With world-class vineyards on its doorstep, it's no surprise that the Mother City in Africa also has her fair share of internationally renowned restaurants and bars. Whether you prefer to sip vintages from the best wineries in the world while looking over the port of the V&A waterfront, or want to enjoy a 5-star meal at one of the city's nearby bistros, there's something for everyone in and around lively Cape Town.
Here are a few of the city's finest eateries where you can tip a glass and chow down in style.
La Belle Bistro & Bakery Constantia
The Constantia Valley is Cape Town’s nearest wine region, serving as Cape Town's vineyard since 1685. Over the centuries, they've learned to pair delicious dishes with mouth-watering wines. Basking in the shade of hundred-year-old oaks, La Belle Bistro offers fresh-from-the-oven baked goods and light, slow cooked meals right in the heart of the winery. If you want to get even more hands-on, they also have a winemaker’s kitchen to teach you how to cook with vino.
Aubergine
Priding itself on sophisticated dining that satisfies, this elegant gastronomic haven serves up innovative and unique creations that excite and delight the palate. Winning numerous international awards, owner and head chef, Harald Bresselschmidt, was trained at various Michelin starred restaurants including the famed London Savoy Hotel. In a statement he made to Cape Town Magazine, Harald said, “Food without a glass of wine, I’m not interested.” Now that's a motto can get behind. Luckily, Aubergine has the wine cellar to back it up with one of Cape Town's most extensive wine lists and expert pairing recommendations.
Bo-Kaap Kombuis
It may not have the modern ambiance of Aubergine, or the oak-shaded setting of La Belle, but don’t write-off Bo-Kaap Kombuis just yet. Boasting some of Cape Town's most delicious and traditional Cape-Malay cuisine at affordable prices, perfectly spiced vegetable curries and the slow roasted lamb sosati chops will feed your cravings and leave you wanting more. Gaze up at magnificent views of Table Mountain while indulging in slow-cooked foods that have been prepared using the same techniques as the settlers more than 300 years ago. And of course, be sure to accompany your meal with some of the region's best wines and Bo-Kaap Koesiesters, a traditional warm desert that's worth the trip to Africa in itself.
Indulge, Explore & Enjoy...
Cape Town literally has dozens of world-class restaurants and wineries to explore, and while we've only listed three of the best, you could spend weeks sampling the bistros and sipping on a bewildering number of varietals. If you're planning a trip to The Mother City, get your taste buds ready for an incredible journey and always leave room for dessert!