebuds.