The Best Restaurants in Newlands (+ Claremont)

Located at the foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town’s southern suburbs, Newlands is famously home to a string of landmarks and tourist destinations, namely Kirstenbosch Gardens, Newlands Forest, and the historic cricket grounds and rugby stadium.

Despite being the wettest suburb in South Africa (due to its high winter rainfall), its central location, just a 15-minute drive from the city centre and within walking distance to numerous schools, has made it a highly desirable residential area – with a clutch of cool restaurants and coffee shops attracting the foodie set, too.

Here’s our pick of the best restaurants in Newlands.

Have you eaten at a fabulous spot in Newlands? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

Find a restaurant in the following areas

Newlands
Claremont

Newlands

Patina Steak and Fine Wine

Before you even take your first bite, there are clues galore that this is no average steakhouse.The superb wine-by-the-glass list (the “Fine Wine” in its name kind of gives that part away); the small but select starter menu (carpaccio with pickled shallots, mustard seeds, radish, smoked salt and olive oil); the slick interiors; and, of course, the perfectly prepared steaks – made with aged Chalmar beef – have made this a popular favourite.Don’t leave without trying the finger-licking roasted marrow bones (with onion rings, sourdough wafers, beetroot aïoli and pickled mushrooms)
Good to know All steaks come with a side of your choice. Order two: creamed spinach and sweet potato fries!
Good to know The restaurant’s daily lunch menu is filled with sumptuous specials.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 021 203 5246, newlands@coppercollection.co.za
Where to find it 35 Dean Street, Newlands, Cape Town

The Gardener’s Cottage at Montebello Design Centre

The Little Hedonist

Lee Barty’s 27-year-old restaurant at the Montebello Design Centre offers a tranquil reprieve from the traffic and noise of the city. Ask any Newlands local, and they’ll tell you that a meal here is a special treat. On sunny days, sit outdoors under the historic camphor trees and enjoy Lee’s legendary chicken pie with a fresh herb sauce, or her equally delish chicken curry. The brown seed loaf is baked on site and is absolutely addictive! Don’t leave without browsing the many craft shops and wonderful garden nursery – a must for green-finger enthusiasts.
Opening times Tuesday, 8am – 4.30pm
Wednesday – Saturday, 8am – 8pm
Sunday, 8.30am – 4pm
Contact 021 689 3158, gardenerscottage@telkomsa.net
Where to find it Montebello Design Centre, 31 Newlands Avenue, Newlands, Cape Town

Lapo’s Kitchen

Brought to you by chef Lapo Magni, this authentic Italian dining experience is as much about the food as it is about the social aspect of eating. Located at the historic Josephine’s Mill, the only fully functioning water mill in the Western Cape, the restaurant revolves around a long table where guests gather, while Lapo prepares and serves a six-course meal utilising fresh, seasonal ingredients. Lapo’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the culinary arts enhances the occasion as he provides detailed introductions to each course.
Opening times Lapo’s Kitchen is a pop-up restaurant, so there are no set opening times, but rather scheduled dates on which guests can book a place at his table.
Contact 076 199 9189, info@laposkitchen.com
Book Now
Where to find it Josephine Mill Museum, 13 Boundary Road, Newlands, Cape Town

Rootbar

Conveniently positioned on Dean Street, Rootbar offers healthy and delicious, easy-to-enjoy meals. Whether you choose a breakfast smoothie bowl, healthy wrap or salad, Buddha bowl, or no-fuss avocado on thick-cut toast, it’s sure to be packed with wholesome goodness. Also on the menu are signature smoothies, freshly pressed juices, Truth coffee (with milk alternatives such as almond, cashew-nut and coconut milk, made on the premises), and guilt-free, utterly delicious baked goods.
Good to know The buffet-lunch menu changes daily, and there are always vegan options.
Insider info A second branch opened in Claremont recently (in collaboration with Seattle Coffee and Knead Bakery).
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 5pm; Saturday, 8am – 2pm; Sunday, closed
Contact 021 685 3445, info@rootbar.co.za
Where to find it 31 Dean Street, Newlands, Cape Town

