The 15 Most Beautiful Restaurants in Cape Town

When you’re looking for a memorable dining experience, the food is only part of the story. The space, the design, the details, the view and the people, all play a part in the layers of sensory impressions that live on afterwards in your memory. We’re loving the visual narrative unfolding in Cape Town’s restaurants right now: interiors worthy of an international stage that are every bit as compelling as the food; rooms that transport, inspire and linger even beyond the umami recollections of your favourite dish.

We’re celebrating restaurants with a strong visual identity and a distinct sense of atmosphere: from moody, cocooning dining rooms and architecturally significant spaces to beautifully layered, design-led interiors that feel truly immersive, their endless details unfolding as you dine. A feast for the eyes, soul and palate that keeps you coming back for more.

Amura

The space There’s a Belle Epoque grandeur to the vaulted ceilings, fluted pillars and cinematic style of the Mount Nelson’s newest restaurant. Above the cascading chandeliers, waving kelp fronds are outlined on the curves of the ceiling so that you feel like you’re looking up from the seabed, the moody underwater mystery of the Cape’s kelp forest mirroring Michelin-star chef Ángel León’s immersive marine-dining philosophy. Award-winning local interior architect Tristan du Plessis has also channelled an old-world ocean-liner romance with deep greens, warm timbers, rich leathers and bronze accents in the evocative decor, the space anchored by a dramatic double-height wine library, and an open-plan kitchen where the magic happens in full view. With a slew of international awards both for its food and design (including the prestigious Prix Versailles), Amura is making serious waves.
The food Drawing from the ocean’s mysterious beauty and rich biodiversity, Amura’s menu celebrates the diversity of the marine larder, elevated through fire-cooking, fermentation and spice. It’s rooted in the Spanish culinary tradition of Ángel’s heritage but brought vividly to life with South African ingredients and flair.
Opening times Friday – Sunday, 12.30pm – 3pm
Monday – Sunday, 6.30pm – 11pm
Note: Closed for winter until 1 August 2026.
Contact 021 483 1000, restaurantreservations.mnh@belmond.com
Where to find it Mount Nelson, 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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ROOI

The space Fire is the theme at One&Only Cape Town’s ROOI (Afrikaans for red), and it comes through as much in the warmth of the space as it does in the menu. Exquisite decor by Muza Lab reflects the community, fire and conversation of our traditional braai, with a sophisticated sizzle of rich colours and local design that you want to sink right into. Look out for the gorgeous swirls of local flora and fauna on the bespoke carpet, a whimsical mural of an African landscape and animals by local artist Elise Wessels, and a stunning tapestry of forged bronze tiling over the fire in the open kitchen crafted by Bronze Age. There are wooden horned chairs representing Ankole cattle, live Natal mahogany trees, carved and burnt wood engravings inspired by Khoi San paintings, pincushion proteas and many more design details to pore over, all creating a luxurious ambience with a feel of home.
The food A fire-themed grillroom menu is based around sustainably and ethically sourced South African ingredients with flavours and spices telling the stories of South Africa’s melting pot of cuisines and cultures.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 6.30pm – 11pm (last seating at 9pm)
Contact 021 431 5888, guestexperience@oneandonlycapetown.com
Where to find it One&Only Cape Town, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Omri

The space The hand-painted “wallpaper”, sculptural mirrors and undulating ceiling hangings at Omri conjure an intimate underwater ocean-forest feel, and reflect shimmering sunlight on ocean waves, the natural counterpart to its classic Camps Bay views of swaying palms, rippling waves and glorious sunsets. A glamorous new dining spot on the Camps Bay strip, Omri stretches over a whole block of prime beachfront as the signature restaurant of the new Morea Hotel, Autograph Collection. Interiors whizz Tristan du Plessis (who masterminded the interiors of the whole 90-room hotel) has worked his magic here, creating a mood-elevating space where the curvy booth banquettes and polished marble tables are arranged for the best beach views (there isn’t a viewless table in the house). The space is sparklingly contemporary with echoes of bygone eras in sensory curves and textures that pick up on the rich tapestry of the Levantine-inspired à la carte menu.
The food Lebanese chef, Joe Stello, explores Cape ingredients in a delicious array of Eastern Mediterranean mezze, flatbreads, charcoal grills, seafood and skewers, all served with panache.
Opening times Daily, 12.30pm – 10pm
Contact 021 892 2980, info@omri.co.za
Where to find it 35 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
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Cafe Sofi

