When it comes to satisfying your foodie longings, Cape Town has one of the most varied offerings on the globe. Whether you’re looking for traditional French cuisine or something unusual from the Asian continent, you can find it all here in the Mother City.
So if you’re looking to flex your food-loving muscles and venture all around the world with your palate and plate, here’s where you can find every flavour your heart desires in the streets of Cape Town.
1. African – Gold Restaurant
There are few flavours around the world that rival the rich and tantalising dishes served in Africa.
Start your taste journey at the Gold Restaurant where both the food and the vibe are alive with the spirit of Africa.
Indulge in opulent cuisine and cultures of our magnificent continent while the drum draws you in and the Xhosa face painters, traditional dancers and singers enchant you.
Gold Restaurant offers a 14-course dinner and interactive drumming, dancing and singing experience that is worth every penny too.
Contact: 021 421 4653
Address: 15 Bennett Street, Cape Town (0.93 mi) Cape Town, Western Cape 8001
Website: www.goldrestaurant.co.za
2. American – Franky’s Diner
Few things are as classically American as dinner dining and Franky’s Diner in Sea Point is no exception.
This black, white and red themed milkshake and burger joint perfectly embodies American diner vibes with its 24 hour service topped off with a jukebox playing Elvis classics.
The diner concept originated from America in the 1900s and generally offers visitors American cuisine, from overflowing milkshakes to hotdogs and disco fries.
Franky’s is the perfect place to stop by after an evening of hitting the town or even after a stroll on the promenade.
Contact: 021 433 0445
Address: 303 Main Road (2.03 mi) Sea Point, Western Cape, South Africa 8005
Website: www.frankysdiner.co.za
3. Chinese – South China Dim Sum Bar
Get your crouching dim sum hidden wonton on at South China Dim Sum Bar, one of Cape Town’s most-loved asian establishments.
Make sure you book before you show up, as the bustling Long Street location is as popular as they come and for good reason.
With a reputation for serving up some of the best noodle soup in town as well as the best wine and Chinese beer, you can’t indulge in the flavours of China without visiting this atmospheric hotspot.
Contact: 078 846 3656
Address: 289 Long Street Cape Town, Western Cape 8001
4. Ethiopian – Timbuktu Café
With bright red walls and the unique vibe of Observatory all around it, Timbuktu Café is an unforgettable spot to savour Ethiopian flavours.
Serving dishes best eaten with large groups, this traditional Ethiopian restaurant will leave you wanting more.
Dishes include large pancakes served with a selection of sides that perfectly pair, and visitors are encouraged to eat with their hands.
As Ethiopia is the home of coffee, caffeine-lovers are in for a treat, served with the traditional pairing of popcorn.
Contact: 021 447 4293
Address: 16 Norfolk, Lower Main, 7925 Observatory, Western Cape, South Africa
5. French – Café Paris
This quant yet regal authentic French-style café lounge will leave you saying ‘Bon Appétit!’.
Serving all the traditional favourites including pastries, crepes, baguettes and champagne, this café leaves its guests unable to resist the Parisian flare.
With music to fit the theme, visitors feel as if they’ve been whisked away to the streets of France and the food transports tastebuds along too.
Famed for their classic French breakfasts, it’s the perfect spot to stop after a morning workout or beach stroll.
Address: 53 Main Road, Green Point Cape Town, Western Cape, 8005
6. Italian – Magica Roma
If you’re a Fettucine fanatic or passionate about pizza, you simply can’t go without visiting Magica Roma.
Every item on their menu is prepared with Italian flare and you’ll be sure to slurp up every last scrap in satisfaction.
The ambience is unmistakably warm and friendly, with each visitor being welcome by attentive partners Ezio and Franco who have a genuine passion for food and their patrons.
This is a great location for an evening date or a family dinner.
