The Hottest New Restaurants in Cape Town

From an irrepressible winebar on Bree to a Michelin-starred chef at the V&A and a chic café off Kloof Street… Cape Town’s highly acclaimed foodscape continues to impress, with new eateries popping up in and around the CBD, in the suburbs and all the way to the Winelands.

We’ve rounded up the 30 most noteworthy restaurant openings in the Cape – and even added some that are about to swing open their doors, because forewarned is forearmed! (And, we’re all about giving you the inside track, so to speak.)

Tuck in!

New Restaurants in Cape Town
New Restaurants in The Winelands

New Restaurants in Cape Town

Amura at Mount Nelson

The Mount Nelson’s storied legacy continues with an exciting new dining destination, from Michelin-star chef Ángel León. The Spanish chef’s first restaurant outside of Spain, Amura is an immersive marine-dining experience, with a seafood menu rooted in Spanish culinary tradition and brought vividly to life with South African ingredients and flair. Chef Ángel (who’s first and foremost a humble fisherman, deeply influenced by his father’s reverence of the sea) is renowned for turning often-overlooked ocean species into fine-dining stars.

Amura’s à la carte menu reflects that ethos, celebrating everything from delicate plankton and halophyte plants to humble by-catch fish, all elevated through fire-cooking, fermentation and spice. Think umami flavour bombs such as prawn toast, yellowtail chorizo and squid-ink croquettes, sublime oysters, and beautifully fresh yellowtail with a green escabeche sauce.
Opened December 2025
Opening times Friday – Sunday, 12.30pm – 4pm
Monday – Sunday, 6.30pm – 11pm
Where to find it Mount Nelson, 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Le Bistrot de Jan

The newest star in the Cape Town dining scene is Le Bistrot de Jan from South African Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. The younger, slightly rebellious, à la carte sibling of his Michelin-starred Jan restaurant in the south of France mingles the timeless flavours of French bistro cuisine with the soul of Cape Town. At the helm is chef Giles Edwards (remember La Tête?) who brings to life the nostalgic flavours of simple, honest dishes, such as his signature chicken pie with truffle sauce, beef tartare, sole meunière with capers, salad Niçoise, and steak Florentine with a wedge salad and fries. The interiors are a theatrical and engaging take on bistro style with deep blue walls, chandeliers, velvet booths, and a beguiling cheese room (an essential part of the Jan repertoire). Live music brings another layer of magic to the dining experience.
Opened December 2025
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 10pm
Contact 021 821 4180, [email protected]
Where to find it InterContinental Table Bay, 6 West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Culture Newlands

Matt Manning had been eyeing this spot in Newlands for years, and finally secured it for a second Culture Wine Bar, much to the delight of southern suburb locals. “The inspiration comes from all those small European wine bars Rox[anne] and I have stumbled across on our travels. Places where you stop for a glass and end up staying for dinner.” He and his wife, Roxanne, have created a neighbourhood wine bar, echoing that vibe – with outdoor tables, great wine, tasty food (think pintxos, hot and cold tapas, local cheeses and Richard Bosman charcuterie), familiar faces and a sense of community. It’s a place where a quick bite with a glass of wine, easily turns into dinner and late-night conversation.
Good to know No bookings
Opened August 2026
Opening times Monday – Thursday , 12pm – 11pm
Friday – Saturday , 11am – 11pm
Sunday , 11am – 10pm
Where to find it Kildare Centre, Kildare Road, Newlands

Little Fox

With Foxcroft’s move up the valley from High Constantia to the heritage building at Constantia Nek, the La Colombe group has gained a brand-new sister restaurant. Little Fox is the casual, more-relaxed expression of chef-proprietor Glen Williams’ Foxcroft philosophy. Together with head chef Keanan Jaftha (who’s been part of the La Colombe group for many years), Glen is building on the popular Small Plate Sunday offering, where he tested out new dishes for an à la carte menu of bold flavours in small and shared plates for lunch and dinner. The historic timber-and-stone thatched building is divided into two restaurant spaces: the new Foxcroft (with dramatic views back down the valley), and Little Fox. This side opens out onto a wide leafy courtyard looking up at the mountain peaks, with seating for up to 200 diners. The relaxed vibe means you can come for one dish or five, dine solo or with a crowd, and sip on wines from the Constantia Valley. In between lunch and dinner seatings you’ll also find a menu of light snacks to go with sundowners and cocktails.
Opened February 2026
Opening times 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 8.30pm
Contact [email protected]
Where to find it Constantia Nek
Book through DinePlan

