The Best Restaurants in Woodstock

Once an industrial suburb, home to factories and warehouses, Woodstock has experienced a renaissance over the past decade, with a slew of creative agencies, cool coffee shops, cutting-edge galleries, delectable food joints opening shop, and transforming it into a hip hub. There’s so much to do and see; here, we round up our favourite foodie spots.

Is there an awesome hotspot you think we should know about? Let us know in the comments below.

The Pot Luck Club

Another top-drawer eatery from Luke Dale Roberts, The Pot Luck Club is headed by chef Jason Kosmas, whose exciting menu is designed to showcase all five flavour profiles (salty, sour, bitter, sweet and umami). Plate-sharing is encouraged, so that diners can experience a gastronomical gamut of tastes. Situated on the top floor of the Silo at The Old Biscuit Mill, the ambient eatery boasts killer city views, especially at night.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12.30 – 2pm; 6pm – 10pm
Sunday, 11am – 12.30pm
Contact 021 447 0804, [email protected]
Book through DinePlan
Where to find it Silo Top Floor, The Old Biscuit Mill, 373 – 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

Albert’s Eatery

Don’t be fooled by the low-key one-stop lunchtime counter; quality ingredients reign supreme at Albert’s. Having worked in other people’s kitchens for 12 years (including Scot Kirton’s La Colombe), Albert decided to go at it alone with the help of his wife, Elzaan. The menu changes daily depending on what’s available, but you can expect lush sarmies, veggie bakes, and power bowls. We recommend the power bowl crammed with grilled-to-perfection chicken, broccoli and cauliflower, served on a mix of brown rice and quinoa, with a side of dressed coriander.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm
Contact 072 499 3178, [email protected]
Where to find it 364 Albert Road, Woodstock

Home Town

My City By Night

With a caravan in the middle of the restaurant that serves as a DJ booth, this quirky and high-energy hub is right at, er, home in Woodstock. The menu reflects the district’s cultural diversity, with butter chicken, bunny chow and burgers just a few of the available options. There’s an outdoor area for warm evenings, and a bar serving tasty cocktails, and since it’s open on Sundays, it’s a fun weekend hangout.
Opening times Thursday – Sunday, 2pm – 12am (restaurant)
Tuesday & Wednesdays, 5pm – 10pm (takeaways only)
Contact 082 364 6464, [email protected]
Book through DinePlan
Where to find it Corner of Woodlands and Ravenscraig Roads, Woodstock

Ocean Jewels 

As a child, Julie Carter would watch her father returning home from a day of fishing, which instilled in her a deep love of the sea, and inspired her to open her own seafood restaurant and deli at The Woodstock Exchange.Visitors can expect scrumptious seafood dishes, such as tuna, yellowtail, calamari and angelfish (served with a choice of two sides), as well as fish cakes, seafood burgers, and more – all ridiculously fresh and sustainably caught.
Good to know Ocean Jewels has a stall at the Neighbourgoods Market every Saturday.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm (deli)
Contact 083 582 0829, [email protected]
Where to find it The Woodstock Exchange, 66 Albert Road, Woodstock

Pesce Azzurro Seafood Italian Bistro

There’s more to Italian cooking than pasta and pizza, and this restaurant is testament to that. Under the helm of Gianni and Cristiana Minori (formerly of La Sosta Restaurant & Guesthouse in Swellendam), Pesce Azzurro is all about beautifully prepared fish and seafood, sourced fresh from the ocean daily. Tuna, swordfish, mussels and local catch of the day are just a few of the staple ingredients, served with seasonal vegetables and selected Italian specialities, such as burrata. Of course, meat options are also available for those who prefer land-based fare.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12.30pm – 2.30pm; 6.30pm – 10pm
Contact 021 447 2009, [email protected]
Where to find it 113 Roodebloem Road, Woodstock

Andalousse Moroccan

2Summers

Though it’s easy to miss, this restaurant provides a memorable experience for those who discover it. Authentic Moroccan cuisine, bursting with flavours and spices, is served in warm and homely surrounds. A hidden gem that truly showcases the diverse range of experiences available in the Woodstock district.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 10pm
Sunday, 1pm – 9pm
Contact 021 447 1708, [email protected]
Where to find it 148 Victoria Road (opposite Woodstock police station), Woodstock

The Mill & Press 

Grab a coffee and pastry to go, or take a seat in this cosy coffee shop and deli and order a bite for breakfast or lunch. Freshly squeezed juices, salads and other healthy options are on offer, along with burgers, wraps and sandwiches.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7.30am – 4pm
Contact 060 754 1553, [email protected]
Where to find it Masons Press, Woodlands Road, Woodstock

