Must Try: 10 Cape Town Spots Every Food Lover Needs to Try

For those visiting the Mother City this festive season, allow this guide to lead you through Cape Town’s standout culinary stops! 

Sunshine, beaches, vineyards, the good times say hello there, under Table Mountain, big and blue Cape Town welcomes you! Welcome to Cape Town! Let’s see you smiling! Put on your dancing shoes, Cape Town welcomes you!

As the song goes by Cape Town’s treasured gem, Emo Adams, Cape Town in December is unlike no other. You don’t need a European summer (even though Cape Town’s prices can sometimes mimic that), or to dine under the Tuscan sky… Cape Town’s food scene is a love story to culture, to memory, to creativity. Here, a meal is never just a meal; it’s an experience.

Heritage flavours from Cape Malay kitchens, coastal fishing traditions, spice routes, and Sunday family braai’s linger in every bite, yet the city isn’t bound by tradition alone. It’s a space for reinvention: comfort dishes reimagined, global flavours fused in unexpected ways, chef-led counters that feel intimate, cafés that could’ve stepped straight out of a Pinterest board. Eating in Cape Town is bold, soulful, and unapologetically modern. Whether you’re after slow, comforting classics or fresh, inventive plates, the Mother City serves food that lingers long after the last bite. Ons eet lekker! (We eat very well.)

Here are the top 10 places to eat in Cape Town, exploring one culture to the next! 

10. Bo Kaap Kombuis in one of the most cultural neighbourhoods in Cape Town

Bo Kaap Kombuis, affectionately known as ’Die Kombuis’ s is an authentic Cape Malay restaurant owned by Yusuf and Nazli, who proudly call themselves total Bo-Kaapers. “Born and raised in Bo-Kaap, they have deeply rooted themselves in the community, building their lives and preserving the rich heritage of the area through their restaurant.  

Yusuf and Nazli firmly believe that this authenticity is the key to their restaurant’s success- every dish reflects the rich history, heritage, and warmth of Bo-Kaap, a community that embraces people of all races, religions, and backgrounds.” Rich in ingredients and rich in culture, this is an absolute must if you wish to try the best Cape Malay dishes in Cape Town. 

9. Mariners Wharf, Snoekies, & Fish on the Rocks in Hout Bay

When in Hout Bay, one must simply have a dish from each of the three, you can’t visit one place only. Try to fast the day before in anticipation of the explosion your taste buds will experience. Each harbouring their own inspirational origin stories, and it is believed that due to that, the quality of the food, service and production has not deteriorated over the years and holds its reputation up for a reason.

If you want the best fish and chips, sea foods platters, or fried calamari, there is only one stop in Cape Town for the freshest fish you will eat and that is our beloved fisherman town, Hout Bay. While you are there, you will most likely run into a seal and be rewarded with an entertaining and interactive show! Yes, our seals are paid actors and are commissioned by our locals taking care of them.

8. Cosy Corner in Wynberg

Another authentic restaurant in Cape Town. Founded in 1973, in the midst of apartheid, Cosy Corner has been a labour of love by the Hartley family who continue to own and run this iconic halaal eatery today. Nestled in Wynberg for over fifty years, “we’ve been building more than just meals; we’ve been nurturing lasting connections with the community, one plate at a time.” 

Home of the Gatsby, a monstrosity of a meal that’s quite a mouthful of flavour; salad, chips and protein of your choice, sandwiched between a very very very long roll, portions are hefty enough to feed up to four people. For ‘slap chips’ and all things greasy, this is the number one place to go. 

7. Wembley Roadhouse in Athlone

Everyone and their mother has most likely heard about the Wembley franchise in Cape Town. It is one of the most famous takeaways, butchery & bakery in the Southern Suburbs. The story of Wembley begins in 1910, when Mohammed Eshack Gangraker arrived in Cape Town, leaving his rural village of Morba, India, in search of a brighter future. Two decades later, in 1931, Mohammed Eshack and his wife Halima opened E.O. Gangraker Stores on Belgravia Road, Athlone- the beginning of a legacy that continues to this day.

You will find just about everything on the Wembley menu, ranging from curries to fast food specialities (toasties, burgers, hot dogs), right down to savouries like samoosas and the delicacy of Cape Town, koesisters. But what sets them apart from everyone is their one-of-a-kind Roadhouse Milkshakes. People come from far and wide to indulge in their double cream, extra thick, milky goodness. If you are searching for diner-sort of food, Wembley is your place to go. 

6. The Oranjezicht City Farm Market in Granger Bay

This is a must visit market in Cape Town. It is loved by locals and adored by visitors…The market ranges from clothing, toys, flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, live music, and countless stalls with some of the best, freshly made foods you’ll try.

It has an absolute vibe and is a community of its own; being a foundation that brings all kinds of people, from different backgrounds, into one market that embraces all the differences and celebrates its goodness because of delicious foods and beautiful clothing. They are open on weekends only, and have a special night market on Wednesdays. 