Contact: 021 531 1489
Address: Central Building, 9 Central Square, Pinelands, Cape Town, 7405
7. Japanese – Downtown Ramen
Arguably the most classic of all Japanese dishes is the ramen bowl and you simply haven’t lived until you’ve tasted Downtown Ramen’s.
This hip Zonnebloem hang is the place to be for Japanese Cuisine. You can enjoy a variety of classic ramen bowls ranging from vegetarian to more meaty options and even dumplings and bao.
If you’re fond of a stiff drink or two, Downtown also serves delightful plum sake, Japanese gin and wine. The atmosphere is quintessentially Japanese, with walls plastered in traditional writing and famous anime scenes.
They’ve recently started serving breakfast too and their Japanese fluffy matcha pancakes are a hit so give them a try if you get the chance.
Contact: 071 188 9301
Address: 7925, 103 Harrington St, Zonnebloem, Cape Town, 7925
8. Korean – Chopsticks & Table
The perfect spot for wintery months but suitable for summertime too, Chopsticks & Table offers traditional Korean BBQ that you’ll never forget.
With a bright and airy atmosphere, visitors can enjoy warming fires made in the middle of the table and cook their own choices of meat to perfection.
This option is best for groups and makes for the perfect night out with friends. From slivers of meat to mushrooms and corn, you can enjoy every delicacy to your preferred level of flamed cooked goodness.
Other options include sushi and vegetables to roast over the flame.
Contact: 076 805 7035
Address: 50 New Church Street, Gardens, 8001
9. Lebanese – Rafael
Indulge in unique cuisine from Lebanon in the busy streets of Sea Point.
Rafael Cape Town is somewhat of a new kid on the block and since opening has introduced a number of locals and visitors to the delights of Lebanese cuisine.
Their store is welcoming and invites the sunny atmosphere of Sea Point in as well as those walking by.
From falafels to dolmades, you’re sure to find a treat on the menu that opens your eyes to a whole new world of cuisine.
Contact: 021 439 6783
Address: Equinox Building, Cnr Ellis & Main Road, (2.06 mi) Sea Point, Western Cape, South Africa 8005
10. Mexican – El Burro
From tequila to tacos, prepare your palate for an explosion of flavour and colourful decor to match when visiting El Burro.
With waitresses adorably dressed in bright colours and outfits that suit the theme to a T, you’re in for a Mexican fiesta when visiting this hot hangout.
Enjoy a selection of traditional finger foods as well as spicy mains and opt for sweet and satisfying churros after your meal for a memorable occasion.
Contact: 021 433 2364
Address: 81 Main Road, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001
Website: www.elburro.co.za
11. Turkish – Anatoli
Add a touch of romance and a splash of Turkish flare to your next evening out at Anatoli.
This authentic Turkish dining experience offers its visitors an amorous vibe while serving up a variety of downright delicious dishes.
From mezzo dishes to freshly cooked kebabs and even belly dancing to add to your evening, get the full Turkish experience right here in Cape Town.
Contact: 021 419 2501
Address: 24 Napier St (0.82 mi) Green Point, Western Cape, South Africa
Website: www.anatoli.co.za
12. Vietnamese – Saigon
With magnificent views of Table Mountain, elegant decor and low-lit lighting Saigon offers the ideal ambience for indulging in Vietnamese cuisine.
The menu is mainly Vietnamese but does have some Japanese influences. Starters to try includes the Grilled Chicken Skewer and do-it-yourself Lettuce Wraps accompanied with prawns, fresh herbs, noodles and sweet chilli sauce. Popular Main Courses are the Chicken Cashew Nuts, their Spicy Beef Basil with chilli sauce and the Saigon Ginger Fish covered in a batter.
You can’t visit Saigon without trying their exotic Deep-Fried Ice Cream. The ice cream is deep-fried with a batter casting and then served with their honey syrup.
Contact: 021 424 7669
Address: Kloof St (1.06 mi) Cape Town, Western Cape 8001
Pictures: Facebook