The 20 Best Hidden Gems In + Around Cape Town

To stumble on a character-filled, quirky, owner-run establishment is something most locals delight in. These serendipitous encounters happen less often than you’d think, but often enough to make it worth following your nose along lesser-known backstreets, or allowing curiosity to pull you through an unassuming doorway.

Do you know of any hidden gems you think we should know about? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Hidden Gems in Cape Town
Hidden Gems in the South Peninsula
Hidden Gems in the Winelands + further afield

Hidden Gems in Cape Town

Persian Peacock

Climbing two flights of outdoor stairs to a Vredehoek rooftop terrace you’ll discover a cosy peacock-blue outpost of authentic Iranian cuisine decked in rich textiles and brass lamps, and a slice of mountain view. Ali and Fatima have blended ancient Persian and modern Iranian food traditions, creating an informal feast richly infused with saffron, sumac, and the aromas of the Middle East. Kick off with a mezze platter of fluffy pita and dips. Then choose from a selection of succulent kebabs grilled over charcoal, rustic pizzas, or the not to be missed tah-chin, a glorious dome of saffron rice baked with slow-cooked lamb (alternative fillings are chicken, fish, aubergine or potato and vegetable) and jewelled with ruby-red barberries and pomegranate sauce. Baklava, saffron ice cream and Iranian black tea complete the feast.
Good to know It’s fully halaal with a delicious array of traditional non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails. You are welcome to bring your own bottle should you wish.
Opening times Tuesday – Friday, 5pm – 10pm
Saturday, 1pm – 10pm
Contact 060 579 9486, info@persianpeacock.co.za
Where to find it 176 Upper Buitenkant Street, Vredehoek, Cape Town

Tapi Tapi

It means “sweet-sweet”, the Shona equivalent of “yum-yum” – a fitting name for this hole-in-the-wall ice-cream parlour in Observatory. Founder Tapiwa Guzha, a qualified microbiologist, is without a doubt the most experimental foodie in town. Inspired by the home-grown foods he grew up eating in his grandmother’s house in Zimbabwe, and an episode of MasterChef in which contestants made ice cream using liquid nitrogen, he became obsessed with making the frozen stuff using all manner of indigenous African ingredients. There’s no set menu – Tapiwa constantly experiments with new flavours, but to give you an idea, previous scoops have included amagwinya (deep-fried dough) with kei apple jam; caramelised plantain, ginger and fire-roasted peanuts; rooibos and imphepho (wild sage) smoke; matemba (salt-cured fish) with toffee; plus jujube dates, baobab, sorghum… Tapiwa’s mission goes beyond making ice cream – he wants to change people’s perceptions. Ice cream is just “a nice way to trick people into trying new things”.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 7pm
Contact 076 914 5614, uncletaps@tapitapi.co.za
Where to find it 76 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town

Table Seven

A delightful lunch spot that Salt River locals keep to themselves, Table Seven serves up a blackboard menu (of five or six dishes) that changes daily. Hidden down a colourful alleyway in an artisanal business complex, it’s the headquarters of chefs Luke and Katie Wonnacott’s eponymous catering and events business, with a long refectory table and seats at the kitchen bar counter. By night the industrial-chic space hosts private dinners and events, but on weekdays it’s an informal refuge where you can sit at the counter and watch as Luke and team rustle up simple, creative and totally delicious plates of seasonal, local and consciously sourced produce with a rainbow of influences from their travels… Middle Eastern, Mexican, Asian. Luke uses the lunch hour as a testing ground for new dishes, so you might delight in chargrilled octopus with caponata one day, tuna tataki with an umami broth another, or luscious roast figs with creamy mascarpone ice cream. Gastronomy and generosity are evident throughout, whether you’re there for a one-plate lunch or a full-on chef’s table experience.
Good to know The lunch offering is only the tip of the iceberg, Luke caters for private dinners, special events, weddings and more.
Opening times Tuesday – Friday, 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Contact 079 286 1811, katie@tableseven.co.za
Where to find it The Salt Orchard, Unit C5, Corner Briar and Yew Streets, Salt River, Cape Town