The space Dressed in soft stripes, sunflower yellows and deep manganese blues, Cafe Sofi is a bright and light tribute to Sofia Electra, the indomitable mother of Natasha and Savva Sideris (of Tashas fame). The pair collaborated with Master Interior Architecture to create something deeply personal in this Victorian building on Park Road (just off Kloof Street). The interiors reflect Sofia’s unique blend of elegance and eccentricity, her Greek roots and sense of adventure: the Victorian proportions and detailing are painted a clean white as a blank canvas for bright splashes of colour, quirky personal pieces and modernist furniture evoking the 1960s and 1970s when Sofia was in her prime. She loved cats, polka dots, leopard print, orchids, PacMan, the Pink Panther and you’ll notice layers of playful references to these woven into artworks, fabrics and decorative accents. A quirky intimate space that is full of light (with outdoor seating too), Cafe Sofi flows with contradiction, character and Sofia’s irreverent spirit.
The food The menu is sprinkled with Sofia’s favourite dishes, taking you from lavish breakfasts through salads and sandwiches to café lunches, snacks to accompany aperitivi and generous dinner dishes… uncomplicated, nostalgic, balancing simplicity and soul.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am  – 11pm
Saturday, 8am – 11pm
Sunday, 8am – 9pm
Contact longkloof@cafesofi.com
Where to find it 2 Park Road, Longkloof Precinct, Gardens, Cape Town
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The Red Room

The space James Bond himself would melt right into this magical underground world of Singapore Sours, silk lanterns and dumplings. From the moment you descend the moody red-panelled staircase within Mount Nelson, you’ll be enchanted by the lush low-lit speakeasy atmosphere of black tables against red-velvet booths that fuses Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo with a touch of London and New York. Liam Tomlin and David Schneider (of the Chefs Warehouse group) worked with designer Karen Wilhelm to create the timelessly chic aesthetic, using bamboo fixtures, carved wood and mirror screens, curated furniture and art pieces. It’s East meets South Africa, a cocoon of an underground space that looks inward to the open kitchen, with intricate details, layers of history, and a dragon-scale bar made of metal sheeting.
The food Inspired by Hong Kong’s melting pot of Asian cultures, the spotlight is on Pan-Asian cuisine where each region gets a moment to shine: from China and Japan to Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Go for the Chef’s Choice four-course menu, eat à la carte, or snack on dim sum with cocktails in the dim sum lounge bar.
Opening times Monday –  Saturday, 6pm –  9.30pm
Bar: Monday –  Saturday, 5pm –  late
Contact 021 483 1516, reservations@cwredroom.co.za
Where to find it The Mount Nelson, 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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Le Bistrot De Jan

The space Midnight-blue walls, cascading chandeliers, long mirrors and velvet banquettes, Bistrot De Jan feels like a magical portal whisking you off to the South of France. Jan-Hendrik van der Westhuizen stages an experience that appeals to all the senses and, working closely with Source Interior Brand Architecture, he’s captured a moment out of time that is pure theatre. With strains of Charles Aznavour chansons, light glittering in the chandeliers and losing itself in the swathes of deep blue velvet, and flickers of fire from the open kitchen, there’s an effortless grandeur, a sense of abundance and heaps of nostalgia. It’s a place to relax deeply and simply enjoy the generous no-fuss bistro-inspired dishes, served on classic French bistro plates with vintage cutlery sourced from French brocante markets. Take the opportunity to peek into the captivating fromagerie (cheese room) that is part of Jan’s signature style (even if you decide to go rather for dessert): with tall library shelves stuffed with cookbooks, a cornucopia still life of cheeses, fruits and preserves piled high on the table, it’s another moment of pure visual satisfaction.
The food The timeless flavours of French bistro cuisine mingle with the soul of Cape Town, as executive chef Giles Edwards brings to life the nostalgic flavours of simple, honest dishes, such as Jan’s signature chicken pie with truffle sauce, beef tartare, sole meunière with capers, salad Niçoise, and steak Florentine with a wedge salad and fries.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 10pm
Contact 021 821 4180, LBDJ@ictablebay.com
Where to find it InterContinental Table Bay, 6 West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Fyn

