25 Cosy Restaurants with Fireplaces in Cape Town

Fireplaces have long symbolised warmth, safety and hospitality… There’s something irresistible about tucking into your favourite food next to a roaring fire, over leisurely conversation and good cheer… With winter looming, fireside is the only place to be. These are our favourite restaurants in Cape Town where flickering flames create a cosy atmosphere and a homely buzz.

Find a restaurant near you:
City Bowl + Atlantic Seaboard
Southern Suburbs
Hout Bay + South Peninsula
Northern Suburbs

City Bowl + Atlantic Seaboard

Chingadas

Vibrant but chilled, Chingadas has taken over the heritage house in Gardens that was once Societi Bistro, with interleading rooms, fireplaces, intriguing nooks, vintage furniture and a homely Tex Mex vibe that lifts the spirits. The spacious front courtyard has views of Table Mountain and leads into a long bar – the place for frozen margaritas (the smoked pineapple and chilli is a storm in a glass). It’s family-friendly – and dog-friendly, too – and yet thoroughly grown-up! We visited on a chilly Tuesday evening and it was humming!
It’s the sort of place to gather around a table, eat with fingers and share a series of enchiladas, quesadillas and taquitos (all deeply delicious and made with the freshest locally sourced ingredients). Or build your own fajitas and have some bowls of nachos to share. It’s unpretentious, generous, fresh and sparkling with energy.
Cosy cred Two of the wooden-floored rooms have blazing closed fireplaces, and technicoloured Cinco de Mayo decor keeping things fiery.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 12pm – 11pm
Friday + Saturday, 12pm – 12am
Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 021 201 0325
Where to find it 50 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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Asoka

A revamped Victorian-era house and covered courtyard decorated with a lavish helping of Eastern promise, Asoka is a vibrant bar and restaurant built around a 150-year-old, fairy-lit olive tree. One of Kloof Street’s popular haunts, it’s long been the place to go for tasty cocktails as well as regular live music sessions on a Sunday night. Its eclectic decor also provides the perfect backdrop for an evening sharing punchy Asian- and Mediterranean-inspired plates, from duck spring rolls and miso-yaki roast aubergine, to wild mushroom and gorgonzola arancini, butter chicken and wagyu beef sliders.
Cosy cred A crackling central fireplace, soft fairy lights, glowing candles and warm lanterns create a warm and welcoming vibe.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 5.30pm – 2am; Sunday,  5.30pm – 12am
Contact 021 422 0909, info@asoka.za.com
Where to find it 68 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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Aubergine

This Cape Town institution is the creation of legendary chef Harald Bresselschmidt, whose admirers include some of the Mother City’s top chefs. German-born Harald’s compelling dishes are rich in flavour, fusing Eastern and Western influences for a classic dining experience in a welcoming setting. His exceptional wine list is renowned as one of the city’s best, while the restaurant itself is surprisingly unpretentious for such an upscale establishment.
Cosy cred A comfortably sophisticated atmosphere and a crackling woodburning stove in the main dining room.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 6pm – 10pm (closed alternate Mondays)
Contact 021 465 0000
Where to find it 39 Barnet Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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Elgr

Sweden-born South African chef Jesper Nilsson and his team have created a modern restaurant experience that leans into laidback 21st-century tastes and moreish flavour bombs of note. The ever-changing and globally inspired shared-plates menu celebrates seasonality and simplicity, while the personable and polished service, moody minimalist interiors and a buzzing courtyard cocktail bar rounds off this charismatic culinary experience.
Cosy cred A double-sided fireplace near the open kitchen keeps things toasty, with a comfortable couch on one side and tables on the other.
Opening times Dinner: Wednesday – Saturday, from 6pm
Lunch: Saturday, 12pm – 3pm
Contact 021 422 0384, reservations@elgr.co.za
Where to find it 75 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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Kloof Street House

Housed in a 20th-century Victorian house, this cool courtyard restaurant, set back from busy Kloof Street, is like stepping into the pages of The Great Gatsby. The twinkling fairy lights and velvet cushions that line the garden seating area, and the warmly lit and eclectically furnished, romantic interior, make this one of Kloof Street’s cosiest haunts for a special occasion, date night, brunch, or a no-excuses-needed meal with family and friends.
Cosy cred Not one, not two, but three original fireplaces!
Opening times Monday, 12pm – 12am; Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 12am
Contact 021 423 4413, info@kloofstreethouse.co.za
Where to find it 30 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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Upper Union

