A Foodie’s Guide to Cape Town’s Neighbourhoods
Cape Town is a city of vibrant contrasts, where every neighbourhood has its own unique character. From the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap to the laid-back coast of Kalk Bay, there’s no shortage of places to explore—or delicious food to try.
We recently spent three weeks exploring Cape Town and its surrounding areas, and we were completely captivated by the city’s culinary scene. Not only is the cuisine impressively diverse—shaped by Cape Town’s colonial past—but it’s also incredibly cheap, especially compared to prices back home in London!
Cape Town feels thoroughly modern, offering a vibrant blend of global influences and local traditions. If you’re looking for a destination that has it all, from gourmet tasting menus to delicious grab-and-go bites, this city should be at the top of your list.
Here’s your guide to the city’s best spots in some of our favourite neighbourhoods.
In the City Centre
There are three main areas you’ll find yourself in when it comes to the city centre of Cape Town.
Nestled at the base of Signal Hill, Bo-Kaap is a kaleidoscope of brightly painted houses and rich cultural history. Originally known as the Malay Quarter, this neighbourhood embodies the heart of Cape Town’s Cape Malay community, which has infused the area with a delightful blend of African, Asian, and other global influences.
In between Table Bay and the majestic Table Mountain, the City Bowl forms Cape Town’s vibrant urban heart. This natural amphitheatre is home to a lively tapestry of neighbourhoods, each brimming with its own unique character. Here is where you will find Cape Town’s central nightlife. Most of the action happens around:
Kloof Street: A lively stretch packed with great food, cocktails, and coffee. Ideal for a relaxed afternoon or a night out.
Bree Street: One of Cape Town’s trendiest streets, lined with independent coffee shops, cocktail bars, and top-notch restaurants.
The V&A Waterfront is Cape Town’s sparkling showpiece—a harborside hub where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Originally built around the country’s oldest working harbour, this destination has evolved into a lively district with upscale boutiques, craft markets, and gourmet restaurants. It’s clean, shiny and very toursity but it also has some amazing restaurants and markets.
Faeeza’s Home Kitchen (Bo-Kaap)
A true hidden gem — this is Faeeza’s actual home kitchen, where she serves traditional Cape Malay dishes like samoosas and koesisters (like a doughnut flavoured with mixed spices and coated in desiccated coconut). There’s an outdoor seating area at the front of the house. She also runs cooking classes. (Closed Sundays).
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:45 PM | 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Honest Chocolate Café (City Bowl)
Even if you’re not looking for chocolate, stop by for brownie or special chocolate fudge (the latter is a must). It’s the kind of rich, melt-in-the-mouth indulgence that’s worth sharing—if you can resist eating it all yourself.
And we’ll let you in on a little secret; there’s a gin bar and speakeasy out the back of this shop; so make sure to walk all the way through to their gorgeous little courtyard and you’ll see what we mean (thank us later!).
Honest Chocolate also have a cafe in Kalk Bay.
Belly of the Beast (City Bowl)
A fine dining experience with a set menu and only one seating time per meal (a 24 seat only restaurant). The menu changes monthly according to local seasonal ingredients, balancing meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Book in advance and be on time as everyone is seated together.
Opening Hours:
Lunch: Tuesday – Saturday | 12:30 PM
Dinner: Monday – Saturday | 6:45 PM
Origin Coffee Roasting (City Bowl)
A laid-back café and barista school housed in a historic brick warehouse. A solid coffee stop, though the interior can get quite warm in the summer especially if you’re seated at the back near the kitchen.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Bodega Ramen (City Bowl)
A cosy spot for a comforting bowl of ramen located. Find it perched above Honest Chocolate Café and the secret Gin Bar on Wale Street.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Thali (City Bowl)
A no-reservations Indian restaurant serving incredible small plates from the team behind Chef’s Warehouse (by Chef Liam Tomlin). Arrive early to grab a table.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday: Bar & kitchen open from 5:00 PM | Last orders at 9:30 PM
Closed Sundays
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel (City Bowl)
A green oasis, offering a relaxed escape for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Expect homely dishes, great coffee, and a laid-back vibe in a leafy, vintage-style setting.
Opening Hours:
Sunday & Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Tuesday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – Late
Kloof Street House (Kloof Street)
A stylish spot for cocktails in a beautiful dimly lit setting. With outdoor seating also available front or back.
