54 Best Restaurants in South Africa

Set in manicured, terraced gardens that stretch out onto paddocks where grazing Friesian horses idle away afternoons, the family-owned Black Horse Estate Restaurant predominantly serves bistro staples like burgers and wood-fired pizzas, though Stables Café, open during the week, can easily accommodate walk-ins. While you’re here, you can also do a tasting and tour of the craft brewery, run by one of the country’s youngest female brewers, and gin distillery (1 hour, R287.50 for both). It’s such a popular weekend venue for families, bikers, cyclists, and out-of-towners that it’s essential to book if you want to secure a place for lunch.

An institution on the Panorama Route, Harrie's Pancakes has included all manner of fillings in their trademark thick, fluffy pancake rolls since 1986. There's classic lemon and cinnamon or far more decadent sweet stuffings such as the iconic South African peppermint crisp crumble with caramel sauce and milk tart custard. For savory palates, the tangy bobotie with chutney vinaigrette is unforgettable.

Kassa and his friendly staff serve up affordable and delectable Ethiopian cuisine at this small restaurant at 44 Stanley—there's a selection of options for meat lovers and vegans (as Ethiopians regularly fast by not eating animal products). While the decor may be simple, comprising of a few photos and paintings of Ethiopia, the food steals the show like Beyaynetu, a vegan combo dish where lentil stew, pumpkin, chickpea gravy, sautéed spinach, curried potatoes, pickled beetroot, and tomato salsa is laid out on injera (a sourdough flat bread). The food is intended to be shared and eaten with your hands, ask Kassa can show you how, after you thoroughly wash your hands at the outdoor sink (you can also ask for cutlery). Top off your meal with a traditional coffee—after all Ethiopia is said to be the birthplace of coffee. 

This new food market at the cruise terminal near the Waterfront showcases some of the best local foods that Cape Town has to offer. Try some killer wings from Sidewing, or a beloved traditional Koesister (a Cape Malay spiced donut) from Fuzzy's Food and grab a good cup of coffee from Coffee by Moses. Want something more filling? Try a tasty dosa from Indikaap's ayurvedic kitchen or a South African braai plate from Pitso's Kitchen. Whatever you get, enjoy it outside in the sunshine, watching cruise ships parking on the dock. 

This tiny Kalk Bay institution with its mismatched tables and open kitchen is much beloved by locals as a super-casual destination for consistently excellent food and a great cup of coffee. The quality of the mostly Mediterranean fare is high, and the servers sassy (some might call it something else). The chalkboard menu changes regularly, but expect dishes like seared tuna with crushed potatoes and lemon mayo, or roast duck on egg noodles teriyaki-style. Great soups—think bacon and bean or tomato and lentil—are served with legendary ciabatta. There is always a great pasta dish on offer (linguine with tuna and cherry tomatoes, anyone?), as well as creative salads and numerous sweet temptations from the bakery. Lines are the norm at peak mealtimes and reservations are not accepted, so be prepared to wait.

Though unfortunately inside the mall, this buzzing hive of activity consistently churns out what many say is the city's best sushi along with a surprisingly good array of other Japanese dishes as well as seafood favorites like English fish-and-chips and a prawn pasta. It is probably fair to say that South African sushi was defined by Willoughby & Co., with its fanciful and decadent signature rolls, such as the creamy rock-shrimp maki (a tuna-style roll graced with large chunks of tempura-fried crayfish in a spicy mayo-based sauce) and the rainbow nation roll (salmon, avocado, and tuna topped with caviar and a few squizzles of delicious sesame-oil and sweet chili sauces). More traditional sushi is also very good, thanks to the fact that this shop promises nothing is ever frozen (multiple weekly shipments of fresh Norwegian salmon help make this so). The Japanese Kitchen menus are also extremely tasty. There will almost inevitably be a line during normal dinner hours; however, it goes quickly (especially if you sit at the sushi bar, which is the place to be) and you're likely to be offered free tastes of various new vintages while waiting.

This popular spot is all about free-range, organic, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients, and chances are the garnishes on your plate will have been freshly picked from the organic herb garden outside. The vegetarian-friendly menu changes regularly and features a range of dishes served either roasted or raw. Meat eaters, you have not been neglected. Venison frikkadells (meatballs) are served with a buttery potato mash and beetroot chutney, hearty steaks come with potato wedges, and slow-cooked springbok shanks are dished up with roasted vegetables. You can also sample four craft beers, locally made cloudy cider, or freshly pressed juices. The setting is a wooden cottage where guests are encouraged to linger over their meal. Zucchini is part of Timberlake Farm Stall, which has a number of shops.

Right on the water's edge in what appears to be a former warehouse, bustling 34° South manages to combine elements of a fishmonger, a bar, a bistro, a deli, a coffee shop, and a seafood restaurant. Choose from the huge array of fresh fish (including sushi), opt for a rustic pizza, or just fill a basket with tasty breads, pickles, cheeses, meats, and other delights. Whatever your choice, enjoy your feast while sitting on the jetty looking out at the boats. 

