The Mother City, as it is affectionately known, offers a host of cosmopolitan dining experiences.
Baia seafood restaurant
With a wide selection of starters, soups and mains to choose from, Baia has something for everyone.
Although it is a predominately seafood restaurant, ostrich, beef and chicken also feature on the menu. Baia also offers rare wines, breathtaking views and reasonably priced food. The cheapest item on the menu is R59 while the most expensive is R285.
- Address: Upstairs at the Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.
- Tel: +27 21 421-0935/6/7
- Website
Café Caprice
The bars along Camps Bay offer cocktails and sundowners and a spectacular ocean view. Try Café Caprice for a sundowner drink accompanied by local DJs. Situated in Camps Bay directly opposite the beach, you can enjoy breakfast, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and pastas. The cheapest item on the menu is R29 and the most expensive is R90.
- Address: 37 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town.
- Tel: +27 21 438 8315
- Website
Mzoli’s in Gugulethu
Mzoli’s Meat (also known as Kwa-Mzoli or Mzoli’s Butchery) is a popular tshisa nyama (buy and braai/ barbecue) butchery located in the heart of Gugulethu, a township on the outskirts of Cape Town. The meat at Mzoli’s butchery, always barbecued for you to perfection, is often accompanied by music from the best DJs of the Cape. Mzoli’s is also an excellent sundowner hotspot in Gugulethu where the who’s who come to meet.
- Address: NY 115, Shop 3, Gugulethu, Cape Town.
- Tel: +27 21 638 1355
- Website
Eastern Food Bazaar
The Eastern Food Bazaar in what used to be the Wellington Fruit Growers’ Market is within a narrow 1934 building which now forms a corridor from Longmarket to Darling Street. The upmarket reinvention of the food court concept by the owners of the Jewel of India in the Waterfront offers unbelievable prices for their delicious meals, the cheapest being R15 while the most expensive is R30. The walls are lined with Moghul paintings, elaborate wooden screens and carved doors framed by columns to create a faux Indian lane as well a basin with taps for washing your hands. Most of the stalls are Indian, but there is an Istanbul stall that dishes up shwarma and hummus (R30). The China Town stall serves chicken (R30), paneer (R25) or vegetables, Manchurian or Szechwan style, with fried rice or noodles (R25). Bombay Bites does a vegetable curry of the day. The Kebab Counter serves tandoori chicken, tikka lamb and shish kebab. The Madras Dosa House serves dosa (R20). The bazaar has now also opened a coffee bar and an ice cream counter, serving lassi and ‘natural” ice cream.
- Address: 96 Longmarket Steet, Cape Town.
- Tel: +27 21 461 2458
- Website
The Ferryman’s Tavern and Restaurant
The Ferryman’s Tavern and Restaurant which opened in 1989, was the first tenant in the Waterfront and is still run by the original owners. Ferryman’s, a traditional pub, offers a wide selection of beers from bitters to lights and an indoor and outdoor bar area. Beers are not the only thing on the menu; starters, daily specials, salads, main courses and light meals can also be enjoyed. A kids menu is also available. The cheapest meal costs R35 while the most expensive will set you back R125.
- Address: V&A Waterfront
- Tel: +27 21 419 7748
- Website
Have we left anything out? If you’re a fan of this host city leave your recommendations in the comment box below. Don’t forget an address and website link, along with any other relevant information.