Redemption Burgers

Dining Out

Tucked away in a corner of the popular Old Biscuit Mill, this burger joint is a friendly and unpretentious local hangout. We’ll get straight to the point – order the Straight Ace: a 200g handmade beef patty, topped with organic cheddar, homemade tomato relish, gherkins and sweet mustard mayo. Hits the spot every time.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm
Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Contact 079 476 3648, [email protected]
Where to find it Block B, The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock

The Aviary Cafe

Decorated with plants and watercolour paintings, this light and airy café serves good coffee and an array of deliciously wholesome breakfast and lunch dishes, courtesy of owner Emma Nourse. Freshly baked pastries, burgers, Greek-style flatbreads, and huevos rancheros (two eggs baked in Mexican tomato sauce with fresh guacamole and sour cream are just a few of the interesting options available.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7.30am – 4pm
Contact 021 447 2896, [email protected]
Where to find it 205 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

Salisburys

This friendly neighbourhood deli –  which also doubles as a wine shop – serves freshly roasted coffee and a range of pastries, sandwiches and light meals. Its central location makes it a convenient breakfast and lunch spot, not to mention a great place to pick up a bottle of vino or two on the way home from work.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7.30am – 8pm
Saturday, 8am – 8pm
Sunday, 8am – 4pm
Contact 021 838 2595, [email protected]
Where to find it 79 Roodebloem Road, Woodstock

Three Feathers Diner

Humungous burgers, milkshakes and muscle cars are the order of the day at this restaurant, inspired by classic American diners of the 1950s. Colourful graffiti and garage memorabilia enhance the atmosphere, and the burgers are packed with enough meat and flavour to impress any burger connoisseur. Chris Erasmus, chef-owner at Foliage restaurant in Franschhoek, rated it as his favourite restaurant for authentic cuisine in 2019, calling the burgers the best he’s had in a while.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 5pm
Saturday, 9am –5pm
Contact 021 448 6606 / 083 301 4953 / 083 658 8286, [email protected]
Where to find it 78 Bromwell Street, Woodstock

GoodFood

A cool, connected and environmentally conscious space, GOODFood is the new kid on the block (having opened on 7 June 2019). Part of the emerging global trend of food halls, it’s more than just a market; it’s a minimalist, industrial space that houses an array of food vendors, as well as a co-working area (GOODWork), a retail section (GOODStore) and a not-yet-launched fitness studio (GOODBalance).
Though everyone’s welcome, the food hall experience is probably best suited to young professionals and creatives, working or living in the area, who can order takeaways or enjoy their meal at one of the communal tables.
Vendors include Vagabond Kitchens, The Woodlands Eatery, Prashad Café, Woodstock Waffles, Truck Norris, GOODCoffee and GOODBar, with more set to open in the coming months.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 8am – 9pm
Contact 061 606 9114, [email protected]
Where to find it GOODWoodstock, The Ironworks Building, 242 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock

Woodstock Lounge

Stefan Smuts

Some spaces are just easy to be in, and this is one of them. Delightfully homely and a local favourite for its easy, Italian-inspired food, the relaxed lounge atmosphere is perfect for gathering friends and family, and even a fuss-free date. Tapas, wood-fired pizza, pasta, burgers and salads means there’s something for any food mood, even kids. You can catch sport here too, while there are many dining tables and sofas arranged in a welcoming way, so you can enjoy the good company even more!
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 11:30am – 12am
Contact 021 448 3338
Where to find it 70 Roodebloem Road, Woodstock

Saucisse Boutique Deli

French for “little sausage”, Saucisse is a family-run meat and cheese deli tucked away in the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. In addition to the well-stocked deli fridge, there’s a delicious baked-good section, and a dedicated bagel bar. We had the organic oat bowl and the generous smoked salmon and avo smash, both of which we enjoyed thoroughly.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 4pm; Saturday, 8am – 2.30pm
Contact 021 447 7177, 082 903 5173, [email protected]
Where to find it Unit A 112, The Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock

Also worth a whirl

If you’re in the ’hood, swing by:

Rosetta for the best coffee in Cape Town
Superette for the hipster scene and cool buffet
Fat Cactus for a boisterous night of delicious Mexican grub
Stardust for a dinner-theatre extravaganza
Jamaica Me Crazy for fun drinks and a cool vibe
The Fox Hole for all-day brunching with views of Devil’s Peak

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