The Best Restaurants on Bree Street

The urban buzz and a slew of beautifully restored heritage buildings are just a part of Bree Street’s legendary appeal. Over the past decade or two, it has become a foodie destination of note, with pavement cafés and cocktail bars spilling onto the street and creating a delicious buzz.

Top-drawer dining aside, Bree Street still hums with the contrasts of innercity life, with award-winning restaurants rubbing shoulders with panel-beater workshops, design stores, galleries and boutiques.

Here’s our pick of the best places to wine and dine on Bree, with a few places on its surrounding side streets.

Ouzeri

Photos: Sam Linsell

Just around the corner from Bree Street (on Wale), this convivial eatery sweeps you off to the bays and backwaters of the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas as owner-chef Nic Charalambous pays homage to his Cypriot roots. An à la carte standout, Ouzeri recently earned recognition on the World’s 50 Best Discovery List for its multi-layered and impressively detailed dishes. Inspired by regular travels to the region, Nic works with head chef Aidan Zieff on short seasonally-led menus of plates designed to share. The menu changes often, but don’t miss the eliopita (his gran’s olive bread) and, depending on the season, explore the delights of pork belly kalamaki with fermented chili honey and smoked orange butter; charcoal roast sweet potato with smoked cheese; and grilled loukaniko (Spartan-style pork and lamb sausage with roast pepper). The drinks list includes wine from the barrel, and an eclectic music selection creates a lively ambience.
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, 12pm – 2.30pm (in winter, Saturday only)
Tuesday – Saturday, 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact 061 533 9071, seeyou@ouzeri.co.za
Where to find it 58 Wale Street, Cape Town
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Chefs Warehouse & Canteen

Liam Tomlin has gone back to the original Chefs Warehouse and Canteen concept on the ground floor of this heritage building, with the global tapas dishes and edgy urban vibe that first converted Cape Town to the sharing plate concept. With chef Adrian Hadlow at the day-to-day helm, re-discover the Chefs Warehouse classics: risotto, fried squid, BBQ pork belly… and a selection of mouthwatering desserts. Upstairs Merchant Bar & Grill (the brainchild of chef David Schneider) champions local producers in fresh new ways, with a glass-walled pantry displaying David’s charcuterie, pickles and ferments, and an à la carte menu that ranges from superb beetroot tarte tatin and Scotch eggs to meticulously sourced lamb cuts and steaks (and make sure to try a charcuterie board). There’s an easy breezy bar menu too, perfect for a quick bite. Upstairs again is a spacious rooftop events venue called Room 91.
Good to know Sundowners and Snacks at Chefs Warehouse & Canteen runs every day 4pm – 6pm, with a choice of drink and snack for R160, no booking required.
Opening times CW & Canteen: Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 9.30pm
Merchant: Monday – Saturday, 5pm (bar), 6pm (kitchen) – 9.30pm
Contact 021 773 0440, 91breestreet@chefswarehouse.co.za
Where to find it 91 Bree Street, Cape Town
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Grub & Vine

The casual name suggests a lack of pretension (true) but belies the delight of a meal at this Bree Street bistro – be it a leisurely lunch or atmospheric dinner. British-born chef Matt Manning does “no-nonsense, good tasty food and honest cooking”, which hardly conveys the nuance of his refined five-course tasting menu or shorter menu du jour. Beautifully prepared and plated dishes are served in the elegant dining room (with the bustling kitchen in view) or the Green Room, with garden-inspired decor and a tiny courtyard with two alfresco tables. Think seasonally changing classics such as prawn risotto, confit pork belly with leek fondant, and venison with potato and gooseberry sauce. All paired with a well-chosen list of local and international wines that recently topped the Star Wine List awards.
Good to know Under the same roof (and management) Culture Wine Bar offers a tasty bar menu, and The Blue Room a pre-show menu and bar snacks (there’s R200 cover charge here for the live music).
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact 087 153 5244, hello@grubandvine.co.za
Where to find it 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
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Tannin