The space A soaring ceiling sculpture composed of myriad floating poplar-wood discs steals the eye the minute you enter FYN. Inspired by a soroban (Japanese abacus), the installation is an intrinsic part of the restaurant’s visual identity, lifting and holding the moody fifth-floor innercity space, and competing even with the mountain views for your focus. In a top-to-toe refurbishment last year to mark the seventh anniversary of Peter Tempelhoff’s award-winning restaurant, interior architect Tristan du Plessis evolved the space and re-thought the flow of the open kitchen. An intriguing black-panelled arrival hall (designed by Guideline’s Christoff Karl) is new, as are the dark wooden floors, a colour palette of olive, chestnut and brass, and opulent leather-cushioned chairs. And an audio-visual light installation (a collaboration with DJ Dino Moran and lighting designer Thom Dreyer) that subtly changes the mood as the evening progresses. Look up beyond the soroban to see if you can spot the single outsize blue Lego brick that Peter put on the ceiling as a reminder of the creativity and many interlocking pieces that make up a successful restaurant.
The food FYN is rooted in the wildness of South African ingredients, while drawing on the flavours, aesthetics and techniques of Japanese gastronomy. Peter Tempelhoff, culinary director Ashley Moss, sommelier and service director Jennifer Hugé and the team put endless thought and care into a multi-course menu that crosses boundaries and charts new territories of taste.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 2pm; 6pm – 8.30pm (last seating)
Contact 021 286 2733, info@fynrestaurant.com
Where to find it Church Square, 37 Parliament Street, Cape Town
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The Conservatory Restaurant at The Cellars-Hohenort

The space The magnificent camphor trees and gardens of The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel are reflected in beautifully whimsical botanical decor in The Conservatory Restaurant, where leafy outside vistas connect with equally leafy interiors to immerse you in a woodland ambience of serene dappled light. Created by HotCocoa Interiors & Design, the space is richly layered, from delicate branches and skies painted across the ceilings in murals by Tiziana Giardini, to deep greens, wild and botanical prints in the upholstery, sprigged brass light fixtures and a riot of indoor plants. With floor-to-ceiling views of the trees outside, you feel airily suspended in the caress of the forest, a natural oasis of calm.
The food The beautifully presented à la carte menu is designed to be flexible, so you can relax over three indulgent courses, or pop in for a Chalmar beef burger or steak. There’s also a light lunch menu that fills the morning and afternoon gaps with easy bites to go with a cocktail on the terrace or at the bar, as well as a dedicated vegan menu.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7am – 9.30pm
Light Lunch Menu: 11am – 5pm
Contact 021 794 2137
Where to find it 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia, Cape Town
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Curate

The space A temple to terroir, Curate has settled seamlessly into the extraordinary wine gallery at Ellerman House. A dramatic spiral of a wine library takes centrestage, housing a world-class collection of wine and connecting with a subterranean cellar that forms part of the immersive dining journey. Designed in a collaboration with sculptor Angus Taylor, the earth tones and gorgeous elements throughout the intimate space pay tribute to South Africa’s wine landscape: from the bronze vine sculpture in the entrance lounge, to the subtle but stunning “wall of terroir”, which takes a cross-section of soil strata from each of 100 notable wine estates and creates a vivid visual and sensory map of the various wine regions. It’s guaranteed to pique the curiosity, and immediately had us searching for all our favourites. An understated but thoroughly luxurious and tranquil space that connects you with the landscape through the language of food, art and wine.
The food Chef Kieran Whyte explores South African flavours with artistry and expertise in an exquisite multi-course tasting menu with bespoke wine pairings. It’s an immersive dining experience celebrating the land, heritage and seasons of South Africa.
Good to know No on-site parking is available
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 6pm – 7pm (seatings)
Contact 021 430 3200, curate@ellerman.co.za
Where to find it Ellerman House, 180 Kloof Road, Bantry Bay, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Tannin

