With Cape Town’s ever-evolving food scene and new restaurants opening at a rapid pace, it takes something special to keep going. While trends come and go, a handful of establishments have stood the test of time, earning loyal followings, preserving culinary traditions, and becoming Mother City institutions.
These include:
Biesmiellah Restaurant
Biesmiellah in the Bo-Kaap has been serving Cape Malay and Cape Indian cuisine for over 50 years. This family-run institution keeps it simple with classic dishes packed with flavour and love. On the menu, enjoy everything from tomato bredie and lamb breyani to classic bobotie, denningvleis (a sweet-and-sour Cape Malay stew), and crayfish curry. If you’re feeling spoilt for choice, build your own savoury starter platter with crowd favourites like daltjies (chilli bites), samoosas, mini pies, and half-moons.
Location: 2 Wale St & Pentz St, Bo-Kaap, Schotsche Kloof
Website: www.biesmiellah.co.za
Olympia Cafe and Deli
In the late 1990s, when Kenneth McClarty couldn’t find a flat white anywhere on the South Peninsula, he and a group of foodie friends decided to open a humble old fish-and-bait shop called Olympia Cafe and Deli. Almost 30 years later, people are still lining up for a table. While you wait, take a look at the chalkboard for the day’s menu, and one thing you can always count on is a perfectly brewed flat white. Everyone loves their freshly baked breads and pastries. And don’t be shy: feel free to lick your fingers and your plate afterwards. That’s how Olympia does it.
Location: 134 Main Rd, Kalk Bay
Website: olympiacafe.co.za
Kloof Street House
Kloof Street House opened its doors in a Victorian house in 2012, bringing a touch of old-world charm to Cape Town. Step inside, and you’ll find Chesterfield couches, age-old artifacts, glittering chandeliers, a travelling case bar, a cosy library lounge, and a fairy-lit garden. Pull up a chair in the brasserie-style dining room and tuck into classics like South African wagyu, grilled ostrich, hearty “bord kos,” and garlic prawns.
Location: 30 Kloof St, Gardens
Website: www.kloofstreethouse.co.za
Den Anker
This three-decade-old favourite at the V&A Waterfront boasts some of the best views in Cape Town. The menu changes with the seasons, but the flavours always hit the right notes. Grab a spot on the dockside terrace under the umbrellas and dig into a menu of international inspired dishes like Norwegian Salmon Beurre Blanc, Filet de Boeuf – Chateaubriand, and Vol au Vent. Thirsty? Pair your meal with a glass from the gold-winning wine list or choose from a selection of Belgian craft beers.
Location: Pierhead, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Website: denanker.co.za
Willoughby & Co
For over two decades, Willoughby & Co has been bringing fresh, mouth-watering Japanese cuisine to the V&A Waterfront. While the kitchen continues to create new dishes, it’s the sushi that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more, from classic rolls to delicate sashimi that’s almost too pretty to eat. Their most popular menu item is the 4×4, which includes 4 pieces Rainbow Reloaded and 4 pieces Spicy Creamy Rock Shrimp Roll. Grab a platter, pair it with a crisp Cape wine, and enjoy it on a sunny day overlooking the waterfront.
Location: Shop 6132, 19 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Website: willoughbyandco.co.za
A Tavola
If you’re craving a taste of Italy in the Southern Suburbs, A Tavola has been dishing up delicious, hearty dishes since 2008. The menu features everything from classic pastas to comforting favourites, with a few local hits like Linguine Pescatore (seafood pasta) and Vitello Tonnato (veal with tuna sauce) that keep people coming back for more. Wash it all down with a wine from their carefully chosen list, and you’ve got the perfect Italian meal.
Location: Library Square, Wilderness Rd, Claremont,
Website: www.atavola.co.za
Maria’s Greek Café
Maria’s Greek Café, one of Cape Town’s oldest and most beloved restaurants, has been serving authentic Greek cuisine in Dunkley Square, Gardens, since the 1950s. Stepping inside feels like a little escape to the Mediterranean, with a menu full of classics like chicken souvlaki, moussaka, taramasalata, and kataifi.
Location: 31 Barnet Street, Dunkley Square, Gardens
Website: www.facebook.com/MariasGreekCafe
Aubergine Restaurant
Celebrating 30 years this year, Aubergine blends contemporary French cuisine with refined Asian influences. Housed in a historic 1830s building that was once home to Cape Town’s first Chief Justice, Sir John Wylde, this award-winning restaurant delivers an exceptional fine-dining experience. On the menu, you’ll find dishes like pasture-raised beef prime rib, pork fillet with pancetta crisp, and a South African artisan cheese selection.
Location: 39 Barnet St, Gardens
Website: www.aubergine.co.za
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