Basilico

@entertainerza

Centrally slotted into the middle of Newlands Village, this popular pizzeria is enjoyed by locals and out-of-towners alike. Planted outside the entrance and giving you the feeling that you are entering a little morsel of Italy, are two tall trees, reminiscent of those lining the traditional Tuscan countryside. The bistro-style environment is inviting, and so are the delicious wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas and salads.
The relaxed atmosphere encourages small and large groups of family, friends and students to keep coming back, no matter the season.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 10.30pm; Sunday, 12pm – 9.30pm
Contact 021 683 5989, anthony@basilico.co.za
Where to find it 32 Kildare Road, Newlands, Cape Town

Bihari Indian Restaurant

Located at The Southern Sun Newlands, Bihari is an elegant yet cosy restaurant that serves an extensive menu of North Indian dishes. The attentive and very friendly waiters are on hand to assist with requests and explain the menu, which appears to have something for most palates. Curries vary from mild to Indian-hot, and there are at least 11 dishes for vegetarians, plus an entire page dedicated to naan and roti (bread)!
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12.30pm – 3.30pm; 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Contact 021 674 7186, newlands@bihari.co.za
Where to find it Ground Floor, Southern Sun Hotel, Main Road, Newlands, Cape Town

Barristers

A neighbourhood steakhouse (that’s been around for ages) with a traditional English bar, this is where locals gather for tried-and-tested steaks, 24 beers on tap, and an extensive wine list.On rugby days, fans congregate on the outdoor deck and courtyard, and spill onto the street to chat, drink and celebrate. On Sunday evenings, live musicians provide a festive vibe, attracting varsity students and anyone who’s in the market for a fun vibe and a hearty meal.
Good to know On the first Friday of the month, you might be lucky enough to see the Newlands Brewery horse and cart delivering barrels of draught beer for patrons to enjoy.
Opening times Daily, 11am – late
Contact 021 671 7907, reservations@barristersgrill.co.za
Where to find it Cardiff Castle, Corner Kildare Road and Main Street, Newlands, Cape Town

Sushi Box

If you’re looking for delicious iterations of sushi made with spices, drizzly bits and Japanese mayo, you’ve come to the right place. The famed sushi spot is tucked away in the corner of the Cardiff Castle Building on bustling Kildare Road, and so popular was this original branch that the owners have since opened shop at Lifestyles on Kloof on Kloof Street, Cape Quarter, Constantia Uitsig, and at the Willowbridge Shopping Centre, allowing sushi fiends in other parts of the Mother City to get a delicious slice of the Sushi Box action.  The sushi is fresh, not exactly authentic, but bursting with amazing tastes and textures. The friendly staff make waiting for your grub doable.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 11am – 8.30pm
Contact 072 147 7880, christo@sushibox.co.za
Where to find it Shop 8, Cardiff Castle Centre, Kildare Road, Newlands, Cape Town

Mamma Roma Ristorante

A long-standing Italian restaurant, Mamma Roma is owned and run by wonderfully hands-on hosts Cristina and Romano Gorrini, who have created a family- and food-oriented, relaxed dining experience. Northern Italian dishes, such as meat ravioli, fish risotto, three-sauce gnocchi and lamb shank, are the order of the day, excellently complemented with a fine wine selection.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact 021 685 2051/ 021 689 1975, mamaroma@telkomsa.net
Where to find it Dean Street Arcade, Dean Street, Newlands, Cape Town