A stylish and sumptuous eatery and cocktail lounge, Upper Union is the More Family Collection’s first foray into the restaurant scene.The beautifully renovated heritage building just off Kloof Street comes with fireplaces, stained glass, emerald-green walls, and Silwood-trained chef Amori Burger’s generous global-inspired menu of large and small plates to share. Punchy flavours and potluck conviviality are perfect for warming up winter.
Cosy cred Victorian fireplaces (upstairs) and a contemporary woodburning stove (downstairs) keep things cosy.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Contact 021 891 0360, reservations@upperunion.co.za
Where to find it Cape Cadogan Hotel, 3 Upper Union Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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The Planet Bar at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel

Fancy pink drinks at an iconic pink-hued hotel? Chic, laidback and unfailingly luxe, this bar at the Mount Nelson is just as suitable for spontaneous after-work drinks (with a quick bite to eat) as it is for special occasions. In addition to a superb and comprehensive list of top-notch wines, spirits and cocktails (which come with an irresistible array of bar nibbles), the bar food menu is one of the best in town. Service, of course, is always warm and impeccable.
Cosy cred A roaring fire keeps things toasty as you lounge in one of the plush alcoves or sink back into the very comfortable armchairs.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – late
Contact 021 483 1000, restaurantreservations.mnh@belmond.com
Where to find it 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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Libertino

Homemade pasta, Insta-worthy lipstick-red interiors and an oh-so-Shazamable soundtrack – there’s a lot to love at Libertino, De Waterkant’s vibey new Italian eatery. At the top of a neon-lit stairway you’ll discover a spot that’s intimate enough for a candlelit date, and funky (town) enough for a fun night with friends. Pastas and pizzas are handmade from scratch on the premises daily. While you’ll want to book a table inside, all the better to feast on the eclectic decor, there’s a pocket-size roof terrace too, where the moon might just hit your eye like a big (burrata) pizza pie.
Cosy cred As well as the hot-red walls there’s a fireplace to keep winter nights sizzling.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 6pm – 11pm
Contact 075 089 3250
Where to find it 47 Napier Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town
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Bao Down

Big things, they say, come in small packages – which is certainly the case for this Green Point gem. In a beautifully calm space, with soft-pink walls, vintage bird prints, antique mirrors, greenery and origami-esque lights, chef Graham Oldfield serves a concise Asian small-plate menu with bao buns as the hero. This is the season to tuck into slow-braised hoisin beef short rib, or Gochujang sweet potato bao, and there’s even a deep-fried bao with vanilla ice cream and dark chocolate for dessert.
Cosy cred A roaring fire by the bar, cosy booths and the sizzling vibe.
Opening times Dinner: Tuesday – Saturday, 5.30pm – 9pm
Lunch: Saturday, 12pm – 3pm
Contact 066 022 1165, restaurantbaodown@gmail.com
Where to find it 1st Floor, Exhibition Building, 79 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town
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Salsify at The Roundhouse

Photo: Jan Ras (bottom left)

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from the hillside above Camps Bay is one of Cape Town’s finest, owned by chef Ryan Cole. Salsify serves modern cooking, inspired by nature and driven by the seasons. Enhancing the overall experience is excellent service, two top-tier wine-pairing options (and a non-alcoholic pairing), and edgy-chic interiors that complement Ryan’s seasonally driven, locally conscious fine-dining menu.
Cosy cred Choose to dine in the internal Seasonal Room, an ever-changing space (this year it’s a dream of origami paper proteas) with warming fireplaces at each end.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12.30pm – 2pm;  6pm – 8pm (last seating)
Sunday, 12.30pm – 2pm
Contact 021 010 6444, reservations@salsify.co.za
Where to find it The Roundhouse, Roundhouse Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
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Southern Suburbs

Tryn at Steenberg

In the heart of the idyllic Constantia Winelands, complete with Cape Dutch architecture and old oak trees, Tryn at Steenberg offers the trifecta of dining out: elegant cuisine, majestic views and tasteful contemporary interiors. Chef Kerry Kilpin’s considered touch with distinctive seasoning and signature sauces bring a bold, modern flair to classically prepared dishes on the à la carte menu.
Cosy cred Warm gold banquettes and a roaring fire.
Opening times Daily, 8am – 11am; 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 10pm
Contact 021 713 7178, info@tryn.co.za
Where to find it Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
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Beyond

Taking pride of place on Buitenverwachting wine farm, Beyond is a sophisticated (yet unpretentious) dining destination where everything – from the slow-food approach and use of seasonal produce to the service, views and wine – is out of the top drawer. Chef Peter Tempelhoff (chef-patron of innercity fine-dining restaurant Fyn), and executive chef Sebastian Stehr celebrate indigenous ingredients from the Cape prepared through an array of globally-inspired culinary styles (choose from two or three courses from the à la carte menu or go for the six-course tasting experience). Large floor-to-ceiling windows frame the vineyards, reminding diners of nature’s bounty.
Cosy cred The grand marble fireplace with roaring fire channels winter vibes to match the flavours on the plate.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 2pm; 6pm – 8.30pm
Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm
Contact 021 794 0306, info@beyondrestaurant.co.za
Where to find it Buitenverwachting, 37 Klein Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town
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The Bistro at Klein Constantia