Saint Juz

Siberian cuisine meets Asian at this off-the-beaten-track wine bar. This is likely the only place in South Africa that you can discover solyanka or syrniki, dishes from owner Anna Moskvitina’s childhood in Siberia recreated by chef Andrey Karmadonov. In the building that used to be Karen Dudley’s Kitchen at the CBD end of Woodstock, it’s not so much hidden as a place you’d pass by if you weren’t in the know, but it’s worth stopping in for a heartwarming bowl of solyanka. What’s that, you ask? A classic Siberian soup full of tender meat zesty with tomato, pickles and green olives served with a chunky slice of toasted sourdough and a shot of vodka – pour it in or sip alongside to warm you up against the winter weather!
Start off with the blind wine tasting: Identify the varietals of the four wines correctly and you win a R1 000 voucher to spend on food and wine. Then explore the Siberian-style dumplings, stuffed parcels (like Italian tortellini) filled with tasty fillings. We loved the pelmeni filled with a peppered meat mix and served in chicken broth. There are Asian flavours, too (reflecting the geographical proximity of the two continents), such as tom yum soup, ramen bowls and Korean chicken wings. And don’t miss out on a dessert of delightfully light and fluffy syrniki (cottage-cheese pancakes with jam and sour cream).
Opening times Monday – Friday, 12pm – 9pm
Contact 082 399 7862
Where to find it 111 Sir Lowry Road, Foreshore, Cape Town

Zanne’s Fare

Under the dappled shade of an ancient vine in the Heritage Square courtyard, Zanne’s Fare has found a new home that beautifully reflects the nostalgically South African dishes on the short but delicious menu. When you’re feeling lus for a bobotie or chicken curry, it’s the place to rediscover the flavours of childhood memories – laden boards come with small bowls of mango salsa, tomato, Mrs Ball’s chutney and crispy onions, poppadom and roti. And for a quick lunch, the generous roosterkoek sandwiches are a winner…We loved the snoek pâté topped with hanepoot konfyt and a fresh grape-sprinkled side salad (there are breakfast ones, too). Or stop by for home-baked cakes, brownies, muffins and coffee, mid-morning or afternoon.
Good to know There are also cosy indoor tables set around the upstairs gallery (above Sloppy Sam) perfect for winter weather.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm
Contact 083 745 4815
Where to find it Cape Heritage Square, 90 Bree Street, Cape Town

Reverie Social Table

Dining with chef Julia Hattingh at her Reverie Social Table is like being at the best sort of dinner party. Conversation and wine flow exuberantly over five expertly paired courses at the long table, and before you know it it’s 11pm and you don’t want to leave. The pocket-sized eatery hidden away in Observatory occupies the downstairs of Julia’s home, with a tiny library and back courtyard where opening drinks break the ice and fellow diners become friends. Every few weeks Julia collaborates with a different winery and composes a new menu of divine dishes to show off their wines. Fine-dining without the fanfare, this gem of a table d’hote feast is one of Cape-Town’s best under-the-radar dining experiences.
Good to know It’s a five-course set menu – dietary requirements are happily accommodated when mentioned on booking.
Time Wednesday – Saturday, 6.30pm – 11pm
Contact 079 060 6971, info@reverie.capetown
Where to find it 226A Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Bodega Ramen

Perched above two other gems (Honest Chocolate Café and The Gin Bar) on Wale Street, you’ll find a cosy and inviting eatery with moody green walls, antique furnishings and retro art – Bodega Ramen is the ideal spot for slurping up a lip-smacking bowl of noodles. The concise menu features miso charsu pork belly with ajitama (soft-boiled) egg; braised beef short rib with kimchi; and a vegan shiitake and glazed tofu option. Not partial to ramen? Go for some sharing plates: karaage (deep-fried) chicken, charred broccoli with black vinegar and sesame, or burnt cabbage with peanuts, Kewpie mayo and nori (a firm favourite ). It’s simple yet complex food that will have you craving another visit.
Opening times Tuesday + Saturday, 6pm – 11pm (kitchen closes 9.30pm)
Wednesday – Friday, 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 9.30pm (kitchen closes 9.30pm)
Contact details 078 241 3285, bodegacapetown@gmail.com
Address 64A Wale Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

