As Cape Town’s thriving restaurant scene continues to accrue accolades – with even more exciting developments on the horizon – we called on SA’s top chefs to vote for their best restaurants in Cape Town (that is, of course, when they’re not conjuring culinary magic in their own kitchens).
We divided the questions into eight categories, to ensure we covered the gamut of experiences (and price ranges). There were several ties for first place, which shows just how many fabulous places we have to choose from in and around Cape Town – even our chefs have a hard time picking just one. The winners and runners-up are revealed below.
Do you agree with the chefs’ picks? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
We’d like to thank all the chefs who participated in 2023 (arranged below in alphabetical order). We appreciate you taking time from your busy schedules to provide your much-valued input.
Important note We excluded votes from chefs who nominated their own restaurant(s) and/ or restaurants in their group.
Spreading out onto the historic werf at Spier Wine Farm, Vadas is famous for its hearty smokehouse meat (and veg) dishes and the best pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts) this side of Lisbon! Chef PJ Vadas, who cut his teeth at The Roundhouse and Camphors at Vergelegen, uses the best-quality beef, pork and chicken, all ethically sourced from Farmer Angus.
Rated by Charlton Prins, Charné Sampson, Jess van Dyk
Contact 021 809 1137, info@vadas.co.za
Where to find it Spier Wine Farm, Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch
Book Through DinePlan
Excellent laidback setting with delicious ‘cheffie’ food.”
Jess van Dyk (Post & Pepper)
In a beautifully calm space above Green Point Main Road, chef Graham Oldfield serves a concise Asian small-plate menu with bao buns as the hero (they even feature in dessert). The place gets packed to the brim with regulars looking for flavour-filled bites, including moreish Korean fried chicken, hoisin-braised duck leg, pork belly, gochujang sweet potato, and spicy prawns – all artfully plated on Chinese supermarket crockery.
Rated by Amori Burger, John Norris-Rogers, Roxie Mudie
Contact 066 022 1165, restaurantbaodown@gmail.com
Where to find it 1st Floor, Exhibition Building, 79 Main Road, Green Point
Book through DinePlan
“Their cauliflower cake and Korean chicken baos are consistent cravings of mine.”
Roxie Mudie (The Waterside)
With its pavement tables and unfussy, seasonal bistro menu, Rykaart’s is European in feel in the heart of Stellenbosch. Conceived by husband-and-wife team Alex and Ella Rykaart (Alex was previously head chef at The Vine Bistro), the menu ranges from snacks and small plates to hearty mains.
Rated by Lucas Carstens, Vusi Ndlovu
Contact 061 545 1465, rykaarts.co.za
Where to find it corner Dorp and Bird Street, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
“Good clean food.”
Vusi Ndlovu (Edge)
Ebullient and experienced restaurateur Ricky Turilli fills his “retirement project” restaurant on Roodebloem Road with laughter and geniality as he whisks between kitchen and tables.The homely dining space in a Victorian building and generous helpings of comfort food capture the essence of his family’s Italian culinary traditions.
Rated by Matt Manning, Neil Swart
Contact 083 251 0730, rickyturilli@gmail.com
Where to find it 85 Roodebloem Road, Woodstock
“The vibe is relaxed and cosy, and the Italian food is hearty and delicious. Best of all, we could bring our own wine. Tip: Go on a rainy night!”
Matt Manning (Grub & Vine)
Aromas of freshly baked patisserie emanate from this Victorian-era house on Green Point’s main drag where Captain Bread (aka Jason Lilley) prepares the best almond croissants in town, and his famous sourdough breads. Come for a cup of freshly brewed coffee and heavenly pastry, or hearty oats and a toastie.
Rated by Marco Cardoso, Veronica Canha-Hibbert
Contact 021 433 0538, orders@jasonbakery.com
Where to find it 83 Main Road, Green Point
“Delicious, casual and BIG on flavours.”
Marco Cardoso (De Eetkamer)
Chilled, pooch-friendly vibes by the sea and under the milkwoods in Noordhoek, The Aegir Project serves delicious, more-posh-than-pub food, and some of the craftiest beers on the peninsula. Founded by Rory Lancellas, his wife Carey and their dog Aegir in 2015, this small independent brewery produces a range of natural and additive-free ales, pilsners, lagers and stouts.