Three floors of wine… 430 South African labels and counting! (They have another 300 in storage that there just isn’t room for yet.)  With an oft-changing selection of 40 far-from-ordinary wines by the glass and a menu of deliciously punchy small plates and creative platters from chef Blaine Coetzer to go with them, Tannin is a fabulous new addition to the Bree Street scene. After owning a country inn in the UK’s Cotswolds for 10 years, this is a dream that Dominic and Lisa Wood have long been wanting to make a reality. Moving to Cape Town, the couple have gone all out creating a beautiful space in a restored heritage building, filled with art, plants and gorgeous decor. An already vibrant wine bar on the ground floor, a more contemplative dining room upstairs and a third floor for events; there’s gorgeous art from top to toe and a down-to-earth wine-driven energy.
Good to know Changing exhibitions in the back room of the wine bar mean you should add this to your First Thursday art-viewing route.
Opening times Wine Bar: Tuesday – Thursday, 11.30am – 11pm
Friday + Saturday, 11.30am – 12am
Restaurant: Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact 010 825 6086
Where to find it 86 Bree Street, Cape Town
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Nikkei

Japanese-Peruvian cuisine is having more than a moment in Cape Town… Nikkei is the name of this fascinating fusion, and also of a sophisticated restaurant on Bree Street. Occupying the high-ceilinged first-floor space that was once a cabaret theatre, Nikkei carries a flair for the dramatic from the decor to the food. Think ceviche, dishes from the Josper oven, an authentic grilling experience on the tableside robatayaki, and new-style sushi like you’ve never seen before. Chef Justin Barker worked with chef Rikku Ó’Donnchü to create this fresh and interesting culinary journey, presented in multi-course chef’s menus (wine-paired if you like), bento boxes or à la carte sharing style, and plated with finesse (and the occasional bonsai tree).
Good to know Be sure to order a few pisco cocktails, and swing by for the vibey Sushi & Sake Sundays, with a DJ on the decks.
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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Clarke’s Dining Room

The familiar white canopy and copper sign on Bree Street is still luring hungry hipsters for all-day breakfasts, brunch cocktails and lazy lunches. Clarke’s was ahead of the curve when it opened over a decade ago, with its Scandi decor, carefully sourced ingredients and artisanal kitchen – most of what’s on the menu is made in-house. It’s still of-the-moment: vegan-friendly, balancing healthy choices with sinful temptations. The kitchen shows off a dozen interesting takes on eggs for all-day breakfast, such as fire eggs (baked in a tomato-chickpea stew), and segues easily into lunch with sandwiches on Woodstock Bakery’s sourdough, soups, salads and burgers on home-baked burger buns. A smaller dinner menu features salads, burgers, West Coast oysters, bar snacks and a dinner omelette.
Good to know This is a cashless establishment.
Opening times Monday, 7am – 4pm
Tuesday – Friday, 7am – 11pm
Saturday, 8am – 11pm; Sunday, 8am – 3pm
Contact 021 003 8113, info@clarkescapetown.co.za
Where to find it 133 Bree Street, Cape Town
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Scala

In the atmospheric below-street-level space formerly occupied by ASH, chef Luciano Monosilio has undoubtedly stirred up the Italian scene in Cape Town, and taken it up a few notches. He arrived from Rome with the ultimate culinary calling card: one of the youngest Italian chefs to gain a Michelin star (at age 27), and as consultant chef imparts his skills and secret recipes to a resident team headed up by executive chef Justin Barker. The pastas are served as sharing plates, made in-house from three different types of dough (semolina, egg and white 00 flour), and topped with a variety of delectable seafood, chicken, meat and cheese sauces. It’s a beautiful marriage of traditional and cutting-edge cool. Luciano also brings the aperitivo culture to our shores, with cocktails, spritzes and cicchetti (snacks) served daily from 4pm until dinner. Little wonder Scala was recently awarded Two Forks by Gambero Rosso International.
Good to know Gluten-free pasta is available. During aperitivo hour (daily, 4pm – 5.30pm), treat yourself to one of four signature negroni cocktails, or buy any two cicchetti and receive a complimentary glass of Martini Prosecco, Fiero Spritz or Negroni Sbagliato.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10.30pm
Contact 021 424 7204, capetown@scalapasta.co.za
Where to find 81 Church Street, Heritage Square, Cape Town
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Tomson

