The 23 Hottest New Restaurants in Cape Town

From an irrepressible winebar in Newlands to a flippin’ lekker steakhouse in Stellenbosch, the sky’s the limit when it comes to these restaurateurs’ imaginations. Throw in a rooftop braai restaurant, a Japanese izakaya, and a neighbourhood Italian eatery by the sea…  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 23 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

Ramenhead Izakaya

The old Ramenhead, refreshed, reimagined and re-located to a new home on buzzy Kloof Street, has now taken on the mantle of the Japanese izakaya. Their umami-rich, slurp-worthy bowls are still the gold standard: think noodles (handmade on-site using an imported Yamato machine) in delicious, long-simmered broths. Their new home has given the team space to add several new dimensions to the menu: a dedicated sushi counter, serving made-to-order oshizushi (Osaka-style pressed sushi). Then there are sakana (chilled fish dishes) such as a delicious crab salad and a tuna tataki, vegetable tempura, wood-fired chokka, chicken karaage and more designed as an array of plates to share  – all inspired by the culinary culture of Japan and using authentic techniques and ingredients. Plus thoughtful sake and wine-pairings, and a vibey courtyard at the back for a dedicated sake and cocktail bar that hosts live music nights.
Opened September 2026
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 10pm
Sunday, 12pm – 3.30pm
Contact 067 312 8061
Where to find it 75 Kloof Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

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

Shale at Edition

With panoramic views over the harbour, superyacht marina and mountain, there’s a new Waterfront restaurant to gather at this summer. Shale, the 150-seat signature restaurant  at the brand new Cape Town EDITION, is a celebration of wholesome coastal South African flavours. Chef Phil Carmichael (who local foodies will remember from his Stellenbosch restaurant and also from his years at Berners Tavern at the London EDITION) works closely with farmers, fishers, winemakers, and independent producers for a refined yet relaxed dining experience all about sociable gatherings. Expect deliciously down-to-earth flavours, the deft use of fermentation that is one of his passions, exceptional food, thoughtful hospitality and a distinctly Cape Town sense of place.
Opening 27 October 2026
Contact 021 754 9000
Where to find it Quay 7, East Pier Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

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

Our Local V&A

Our Local has come to the V&A Waterfront. You’ll find bright yellow umbrellas right on the harbour with full-on Table Mountain views, and a cosy welcoming space with old wooden tables and plenty of greenery, just like at its Kloof Street and Sea Point siblings. Breakfast on signature favourites like their shakshuka and Arnold Bennett, grab a relaxed burger for lunch, stop by for carrot cake and coffee, or branch out into new dishes that celebrate this new location, such as seafood platters and oysters. It also promises to be a popular spot for a sundowner cocktail, watching the changing light on the mountain and enjoying the harbourside buzz.
Opened September 2026
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 10pm
Contact 021 013 7377
Where to find it Shop 8, Alfred Mall, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Briquette

The relaxed atmosphere of a back-garden braai is what Briquette is recreating at this rooftop restaurant in Gardens (at the top of BlackBrick apartment hotel). It’s all about cooking over coals, simple flavours, good ingredients and shared family recipes. And the resident firestarter wielding the tongs is chef John Joseph (aka Johnny Hamman), who you might have come across at one of his dramatic long-table dinners, or at restaurants such as Fifty Five Croissants. At Briquette he’s keeping things simple, just fire, plenty of nostalgia and really good ingredients. A classic braaibroodjie with Cape Malay mango atchar; a trio of oepsies (glacé cherry and bacon skewers), or fat and juicy peri peri prawns straight from the fire. Then a T-bone steak, Karoo lamb cutlets, boerewors with pap, or a proper braai burger. A potato salad is essential, as is corn on the cob with homemade aromat, plus chips, salads and fire-baked whole potatoes. A simple and delicious ode to South Africa’s favourite way of cooking.
Opened September 2026
Opening times  Wednesday – Saturday, 6pm – 11pm
Contact 076 965 2837
Where to find it Black Brick, 2 Roodehek Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Ferment

Bakery-café by day, pizzeria by night, this buzzing new neighbourhood spot behind Cavendish has already made a hit with Claremont locals. André Williams and Julia Thompson are welcoming and hands-on owners, the interiors are pared back, light and airy, and there’s a little back courtyard with bench tables for alfresco dining in summer. The naturally-leavened, slow-ferment pizzas crisp up a storm in the wood-fired pizza oven and the toppings range from classic to creatively gourmet. We loved The Ferment (salami, pickled chilli, red onion marmalade and feta) and the Gorgonzola, Pear and Walnut. Then there are mushroom arancini for a starter and a delicious baked cheesecake or tiramisu for dessert.
Good to know  They are waiting for a liquor licence, so it’s currently BYOB.
Opened September 2026
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 9pm (pizzas from 5pm)
Saturday, 8am – 2.30pm; 5pm –10pm
Sunday, 8am – 2.30pm
Contact 071 204 8817
Where to find it 2 Cavendish Street, Claremont, Cape Town

Kleinsky’s V&A Waterfront

Kleinsky’s has opened 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.
Opened September 2026
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8.30am – 9pm
Contact 021 301 0276, [email protected]
Where to find it Shop 6160B (Ground Level), Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