The space An eye-beguiling three-storey wall of art connects the three floors of wine at Tannin, soaring towards the glass ceiling of the central light-drenched atrium. A beautifully-hung tapestry of works by South African artists (curated by W17 Gallery), it’s a focal point that feeds the rest of the spaces with visual energy (climb the stairs to view it from the top floor). Owners Dominic and Lisa Wood restored the whole Bree Street heritage building, stripping it back to its elegant bones and keeping or repurposing the original features (including the wooden beams now suspended in the atrium), and filling it with art, plants and gorgeous decor. The vibrant wine bar on the ground floor is home to a regularly changing art exhibition (part of the First Thursdays art-viewing route); the more contemplative dining rooms upstairs feature a permanent collection of artworks which weave into the down-to-earth wine-driven ambience.
The food With an oft-changing selection of 40 far-from-ordinary wines by the glass (plus over 430 South African labels on the wine list), and a menu of deliciously punchy small plates and creative platters from chef Blaine Coetzer to go with them, you can stop by for an impromptu snack with a glass of wine, or settle in for lunch or dinner.
Opening times Wine Bar: Monday – Thursday, 12pm – 11pm
Friday + Saturday, 12pm – 12am
Restaurant: Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact 010 825 6086
Where to find it 86 Bree Street, Cape Town
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The Granary Café at The Silo Hotel

The space It’s hard to tear your eyes away from the eagle-eye views of the V&A’s Silo District, seen though iconic multi-faceted pillowed glass windows (by London-based designer Thomas Heatherwick). But equally mesmerising at the Granary Café are the rich interiors designed by hotelier and interior designer of The Royal Portfolio, Liz Biden. She revels in bold colour and texture, hotting up the gritty industrial lines of the old silo space with an eclectic palette of bold velvet sofas, button-backed leather chairs, bright painterly prints, leopard and giraffe prints, and copper-topped tables. Sun-splashed and golden during the day, the mood gathers a romantic air of mystery after sunset, taking in the twinkling lights of the city below. It’s a quirkily luxurious escape above the Waterfront bustle with a scattering of artworks by African artists in a nod to the Zeitz MOCAA immediately below the hotel.
The food The elevated contemporary menu from chef Veronica Canha-Hibbert is heartily delicious and unfussy, with a simpler lunch menu and a dinner menu of creative classics. There’s also a lavish Royal Tea, served Thursday – Sunday.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 9.30pm
Contact 021 670 0500, dining@thesilohotel.com
Where to find it The Silo Hotel, Silo District, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Nikkei

The space Once a cabaret theatre, there is still a flair for the dramatic in the high-ceilinged space punctuated by tall arched windows that is now Nikkei. Climbing the wide staircase you emerge into a forest of deep green walls and plants that evokes the jungles of South America, with pops of burnt orange or mustard in the curvy seating for contrast. The interiors by SQ Design tie into both sides of the Japanese-Peruvian story of Nikkei’s eponymous cuisine: severe black and rippled glass frame the open kitchen reminiscent of a Japanese streetfood stall, and eye-catching chandeliers echo the Peruvian symbol for long life. Climb up to the mezzanine seating area to get a panoramic sense of the space, which channels a glamorous sense of occasion that has you dressing in your best.
The food. Chef Justin Barker worked with chef Rikku Ó’Donnchü to create a Japanese-Peruvian culinary journey, presented in multicourse chef’s menus (wine-paired if you like), or à la carte sharing style, and plated with finesse (and the occasional bonsai tree). Think ceviche, an authentic grilling experience on the tableside robatayaki, and new-style sushi.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10.30pm
Contact 021 109 0081, capetown@nikkei.co.za
Where to find it 87 Bree Street, Cape Town
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The Athletic Club & Social