Discover South Cantonese street food with a kick at unassumingly cool Tomson, from the Max Bagels and Leo’s team. At the helm is third-generation Chinese-South African Andrew Kai, whose inspiration comes from the South Cantonese flavours of his childhood. Think wontons with pork and shrimp or shiitake and tofu all doused in a vibrant chilli sauce, or sliced Sichuan pork with a kick of kimchi. You’ll also find fiery and flavoursome chilli beef with broccoli in the most moreish sauce, roast Cantonese duck, and softly steamed white fish. The small white eatery offers a full view of (and glorious aromas from) the bustling kitchen if you’re lucky enough to nab a spot at the counter. Alternatively, and a winner in warmer weather, sit on the pavement benches – perfect for sharing some plates with friends.
Good to know Booking for dinner is recommended. Else you can perch at neighbouring Leo’s for a glass of vino while you wait for a spot to open up. No reservations for lunch.
Opening times Monday, 6pm – 10pm
Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 10pm
Contact @tomson_cpt
Where to find it 120 Bree Street, Cape Town
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Hacienda Coastal Mexican

This eatery has turned up the heat on the Bree Street strip with its gaucho-chic interiors (leather booths, mosaic floors, ceramic drinkware) and spice-flecked food and drinks. Inspired by the cuisine of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, the menu is made for sharing. There’s charcoal-grilled wagyu, chorizo prawns and seabass ceviche made with tiger’s milk; totopos (tortilla-like chips) served with three addictive salsas, five taco options and the must-try mole Hacienda. Just add flowing tequila, fabulous margaritas and a playlist of cool Latin tracks for a memorable night out.
Good to know There’s a half-price margarita happy hour every day 4pm – 5.30pm
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10.30pm
Contact 021 422 0128, capetown@hacienda.co.za
Where to find it 92 Bree Street, Cape Town
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Sloppy Sam

When Hooman Saffarian took over Sloppy Sam from its Greek owners back in 1985, he was an enthusiastic and creative 25-year-old looking for a place to make wood-fired pizza. Inheriting the existing customer base, he ditched the pizza idea and added Persian dishes from his childhood in Iran to the existing Greek focus, evolving a warm-hearted style that locals have loved ever since. Sloppy Sam’s current home is in the heart of Heritage Square, with stone walls hung with Persian carpets, mis-matched tables and a welcoming buzz. The menu of small plates encompasses Greek, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours. We loved the legendary loaded hummus with beautifully blistered flatbread, luscious fried halloumi, crispy grilled baby squid, and lamb moussaka, but there’s loads more to tempt, including oven-roasted lamb riblets with garlicky tzatziki, beef kebabs and a fall-apart lamb shank with lemon and oregano. Fill the table with a whole selection and dig in to a generous finger-licking feast.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 5.30pm – 10pm
Contact 082 377 3707, info@sloppysam.co.za
Where to find it Heritage Square, 100 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
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Silk Asian Restaurant

The old stone walls and sash windows of Heritage Square (below where Africa Café used to be) make a fitting backdrop to an Asian-fusion theme that celebrates the age-old Silk Route and east meets west. As sister restaurant to nearby Bouchon Bistro, Silk’s approach is tapas-style, a plethora of small plates ranging from potstickers to succulent robatayaki fire-grill meats. Fresh punchy flavours make each dish a delight: crispy lamb wontons with miso broth, har gau shrimp dumplings, chasu pork belly bao, and spicy tuna rice squares are just a few favourites. Silk’s laid-back atmosphere and elegant decor, paired with colourful cocktails or wines by the glass, make it a popular spot for any occasion.
Good to know There’s an ongoing special of any three tapas dishes for R285.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 4pm – 11pm
Contact 071 910 8122
Where to find it 108 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
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Iron Steak and Bar