The Collective Hout Bay

The historic post office building in Hout Bay has a new life as a gift and décor emporium featuring a collective of 180 ceramic artists, furniture makers and creators (with more cabins clustered around the courtyard). The open-air umbrella-and-milkwood-shaded courtyard at the back is also home to the charming Collective Café. Here you’ll find scrumptious breakfasts, cakes and pastries, gourmet bagels, organic coffee, and two additional attractions from the new Test Kitchen cabin: chef Tamalyn Petch’s abundant harvest table buffet (Tuesday – Sunday, 12.30pm – 3pm) with an ever-changing daily menu of comfort food classics; and Simba’s fabulous sourdough bread, ciabatta and croissants.
Good to know Everything is available as a takeaway too. Café Collective takes part in Hout Bay’s Last Thursdays initiative each month with picnic baskets and live music.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7.30am – 5pm
Contact 083 258 1343, collectivehoutbay@gmail.com
Where to find it The Fisherman’s Village Precinct Courtyard, 35 Main Road, Hout Bay

Hidden Gems in the South Peninsula

The Scone Shack

This crooked little shack, made almost entirely out of recycled windows and scraps of wood, is a fairytale-esque dessert spot on a farm on the road to Cape Point. Owned by Karl Odendaal, who bought the property 32 years ago when he was 21, the land is also home to a succulent nursery, a rustic river setup, complete with rowboats, and a menagerie of farm animals (we were lucky enough to stumble on new litters of teeny weeny piglets with protective moms). It’s a marvellous stop after a dreamy day on Buffels Bay Beach, and the scones are hands down among the best in the Cape. They’re made by Karl’s partner, Cara, in a wood-burning oven and served with utterly delicious homemade jam, butter and cream. The cinnamony ice tea is also delicious!
Good to know The Scone Shack only accepts cash. They close during August and September.
Opening times Friday – Sunday, 9.30am – 5pm
Contact 079 045 1318, lalaphanzik@gmail.com
Where to find it Lalaphanzi Farm, Plateau Road (M65), near Cape Point, Cape Town

Joon

Hidden away in a quiet back street in  Muizenberg Village, Joon is a homely, friendly and lively café at the heart of this eclectic community. Mother and daughter duo, June and Lindsay Homan rustle up an ever-changing menu of hearty homemade specials; their eggs bennie is a must, and so are the crisp thin-based pizzas. Sandy-footed kids and dogs are welcome, so it’s an ideal breakfast refuge after a morning beach walk; there’s a quirky, secluded back courtyard for lazy lunches or cakes and coffee; or sit under the portico at the pavement tables on Palmer Road watching the local world go by on laid-back Muizenberg evenings.
Good to know There’s plenty of choice for vegans and vegetarians
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 8am – 9pm
Sunday, 8am – 2pm
Contact 083 336 8305, enquiries.joon@gmail.com
Where to find it 40 Palmer Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town

C’est La Vie Bakery and Café

Many will recall – and have remained faithful to –- this French-inspired café from when it was located opposite the Dalebrook tidal pool. Owner Jo Hill moved to Fish Hoek some eight years ago, and there are now two locations: the Bakery on Recreation Road for the freshest, delectable artisanal breads, croissants and pastries; and the Café around the corner on Beach Road. Here you can munch toasted sourdough sandwiches made using the bakery’s breads, sip freshly squeezed fruit juices and milkshakes, or scoop up swirly soft-serves with all the toppings. The perfect spot after a dip in Fish Hoek’s calm waters, or a stroll along the beach and Jager’s Walk, listening out for locals chatting about everything under the sun.
Opening times Bakery: Wednesday – Sunday, 7.30am – 12pm
Café: Friday – Tuesday, 8am – 4.30pm
Contact 083 676 7430, hillybop@gmail.com
Where to find it 2A Recreation Road, Fish Hoek, Cape Town