Rated by Ashley Moss, Hilde-Lee Olivier
Contact 066 587 9324
Where to find it 65 Beach Road, Noordhoek
Book through DinePlan
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from the hillside above Camps Bay is one of Cape Town’s finest, owned by chef Ryan Cole (previously Luke Dale Roberts’ head chef at the Test Kitchen). 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, edgy-chic interiors that complement Ryan’s seasonally driven, locally conscious fine-dining menu.
Rated by Ashley Moss, Chris Erasmus, David Schneider, Geoffrey Abrahams, Glen Williams, Ivor Jones, Jason Kosmos, Liam Tomlin, Luke Dale Roberts, Neil Swart, Scot Kirton, Veronica Canha-Hibbert, Vusi Ndlovu
Contact 021 010 6444, reservations@salsify.co.za
Where to find it The Roundhouse, Roundhouse Road, off Kloof Road, Camps Bay
Book through DinePlan
“A firm favourite of mine, epic location and incredible product, service and drinks.”
Jason Kosmos (Pot Luck Club)
This perennially buzzed-about restaurant, suspended above the famous vine-clad valley, offers a set menu of fine-dining-calibre shared plates delivered with glorious views and casual finesse. Chef-patron Ivor Jones (who co-owns the eatery with Liam Tomlin) concocts an array of imaginative dishes, with an emphasis on freshly harvested produce from the farm’s gardens, and adds an inspired injection of global flavours.
Rated by Amori Burger, Eric Bulpitt, James Gaag, Jesper Nilsson, Kerry Kilpin, Marco Cardoso, Matt Manning, Paul Prinsloo, Roxie Mudie
Contact 021 794 8632, cw@beauconstantia.com
Where to find it Off Constantia Main Road (M41), Constantia Nek
Book through DinePlan
“It has an incredible view and a fantastic food offering. Unbeatable for a special occasion.”
Jesper Nilsson (Elgr)
Chef Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss’s new venture, downstairs from celebrated FYN restaurant, has people queuing around the block for utterly delicious bowls of authentic ramen and other Japanese streetfood, plus sake and more Japanese drinks. The eatery is dark and moody inside, with more tables outside under fairylights strung from the trees.
Rated by Geoffrey Abrahams, Hilde-Lee Olivier, Paul Prinsloo, Reuben Riffel
Good to know There is no booking and it’s a no-cash venue.
Where to find it Speakers Corner, Church Square, 37 Parliament Street, Cape Town
“Great new addition to the dining scene. They take their noodles and broths very seriously.”
Reuben Riffel (Reuben’s)
Liam Tomlin’s newest restaurant at The Mount Nelson is aptly named The Red Room, an opulent speakeasy-esque stage for a sublime pan-Asian feast of small plates, served either à la carte or as a set menu to share. Expect a sense of theatre as well as the Chefs Warehouse calling card of fabulous food, headed up by chef David Schneider with chefs de cuisine Geoffrey Abrahams and Teenola Govender.
Rated by Luke Dale Roberts, Matt Manning, Veronica Canha-Hibbert, Virgil Kahn
Contact 021 483 1516, reservations@cwredroom.co.za
Where to find it: The Mount Nelson, 76 Orange Street, Gardens
Book through DinePlan
“Reminiscent of the Russian Tea Room in NYC, Liam and Dave’s newest venture at the Mount Nelson embodies the best of ‘relaxed’ fine dining, in the most sexy setting.”
Matt Manning (Grub & Vine)
Chef Luciano Monosilio is certainly stirring up the Italian scene in Cape Town. One of the youngest Italian chefs to gain a Michelin star (at age 27) he’s conceived contemporary pastas served as sharing plates, in a beautiful marriage of traditional and innovative. Luciano also brings the aperitivo culture to our shores, with cocktails, spritzes and “cicchetti” snacks easing you into dinner.
Rated by Marco Cardoso, Tracy-Leigh Gaag, Callan Austin, James Gaag
Contact 021 424 7204, capetown@scalapasta.com
Where to find 81 Church Street, Heritage Square, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
“The carbonara lives up to its reputation, I could eat it everyday for the rest of my life.”
Marco Cardoso (De Eetkamer)
What began as a series of pop-ups, Ouzeri has blossomed into a convivial restaurant on Cape Town’s Wale Street, inspired by owner-chef Nic Charalambous’ family’s Cypriot heritage. Here, he recreates the regional cooking of Cyprus and Greece alongside a string of contemporary plates inspired by his travels through the Mediterranean.