East City Grill & Yakiniku

A rethink of the traditional steakhouse with fire all the way… East City Grill & Yakiniku offers two different dining experiences under one roof: bold South African fire-cooking, local Wagyu, seared steaks and swagger, or the gentle, interactive Japanese ritual of cooking meat communally at your own table-top grill inspired by Tokyo’s smoky yakiniku-ya. Headed by chef Jaycee Ferreira and tucked into the landmark hemp building, 84 Harrington, the emphasis is on provenance, flavour, craftsmanship, cultural contrasts and connection.
Opening November 2025
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 6pm – 9.30pm (East City Grill); 6pm (Yakiniku)
Contact 021 518 3366, [email protected]
Where 84 Harrington Street, District Six, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Arlecchino

The Tasha’s team has had a whirlwind year… Following the launch of Café Sofi in September, Natasha and Savva Sideris have also brought to life another delightfully designed hub for Cape Town’s café society. Arlecchino spills out onto Sea Point’s Regent Road, its checkered design details hinting at the harlequin of the Italian carnival tradition. A pizzico of Milan, a spritz of Venice, it channels the dolce vita soul with an appetising Italian-inspired menu for breakfast, lunch, aperitivi and dinner, featuring dishes such as Amalfi lemon pasta, fritto misto, mortadella panini, tuna tagliata, scaloppina al limone and a short selection of pizzette. And a new favourite tiramisu that comes with a mouthwatering scoop of citrus sorbet.
Opened December 2025
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 11pm
Contact 021 879 1133, [email protected]
Where to find it 16 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Balducci

They’re coming home. To Sea Point! The well-loved Italian eatery that spent 24 years at V&A Waterfront (before it closed in 2020) is re-opening in Piazza St John on Sea Point Main Road. They’re going back to their roots, with home-style Italian dishes, from antipasti plates to pastas and salads, all with fresh flavours and authentic ingredients (think burrata, prosciutto, artichoke hearts and roasted butternut). There’ll be wood-fired pizzas, breakfast options, and focaccia panini too, all in a beautifully fitted out space in the busy heart of Sea Point.
Good to know There is secure parking within the centre.
Opening September 2026
Where to find it Piazza St John, 395 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town

Summer House Eatery

When you’re craving fresh and uncomplicated seaside dining with a dash of delightful décor, this new gem recently added to the Tintswalo Collection fits the brief… Summer House Eatery is part of a newly restored, pretty-in-pink, Glencairn hotel (which opened to overnight guests in April) and is already delighting locals and visitors with a simple and delicious menu cooked on the fire with a Mediterranean feel. Terrazzo and wooden tables look out over False Bay as you tuck into chef Thando Jaxa’s classic moules frites, share a Black Angus bistecca alla Fiorentina or a whole fire-cooked fish and perhaps a radicchio salad with walnuts and gorgonzola, a burrata and tomato salad and a flatbread or hand-cut chips. And the dark chocolate mouse (with olive oil and sea salt flakes) is to die for!
Good to know the hotel’s vintage Sports Bar also has a casual bar menu of classic fish and chips, burgers and prawn rolls.
Opened December 2025
Opening times Daily,12pm – 9pm
Contact 021 773 0220
Where to find it 14 Glen Road, Glencairn, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Kleinsky’s V&A Waterfront

Kleinsky’s is opening at the V&A Waterfront! Hot on the heels of the launch of their wildly popular new branch in Constantia, this addition signals bagel-studded relief for hungry shoppers in need of a restorative break from retail therapy. Their slow-fermented hand-rolled New York-style bagels are packed with irresistible fillings, such as house-made pastrami (coated in a secret spice blend), their own lamb bacon BLT, smoked salmon, teriyaki brisket, and many more. Just the thing to sustain you for another round of window shopping. We can’t wait to see inside their new Waterfront spot very soon.
Opening October 2026
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Where to find it V&A Waterfront