Come for a taste of the estate’s famed Vin de Constance and stay for a country bistro lunch on the terrace under the jacaranda tree (in summer) or in the elegant dining room in winter. The short two- and three-course seasonal menus focus on local ingredients in classic bistro style (everything is homemade), and dessert is accompanied by a Vin de Constance ice cream that is a must-try whatever the weather!
Cosy cred A sizzling woodburning stove makes for cosy fireside lunches.
Good to know No children under 12
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
Contact 021 794 5188, bistro@kleinconstantia.com
Where to find it Klein Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town
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Grub & Vine Norval

The airy glass-walled restaurant at Norval Foundation overlooks striking sculpture gardens, rolling mountains and a beautiful outdoor deck, a sophisticated sibling to Matt Manning’s Grub & Vine on Bree Street. The menu of refined but hearty bistro fare (partnered with a superb wine offering) is ideal winter fare, whether you go for the six-course winter tasting menu, eat à la carte, or feast on the relaxed family-style sharing menu.
Cosy cred A clutch of cosily blazing firepots warm up the restaurant for winter.
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 9pm
Sunday 12pm – 2.30pm
Contact 021 216 0021, hello@grubandvine.co.za
Where to find it The Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
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Foxcroft

Part of the La Colombe group of restaurants, with chef-proprietor Glen Foxcroft Williams at the helm, Foxcroft has a laidback, urban chic vibe and is located in the charming High Constantia Centre. The food, served over multiple courses of smaller plates, is impeccable – without being overly complicated – not surprising given Glen’s La Colombe background!
Cosy cred Choose a table right next to the central fireplace to ensure your derrière remains toasty throughout your meal.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 8.30pm
Contact 021 202 3304
Where to find it Shop 8, High Constantia, Corner Groot Constantia and Constantia Main Roads, Constantia, Cape Town
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The Club House at Claremont Cricket Club

Not just a sports club, this is a favourite casual weekend lunch spot for Southern Suburbs families with kids (and dogs). With fabulous views over the cricket pitches to the back of Table Mountain (it’s actually in Constantia not Claremont), in fine weather the tables spill outside onto the terrace with a kids play area nearby. Come rain it’s cosy inside with a wide menu of comfort food and a popular line in thin crust pizzas. And there’s often live music too.
Cosy cred A big doubled-sided closed fireplace in between the bar and dining areas.
Opening times Monday, 3pm – 9pm
Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 10pm
Sunday, 12pm – 8pm
Contact 021 794 6314, theccclubhouse@gmail.com
Where to find it Constantia Sports Complex, Constantia Main Road, Cape Town
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Constantia Glen

You can feast your eyes for hour upon hour at this beautiful estate high in the Constantia Valley…as the sun moves round, the swooping 360-degree vista of vines, lawned terraces and towering mountain slopes changes from verdant green to sunset gold. With 300 seats, divided into a series of rooms, courtyard, terrace and pergola, there’s not a bad seat in the house, but on a chilly winter day go for a table beside the closed fireplace in the glasshouse dining room, where you still get uninterrupted view-gazing. Sip on a glass of cool-climate sauvignon blanc or a Bordeaux-style red blend and tuck into one of the famous wood-fired flammkuchen, a charcuterie platter, or hearty soups, burgers, and salads.
Cosy cred Closed fireplaces in the glasshouse dining room and in the bar area keep things toasty.
Opening times Sunday – Thursday, 10.30am – 6pm
Friday + Saturday, 10.30am – 9pm
Contact 021 795 5639, enquiries@constantiaglen.com
Where to find it Constantia Main Road, Constantia
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Hout Bay + South Peninsula

The Foodbarn

Chef Franck Dangereux masterfully combines the flavours of his native France with culinary influences from across the globe, but it’s the laidback country charm that sets The Foodbarn apart. Pop by for breakfast or coffee and snacks, go for the Bistronomy lunch offering, or while away the evenings over tapas (from 6pm), with exciting tastes and textures in a laid-back atmosphere.
Cosy cred Gorgeous warm colours in the country-chic decor and a chunky central gas fireplace keep the warmth levels high. There’s a shelf of second-hand books to browse too.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 8am – 9.30pm
Sunday + Monday, 8am – 4pm
Contact 021 789 1390, info@thefoodbarn.co.za
Where to find it Noordhoek Farm Village, Village Lane, Noordhoek, Cape Town
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Chapman’s Peak Hotel