A new offering in Bo-Kaap for delicious bagels with a Cape Malay twist, Against the Grain has great coffee and their famous koeksisters (traditional spiced donuts). With elegant, ornate decor, this little cafe is a lovely place to stop for coffee or lunch in town. 

This small, casual restaurant offers memorable food and quick, professional service, whether you choose to sit down or grab a quick bite. The atmosphere can be quite noisy and energy-packed, as friends catch up over lunch and businesspeople chat animatedly about work over a plate of legendary potato rostis: try one with smoked salmon or a pepper fillet. Many people return to this local favorite which was founded in 1992 and hasn't changed its menu since.

This intimate, modern eatery specializes in small plates that cater to conscious foodies and those with restrictive diets—vegan, keto-friendly, or gluten-free or lactose-free options available. The minimalist decor draws focus to the flavors and colors of the food, which is meant for sharing so as to avoid order envy—three plates per person should do the trick. It's ideal for a quick bite at lunchtime or a leisurely dinner. Outside of the most popular signature dishes, the menu changes seasonally (three times a year) and can be complemented with a selection of local wines from smaller wine estates with a deliberate focus on female and Black female winemakers.  

A much-loved cultural Cape Town and Bo-Kaap landmark, diners flock to this no-frills restaurant to eat traditional Cape Malay cuisine, like bredies (a thick slow-cooked stew, usually tomato-based and made with spices, meatballs, mutton, or lentils and vegetables), denning vleis (usually made with lamb or mutton, this traditional dish is cooked with tamarind and has a sweet and sour flavor), curries, and of course beloved snacks like samoosas, half-moons (savory breadcrumb covered, fried dough bites filled with meat or vegetables) and chili bites (a spicy deep-fried snack, usually chickpea flour-based, made with onion, spices, and herbs). The menu though is not limited to Cape Malay cuisine but includes Indian dishes and light meals like toasties (toasted sandwiches like grilled cheese) and wraps. No alcohol.

In a building dating from 1905, Café Riche is one of the better coffee shops in the center of town. It also serves tramezzini (toasted sandwiches) and salads.

Easy eating in a family-friendly atmosphere doesn't get much better than this café, deservedly beloved by the outdoorsy crowd that populates the Cape Peninsula. Sit outside under the oak trees or in, where reed-covered ceilings and a wood-burning stove create a cozy ambience, and enjoy hearty and tasty breakfasts and lunches. Comfort options like fettuccine with chicken in creamy herb sauce or a variety of burgers and wraps are balanced by healthy choices like seared tuna with a wasabi dressing and coriander, as well as unusually plentiful vegetarian and even vegan options. Breakfast treats include everything from muesli to a grilled bacon croissant, carb-free options, and great smoothies. Kids have their own menu and a dedicated play area, and freshly baked cakes and desserts are delicious and huge.

Serving Pacific Rim cuisine from a funky and intimate location in Hout Bay, Cheyne's is the place to go for inventive, pan-Asian small plates. The menu changes entirely each season but is generally divided into the categories of sea, land, earth, poké bowls, and happy endings. Plates are appetizer-size, and some winners include the chili-salt squid with sesame mayo; pork belly chasu with 5-spice; and the oddly named but insanely good deep-fried milk flavored with red pepper and ponzu. Addictive tastes, friendly service, and the graffiti-artist-meets-magazine-stylist interior have ensured that this unique and vibey joint is fully booked most weekends.  For something more casual, check out Lucky Bao, the tiny neighboring sister-venue serving five types of bao and a few Asian sides.

This family-friendly cafe has an extensive menu of pizzas, salads, sandwiches, cake, and coffee, as well as an added surprise—paint your own ceramics. Enjoy a light meal while you paint anything from dishes, bowls, vases, or figurines. With a large grassy area outside and a playground, this is a dream cafe for kids.  

With tables on the lawn right next to the beach, Delfino's has a fantastic view of the bay and the Cape St. Blaize lighthouse. It's great place to spend a sunny afternoon or lazy evening. You can't beat the thin-crust artisanal pizzas with unusual toppings like fried chicken liver or smoked mussels.

Take a break from your Waterfront wanderings at this Belgian-style eatery, where you can enjoy great views while also savoring an impressive range of Belgian beers and as good a pot of mussels with frites as you're likely to find anywhere in Cape Town. With its focus on meat and seafood, expect other dishes like fillet béarnaise, rabbit simmered in Belgian beer, or Norwegian salmon in a beurre blanc. Sitting on the pier head between the Albert Mall and the clock tower (the departure point for trips to Robben Island), this glassed-in space with a fireplace in winter enjoys lovely harbor and mountain views whether you sit inside or out, and makes for great people- (or seal-) watching.