How’s Your Yaki

A cool new Japanese street food spot in Gardens that completely captures the izakaya vibe. The duo behind How’s Your Oni has turned to the hibachi grill for their newest offering. Rebecca Aziz and MinChan Kim use the space in Gardens where they first started out (Oni having since moved to Green Point) as a kitchen to supply their pop-up store Kloof Konbini, then at night the charcoal grill lights up and How’s Your Yaki sends out smoky and enticing wafts of kushiyaki (skewers) to draw in the locals. A welcoming neighbourhood vibe emanates from the simply decorated, cosy space, with Japanese beer crates forming tables that spill out onto the terrace to catch the evening sun. Start off with golden takoyaki (squid balls) creamy with kewpie mayo, tuck in to okonomiyaki (pancakes filled with shredded cabbage), and share a selection of kushiyaki along with a Japanese beer or sake – we loved the miso-marinated aubergine, juicy mushrooms, smoky prawn, and succulent wagyu beef. And for the hungry there’s a daily ramen special that comes with yakitori and a jammy soy-chilli egg.
Opened February 2026
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact 076 738 3132
Where to find it 7 Scott Street, Gardens, Cape Town

Fogo Portuguese Kitchen

Introducing a fiery Portuguese vibe to the Riverlands food piazza. What started as a lighthearted suggestion over lunch between owner José and Andreas Skiathos of Omilo quickly firmed up into a serious plan, with fire-focussed menu of authentic Portuguese-with-Madeiran influences that spans trinchado, espetada, chicken livers, prawns, calamari and fire-grilled chorizo, with flavours that whisk you straight to Madeira. All in an upmarket dining setting.
Opened April 2026
Opening times Daily, 11.30am – 10pm
Contact 021 023 4404
Where to find it Riverlands Mall, 51 Gogosoa Street, Observatory, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Fishmonger

There’s a new neighbourhood seafood spot in Newlands! A Joburg favourite, for perfectly cooked fish and warm hospitality, has arrived in Cape Town. Intimate and elegant, the space is decorated with plants, cookbooks and warm lighting and looks out onto Dean Street. A varied menu kicks off with small plates such as chilli-salt squid, smoked-snoek samosas, grilled sardines and lobster bisque. Signature mains range from Mozambique-style coconut prawn curry to classic seafood combos and platters, prawns, salmon teriyaki and hake thermidor. Carnivores and vegetarians are catered for too, with meat and salad sections. A comfortable spot to settle in for an evening of relaxed conversation and good food.
Opened April 2026
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 078 098 3187
Where to find it 37 Dean Street, Newlands, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Kleinsky’s Constantia

In the spot where Foxcroft used to be at High Constantia is something that’s bringing joy to the hearts of southern suburbs locals. No longer do you have to trek to Sea Point for a New York-style bagel…Kleinsky’s has arrived in Constantia. Slow-fermented bagels, boiled in malted water before being baked, pastrami braised for hours the New York way, breads and pastries baked fresh daily, old-school recipes and a whole lot more deliciousness to enjoy inside (surrounded by art-filled walls) or at a sunny outside table under cheerful yellow awning.
Opened May 2026
Opening times Daily, 7.30am – 7.30pm
Contact [email protected]
Where to find it High Constantia Centre, Groot Constantia Road, Constantia

Omri

There’s a glam new dining spot on the Camps Bay strip… Omri is the beautifully designed restaurant at the newly opened Morea Hotel (that stretches over a whole block of prime beachfront) with views of swaying palms, rippling waves and glorious sunsets. Interiors whizz Tristan du Plessis has worked his magic with hand-painted “wallpaper”, mirrors and undulating ceiling hangings that conjure an intimate underwater ocean-forest feel. In a Levantine-inspired à la carte menu, Lebanese chef Joe Stello explores Cape ingredients in a delicious array of Eastern Mediterranean mezze. We tucked into za’atar flatbread topped with a whole burrata, fluffy pita breads with hummus, and divine prawns with red-pepper chili sauce. Then simply delicious grilled seabass steaks stuffed with spinach, and sizzling chicken skewers with garlic toum and more pita, all served with panache. Curvy booth banquettes at polished marble tables are arranged for the best beach views (there isn’t a viewless table in the house), and there’s a long alfresco terrace, too.
Opened December 2025
Opening times Daily, 12.30pm – 9pm
Contact [email protected]
Where to find it 35 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Figo