Rated by Jason Kosmos, John Norris-Rogers, Neil Swart
Contact 061 533 9071, seeyou@ouzeri.co.za
Where to find it 58 Wale Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
“Very good food showcasing Cypriot- and Greek-style dishes.”
Jason Kosmos (Pot Luck Club)
A desire to offer a fine-dining experience without the stuffiness or intimidating price tag led Jess van Dyk (formerly of La Colombe) to open a beautiful restaurant in Stellenbosch’s old post office. She serves reinvented South African classics infused with Asian influences in sharing plate style – “fun dining”, as Jess likes to call it!
Rated by Glen WIlliams, Roxie Mudie, Drikus Brink
Contact 021 203 5165
Where to find it 146 Bird Street, Stellenbosch
Book Through DinePlan
“There is a strong focus on nostalgia in the menu and it always delivers.”
Glen WIlliams (Foxcroft)
Chef Franck Dangereux was one of the forerunners of the fine-dining scene in Cape Town, establishing the original La Colombe on Uitsig farm over 25 years ago. But at The Foodbarn, you’re not here for fancy dining; Franck’s “been there, done that”. His roots in southern France inform his hearty, earthy style (bouillabaisse, slow-stewed tripe and trotters) served with bonhomie in a relaxed, family- (and even dog-) friendly setting.
Rated by Ashley Moss, Hilde-Lee Olivier, Kerry Kilpin, Nic van Wyk, James Gaag
Contact 021 789 1390, info@thefoodbarn.co.za
Where to find it Noordhoek Farm Village, Corner Village Lane and Noordhoek Main Road, Noordhoek
Book through DinePlan
“I don’t think that I have ever had a bad meal cooked by Franck Dangereux or his staff, I love eating there. I wish it was closer to Stellenbosch so I could eat there more.”
Nic van Wyk (Kleine Zalze)
A stalwart on the restaurant scene, this fine-dining establishment – housed in a characterful old building in the heart of Cape Town – has been serving creative dishes and meticulously planned wine pairings since 1996. German-born chef-owner Harald Bresselschmidt is held in high regard by top chefs in South Africa for his culinary achievements. His food philosophy emphasises fresh produce sourced directly from farmers and trusted suppliers. And his substantial wine list is second to none.
Rated by Christophe Dehosse, George Jardine, Lucas Carstens, Matt Manning
Contact 021 465 0000, info@aubergine.co.za
Where to find it 39 Barnet Street, Gardens
Book through DinePlan
“Old school magic from an oldie.The fact that Harold is still in the kitchen says it all. Most amazing selection of aged wines.”
George Jardine (Mount Nelson)
An all-round first-class experience awaits at this warm and welcoming restaurant on a perfectly manicured estate in Stellenbosch. With sommelier James Mukosi on hand to guide you through the impressive international wine selection, stellar service, and prettily plated, contemporary French-inspired cuisine overseen by chef Fabio Daniel, it’s no wonder that fellow chefs and foodies continue to rate it among the best in the country.
Rated by Callan Austin, Matt Manning, Paul Prinsloo
Contact 021 881 3757, dining@rustenvrede.com
Where to find it Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
“My wife and I love the service and attentiveness of sommelier James Mukosi and his team. It boasts an incredible winelist (at very reasonable mark-ups) and the food is excellent. The kind of place that makes a special occasion even more memorable.”
Matt Manning (Grub & Vine)
Surrounded by a charming garden with wide-spaced seating under trees, The Table evokes scenes from the Tuscan countryside, complete with good food, good wine and good company, Chef Brendan Thorncroft and his wife Leigh ensure that only the best produce from small-scale farmers in the area is used in their three-course sharing menu, all served on wonderfully mismatched vintage plates.
Rated by Hilde-Lee Olivier, Jess van Dyk, Marco Cardoso
Contact 072 696 0530, bookings@thetablerestaurant.co.za
Where to find it De Meye Farm, Muldersvlei Road, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
“It must be the ultimate Winelands experience. Lush lawns, vineyard views, and utterly delicious and comforting food.”
