20 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

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, champagnes, 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 – 1am
Contact 021 483 1000, restaurantreservations.mnh@belmond.com
Where to find it 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town

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, 11am – 12am
Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 12am
Contact 021 423 4413, info@kloofstreethouse.co.za
Where to find it 30 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Enquire Now

The Botanist’s Table

Picture-perfect views over the harbour to Table Mountain are framed in the tall windows of the light-filled lobby lounge at InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town, where The Botanist’s Table bar presides. Inspired by the region’s rich botanical heritage, the menu is layered with locally rooted flavours, from handcrafted cocktails infused with indigenous botanicals to a curated selection of regional gins, fine wines and elegant small plates. It’s a tranquil escape from the buzz of the V&A Waterfront, and an ideal spot for leisurely sundowners before heading to dinner at either Bistrot de Jan or Flint & Fennel next door.
Cosy cred There’s plush seating on each side of a flickering fire set below a marble mantel.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 6am – 1am
Contact 021 406 5000
Where to find it  Intercontinental Table Bay Cape Town, Quay 6, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

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, BBQ pork belly and the moreish Korean-fried chicken bao, or their famous cauliflower cake with mushrooms, edamame and spicy soy dressing, all artfully plated on Chinese supermarket crockery.
Cosy cred A roaring fire by the bar, cosy booths and the sizzling vibe.
Opening times Winter: Tuesday – Friday, 5.30pm – 9pm
Saturday, 12pm – 3pm; 5.30pm – 9pm
Contact 066 022 1165, restaurantbaodown@gmail.com
Where to find it 1st Floor, Exhibition Building, 79 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town
Enquire Now

Coy

Sparkling views over harbour, yacht basin and Table Mountain, moody chiaroscuro interiors, and a relaxed take on fine dining are the appeal of Salsify’s award-winning chef Ryan Cole’s second restaurant. With head chefs Geoffrey Abrahams and Teenola Govender focusing on sustainable, ethical and locally sourced ingredients that tell a story on the plate, Coy looks to the ocean for inspiration, and follows the coastline around the continent to explore African produce, age-old preparation techniques and forgotten ingredients. Go for the full experience tasting menu (with choices), or pop by for a relaxed à la carte explore with the Coy Edit menu.
Cosy cred A central fireplace warms the cosy interior in winter, and fluffy white fleeces draped on bar stools invite you to snuggle up with a cocktail.
Good to know Park at the Portswood parking garage and walk towards the Bascule Bridge.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm –  8.30pm
Contact 021 010 6444, reservations@coyrestaurant.com
Where to find it Scheryn Pavilion Building, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Upper Union

A gorgeously renovated heritage building, stylish and evocative with Victorian fireplaces and features, Upper Union is now a stalwart of the Kloof Street landscape. Silwood-trained chef Amori Burger has created an appealing and soul-warming menu of large and small plates to share, with punchy flavours and pot-luck conviviality that fits perfectly into the neighbourhood’s eclectic culinary scene, and beautifully crafted cocktails to match.
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
Book through DinePlan

Chingadas

Vibrant but chilled, Chingadas is a colourful oasis in a heritage house in Gardens, with interleading rooms, fireplaces, intriguing nooks, vintage furniture, colourful tiles, vintage wallpaper, neon signs 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 chili is a storm in a glass). 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 tacos and have some bowls of nachos to share. It’s unpretentious, generous and humming with energy even on a chilly weekday evening.
Cosy cred Two of the wooden-floored rooms have blazing closed fireplaces, and technicoloured Cinco de Mayo decor keeps things blazing.
Good to know It’s family- and dog-friendly. On Sunday, combine your meal with a screening at the nearby Labia Theatre; you get two chicken or cheese nachos and two movie tickets for R220.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 12pm – 11pm
Friday + Saturday, 12pm – 12am
Sunday, 12pm – 9pm
Contact 021 201 0325
Where to find it 50 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Aubergine

A Cape Town institution since it first opened in 1996, Aubergine 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 winelist is renowned as one of the city’s best, while the restaurant itself feels like a welcoming private home and 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 – Wednesday, 6pm – 10pm
Thursday + Friday, 12pm – 2pm; 6pm – 10pm
Saturday, 6pm – 10pm
Contact 021 465 0000, info@aubergine.co.za
Where to find it 39 Barnet Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Cafe Paradiso

Enclosed by lush green hedges just off upper Kloof Street, Café Paradiso entices diners with the aroma of baking bread and a charming garden and courtyard with slices of mountain views. It’s a popular neighbourhood haunt for Mediterranean-inspired fare including pastas, burgers, pizzas and salads, as well as wholesome breakfasts.
Cosy cred Warm up next to the fires in the restaurant or in the bar.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 12am
Contact 021 003 8102, info@allyoursco.com
Where to find it 110 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Enquire Now