Don’t miss their Sunday jazz from 1–3pm.
We’ve been told the food is also very good.
Opening Hours:
Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Zuney (Kloof Street)
Farm-to-table Wagyu beef burgers served in a clean, modern space. Recently voted the best burger joint in South Africa 2024!
Opening Hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
BLONDIE (Kloof Street)
A popular hangout with a younger crowd. A great place to grab a beer, conveniently located next to a top burger joint; Zuney (see above).
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Closed Monday
Rosetta Roastery (Bree Street)
Excellent specialty coffee in a bright, airy space on a lively corner of this street. Indoor seating as well as outdoor street seating. They also have a second location in the Silo District.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday & Public Holidays: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Roxy Late Night (Bree Street)
A casual set-up with picnic table seating, perfect for early evening drinks and late-night snacks.
Opening Hours:
Monday, Wednesday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
COY (V&A Waterfront)
For sushi and seafood lovers. The 4x4 or 5x5 sushi rolls come highly recommended. No reservations, but they often serve wine whilst you wait. Do note this is located inside a mall.
Opening Hours:
Daily: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Time Out Market (V&A Waterfront)
A lively indoor food hall located in the Old Power Station, offering a variety of dishes. Great if you want a lively atmosphere but still keeping it casual with a group of friends.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Wednesday, Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Woodstock - Edgy & Artsy
Just a stone’s throw from the city centre, Woodstock is one of Cape Town’s oldest suburbs turned creative enclave. It’s a creative hotspot known for street art, markets, and some of Cape Town’s best restaurants.
The Pot Luck Club
A must-visit for innovative small plates, with views of the open-plan kitchen we really enjoyed sitting watching the chefs chef on their kitchen counter seating.
Located in the Old Biscuit Mill. Est. 2012. Book in advance.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday: Lunch & Dinner
Sunday: Brunch
Green Point– Urban Meets Relaxed Coastal Vibes
Green Point offers the best of both worlds—city convenience with a laid-back coastal feel. With delis, cafés, and a park, it’s a great place for a stroll along the seafront and a bite to eat.
Most of these recommendations are conveniently located a few streets in from the seaside.
Giovanni’s Deli
A Cape Town institution since 1989. Part Italian café with window seating and high stools, it’s also a deli (it’s in the name) stocked with fresh meats, cheeses, and made-to-order sandwiches. Grab a chocolate croissant and a cappuccino, or pick up supplies for a braai or beach picnic.
Opening Hours:
Daily: 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Jason Bakery
A haven for pastry lovers. Freshly baked treats line the counter, and there’s plenty of seating for a leisurely breakfast.
Walk-ins only.
You can pre-order bakes, with certain items available on a rotating basis.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday & Public Holidays: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sea Point – Beachside Brunch & Coffee Stops
A vibrant seaside neighbourhood packed with great brunch spots, coffee shops, and casual restaurants.
Pauline’s
A coffee shop known for their legendary cinnamon buns and specialty coffee. A bright and airy space with a relaxed courtyard. Laptop-friendly.
Also has a second location in Green Point.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday & Public Holidays: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Naked
A modern third-wave coffee bar and kitchen—perfect for brunch. A laptop-friendly café with great coffee.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Kleinsky’s Deli
Arguably the best bagels in Cape Town. New York-style bagels, breakfasts, lunches, and deli items.
They recently expanded to London which our South African friends there were delighted about - bringing a taste of their homeland to London!
Online ordering available (Cape Town).
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
MOJO Market
An indoor eatery with food stalls, a bar, and live music, open 365 days a year. Expect a lively atmosphere with live sport playing in the background.
Opening Hours:
Daily: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Kiki
A cosy Greek restaurant inspired by Athens. Dinner service only at present. Lunch service coming soon.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Closed Monday
BRASH
Smash burgers done right. A simple, clean set-up with some indoor seating to tuck in.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday & Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Ollie’s
A specialty coffee shop inside Pas Normal Studios’ cycle clubhouse. A perfect pit stop whether you cycle or not.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Maggy Lou’s
A cool spot with indoor-outdoor seating, large open windows, and high stools on the pavement. Happy hour from 5–6 PM. A nice place to catch up over drinks.