5. Afternoon tea at the Mount Nelson Belmond Hotel in Gardens

A fan favourite and icon. A scene out of a Wes Anderson film, but make it Cape Town! Mount Nelson’s Afternoon Tea is pure indulgence. Think seasonal savoury bites, confit duck sausage rolls, West Coast salmon mousse, Karoo beef pastries, alongside delicate finger sandwiches and extraordinary sweet treats, all served with over 60 premium teas or perfectly brewed single-origin coffee. Settle in to live piano music and an atmosphere that’s as timeless as the Mother City itself. A truly unforgettable experience, and guaranteed a memorable afternoon. 

4. Club Kloof in Tamboerskloof

From the moment you walk in, Club Kloof feels like a stylish escape, somewhere between relaxed sophistication and subtle celebration. The menu is beautifully balanced: starters like fresh burrata with heirloom tomatoes, or beef carpaccio with toasted focaccia, set the tone for an experience that honours both flavour and finesse. 

Pizzette and deep‑fired snacks arrive with an ease that invites you to linger, while mains such as the beef fillet with triple‑fried potatoes speak of comfort elevated. The space itself is airy, light, and thoughtfully curated; the kind of place where you can feel luxurious without ever being stiff.

Service flows gently, the kind that knows when to talk and when to give you a quiet moment. Whether you’re there for a casual lunch or a dinner that softly glows into the night, Club Kloof delivers something special: modern, soulful, and full of character. Club Kloof is THAT GIRL. 

3. Bo Kaap Deli in Bo Kaap

Tucked in the heart of vibrant Bo Kaap, Bo Kaap Deli is a little slice of culinary joy. The space is bright, welcoming, and effortlessly stylish, perfect for lingering over a coffee or soaking in the colourful surroundings. Every bite tells a story of Cape Malay flavours with a modern twist, but the real star has to be their koesisters- spiced, golden, and rolled in coconut, often hailed as the best in Cape Town. Whether you’re popping in for a sweet treat, a light breakfast, or simply to savour the neighbourhood’s charm, Bo Kaap Deli leaves a lingering taste of warmth, flavour, and character.

2. Jarryds Brunch & Bistro in Sea Point 

Don’t let the wait time get you. It is absolutely worth the wait, and so busy for a good reason. Tucked in the heart of Sea Point, JARRYDS Brunch & Bistro is where laid-back charm meets elevated breakfast fare. 

The menu is a celebration of all-day brunch favourites done exceptionally well: think perfectly poached eggs, indulgent eggs Benedict, fluffy omelettes, and stacks of their famously light, golden flapjacks that have become a must-try for locals and visitors alike. 

From classic combinations with maple syrup and fresh berries to inventive takes with mascarpone and seasonal fruits, every bite feels comforting yet thoughtfully crafted. 

Paired with bold, expertly brewed coffee and a relaxed, stylish atmosphere, JARRYDS is the kind of spot where mornings linger, conversations flow, and breakfast truly becomes an experience.

1. Brash Burger in Sea Point

BRASH is the brainchild of lifelong friends Benjamin Fisher and Gabriel Wulfsohn. Both armed with economics and accounting degrees, they swapped the corporate path for a shared passion: burgers. What began as a humble food truck in July 2023 quickly grew into a bustling retro diner in Sea Point, earning a devoted following for its bold flavours and unapologetic approach.

At Brash, every burger tells the story of friendship, creativity, and the courage to follow what you love. To me, it is so similar to THE BEAR or THE BEEF in FX’s hit culinary comedy-drama show, The Bear. Benjamin and Gabriel are Richy and Mikey, but with Carmy’s culinary skills, and the level of service is that of Richy’s hospitality, as you will never wait longer than ten minutes for your order to be served with a smile. Every Second Counts. 

BRASH is the reason why tourists come to Cape Town. It is the best smash burger in Cape Town, and quite possibly South Africa. There was an extreme uprising after BRASH’s smash burgers changed the trajectory of burgers as a whole, with a plethora of new burger joints focusing on smash burgers alone, but to many locals who adore this place, and tourists who come to Cape Town just to eat at BRASH, it is safe to say there is no competition.

They have reinvented cheeseburgers. Crispy outer corners, smashed beef patties, layered between slices of cheese, gherkins, onions and a simple ketchup and mustard combo. Their Mac Daddy is rather special, as it’s similar to the cheeseburger only with their secret sauce granting it the status of ‘Daddy.’ 

It is certainly my favourite spot in Cape Town, holding beautiful memories of summer, after long beach days or sunset beach dates, BRASH has been at the core of those memories, deliciously so. I highly recommend you visit BRASH at least several times when visiting Cape Town. 

Cape Town in December is a celebration of sun, flavour, and long, golden evenings. From iconic heritage spots to bold modern eateries, the city’s culinary scene invites you to taste its stories, linger over meals, and make memories that last far beyond the last bite. Whether you’re sipping a crisp wine on a sun-drenched terrace, chasing the city’s best koesisters, or indulging in a towering stack of flapjacks, these are the flavours that capture the spirit of summer; vibrant, effortless, and utterly unforgettable. 

In Cape Town, every meal is a moment, and every bite is a memory you’ll carry with you long after the season fades.