The name of this laid-back cellar/tasting room, which spills out onto an open terrace and garden where children can run around and play, means "The Church Mouse" and a nod to what is a humble venue that is always striving for greatness. Service is incredibly friendly, and the food ranges from must-try pancakes stuffed with milk tart to delectable sirloin steaks, pork ribs, or gourmet burgers (made with two types of meat). It's a welcoming place, whether you come for a full meal, a serious tasting of the wines made using grapes grown along the Orange River, or a snack of decadent sweets accompanied by wine or coffee.

Cecil John Rhodes used to stop for a drink at Halfway House, halfway between the Kimberley and Bultfontein mines, and because he was short, and it was difficult for him to mount and dismount, he was served on his horse. Today, Halfway House is a lively hotel with several restaurants—the best of which is Hussar Grill, a nationwide chain that many regard as the best steakhouse in Kimberley—and this lovely, relaxing courtyard café, where you can get excellent coffee, pizzas and flatbreads, and lovely cakes.

Doppio Zero serves wholesome, tasty Mediterranean-inspired meals with ingredients like grilled halloumi, fresh tomato, arugula, avocado, and salmon. More substantial meals such as pastas and pizzas are also on the menu. The outdoor seating is delightful on warm days. This chain of restaurants is found across Johannesburg, but the Rosebank branch is well located if you are peckish after a morning shopping at the nearby Rosebank Art and Craft Market or Rosebank shopping centers.

This cozy, atmospheric restaurant is always busy because of the quality of its food and the gorgeous bucolic murals on its walls that complement the retro design elements, making it oh-so Instagram-worthy. The all-day menu serves breakfast, light lunches, high tea coupled with its in-house baked goods and treats, and dinner. Glenda’s prioritizes seasonal produce and supports local farmers and sustainability efforts, which gives it an even greater appeal. 

Stop by for an on-the-go breakfast or picnic take-away, or a sit-down coffee and brunch at the old-style Gourmet Grocer. This is a specialist grocer, deli, bakery, coffee shop, and restaurant, all rolled into one, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for, whether it’s a scrumptious bagel, toasted sarmie, healthy snack, or decadent treat from their niche, family-run suppliers. It also sells fresh and frozen homemade meals, and stocks craft beers as well as a decent selection of wines. If you like their coffee, you can buy their Birdhaven blend to take home, which is roasted on site at Cofeffe Coffee Bar & Roastery. It’s within safe walking distance of The Peech Hotel and the James and Ethel Gray Park, and deliveries within a 5 km (3 miles) radius are free.

With huge portions of delicious food made with extra-large servings of love, Hogsback's old faithful is located in heart of the town's main drag. The restaurant got a new injection of energy in 2021, and locals and visitors continue to come for the great-value menu which features something to satisfy every possible taste, especially the popular Sunday lunchtime roasts. Pop in for coffee or a beer, arrive early for breakfast, order a steak, or tuck into the tastiest vegetarian dishes in town.

While locals love to stop in for coffee, breakfast, and brunch, this house-converted-into-a-restaurant is also an excellent place to tuck into a selection of popular South African dishes such as slaphakskeentjies (boiled onions served in an egg sauce) or mosbolletjies (a kind of sweet dessert bread). There's also pizza, burgers, and BBQ chicken on the menu, but look out for anything featuring Karoo lamb. They also use the local rum to make cocktails, so be to try it. A selection of deli items (artisanal jams, teas, toffee, and more) is available to buy. It's not necessarily fine-dining, but fine eating in a relaxed environment.

Set in a 19th-century building at Groot Constantia, the Cape's oldest wine estate, this family- and group-friendly restaurant provides a hearty taste of the Cape's culinary heritage, as well as crowd-pleasers of the salads, burger, pasta variety. Traditional Cape Malay dishes worth trying include bobotie (spiced minced beef studded with dried fruit and topped with a savory baked custard), the karoo lamb curry, and smoked snoek (fragrant Cape oily fish) pâté. The South African dessert melktert, or milk tart—similar to baked custard—is both traditional and delicious, and the cheesecake is legendary.

Some nibbles may be required on your journey, and this would be the ideal place for a snack, particularly because stops in this area are few and far between.

A charming cafe in the Alphen Boutique Hotel, La Belle Constantia has fresh bakes, salads, and more filling lunches, though they are known for their cakes and pastries—be sure to try the lemon meringue or the berry frangipane. In warmer weather take advantage of the delightful outside seating. 

Slick back your hair, put on your blue suede shoes, and sashay into this red-and-white checkered diner for a burger and fries or an indulgent chocolate toffee sundae. Posters of Elvis, the Beatles, and Marilyn Monroe adorn the turquoise walls while music from a jukebox plays classic tunes. Vintage motorcycles and a flamingo-pink roadster complete the scene.

In an 18th-century townhouse, this light and airy bistro-style restaurant has a lovely outdoor seating area. The kitchen serves breakfast and lunch favorites like eggs Benedict and fish-and-chips. They also have an excellent selection of salads and sandwiches with interesting ingredients such as hickory-smoked pork loin, roasted vegetables, or marinated chickpeas and apricots.