The space Entering this grand old three-storey building on Buitengracht Street, curiosity leads you upstairs and downstairs, through a moody labyrinth of spaces each more sumptuous and “extra” than the last. A whimsical design fantasy of colonial-meets-modern and plush gentleman’s club (by interior designer Debra Parkington), it’s a struggle to decide on a favourite nook in which to settle. There are tasselled bucket chairs covered in velvet; herringbone wooden floors decked with layers upon layers of Persian carpets; leather booths with French rattan screens; marble tabletops with mint-coloured legs; one of the rooms is even hand-painted with men riding penny-farthings, by artist David Brits. The building’s history as a gathering place for sports stars back in the early 1900s is ever-present, with trophies on display in vintage cabinets, framed newspaper clippings of the stars that frequented the institution, and vintage sports equipment and memorabilia. This is a place with a story… get to know it and you’ll understand the name.
The food There’s the Trapezaria (a dining room serving fantastic Greek and fire-roasted fare), three glorious bars, a balcony with views of Signal Hill, and a speakeasy-like basement, The Trophy Room, where live jazz (Wednesday – Saturday from 8pm) creates sexy magic.
Opening times Monday – Tuesday, 4pm – 11pm
Wednesday, 4pm – 12am
Thursday – Saturday, 12pm – 2am
Contact 084 087 5566, info@theathletic.co.za
Where to find it 35 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

The Wes

The space The feelgood whimsy that the decor at The Wes evokes will make you want to watch the Wes Anderson movies that inspired it all over again! Founder Megan Kritzinger (working with Cape Town-based Bone Studio) drew inspiration for the colourful interior from her favourites: The Life Aquatic, Fantastic Mr Fox and The Grand Budapest Hotel, as well as from her lifelong love of the classic French bistro. A colourful mural of the Grand Budapest Hotel adorns one wall, a decorative stone fountain that evokes a sunny Provencal town takes up the centre of the room, crowned by a dramatic fabric canopy, flowing with dried flowers, and circled by a plush bench. Then there are soft pink walls and ceilings, contrasting with comfortable burnt-orange banquettes, and marble-topped café tables… it’s quirky, full of character and guaranteed to lift your mood.
The food Elevated contemporary French bistro flavours, with generous comfort-food flair and a touch of theatre in the tableside creation of classics such as the steak tartare (customised to your preferences) and chocolate mousse.
Opening times Sunday + Monday, 12pm – 5pm
Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 10.30pm
Contact 082 770 3573, info@thewes.co.za
Where to find it 55 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
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Kloof Street House

The space The fairy-lit courtyard garden oasis sets the mood at one of Kloof Street’s most romantic haunts, with its rattan chairs, lush greenery and classical statuary. Up the steps into the Victorian house and through glass-enclosed front verandahs, the Gatsby-esque theme continues through a series of opulently dressed rooms. Owner Paul Hetreed worked with interior designer Elrina Delport to gather vintage furniture and accessories that create a fantasy of old-world opulence. Think pressed ceilings, chandeliers, deep Chesterfield sofas, lamps trimmed with beads, framed prints, and a fabulous bar counter made from stacked vintage suitcases. With three fireplaces burning in winter and another outdoor courtyard at the back, it’s a cosy haunt with a glimmer of old-world glamour whatever the weather, allowing you to escape the everyday in convivial comfort.
The food The brasserie-style menu heroes local ingredients (ostrich, Karoo lamb, cheese, Cape Malay curry) and has all the classics. You can also stop by for small plates and cocktails, or brunch, and there’s live jazz on Sunday afternoons..
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 12am (kitchen closes at 11.30pm)
Monday, 11am – 12am
Contact 021 423 4413, info@kloofstreethouse.co.za
Where to find it 30 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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