If cities had beauty pageants, Cape Town would undoubtedly be a finalist. This stunning destination boasts an array of picturesque beaches, breathtaking mountain ranges, and an abundance of parks. Alongside its natural beauty, Cape Town is home to numerous scenic vineyards, producing some of South Africa’s finest wines that visitors simply must experience.
The tourism landscape is flourishing, with a record number of visitors arriving at Cape Town International in 2025. The dining scene is also on the rise, attracting global celebrities and elevating casual neighborhood cafes. The variety of dining options continues to expand, moving beyond traditional European concepts to showcase local heroes and the cuisines they grew up with.
Whereas many restaurants in the area have historically lacked representation, a growing number of establishments are now embracing collaboration with Black entrepreneurs. One such standout is Tambourine, which partners with the community garden Moya We Khaya to source ingredients from Khayelitsha, Cape Town’s largest historic Black township. This initiative supports local farmers and fosters economic empowerment in a neighborhood where the average income is approximately $300 a month and nearly half of the residents face unemployment.
However, as the hospitality industry flourishes, so too do prices, leading to potential inconsistencies in service. Many popular restaurants do not maintain longevity, making it essential to identify the best dining experiences. Whether visiting for the annual Finance Magnates Africa Summit, the renowned Cape Town International Jazz Festival, or to take advantage of South Africa’s flexible nomad visa, here are some top picks for dining in this vibrant city.
Top Dining Experiences in Cape Town
Among the standout restaurants are the following five, including a place helmed by the first South African chef to earn a Michelin star, and establishments featured in the Bloomberg DINE index. One of Africa’s top-ranked dining rooms, which has drawn the attention of celebrities like Dua Lipa, is also highlighted.
Arlecchino
The Tashas café chain, which has expanded globally with over two dozen locations from London to Dubai, originated in South Africa. Founded by Natasha Sideris, the first café opened in Johannesburg more than 20 years ago. At her latest concept, Arlecchino, she focuses on Mediterranean and Italian-inspired dishes reminiscent of her childhood.
Patrons will find delightful pastas, particularly the Amalfi lemon bucatini, priced at R208. The menu also features a variety of seafood options, including grilled fresh sea bass, branzino, and tiger prawns starting at R246, along with flavorful tuna tagliata topped with anchovy crumb for R328. Brunch remains a popular choice, attracting a trendy crowd, with highlights like seasonal fruit salad with maple syrup (R120), panettone French toast (R156), and a cannoli served with maraschino cherries (R148).
Tambourine
Tambourine stands out not only for its innovative approach to dining but also for its commitment to supporting Black entrepreneurs and regenerative farming. The restaurant, led by owners Kyle du Plooy and Keane Munro, directly channels funds into the hands of Black urban farmers by bypassing traditional supply chains. Located in the historic District Six neighborhood—now a tech startup hub—Tambourine offers a plant-based tasting menu starting at R650, featuring ingredients like ash-baked beetroot and fire-charred cabbage.
A unique dish, the “living pot,” features spekboom and fynbos, while desserts include a reimagined peppermint crisp, a beloved South African tart layered with mint chocolate and whipped cream, as part of the R850 tasting menu.
Reuben’s
Celebrity chef Reuben Riffel, who previously ran Bruno’s Brasserie in Cambridge, England, opened his namesake restaurant in Franschhoek, just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town. Known for prioritizing high-quality local ingredients, Riffel has garnered attention and accolades for his culinary creations. Signature dishes include venison roasted in a charcoal-fueled Josper oven with blueberry chutney and truffled cauliflower puree (R345), tempura prawns (R155) on a pineapple and chili-coriander salsa, and the iconic smoked springbok carpaccio (R135), which features South Africa’s national mammal.
Le Bistrot de Jan
Star chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen has opened Le Bistrot de Jan within the foyer of the newly renovated InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town hotel. While reservations are recommended, walk-ins are welcomed. The restaurant showcases French bistro cooking with a South African twist, with dishes like couscous royal served family-style for R750, and tourte au poulet covered in truffle sauce (R650). The extravagant steak Florentine is priced at R2,100, while Jan’s malva pudding (R140) remains a must-try dessert, drawing on his mother’s recipe using tangy apricot jam.
La Colombe
La Colombe, celebrated as Africa’s highest-ranked dining room on the World’s 50 Best restaurant list, is nestled within an indigenous forest along a mountain pass. With a focus on seasonal ingredients, the fine dining experience includes at least nine courses, with the chef’s menu priced at R2,395. The restaurant is known for its stunning views of a centuries-ancient wine valley and exceptional dishes like the Coastline course, featuring Namibian red crab and local coastal succulents, delivered on custom ceramic plates mimicking a bird’s-eye view of Table Mountain.
Recent visitors, including Dua Lipa, have shared their experiences via social media, showcasing the restaurant’s well-deserved acclaim.
As Cape Town’s dining scene continues to evolve, visitors can expect an exciting array of culinary experiences that celebrate both local flavors and innovative approaches. With numerous events scheduled throughout the year, including the Finance Magnates Africa Summit and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the city’s vibrant atmosphere promises to keep culinary enthusiasts coming back for more.
What are your favorite dining spots in Cape Town? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s discuss!