Furny’s Fine Wines & Taste Room

Noordhoek’s milkwood forest conceals a handful of genuine gems, and Furny’s is one to bookmark: an unpretentious wine shop, wine bar, deli and restaurant where the Furness family have curated a fabulous local wine selection (60 of which are available by the glass). Chef Leigh Furness cooks up a storm of delightful dishes and platters designed to pair with the wines. Sourdough breads and croissants from a local baker feature on the breakfast menu, and the truffle and parmesan arancini make a great snack or starter, followed by something from the frequently changing chalkboard special menu, such as aubergine tagine or slow-cooked lamb. There’s a tranquil and relaxed vibe sitting outside in the shade of the milkwood trees, and it’s child- and dog-friendly too.
Good to know Furny’s hold complimentary wine tastings on Fridays, 4.30pm – 6.30pm, and have live music on Sundays, 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 9am – 10pm
Contact 072 455 0184, info@furnysfinewines.co.za
Where to find it 67 Beach Road, Noordhoek, Cape Town

Hidden Gems in the Winelands + further afield

The Kraal at Joostenberg

Where to go for a slow, hearty weekend farm lunch, where much of the produce comes as crisp and as fresh as you can get it, from the garden or from the neighbours? If it’s the weekend, head to The Kraal, where the cattle have moved on and a smattering of wooden tables and wicker chairs have been set up under olive and fruit trees. The serene, shaded restaurant in a stone-walled courtyard serves a set three-course lunch menu that changes weekly, and features deliciously wholesome dishes from chef Garth Bedford, paired with the estate’s organic wines if you like. Lazy Sunday lunch sorted…
Good to know Joostenberg Wine Estate is rather lovely too, with a wine-tasting room inside a converted wagon house – just in case the weather turns.
Opening times Friday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm
Contact 079 641 1320, kraalrestaurant@joostenberg.co.za
Where to find it Joostenberg Wine Estate, Hoopenberg Road, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

Fynboshoek Cheese

The cows, goats and sheep are milked right here on this picturesque, off-the-beaten-track organic farm in Tsitsikamma – their milk used to produce a variety of raw cheeses that feature on the lunch table. Owner and award-winning cheesemaker, Alje van Deemter, doubles as chef and host, sharing his passion for simple honest food collected and created at source. Everything is home-made or home-grown including bread, butter, salads, and the cheese that is the star of the show, ranging from smoked provolone to fresh mozzarella and ricotta, with splendid cheesecakes or ice cream for dessert. You can also book a cheese-making workshop with Alje for a full-on immersion in all things cheese.
Good to know Booking is essential. No liquor licence so bring your own wine.
Opening times Thursday – Sunday, 12pm – 2pm
Contact 072 342 0445, info@fynboshoek.co.za
Where to find it Fynboshoek Cheese, Tsitsikamma, Sanddrift

Hari Kitchen

Slightly off the beaten track in Franschhoek terms, with views from the Wemmershoek to the Klein Drakenstein mountains, Topiary Wine Estate is home to Hari Kitchen where chef Munashe Kwaramba (Nash) has been quietly creating his own style of Afro-fusion cuisine since 2020. The Zimbabwean sommelier-turned-chef looks to the foods he grew up with for inspiration and presents them with contemporary panache. Think tuna tartare with fynbos sorghum puffs, chicken curry with carrot and cardamom, arancini with pumpkin and peanut purée. He’s a welcoming host and his sommelier background comes to the fore in the chef’s surprise pairing menu with elegant wines from French-owned Topiary Estate.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Contact 021 867 0258, info@harikitchen.co.za
Where to find it Topiary Road, Franschhoek
Book Through DinePlan

Osteria Cheese Bar

Puglia Cheese, the champions of authentic Italian cheese, have created a cheese-lover’s paradise, hidden away at the entrance to Waterkloof Wine estate. There are long views over False Bay from the deck and lawn, and an old-school Italian trattoria feel indoors. Windows look into their artisanal cheese factory where you can watch the production of their legendary handmade creamy burrata, robiola and fior di latte. On the menu, an education in cooking with Italian cheeses: gnocchi made with ricotta; homemade pappardelle with wild mushrooms, porcini and labneh; mozzarella in carrozza (fried mozzarella sandwich); and sourdough pizzas where the cheeses are the star of the show. Breakfasts, homemade cakes, cheese platters, local and imported Italian charcuterie and fresh homemade pastas complete the picture.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 9.30am – 8pm
Sunday, 9.30am – 5pm
Contact  078 543 0663, info@puglia.co.za
Where to find it Waterkloof Wines, 24 Old Sir Lowry’s Pass, Somerset West