Offering a superb selection of succulent steaks (grass-fed, dry-aged and organic), cooked on a Spanish Vulcano Grez oven and grill for the perfect juice-locked-in char, along with a fine array of tasty tipples, Iron Steak and Bar certainly lives up to its name. But there’s more to this bustling and elegantly moody venue; in addition to professional service and a lively atmosphere, plus a plethora of specials (including a succulent wagyu burger) on the board, diners are treated to complimentary wagyu beef dripping-fried popcorn when they arrive, and Unframed salted-caramel ice cream with dark-chocolate shavings before they leave.
Good to know There are pavement tables spilling onto Bree Street for urban al fresco vibes. Every Wednesday, order a wagyu burger and fries for just R99.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10.30pm
Contact 021 422 1175, capetown@ironsteak.co.za
Where to find it 114 Bree Street, Cape Town
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Edge X Vue

Photo: Alessandro Galassi, Cipher Media

Chef Vusi Ndlovu puts inventive and deeply thoughtful energy into his exploration of African ingredients at Edge, which has live fire-cooking and storytelling at its heart. After a series of pop-ups, he and partner Absie Pantshwa have found a permanent home in a rooftop setting on Shortmarket Street. Perched up two flights of stairs in a quirky old building on Heritage Square, Edge x Vue has a wall of sliding windows that open onto views over treetops to Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, the ideal setting for a feast of African fire-cooking. Vusi highlights the beauty and depth of the continent’s gastronomic heritage in sizzling menus of under-explored ingredients, progressive techniques and an experimental celebration of African traditions. From sorghum, egusi (melon seeds) and peanutty suya spice to ujeqe (steamed bread), heerenbone (heirloom beans) and mussels cooked in Black Label beer, there is a snapshot of Africa on every plate.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 1pm – 10pm (summer season)
Contact 021 569 7090, info@vue-shortmarket.co.za, info@edgerestaurant.africa
Where to find it 108 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
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Yatai Ramenbar

What happens when street food gets the gourmet treatment is the question Yatai asks. Downstairs from the pulsing Peruvian-Japanese vibe of Nikkei, this is another collaboration with chef Rikku Ó’Donnchü, where he’s reimagining the traditional Japanese bowl of ramen into a slightly more sophisticated dining experience. Besides ramen, expect yakitori, dumplings, robatayaki and small plates with a touch of Japanese flair.
Good to know Nomikai is a late-night happy hour (Thursday – Saturday after 10pm) with a DJ and half price on selected Japanese cocktails, sake carafes, and beer and wines by the glass.
Every Monday, Ramen Rush sees all ramen (excluding wagyu) available for R99 (dine-in only).
Opening times Sunday – Wednesday, 12pm – 10.30pm
Thursday – Saturday, 12pm – 12am
Contact 021 109 8094, capetown@yatai.co.za
Where to find it 87 Bree Street, Cape Town
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Villa 47

A stalwart on the Italian dining scene in Cape Town for close on a decade, Villa 47 is chic but relaxed, a cosmopolitan ambience for a quick breakfast caffé e cornetto, a leisurely eggs bennie brunch, segueing into hearty lunches with friends. As the sun dips, head to the courtyard bar for an aperitivo before dinner, a vibe that often gets lively when music events are on the agenda. The lunch and dinner menu is wide-ranging: antipasto platters (showcasing the best imported Italian hams, salamis and cheeses), antipasti of carpaccio di polpo (octopus), melanzane alla parmigiana, the popular VIlla 47 salad, and classic pastas such as the spaghetti della nonna or the tortellini with ragu. Then there are vitello saltimbocca, fritto misto, or sirloin steak with truffle sauce and, of course, a tiramisu or a chocolate fondant for dessert, then perhaps back to the courtyard for a digestivo.
Good to know Breakfast is served until 11.30am (1pm on Saturday)
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am –10pm
Saturday, 8.30am – 10pm
Contact 021 418 2740, reservations@villa47.co.za
Where to find it 47 Bree Street, Cape Town
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Nish Nush