Jess van Dyk (Post & Pepper)
Perched on a cliff with views over a valley of vineyards all the way to False Bay, Tokara Wine Farm’s restaurant is presided over by executive chef Carolize Coetzee (formerly Dornier Bodega, Cuvée and Delaire Graff). She devises elegant menus of what she calls refined plaaskos (farm cuisine), contemporary dishes that are beautifully plated, made with seasonal and home-grown organic vegetables.
Rated by Kerry Kilpin, Lucas Carstens, Nanda Cardoso
Contact 021 885 2550, reservations@tokara.com
Where to find it Tokara Wine Estate, Helshoogte Road, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
“Tokara is a firm favourite; the views are stunning.”
Kerry Kilpin (Steenberg)
A veritable jewel in Franschhoek’s culinary crown on Leeu Estates wine farm, La Petite Colombe (sibling of superlative La Colombe in Constantia) is a relaxed yet refined and flawlessly five-star eatery helmed by chef Peter Duncan. The dazzling presentation, professional service and a smart winelist create a sense of occasion that makes dining here very special.
Rated by Luke Dale Roberts, Tracy-Leigh Gaag, Glen WIlliams
Contact 021 202 3395, reservations@lapetitecolombe.com
Where to find it Leeu Estates, Dassenberg Road (off the R45), Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan
“I had a great lunch there a few months ago, the food was delicious and the whole experience was polished and well thought through.”
Luke Dale Roberts (Salon, Pot Luck Club)
A French-fries bar? Count us in! Chefs Reuben Riffel and Aviv Liebenberg have added a chip shop with a difference to Franschhoek’s main street to satisfy everyone’s fried-snack fantasies. Think triple-fried frites with homemade mayo, and some heartier burger options in the mix. The new location is set back off the main street beside a stream with outside tables.
Rated by Lucas Carstens, Nanda Cardoso, Scot Kirton
Contact 084 502 5119
Where to find it 7 Reservoir Street (entrance off Huguenot Street opposite Woolworths), 11 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek
“There aren’t many greater pleasures than biting into a crispy golden frite with a super-creamy centre.”
Nanda Cardoso (Deux Lions)
This is “new-school” Italian gelato, using traditional methods with modern and local flavours. Stefano Moro grew up watching his nonna (granny) make gelato on their summer holidays in Liguria, and brings the high standards she taught him to a mouthwatering array of gelati and sorbetti that are freshly made each day from locally sourced produce. Moro’s original gold-and-pastel-hued parlour on Long Street has been joined by branches in Sea Point, Green Point and Stellenbosch.
Rated by Charné Sampson, Chris Erasmus, Giorgio Nava
Contact info@morogelato.co.za
Where to find it 165 Long Street, Cape Town; 85 Regent Road, Sea Point; Portside Centre, Main Road, Green Point; 13 Andringa Street, Stellenbosch
“My go-to is the salted caramel and chocolate with milk-chocolate wafer.”
Charné Sampson (Epice)
Pizza Shed is all about Neapolitan-style pizza. Owners James Williams and Tando Bavuma take a more laissez-faire approach than Neapolitan purists: keeping it authentic and also offering all the toppings if you so wish. The pizza dough itself is 48-hours proved, cooked in a wood-fired oven, and then flung into grateful hands at the Observatory and Bree Street branches.
Rated by Veronica Canha-Hibbert, John Norris-Rogers, Drikus Brink
Contact 060 953 4467, 071 342 5681
Where to find it 242 Lower Main Road, Observatory; 231 Bree Street, Cape Town
“The margarita just sets the standard for any other pizza. They get it so right without having to over complicate it with tons of toppings.”
Veronica Canha-Hibbert (The Silo)
For a Rolls-Royce seafood experience, take a seat at Nobu at One&Only Cape Town. Everything from the sleek, double-volume interiors and swanky backlit bar to the highly skilled chefs and efficient and friendly staff is top-drawer. Gastronomically speaking, the Japanese-Peruvian dishes will send your tastebuds to Osaka and back.
Rated by Giorgio Nava, Jesper Nilsson, Luke Dale Roberts, Virgil Kahn
Contact 021 431 5888, reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com
Where to find it One&Only Cape Town, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
“I still love Nobu at the One&Only Hotel. In my opinion the best Japanese restaurant in Cape Town.”
