It’s no secret that Cape Town is a foodie’s paradise. With so many new mind-blowing options that cater to every taste or ambience, the biggest question when it comes to eating out is “where to go?”. If you are looking to keep at the forefront of the growing and changing restaurant scene in Cape Town, look no further. Here is our list of some of the newest restaurants in Cape Town to keep an eye out for:
The Athletic Club & Social (City Bowl)
Situated in a 19th Century three-story building on bustling Buitengracht Street in Cape Town, The Athletic Club & Social (ACS) is the perfect spot for a cosy evening of dinner and drinks. The story goes that a few decades ago the building acted as a speakeasy-style bar for athletes from all races to get together socially in a time when racial segregation was still enforced by the law. The space is donned with beautiful Persian rugs, vintage wallpaper and antique sports equipment, transporting you back to a time where you’d expect a young tennis player to arrive for an after match tipple with his wooden tennis racquet in tow.
The food at ACS is a mixture of Greek, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspired dishes and is ideal for sharing. Expect dishes like charred aubergine with a black garlic emulsion, bowls of freshly prepared hummus and tzatziki, and juicy coal-fired rotisserie, meats and fish. Pair these delicious dishes with one of their signature cocktails or a cold beer and you’re set for a great night! If things start to get festive at the table, grab your drinks and head downstairs to the “Trophy Room” for a dose of live music to end your evening.
Opened: December 2018
Opening times: Monday – Thursday, 12pm – 11pm; Friday – Saturday, 12pm – 2am (kitchen closes at 10pm)
Contact: 021 012 533, [email protected]
Where to find it: 35 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
Belly of The Beast (Zonnebloem)
If a unique dining experience is what you’re in the mood for where ‘umming’ and ‘aahing’ over what to order on the menu isn’t an option, then Belly of the Beast is the spot for you. Offering a seasonal tasting menu in an intimate 20-seater setting, chefs Anouchka Horn and Neil Swart treat their guests to incredible dishes made with seasonal flair. Described as a “nose to tail eatery”, the restaurant only uses sustainably farmed animals and locally sourced ingredients.
Set in modern space with a bit of an industrial twist, you can’t help but feel like one of the cool kids when stepping inside. While you won’t know what you’re eating until you arrive, apart from the basic ingredient scribbles on a blackboard, you can expect anything between 5 and 8 courses bursting with flavour! These guys know what they’re doing and they do it well.
Belly of the beast works on online reservations only.
Opened: August 2018
Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday, 7pm – 10pm
Contact: 021 461 0335, [email protected]
Where to find it: 110 Harrington Street, Cape Town
FYN Restaurant (City Bowl)
Legendary Cape Town based Chef Peter Tempelhoff (previously of Greenhouse Restaurant at the Cellars Hohenort) recently opened this Japanese inspired, intimate and exclusive restaurant in a specially built glass creation at the top of a building in the heart of the city. Perfectly positioned to maximise the spectacle of Lions Head and Kloof Nek, the view is almost worth the visit alone.
The set tasting menu is a journey of sight, aroma and taste that stimulates the senses and the wines are paired to perfection. The open kitchen showcases the focus and dedication Tempelhoff and his team put into their food. This restaurant is fast becoming a bucket list destination.
Opened: November 2018
Opening times: Tuesday – Friday, 12pm – 2pm and 18:30pm to 20:30pm; Saturday, 18:30pm – 20:30pm
Contact: 021 286 2733, [email protected]
Where to find it: 5th Floor, Speakers Corner, 37 Parliament Street, Cape Town, 8000
Gardens Collectors Club (Gardens)
Described as a “meeting place for new friends and old souls”, the Gardens Collectors Club is a laidback venue ideal for after work drinks or a catchup dinner with a group of friends. Painted dusty pink with leafy palm trees, a beautiful rose gold beer tap and vintage team photographs, it’s quite easy to get caught up in conversation and a couple beers for a few hours.
Choose from a wide range of craft drinks (they even have gin and tonic on tap!) and ogle over their menu options before tucking in. If you’re feeling a little peckish, choose from their delectable bar snacks like bacon and blue cheese croquettes, crispy calamari or beer nuts. Those looking to indulge a little more, go for their pizza, burger or sandwich options – all prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Opened: October 2018
Opening times: Monday – Saturday, 11am – 2am (Kitchen closes at 11pm)
Contact: 021 422 5822
Where to find it: 51 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Grub & Vine (City Bowl)
Located on the same floor as Frogitt & Vonkel, Cape Town’s newest wine bar on trendy Bree Street, Grub & Vine is Chef Matt Manning’s latest creation. Mannings unpretentious and straight forward approach to bistro fare makes Grub & Vine the perfect option for a Friday night dinner with friends (or any night actually) or date night with your partner. The varied wine list is a great representation of some of the best wines currently coming out of South Africa and the decor of the evokes a sense of easy class and sophistication that pairs perfectly with the menu.
This intimate bistro and Mannings approachable food make this a worthy foodie destination.
Opened: December 2018
Opening times: Tuesday – Friday, 12pm – 2:30 pm; 6pm – 9.45pm; Saturday, 4.30pm – 9.45pm
Contact: [email protected]
Where to find it: 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Salsify at The Roundhouse (Camps Bay)
Luke Dale-Roberts, owner of several successful restaurants and long-standing darling of the Cape Town foodie scene, along with chef and protege, Ryan Cole, have established yet another winner. Established in October 2018 at the Roundhouse venue in Camps Bay, Salsify has already established itself as a foodie hotspot. The Roundhouse venue lends itself perfectly to Dale-Roberts and Cole’s menu…a feast for the senses. The well-trained and attentive staff are knowledgable and discreet, allowing one to fully immerse oneself in the surroundings and soak in the view or the history and heritage of this classic venue.
From the contemporary artwork and decor to the compelling wine list and mouth-wateringly good food, Salsify is well worth a visit.
Opened: October 2018
Opening times: Tuesday – Thursday 11:30am – 10pm; Friday – Sunday 08:30am – 10pm.
Contact: 021 010 6444, Telephonic reservations are taken between 08:00 – 17:00 Monday to Friday and Saturday between 09:00 – 17:00.
Where to find it: The Roundhouse, Roundhouse Road, Camps Bay, 8005