Rosemead Bakery

Run by Anli and Brett Nortier (whose baking credentials include working at C’est La Vie in Fish Hoek and Schoon in Stellenbosch), this popular spot a few blocks back from the beach in Yzerfontein is never devoid of a crowd (we advise placing your loaf order prior to arriving to ensure you get what you came for). Famous for pasteis de nata, pain au chocolat, croissants and a selection of seeded sourdough, ciabatta and olive sticks, it also has a small bistro that serves breakfasts, delicious soups, mouthwatering hot-pressed sandwiches, cakes and excellent coffee.
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, 8am – 3.30pm
Sunday, 8am – 2pm
Contact 066 222 5076, bakery@rosemeadartisan.co.za
Where to find it Corner of Park and Volstruis Streets, Yzerfontein

Fryer’s Cove

We doubt there’s a vineyard in the world closer to the Atlantic Ocean than Fryer’s Cove, the only vineyard within the Bamboes Bay ward! Originally a crayfish-packing factory dating back to 1925, the charming windswept winery in the West Coast town of Doringbaai is the place for lazy seafood lunches and wine-tasting right by the sea. The in-house Jetty Restaurant is part of Fryer’s Cove’s upliftment project and is run by members of the community. Winemaker Liza Goodwin’s cool-climate wines pair beautifully with West Coast cuisine such as oysters, snoek koekies (fish cakes), perlemoen risotto, pickled fish and roosterkoek. Or tuck into freshly caught linefish, tender calamari or even abalone. On summer days, you may even be treated to a proper fish braai on the jetty as the waves crash around you.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm
Contact 027 215 1092, admin@fryerscove.co.za
Where to find it Portion #1 of the Old Fish Factory, Hawe Road, Doringbaai

Weltevrede Fig Farm

De Kleine Prins

Among the country’s original fig farms (and one of the most beautifully tucked-away places you will ever venture into), this gorgeous old estate sprawls out in a dreamy valley below the Swartberg, reached via some 20km of dirt road. At the right time of year (fig season is from end-January to end-April) you’ll see figs laid out in the sun to dry, and discover the differences between little Cape brown figs and big purple Adam figs. With some 2 000 fig trees, it’s a considerable enterprise, and yet the atmosphere is utterly laid-back and genteel – which makes stopping in for a beverage and maybe a slice of fig tart at the charmed little tea shop a must. There are self-catering farm cottages, too, all completely off-grid. Weltevrede’s farm shop sells dried fruit, jams and preserves. But it’s the boxes of fresh figs that will make you an addict (however many figs you think you need, buy more!).
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm; Saturday, 9am – 2pm
Contact 087 095 6229, weltevrede@figfarm.co.za
Where to find it Weltevrede Road, about 25km from Prince Albert

Die Steakhuis

When you’re on a Swartland road trip or heading back from seeing the West Coast flowers, there’s a new spot in Malmesbury to stop for a restorative lunch or dinner. In a historic building on a quiet side street, Die Steakhuis, as its name suggests, serves up perfectly cooked steaks of grass-fed Swartland beef (we shared a sumptuous 500g ribeye). There’s also a tapas menu of substantial plates to share (the soy-and-honey-glazed pork belly with sweet-potato mash could have featured as a main in many a city spot) plus burgers, lamb ribs and salads. And a well-chosen winelist of Swartland wines (including AA Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanc and Marras Swartland Shiraz by the carafe). With a beer garden at the back, a cosy bar with button-back leather couches in front of the fire, and a main restaurant with white-clothed tables, a leather banquette and beamed ceilings, it’s a real find whatever the occasion.
Opened June 2024
Opening times Wednesday + Thursday, 12pm – 10pm
Friday + Saturday, 12pm – 11pm
Sunday, 12pm – 9pm
Contact 022 330 5006
Where to find it 3 Loedolf Street, Malmesbury
Book through DinePlan

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