Luke Dale Roberts (Salon, Pot Luck Club)
Chef Sepial Shim’s lovingly cooked creative Korean cuisine has gained a loyal following of devotees since her first tiny restaurant in Salt River. Now Sepial’s Kitchen is based at Constantia UItsig serving authentic street food favourites from kimbap and bibimbap to beef or tofu bulgogi buns, not to mention Sepial’s special kimchi.
Rated by Neil Swart, Tracy-Leigh Gaag, Veronica Canha-Hibbert
Contact WhatsApp 064 750 5277, info@sepialskitchen.com
Where to find it Heritage Market, Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, Constantia
Book through DinePlan
“Authentic, attention to detail and a lovely calm space to enjoy perfectly executed Korean delicacies.”
Tracy-Leigh Gaag (Four & Twenty)
Authentic with a capital A, Hesheng prides itself on lip-smacking food that has Sea Point locals, Chinese patrons and some of Cape Town’s top chefs coming back for more. Along with the no-frills attitude, cheap-and-cheerful decor and honest-to-goodness food, this spot is also the first choice for those seeking adventurous dishes that you won’t find on any other menu in the city.
Rated by Charné Sampson, Geoffrey Abrahams, Jess van Dyk
Contact 021 433 0739
Where to find it 269 Main Road, Sea Point
“An institution for authentic Chinese… those dumplings!”
Jess van Dyk (Post & Pepper)
One of the most exciting epicurean experiences in the city right now, Peter Tempelhoff’s sophisticated, loft-like innercity space offers food and décor that is African-inspired, but with an overarching Japanese aesthetic. The multi-course kaiseki-style menu runs the full gamut of flavours and textures, each yielding a hit of flavour so lingering and sublime, you never want it to end.
Rated by Lucas Carstens, Paul Prinsloo, Drikus Brink
Contact 021 286 2733, info@fynrestaurant.com
Where to find it Church Square, 37 Parliament Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
“They do a great job. There’s still authenticity to their Japanese cuisine but with their own approach to the food.”
Paul Prinsloo (Gate)
This perennially buzzed-about restaurant, suspended above the famous vine-clad valley, offers a set menu of fine-dining-calibre shared plates delivered with glorious views and casual finesse. Chef-patron Ivor Jones (who co-owns the eatery with celebrated restaurateur Liam Tomlin) has concocted an array of imaginative dishes, with an emphasis on freshly harvested produce from the farm’s gardens, and added an inspired injection of global flavours. Coupled with the open kitchen, chic interiors, spectacular setting and world-class wines, this is an unforgettable dining experience.
Rated by Ashley Moss, Chris Erasmus, Kerry Kilpin, Eric Bulpitt, Geoffrey Abrahams, Glen WIlliams, Jason Kosmas, Jess van Dyk
Contact 021 794 8632, cw@beauconstantia.com
Where to find it Off Constantia Main Road (M41), Constantia Nek
Book through DinePlan
“Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia will always be my best… Ivor is a great human and chef and it shows in the ambiance and food!”
Chris Erasmus (Newmark)
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from the hillside above Camps Bay is one of Cape Town’s finest, owned by chef Ryan Cole (previously Luke Dale Roberts’ head chef at the Test Kitchen). 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, edgy-chic interiors that complement Ryan’s seasonally driven, locally conscious fine-dining menu.
Rated by Charlton Prins, Fabio Daniel, Giorgio Nava, Ivor Jones
Contact 021 010 6444, reservations@salsify.co.za
Where to find it The Roundhouse, Roundhouse Road, off Kloof Road, Camps Bay
Book through DinePlan
“It can be a Sago soufflé or a S‘more that went to private school, Ryan keeps us all wondering what is next.”
Charlton Prins (Haute Cabriere)
On the World’s Best Restaurants list for the third year running (at #75), chef Peter Tempelhoff’s restaurant is an epicurean experience to remember. The sophisticated, loft-like innercity space on the fifth floor (read: fantastic views) offers food and decor that is African-inspired, but with an overarching Japanese aesthetic. The multi-course kaiseki-style menu runs the full gamut of flavours and textures, each yielding a hit of flavour so lingering and sublime, you never want it to end.
Rated by Paul Prinsloo, Veronica Canha-Hibbert, Virgil Kahn
Contact 021 286 2733, info@fynrestaurant.com
Where to find it Church Square, 37 Parliament Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
“Pete and Jen have made magic here. And it just works…”
Veronica Canha-Hibbert (The Silo)
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