The original hummus spot on Bree has captured our hearts with its crispy falafels and succulent shwarmas. Inside, stone walls and stone-flagged steps, low wooden beams, café stools to perch on at the sunshine-yellow-tiled counter and at tables lining the wall opposite, and outside, café tables along the pavement and a secret pocket-sized courtyard at the back, make a cheerfully relaxed vibe, in keeping with the authentic Middle Eastern street food dynamic. Tuck into arayes, falafel burgers and dreamy creamy hummus bowls topped with falafel, spiced mushrooms, or succulent beef shwarmas in fresh, pillowy pitas. Pair your meal with local wines, beer on tap and their signature Arak limonito cocktail, a Middle Eastern take on the mojito.
Good to know Happy hour is 4pm – 7pm. Takeaways are available, and you can buy frozen falafels and falafel burgers to take home.
Opening times Monday, 9am – 9pm
Tuesday –  Saturday 9pm – 10pm
Contact 063 483 4284, nishnushcpt@gmail.com
Where to find it 100 Bree Street, Cape Town
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Pizza Shed

When it comes to toppings, Neapolitan purists generally keep theirs to a bare minimum; not Pizza Shed. Owners James Williams and Tando Bavuma have taken a more laissez-faire approach with the Canotto style of pizza (featuring an even puffier crust): keeping it “authentic” and also “offering all the toppings”. Great news for flavour fiends, as you get the option of adding top-notch ingredients onto your pizza – from Grana Padano to fior di latte cheeses, San Marzano tomatoes and classic pepperoni and Nduja (spicy pork sausage). The pizzas are utterly delicious – with just the right amount of chew, crunch and leopard print! The pizza dough itself is 48-hours proved (it makes a big difference to the end result), cooked in a wood-fired oven, and then flung into grateful hands. The Bree Street branch is tiny, just a few tables indoors, but plenty of pavement space for alfresco pizza parties.
Good to know The restaurant doesn’t take bookings, so simply walk in when you’re hungry. Check out Aperitif, their sparkling bar two doors down.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 9.30pm
Contact 071 342 5681
Where to find it 231 Bree Street, Cape Town

Between us

The inspired creation of Jamie and Jesse Friedberg, twin sisters and self-taught chefs, Between Us is a quiet and stylish sanctuary at the top of busy Bree Street. Aesthetically immaculate, full of art on the walls, beautiful flower arrangements and an air of informal rustic-chic, it’s a peaceful ambience for a working breakfast, lunch with friends or relaxed dinners. The food is thoughtful but unfussy with a focus on sustainability and seasonality: homemade chicken pies and quiches, tuna nicoise, ricotta gnudi, Chalmar beef fillet with potato wedges, salads and fresh pastas. And for breakfast, eggs every which way and luscious porridge bowls (rhubarb compote and cardamom granola is one option). Chic, sociable and great coffee too.
Good to know There are several two-seater outdoor tables on the narrow verandah above the street with Table Mountain views.
Opening times Monday, 8am – 4pm
Tuesday – Saturday, 8am – 11pm
Contact 079 729 5316, info@betweenus.capetown
Where to find it 176 Bree Street, Cape Town
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The Wes Bistro & Bar

A few steps off Bree Street down Shortmarket Street, a cheerful yellow door takes you into the whimsical world of a Wes Anderson movie… The Grand Budapest Hotel takes up a whole wall and there’s a visual treat and touch of magic in every corner. Owner Megan Kritzinger (who founded Stellski Coffee Bar) was also inspired by her love for the classic old-school French bistro. She brought in food legend Pete Goffe-Wood to devise a menu based on those classics, and head chef Samantha Temmers builds on that foundation: think moules marinière with frites, French onion soup, entercôte with Cafe de Paris butter, and pan-seared duck. And stunning desserts, such as a beautifully light Paris-Brest filled with elderflower crème pâtissière and dark chocolate profiteroles. It’s playful yet down-to-earth, and perfect for anything from a casual lunch to a cocktail and/or date night dinner.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm –10.30pm
Sunday + Monday, 12pm – 2pm
Contact 082 770 3573, info@thewes.co.za
Where to find it 55 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
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