Best Restaurants in Cape Town: Tried and Tested

The Hussar Grill, located at 10 Florida Road, is well-regarded for its large, quality steaks, including a 1.2-kilogram Tomahawk aged 35 days, grilled over charcoal for rich flavor. It operates daily from 12 PM to 10 PM, with mains averaging R250 to R450.

This steakhouse has a long tradition in Cape Town and has a Victorian-style interior that feels comfortable and classic. The signature Tomahawk steak arrives on a wooden board, its smoky aroma filling the room, accompanied by thick-cut chips and creamed spinach if you choose. Other menu highlights include the filet mignon and rump steak, all prepared with meticulous attention to doneness.

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. The restaurant accepts walk-ins but tends to fill up quickly during peak dining hours. Parking is available nearby on Florida Road and surrounding streets, though public transport or ride-hailing apps are convenient alternatives.

For those interested in pairing, The Hussar Grill has a solid wine list featuring notable South African wines that complement red meat well.

The Codfather in Camps Bay lets diners select fresh seafood by weight, with platters including lobster, king prawns, and line fish, starting around R300 per 500 grams. Open daily from 12 PM to 10 PM, it combines fresh ocean views with an open kitchen atmosphere.

Located on Victoria Road, The Codfather is a popular spot where the scent of sea salt mixes with the aroma of grilled seafood. The market-style concept means you can pick exactly what you want from the display tanks, offering control over portion size and price. Expect to pay roughly R150 to R350 per main component, making it suitable for sharing.

The restaurant’s interior is simple yet stylish, with wooden tables and large windows facing Camps Bay Beach. The sound of waves and distant seagulls adds to the maritime vibe. For sushi lovers, the menu includes freshly rolled maki and sashimi options, prepared in view of guests.

The Codfather’s approach to seafood freshness is supported by daily deliveries from local fishermen, as noted by the Cape Town Tourism Board.

At Jerry’s Burger Bar, 40 Roeland Street in Observatory, the ‘Jerry’s Giant’ burger features double beef patties, bacon, cheese, and all the usual toppings, served with a full plate of fries for about R120. Open from noon until 9 PM, it’s a casual spot great for filling, oversized burgers.

The smell of grilled beef patties and sizzling bacon hits you as soon as you step inside. The interior has a relaxed vibe with graffiti art and wooden booths. Jerry’s Giant burger stacks high with juicy meat and melted cheese, balanced by fresh lettuce and tomato. The fries are crispy and generously salted.

This venue is popular for informal meals with friends or family. The burgers can be ordered without meat, with a vegetarian patty option available. Service is quick and friendly, with a soundtrack of background chatter and occasional bursts of laughter.

For more about where to find large portions in Cape Town, see our guide on giant food restaurants.

Miller’s Thumb at 10B Kloof Nek Road has a ‘Fish Feast’ platter with several fish types spiced distinctively, priced between R220 and R350. Open daily from 12 PM to 9:30 PM, it combines casual dining with bold flavors and fresh local wines.

Walking into Miller’s Thumb, the first thing you notice is the aroma of spices like peri-peri and curry mingling with the ocean breeze from nearby Table Mountain. The Fish Feast includes fish such as kingklip, hake, and snoek, each prepared differently to showcase South Africa’s coastal culinary influences.

The waterfront-style decor is informal, with wooden tables and nautical accents. Staff are knowledgeable about the dishes and can recommend local South African wines that enhance the meal’s flavor profile. If you prefer, the menu also includes calamari, prawns, and vegetarian options.

Gold Restaurant at 15 Bennett Street serves a 14-dish African tasting menu featuring generous portions of traditional dishes, combined with live storytelling and music. Dinner runs from 6 PM to 10 PM daily, with the menu priced at R680 per person.

The moment you enter Gold Restaurant, your senses are engaged: the smell of roasted spices, the rhythm of drums, and the lively colors of the décor create an immersive environment. The tasting menu covers food from across the continent, including dishes like bobotie, peri-peri chicken, and Moroccan-style tagine, served family-style.

Performers share tales and songs between courses, providing cultural context to the food. The venue is intimate with wooden floors and African art lining the walls. Guests sit at communal tables, encouraging conversation and shared enjoyment.

The menu’s authenticity and portion sizes have been praised by the South African Tourism Board.

Mama Africa on Long Street serves large platters of traditional South African food such as boerewors, bobotie, and grilled meats, with prices starting at R180 per dish. It’s open daily from 11 AM to midnight, featuring live music most nights.

The scent of braaied meats and spices fills the air as you enter this lively venue. The décor includes tribal masks and woven fabrics that add to the atmosphere. The Giant Feast platter is designed for sharing and includes thick boerewors sausages, spiced bobotie topped with egg custard, and flame-grilled lamb chops.

Live bands play on most evenings, combining jazz and traditional African rhythms, which adds an energetic buzz. The service is warm and attentive. It’s recommended to book ahead, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights when the venue attracts a mix of locals and visitors.

Harbour House at the V&A Waterfront serves large shared seafood platters like ‘Ocean’s Bounty’ priced around R400, featuring mussels, calamari, and fresh line fish. Daily opening hours are 11:30 AM to 10 PM.

This restaurant sits on the edge of the harbor, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views of the boats and Table Mountain. The smell of the sea mixes with the scent of lemon butter and herbs from the kitchen. The Ocean’s Bounty platter presents an array of seafood, cooked delicately to retain natural flavors.

The setting is elegant yet relaxed, with white tablecloths and soft lighting in the evening. Attentive waitstaff provide detailed descriptions of the fish and preparation methods. It’s an excellent choice for celebratory dinners or when you want to enjoy Cape Town’s maritime atmosphere.

The Pot Luck Club, located on the rooftop of the Old Biscuit Mill at 375 Albert Road in Woodstock, serves tapas-style dishes with bold flavors in small portions priced between R70 and R150 each. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM.

Despite the smaller portion sizes, the dishes are rich in taste and designed for sharing multiple plates. The menu includes items like pork belly, roasted pumpkin, and smoked trout, complemented by inventive cocktails. The rooftop features panoramic views of Cape Town’s skyline and Table Mountain, with a lively but laid-back ambiance.

Due to its popularity, booking several weeks in advance is advisable. The venue’s location within the Old Biscuit Mill market area means visitors can enjoy artisanal shopping before or after their meal.

Mzansi Restaurant in Langa has a buffet-style meal with traditional South African dishes like chakalaka and beef stew, priced around R150 per person. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 PM to 9 PM and features live music.

Located on Ngozi Street, Mzansi is known for its welcoming atmosphere and communal dining tables. The food is cooked following family recipes, with generous portions meant to be shared. Guests often comment on the rich aromas of spices and slow-cooked meats as they enter.

Live music performances, primarily jazz and mbaqanga, accompany the meals, creating a warm, social setting. The restaurant is run by local families who also share stories about the dishes’ origins, providing cultural context alongside the food.

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