There’s a liberal seasoning of nostalgia to this iconic hotel restaurant with its epic views over Hout Bay. The delicious fried calamari is what everyone keeps going back for, drizzled with garlic and lemon butter. Or go for piri piri prawns, kingklip, Portuguese grilled sardines, or the prawn and calamari combo served in the pan. It is perfect for a family day out, with seating outside on the terrace, or in the cosy interior.
Cosy cred In winter, a crackling fire indoors sets the scene.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 9pm
Contact 021 790 1036, reservations@chapmanspeakhotel.co.za
Where to find it Chapmans Peak Drive, Hout Bay, Cape Town
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Harbour House Kalk Bay

Perched high above the bustling fishing pier like a ship run aground, Harbour House is known for its seafood (fresh, delicious, not cheap), but you’re here for the luxury of lifting a glass to the ultimate knock-out view… False Bay in all its glory. Seafood is, naturally, the primary focus: sushi, grilled crayfish, scallops, tuna tartare and oysters, as well as the popular seafood platter for a little taste of everything.
Cosy cred Enjoy your meal by the fire, as the waves crash against the giant glass windows.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 021 788 4133, kalkbay@harbourhouse.co.za
Where to find it Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalk Bay, Cape Town
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Northern Suburbs

Chocolat Bistro

The restaurant’s charmingly eclectic interior filled with lavish Provençal-style decor, chandeliers and objets d’art creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere in which to enjoy a range of comforting breakfast options, pizzas, winter-warming lunches and dinners, and a whole raft of luscious cakes and desserts.
Cosy cred A fireplace and a woodburning stove in the various dining rooms provide respite from the cold, and there are space heaters in the outdoor courtyard too.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 7am – 10pm
Sunday, 8am – 3pm
Monday, 7am – 5pm
Contact 021 975 2426, bookings@chocolatbistro.co.za
Where to find it 46 Oxford Street, Durbanville, Cape Town
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Die Damhuis Restaurant

This popular Melkbosstrand sea-facing restaurant opened its doors in 2009, but the building has been around since 1785 (a fish barn and boathouse), and has since been declared a national monument. A family-friendly hit, Damhuis has several different dining spaces indoors and out, taking you all the way through the day from breakfast to dinner.
Cosy cred A fireplace warms up the restaurant’s atmospheric Voorhuijs section, while the Fisherman’s Tent section has gas heaters to keep you toasty.
Opening times Tuesday – Friday, 12pm – 9pm
Saturday, 9am – 11.15am; 12pm – 9pm
Sunday, 9am – 11.15am; 12pm – 3pm
Contact 021 553 0093, info@diedamhuis.co.za
Where to find it 32 Beach Road, Melkbosstrand, Cape Town
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On The Rocks

This shore-hugging eatery has become somewhat of a Blouberg landmark, having upheld its popular reputation for scenic views and delicious food by the sea for over 56 years. Indulge in eggs Benedict for breakfast, settle in for a leisurely lunch, or go for date-night classics such as herb-crusted lamb rack, pork espetada or Cape Malay curry, and crème brulée for dessert.
Cosy cred Book a table near the roaring glass-enclosed fireplace at one end, and enjoy views of wild seas while the warmth washes over you.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 10pm
Contact 021 554 1988, ontherocks@seascapecollection.co.za
Where to find it 45 Stadler Road, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town
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The Tangram Restaurant at Durbanville Hills

Stunning views from the double-volume, glass-walled Tangram Restaurant at Durbanville Hills take in Table Mountain and the sweep of the bay. It’s a dramatic contemporary setting for a menu that chef Tamzyn Ehlers describes as “unpretentious yet sophisticated”, featuring elegant and hearty dishes of local ingredients with global influences, paired with Durbanville Hills’ Collectors Reserve wines.
Cosy cred Ask for a table by the closed fireplace and soak up the warmth while enjoying fiery winter sunset views.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 8.30am – 11am; 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 10pm
Sunday, 8.30am – 11am; 12pm – 3pm
Contact 021 558 1300, info_durbanvillehills@heineken.com
Where to find it Tygerberg Valley Road, Cape Farms, Durbanville, Cape Town
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Patina at D’Aria Winery

Leather booths, smooth walnut tables and touches of copper create a refined, moody and cosy fireside setting in the Old Stone House at D’Aria, where Patina Steak & Wine has its home (with a few tables on the verandah for sunny days). This is the place for a perfectly grilled succulent steak with tasty and creative sides and starters (or perhaps a prawn risotto or grilled Norwegian salmon).
Cosy cred A merrily burning open fireplace adds warmth to winter dining.
Good to know Botany, the cocktail bar next door, also has a fireplace.
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 12pm – 11pm
Friday + Saturday, 11am – 11pm
Sunday, 11am – 5.30pm
Contact 021 205 0572, info@coppercollection.co.za
Where to find it Tygerberg Valley Road (M13), Durbanville, Cape Town
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