Restaurants and Bars to Visit in Cape Town

Bombay Bicycle Club is one of those wacky, diverse restaurants where you can eat and do about anything. Filled with eclectic furnishings (including one dinner table with swings for seats!) and decorated brightly during the holiday season, Bombay Bicycle Club serves all your favorites, from pasta and calamari to ribs and pork belly.

Book your table at www.thebombay.co.za.

Royale Eatery is a proudly local South African burger place located at the top of Long Street. It is known for its 50 different gourmet burgers and their classic milkshakes, some of which contain alcohol and make for an ideal dessert.

Check out www.royaleeatery.com for the full menu of delicious burgers and milkshakes.

The Test Kitchen in Woodstock is a globally renowned restaurant in Cape Town, served by the prestigious and highly decorated chef, Luke Dale-Roberts. Recently ranked number 22 on the list of the world’s 50 best restaurants, The Test Kitchen has a unique contemporary style and is only open to 40 guests per evening, so be sure to book in advance!

Keep an eye on www.thetestkitchen.co.za for a reservation – bookings open 3 months in advance.

When visiting Cape Town, a food tour must consist of trying some of the world’s freshest sushi and seafood. Beluga in Green Point is widely recognized in serving the most exquisite variety of sushi, dim sum, and seafood in a contemporary South African and Asian fusion style.

Check out their full menu and happy hour specials at beluga.co.za.

Mama Africa, located on Long Street, is a popular spot among tourists for those who want a taste of local South African food and be part of a drum circle, all in one night. The restaurant is decorated in traditional and funky African fashion and has a live band performing every night. Mama Africa is famous for its friendly and warm environment that is sure to leave you with a full stomach and good African vibes.

Make a booking online for your private lunch or birthday party at mamaafricarestaurant.co.za.

Continuing the theme of traditional cuisine and entertainment, moyo at Kirstenbosch is a celebration of the beauty and hospitality of the African people. A night at moyo is guaranteed to be filled with feasting upon a buffet of traditional African food, as well as dancing and drumming the night away. This moyo division is situated at the foot of Table Mountain and at the entrance of the beautiful and historic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Book your table at www.moyo.co.za.

Secret Gin Bar- You read that right- this gin bar is discretely located in the open-air courtyards behind Honest Chocolate café and is only open after hours. The bar itself is positioned in a former morgue; the gothic architecture of the bar adds to the venue’s spooky history. The secret gin bar only has 5 specialty gin cocktails, and occasional specials, that always mix popular, local gin producers with eclectic ingredients.

No bookings necessary. The secret gin bar is open Monday-Thursday, 5pm-12am and Friday-Saturday, 3pm-1:30am. For more info, visit www.theginbar.co.za.

Orphanage Cocktail Emporium serves artisan cocktails with a cause. Since its opening in 2012, Orphanage has donated funds to support the 45 boys residing in St. Francis Children’s Home in Athlone. Besides its philanthropic background, Orphanage is known for creating interesting cocktails within a sophisticated, vintage setting.

Open late-night. Call +27 (0) 21 424 2004 to book your next party or private function.

Shimmy Beach Club is a deluxe restaurant, venue, and beach club all-in-one. This venue is perfect for weddings, corporate functions, and more. With sleek interior and sandy exterior, guests have the chance to party seaside. Most popular of events hosted at Shimmy Beach Club is the Submerged series with the South African DJ duo, Goldfish, drawing in thousands of people to the sands of Shimmy’s during the summer season.

Book your table or check out upcoming events at www.shimmybeachclub.com.