Sea Point has welcomed a chic new rooftop dining venue… Figo is Italian for cool, awesome, stylish, and that is exactly what Kove Collection’s newest opening promises. On top of The Cole, a sparkling new boutique hotel just a step away from the Promenade, Figo looks out across the bay from its 8th-floor rooftop perch, with easy-breezy attitude and an Italian-influenced menu of freshly rolled semolina pasta and fire-kissed seafood and meat. Cocktails, champagne, and music that sets the mood to “effortlessly chilled”.
Opened December 2025
Where to find it 1 Church Road, Sea Point, Cape Town

Ora

Fresh Mediterranean flavours are on the menu at Ora, Sea Point’s newest all-day café. It starts with breakfast… In addition to the usual suspects, chef Dian Botes has dreamed up a decadent crab omelette, and a smoked salmon flatbread with poached eggs (the salmon smoked in-house), or go for nostalgic sardines on toast. Lunch brings steak frites or small plates such as beef tartare and fish crudo, as well as fresh sourdough or ciabatta sandwiches, and there are beautifully presented desserts, too. The restaurant is a serene space full of thoughtful details where you can relax into long lunches, or just stop by for coffee and pastries (all made in-house).
Good to know Dinner is launching soon.
Opened July 2026
Opening times Daily, 6.30am – 5pm
Contact 087 470 1302, [email protected]
Where to find it 140 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town

De Vrije Burger

Bertus Basson has brought his burger joint to the city. De Vrije Burger’s flippin’ lekker burger patties are now available in Sea Point! Who doesn’t love a good burger? These ones have had fans trekking out to Stellenbosch for years, and with juicy patties, house sauces and good soft buns the craving is real. Tucked up in the buzzyy new spot next to Lello’s and Frankie Fenner on a side street just off the Main Road, this is a great place to stop by for a quick bite, a Diesel & Dust beer and of course the soft-serve ice cream that comes as a complimentary final treat.
Opened November 2025
Opening times Daily, 12pm – 9pm
Where to find it 7 Penarth Road, Three Anchor Bay, Cape Town

Buri

Chefs Neil Swart and Anouchka Horn from Belly of the Beast have three restaurants under their belt, and they are adding another three this year. First up: Buri, downstairs from Galjoen and Seebamboes. As its name suggests it’s an exploration of South Africa’s beloved boerie roll, a nostalgic classic. It’s a slither of a space on Harrington Street with four boerie rolls to choose from (all made by Frankie Fenner) and two sides (onion rings and chips). And, for dessert, mini doughnuts in an eye-watering array of flavours: caramelised white chocolate and pecan nut; dark chocolate and peppermint crisp; tonka-bean sugar… A relaxed urban eatery for an informal bite and beer/kombucha/brannas on tap.
Opened August 2026
Where to find it 99 Harrington Street, East City, Cape Town

New Restaurants in The Winelands

Arum

Farm-to-fire… Chef Peter Tempelhoff and team have brought an exciting new offering to Boschendal. Focussed on fire and the farm’s superb produce, Arum has transformed the original 1812 cellar, with three beautifully designed spaces and a bright conservatory looking out over the organic vegetable gardens of the heritage estate. Executive chef (and partner) Travis Finch works with the estate’s gardeners and farmers to create a short but delicious menu showcasing ingredients from the farm. “Arum is our way of telling its story – through its produce, history, and, of course, its wine,” says Peter.
Our first taste was a seasonal symphony of flavours… Angus beef from the farm simply grilled over the fire accompanied by a sumptuous ode to the humble carrot; a beautiful octopus with layers of smoky spice; stracciatella with roast beetroot; farm charcuterie with fabulous focaccia. And Jennifer Hugé is working her magic in cocktails and elixirs from the farm’s botanicals, and an inspired collaboration with the Boschendal winemakers to create a bespoke Arum label of single varietal wines… the superb Alicante Bouschet in particular is one to look out for.
Opened November 2025
Opening times Daily, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 8.30pm
Contact 079 640 5284, [email protected]
Where to find it Boschendal Wine Estate, Helshoogte Road (R310), Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan