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
Book through Novel

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

Localino

Localino is what you get when an Italian surfer makes his home in the Deep South. Owner Luca Pantani started dreaming about a little restaurant by the sea 20 years ago in Italy. Now he’s brought his Italian love of simple, honest food and good coffee to a little neighbourhood spot a block from the beach, serving post-surf and post-beach-walk breakfasts and lunches, proper Italian coffee and pistachio croissants that are already causing a stir! They’ve started off slowly with a short handwritten menu. Luca has been perfecting his slow-fermented focaccia recipe for fabulous focaccia sandwiches, there are handmade pastas for lasagna and tagliatelle bolognese, gnocchi alla gorgonzola, and fresh-caught fish too. For breakfast enjoy the Localino take on eggs bennie, fresh juices and the aforementioned croissants with a proper cappuccino. A lovely new addition to the Kommetjie scene.
Good to know There are plans to open a gelateria too!
Focaccia sandwiches are available from 11am.
Opened August 2026
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7.30am – 3pm (breakfast served until 11am)
Contact 065 695 2156
Where to find it 3 Erica Road, Kommetjie, Cape Town
Book through Novel

Balducci

They’ve come home. To Sea Point! The well-loved Italian eatery that spent 24 years at the V&A Waterfront (before it closed in 2020) has reopened in Piazza St John on Sea Point Main Road. They’ve gone 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). Also on the menu: 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.
Opened September 2026
Where to find it Piazza St John, 395 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Mzoli Meat, Grill & Gardens

Famous for its shisanyama (open-air braai and butchery) and for putting township tourism and Gugulethu on the map for visitors to Cape Town, Mzoli’s is back for a new chapter. After her father’s death in June, Sisanda Mangele has revived Edwin “Mzoli” Ngcawuzele’s  legendary eatery in his memory. This time, however, the team is bringing the shisanyama experience to the centre of town! Right on Dunkley Square at The Ikhaya Boutique Hotel, with wide doors opening onto outside tables overlooking the square, they are carrying forward Ta Mzoli’s legacy of smoke, fire and generous South African soul food, and adding the vibes with music, DJs and happy people.
Good to know Walk-ins welcome. No reservations taken on weekends and public holidays.
Opened September 2026
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 10pm
Contact 079 628 8118, [email protected]
Where to find it 15 Barnet Street, Gardens, Cape Town

Prima Burger Wynberg

When you’re craving a smash burger in the southern suburbs, head to Chelsea Village. Prima Burgers (the new cluster of smash burger spots from the Bredell brothers, who are also behind Plato Coffee) has opened up just opposite Maynardville Park in a classic blue-tiled space – with a secret rooftop terrace looking over the trees that will be perfect for sunny days. With a focus on proper veld-reared beef, handmade brioche buns and homemade sauces, this is a smash burger with a pedigree, accompanied by triple-fried tallow wedges dusted with a secret spice.
Opened September 2026
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 11am – 9pm
Saturday, 11am – 8pm
Contact 066 047 9474
Where to find it 15 Wolfe Street, Wynberg, 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. There’s a fire-focussed menu of authentic dishes 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

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

Le Pickle Bree

When what you want is a simple smash burger, Le Pickle has you covered with their iconic double smash patties, homemade buns, sauces and pickles (plus chicken, lamb and veggie burgers too). Now there’s a funky new spot on Bree Street that brings their electric, colourful vibe to the heart of the First Thursdays scene in a candyfloss-pink heritage cottage that spills out onto the wide pavement where tables and Barbie-pink umbrellas await. Add margaritas, Devil’s Peak lager, bubbles and Aperol spritz and you’re all set for a smashing evening.
Opened October 2026
Opening times Tuesday + Wednesday + Sunday, 12pm – 9pm
Thursday – Saturday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 072 814 6455, [email protected]
Where to find it 215 Bree Street, Cape Town

Óra

Fresh Mediterranean flavours are on the menu at Óra, 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

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

Lucky Lou

From the team behind Maggy Lou’s, there’s a new pretty-in-pink Kloof Street hub (right at the top opposite Bacini’s) with warm terracotta pink walls, aqua blue ceiling, leafy corners, a cosy fireplace, upstairs gallery seating, and oodles of character. A laid-back all-day café, it’s a vibey place where you can work over coffee, grab a weekend breakfast, gather for a post-work drink, or settle in for a casual dinner. The opening menu is short and to the point: eggs on sourdough toast, green eggs (a frittata), an egg butty (with a FFMM brisket banger and kimchi jam), beans on toast, a classic burger, the Maggy’s Sando, or a sirloin steak. Order at the counter and then settle in at your table and become part of the buzz.
Good to know No bookings
Opened September 2026
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7am – 11pm
Contact @luckylou_cape_town
Where to find it 158 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town

New Restaurants in The Winelands

Basson & Co

A flippin’ lekker new steakhouse in a Stellenbosch heritage building, Basson & Co, from the inimitable Bertus Basson, is designed as a fuss-free restaurant where you can eat with your kids on any given Tuesday night… South African flavours, in a beautiful space, but with simplicity coming first. It’s à la carte, meat-centric and fire-focussed with really good South African beef as the hero. He’s tapping into nostalgic food memories and old-school steakhouse vibes: prawn cocktail for starters, desserts of chocolate mousse, crème brûlée or ice cream with chocolate sauce. Simple flavours that the whole family love.
Opened 1 September 2026
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 8pm
Contact 021 007 4231
Where to find it 50 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

La Bonté

A beautiful old manor house in the Cape Winelands is getting a new lease of life from none other than Bertus Basson (he really is unstoppable!). The historic Cape Dutch manor is home to what he and chef Drikus Brink are calling a “boere brasserie”, named  La Bonté (or Goedheit in Afrikaans, meaning kindness, or bountiful), and with these two at the helm a whole lot of deliciousness is sure to be cooking. We can’t wait to get a first taste very soon!
Good to know Bookings open late October
Opening November 2026
Where to find it Neethlingshof Wine Estate, Polkadraai Road, Stellenbosch

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 600g 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 Lunch: Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 2pm (seatings)
Dinner: Monday – Saturday, 5pm – 8pm (seatings)
Contact 021 872 2117
Where to find it Zomerlust Hotel, 193 Main Road, Paarl
Book through DinePlan

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