Copper Club Eatery

A laidback pub-style restaurant in the vibrant heart of Newlands, ideal for lazy weekend breakfasts and afterwork drinks. Guests can take their pick from a range of craft beers, cocktails, wood-fired pizzas, and juicy burgers.
Opening times  Monday, 4pm – 11pm; Tuesday – Thursday, 12pm – 11pm; Friday & Saturday, 12pm – 12am
Contact 021 823 9739, patina@coppercollection.co.za
Where to find it 35 Dean Street, Newlands, Cape Town

Claremont

A Tavola

Utterly delicious seasonally driven dishes are the order of the day at this casual and very popular restaurant in Claremont, where hearty aromas of bold Italian flavours waft into the dining area from the open-plan kitchen. Passionate owner David Haupt is committed to using organic herbs and vegetables, pasture-reared beef, sustainable fish and handmade pasta (including wheat and gluten-free) in all the cooking. Vegetarians will be in their element with a number of delicious meat-free dishes, while pescatarians can enjoy the impeccable fresh fish of the day served with an authentic salsa verde.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 9pm; Saturday, 6pm – 10pm; Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
Contact 021 671 1763, info@atavola.co.za
Where to find it Library Square, Claremont (opposite Kingsbury Hospital), Cape Town

Starlings Locale

If you happen to find yourself in the quiet suburban streets behind Cavendish Square, follow the heavenly waft of sizzling bacon into Starlings Localé, a glowing-warm coffeeshop that happens to be the edgy sister of the ever-popular Starlings on Belvedere Road. Localé offers simple and tasty breakfasts and lunch. Portions are generous, produce is fresh, and the food is delicious. The decor is cool and contemporary, with on-trend plants creating a botanical vibe. Plus, there’s a mini boutique at the entrance to the restaurant that sells divine decor and clothing by local designers.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 4pm; Saturday, 8am – 2pm
Contact 021 671 6875, starlingscafe@gmail.com
Where to find it Corner Mark and Bishoplea Roads, Claremont, Cape Town

The Larder

Hidden behind the bustle of Cavendish Square (where Marigolds used to be, if you were around in those days), this is one of Claremont’s hidden gems. In fact, scratch that, it’s one of Cape Town’s hidden gems. Unassuming owner Sonja Edridge, who has cooked for Johnny Depp and the Queen, among others, has created an intimate haven where everything that comes out of her open-plan kitchen is a work of love and craftsmanship. Delicious healthy treats are on display at the counter, while the menu offers excellent coffee, and a range of tasty breakfasts and brunches.
Good to know Vegans and other special diets are catered for.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 3.30pm; Saturday, 8.30am – 1.30pm
Contact 021 671 1958, info@thelardercafe.co.za
Where to find it Unit 5, Grove Building, 8 Grove Avenue, Claremont, Cape Town

Salushi

Set in Claremont’s business hub, Salushi attracts office workers, ladies who lunch and students craving sushi, salads, Asian noodle dishes and tasty Thai curries. It’s perfect for after-work cocktails (try the piña colada!), casual lunches or pre-movie dinners. Our favourites off the sushi menu are the Bon Bon’s Gift (salmon fashion sandwiches topped with mayo and caviar) and Takky Tempura (seared salmon California rolls, topped with tempura prawns, spring onion and drizzled with citrus mayo).
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 4pm, 6pm –10pm
Contact 065 038 2106, info@salushi.com
Where to find it 6 Cavendish Street, Claremont, Cape Town

Hudsons The Burger Joint

As the name implies, this American-style diner is the place to be when your burger craving hits. It’s a popular post-work hangout for its festive weekday happy hour between 4.30pm and 6.30pm, making it a great place to catch up with friends over a chilled beer and a platter of miniature sliders.
Good to know Hudsons has recently introduced a vegan menu, including a vegan oreo milkshake, falafel tacos and five different burger options!
Opening times Daily, 12pm – 11pm
Contact 021 674 5152, claremont@theburgerjoint.co.za
Where to find it 25 Protea Road, Claremont, Cape Town

Researched by Bianca Hausle, Matthew Flax, Kent Cloete, Francesca Gransden

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