Toevlug

We’re not sure when Bertus Basson sleeps… Hot on the heels of the wildly successful launch of Ongetem in town, he’s opened a delightful new family-friendly eatery back in Stellenbosch territory, in the beautiful historic farmhouse at Annandale Wines, Willem and Louanne Briedenhann’s charmingly unspoilt heritage farm oasis. And chef Drikus Brink is taking up the new challenge after his superb sojourn at Clara’s Barn and Geuwels, harnessing his love for seasonal produce and flavour in a new menu driven by simplicity and produce-focussed cooking. On our first visit we fell in love with fresh, thoughtful flavours such as raw tuna con tomate; crispy artichokes with anchovy mayo; and beef fillet with confit garlic and a punchy Café de Paris butter. It’s the kind of heart-warming food you want to keep coming back for, and there’s an appealing kids menu too.
Good to know Familiér, the Annandale farm grocer shop, has moved across to the wine tasting barn.
Opened October 2025
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 8am – 3pm (last seating)
Dinner: Friday + Saturday, 6pm – 8pm (last seating)
Contact 021 007 5779, [email protected]
Where to find it Annandale Wines, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

Smeul

Fire is at the heart chef Kevin Grobler’s new restaurant at the Zomerlust Boutique Hotel in Paarl. Smeul is a passion project for him, in the heart of his home town, where he uses smoke and flames (on two wood-fired Dover stoves and an open fire) to transform ingredients sourced from local farmers. The traditional methods echo the history of the 1792 building, with its beautifully restored, Art Deco-inspired interiors. The restaurant occupies a series of intimate and moodily atmospheric rooms linked by arched doors in what was once the cellar, and opens onto a sunny garden terrace with snippets of mountain views.
The à la carte menu is short, and changes through the seasons, with dishes such as fire-roasted beetroot; grilled cabbage with brown butter, and prosciutto; char siu pork belly with corn and fermented gooseberries; grilled yellowtail with pickled zucchini and smoked herbs; and a 660g T-bone steak to share, dramatically drizzled from a flambadou with roast bone marrow butter, and with the fillet side served as a tartare. And just three sublime desserts to choose from, including a beguiling citrus meringue seared with a glowing ember at the table. Another reason to head to Paarl this season.
Opened May 2026
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 2pm; 5pm – 8pm (seatings)
Contact 021 872 2117
Where to find it Zomerlust Hotel, 193 Main Road, Paarl

Cantina

A slice of San Sebastián in Stellenbosch is how chef David Schneider describes the newest member of the Chefs Warehouse family. An informal eatery reminiscent of pintxos bars in Spain, it’s centered around an eye-catching communal table, with bright lemon tiles, and circled by bar stools. The comfortable banquettes with tables for two on each side, and pavement tables spilling onto Church Street, invite diners to linger longer. A partnership with Le Grand Domaine, the global winelist is curated to match Basque-inspired tapas where Spain meets France. Think classic paella to share, grilled sardines on toast, gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns), bluefin tuna belly, braised beef cheek and much more – all served as easy-to-pair eats. There are no reservations and there’s already a relaxed and lively (even loud!) vibe reminiscent of the early days of the original Chefs Warehouse.
Opened October 2025
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 9.30pm
Contact 065 672 9616
Where to find it 7 Church Street, Stellenbosch

Bloom

A fresh new fine-dining experience is unfurling at Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa… Bloom draws inspiration from the indigenous gardens and leafy Helderberg surrounds, evolving with the seasons to give a true taste of South African flavours. Bloom has been beautifully redecorated in tranquil earth tones into a sophisticated yet understated 30-seater dining room opening onto a tranquil terrace. Chef Sebastian Smith’s menu reveals a commitment to sustainability, seasonality and heritage on every plate, sourcing from local organic gardens and small-scale farmers: think Lourensford trout, Karoo lamb, asparagus and waterblommetjies in refined and beautifully presented dishes on the inaugural spring menu.
Opened October 2025
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, 6pm – 7.30pm (seatings)
Contact 021 847 1160, [email protected]
Where to find it Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa,1 Erinvale Avenue, Somerset West
Book through DinePlan

You might also be interested in:
The Best Restaurants in Cape Town
The Best Bars in Cape Town
The Best Restaurants in Stellenbosch
The Best Restaurants in Franschhoek

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