Rick’s Café Américain

A polyglot Cape Town institution in a historical iron-lacework-clad villa right on buzzy Kloof Street, Rick’s takes its inspiration from the classic movie Casablanca. Known for delicious Moroccan tagines, tasty Mediterranean platters, and for burgers, steaks and generous comfort food, it’s a meeting place of cultures, just like its fictional counterpart. The downstairs bar is home to SA’s biggest collection of tequilas (there are at least 80), jazz nights and big-match screenings. The first-floor dining room is a low-lit cluster of intimate rooms for date nights, dinner and quiet conversations, with Moroccan lanterns and a wraparound balcony. And the rooftop terrace has 360-degree views of the city and Table Mountain.
Cosy cred Glasses of gluhwein to wrap your hands around, and roaring fires downstairs in the bar and in the first-floor dining room. On the enclosed rooftop terrace there are space heaters and blankets to keep things toasty.
Opening times Winter: Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 2am (kitchen open 12pm – 10pm)
Contact 021 424 1100, info@rickscafe.co.za
Where to find it 103 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

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 has comfortable contemporary interiors that embrace you in warmth and luxury come winter. Chef Kerry Kilpin’s elegant cuisine layers distinctive seasoning and signature sauces with bold, modern flair in the classically prepared dishes on the seasonal 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
Book through DinePlan

Beyond

With stunning views over the vines on Buitenverwachting wine farm, Beyond is a sophisticated (yet unpretentious) dining destination where everything – from the slow-food approach and indigenous kitchen garden to the service, views and wine – is out of the top drawer. Chef Peter Tempelhoff (chef-patron of the Fyn group) and executive chef Sebastian Stehr celebrate the ancient elements of the Cape Floristic Region and its coastline in beautifully plated and meticulously crafted dishes (choose from two or three courses from the à la carte menu or go for the six-course tasting experience).
Cosy cred The grand marble fireplace with roaring fire channels winter vibes to match the flavours on the plate.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 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
Book through DinePlan

Ember & Oak

An established favourite on the Constantia Uitsig block, Ember & Oak has filled a gap for locals longing for an informal but tasty array of global tapas. Tim and Judy Pick (Tim is ex-La Colombe) have created a short menu of delicious small plates to browse on the terrace tables outside the Uitsig heritage cottages, or inside by the fire. The vineyard, lawns and Constantiaberg mountain views are spectacular, but it’s the often-changing menu of flavourful, unpretentious (and affordable) small plates that draw a crowd of repeat customers: for winter comfort food think roasted pumpkin risotto, pork ribs with a teriyaki glaze, and rolled lamb belly in a garlic emulsion.
Cosy cred The intimate interior is warmed by a blazing fire in cooler weather. And there are blankets, drop blinds and space heaters out on the terrace.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 4pm; 6pm – 9pm (coffee from 10am)
Sunday, 12pm – 4pm
Contact 067 499 5621
Where to find it Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia, Cape Town
Enquire Now

Little Fox

Little Fox is the casual, more-relaxed expression of chef-proprietor Glen Williams’ Foxcroft philosophy, which opened when they moved up to the heritage Constantia Nek building. The atmospheric space, with stone walls and a thatched roof, opens onto a wide leafy courtyard looking up at the mountain peaks, with seating for up to 100 diners. Glen and head chef Keanan Jaftha have created a menu of beautifully crafted small plates with a relaxed vibe that 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.
Cosy cred The old stone fireplace fills with flickering firelight and keeps things toasty.
Good to know Next door, with panoramic views over the valley, the new Foxcroft also has a closed wood-burning fireplace.
Opening times Daily, 12pm – 8.30pm (last seating)
Contact 021 202 3308, reservations@littlefox.restaurant
Where to find it Constantia Nek, Constantia, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

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 earthy colours in the country-chic interior 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 – 3pm
Contact 021 789 1390, info@thefoodbarn.co.za 
Where to find it Noordhoek Farm Village, Village Lane, Noordhoek, Cape Town

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

Northern Suburbs

Chocolat Bistro

The restaurant’s charmingly eclectic interior filled with vintage 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
Enquire Now

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 – Sunday, 9am – 11.15am; 12pm – 9pm
Contact 021 553 0093, info@diedamhuis.co.za
Where to find it 32 Beach Road, Melkbosstrand, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

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
Book through DinePlan

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
Book Through DinePlan

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for hot new openings, secret spots and incredible escapes – straight to your inbox every week.