Great WiFi.
No reservations.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Platō Coffee
A reliable spot for a solid cup of coffee. With 70 locations across South Africa, their menu details everything—from the number of espresso shots to the volume of microfoam. Their main roastery is located in George.
Arthur’s Mini Super
A great spot for coffee, a snack, or a glass of wine. By day, it’s a relaxed café, but in the evenings (Tuesday–Saturday), a disco ball sets the tone for a fun, casual vibe. You’ll want to linger.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Mini-Bar (Tuesday – Saturday): 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cassette
A tiny but stylish wine bar. Serving matcha by day under ‘Nice to Matcha’ and Casette for wine by night.
Opening Hours:
Thursday – Saturday: 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
La Perla
A great place for afternoon cocktails in the sun or evening drinks in a stylish setting overlooking the seafront.
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Hout Bay – Seafood & Market Vibes
A relaxed harbour town with stunning coastal views and some of the freshest seafood around.
Fish on the Rocks
No-frills, great fish and chips. Expect a queue, but it moves fast—grab a table as soon as one frees up.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
South Yeaster Bakery
A fantastic bakery with top-quality coffee and naturally leavened pastries. A great stop if you’re cycling through the area—or even if you’re not! We went back multiple times.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Bay Harbour Market
A lively weekend market with street food, live music, and local crafts/ shopping. A great place to soak up the atmosphere in this harbour town.
Opening Hours:
Friday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo
A fine dining spot that requires booking well in advance. Located along the rugged Chapman’s Peak coastline— this view will stay with you forever. A special treat style of restaurant.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday:
Lunch: 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Camps Bay – Beachfront Dining & Sunset Cocktails
Cape Town’s answer to the French Riviera, with a palm-lined promenade and plenty of beachside restaurants.
Codfather
No menu here—just pick your seafood from the counter and pay by weight, or opt for a plate from their sushi bar. Open since 1998. We loved it so much we went back twice—once for lunch and once for dinner. Book ahead for the evening.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – Late
Café Caprice
A relaxed beachfront restaurant with a laid-back vibe. DJs play from Thursday to Sunday, with a livelier party atmosphere on Sundays at sunset. Check their page for upcoming events and specials.
Kalk Bay – A Seaside Village with Character
Quirky, charming, and packed with great seafood spots. You can’t go wrong with any of the fish and chip shops here—fresh, simple, and delicious.
Kalky’s
A classic spot for a laid-back seafood lunch, but expect a queue. If you’re short on time, try Live Bait across the harbour or SALT (see below).
Cash only. There’s an ATM in-store.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
SALT
A vibrant eatery offering amazing breakfasts, small plates, and fresh seafood in the heart of Kalk Bay. Weekday coffee special: R15 from 6 AM – 9 AM.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Olympia Café
A no-frills local gem in an old fish-and-bait shop. We loved the laid-back vibe and enjoyed their croissants with apricot jam. A great stop if you're cycling through Kalk Bay or looking for a relaxed seaside meal.
We certainly want to come back for a proper plated breakfast as these looked so good coming out of the kitchen!
Opening Hours:
Café: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last orders 9:00 PM)
Bakery: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Live Bait
A relaxed seafood restaurant with stunning ocean views. The perfect spot for a long lunch while watching the waves roll in.
Instagram | Menu
Opening Hours:
Daily: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Constantia – Wine Country & Scenic Walks
A leafy suburb known for its vineyards and stunning outdoor spaces.
Fynkos - Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Tea Room
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are a must-visit for nature lovers. Catch their Summer Sunset Concerts and Open-Air Cinema, and grab a picnic box from the Tea Room here to enjoy with the performance (closes at 4pm). You can also bring your own food and wine in for your picnic.
Foodie’s Guide: Cape Town Map
How to use our maps
Click on the menu icon on the top left to show a list of all places on the map. You’ll find our notes by clicking on each place. Click on the fullscreen icon on the top right to open the map in Google Maps.
Final Thoughts
From the bustling markets of Woodstock to the serene vineyards of Constantia, Cape Town has something for every traveller. Whether you’re sipping matcha in Sea Point, enjoying sushi at the Waterfront, or wandering through the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, you’re never far from a great meal.
Got a favourite Cape Town spot? Let us know in the comments!