7 Best Restaurants in Cape Town You Need to Try
When it comes to good food, Cape Town knows what it’s doing. From laid-back lunch spots to tables worth dressing up for, the city’s dining scene keeps us coming back for more.
At The Oyster Collection, we spend a fair bit of time exploring restaurants that get it right—great food, great atmosphere, and that something special you remember long after the last bite. Here’s our take on some of Cape Town’s best restaurants.
La Boheme, Sea Point
La Boheme gets it right without trying too hard. Just a short stroll from the Sea Point Promenade—and minutes from Blackheath Lodge—this classic bistro is a favourite for relaxed, quality dining in the neighbourhood. It’s no surprise it features on our list of Cape Town’s best restaurants.
The menu changes frequently and is driven by a fresh food philosophy, so what’s on offer depends on what’s in season and available that day. Expect a mix of tapas and generous mains, all prepared with care and attention to detail.
The wine list is also worth mentioning—it’s well-curated, mostly local, and perfect for a slow evening. Whether you’re heading in after a sunset walk or settling in for a longer dinner with friends, La Boheme delivers an experience that’s easygoing, polished, and consistently good.
Kloof Street House
Kloof Street House is set in a beautifully restored Victorian home. It’s an intimate and intriguing space with eclectic interiors, flickering candlelight, and a garden that comes alive in the evenings.
The brasserie-style menu covers all bases, from free-range steaks to fresh seafood and generous sharing plates focusing on responsibly sourced ingredients.
The place works just as well for a slow Sunday lunch with live jazz as it does for a romantic dinner or festive gathering–one of the many reasons it’s recommended by locals and travellers when talking about the best restaurants in Cape Town.
And yes, the salted caramel cheesecake does live up to its reputation. Whether you’re there for the signature cocktails under the trees or curled up by the fire in winter, Kloof Street House always delivers an evening with a little something extra.
Paranga, Camps Bay
If you’re after ocean views and laid back luxury, Paranga is hard to beat. Set right on the edge of Camps Bay beach, it’s a spot where long lunches often roll into sunset cocktails.
The menu leans into fresh seafood, sushi, and gourmet-style comfort dishes—think perfectly prepared line fish, burgers with a twist, and crisp salads that feel right at home next to a glass of champagne. It’s polished but never pretentious.
For guests staying at POD Camps Bay, it couldn’t be more convenient—just a short walk away, making it an easy choice for a laid-back lunch or a last-minute dinner with a view. If you want front-row seats to the beach and the buzz of the promenade, ask for a table on the balcony.
Cod Father Seafood and Sushi, Camps Bay
The Codfather is a Camps Bay institution—known for doing things a little differently. There’s no printed menu here; instead, guests are guided to a fresh fish display where everything is chosen market-style.
Your server will walk you through the daily catch explaining flavours, textures, and portion options before it’s expertly grilled and brought to the table. Everything is priced by weight, so you’re in full control of what you order and spend.
The selection is broad, from line fish and calamari to prawns, langoustines, crayfish, and oysters—many sourced directly from Mozambique. There’s also a sushi bar offering both traditional and inventive rolls.
It’s a relaxed, interactive dining experience, with the quality of the seafood doing most of the talking—one of the many reasons the Codfather consistently features among Cape Town’s best restaurants.
For a quieter, more intimate setting, guests can dine in the restaurant’s exclusive wine cellar—an elegant space surrounded by thousands of bottles, perfect for a special occasion or a more private experience. During the colder months, the open fire adds a welcoming warmth to the atmosphere.
GOLD Restaurant, Green Point
GOLD Restaurant offers a full cultural experience. The evening centres around a set 14-dish tasting menu, inspired by traditional African cuisine and enjoyed in a shared style, just as it is across the continent.
As each dish is served, you’ll learn about its origins, cooking methods, and the spices that bring it to life. Dishes are brought to your table in generous portions, and vegetarian or vegan alternatives are available for every Halaal-certified meat, poultry or fish course.
The experience is paired with live entertainment—storytelling, music, dancing, Mali puppetry, and the rhythms of marimba and djembe drums. There is also an optional interactive drumming session before dinner if you feel like joining in.
Harbour House, Kalk Bay & V&A Waterfront
Perched on the water’s edge in Kalk Bay’s working harbour, Harbour House offers memorable seaside dining. With uninterrupted views of the working harbour, False Bay, and the Hottentots Holland mountains, it’s easy to see why this spot is often listed among the best restaurants with a view in Cape Town.
The restaurant quite literally stretches out over the sea. So whether you’re seated near the front or tucked in further back, you’re never far from the sound of crashing waves and the scent of the ocean air. The interiors are clean and coastal—whitewashed with rustic wood floors—evoking the charm of a classic beach house, but with polished service and beautifully plated dishes.
It’s a popular choice for long, leisurely lunches or special occasion dinners, and the scenery alone makes it worth the visit. If you’re after a similar experience in the city, the Harbour House at the V&A Waterfront offers elegant dining with harbour views through floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
The Granary Café, The Silo Hotel
Perched above Cape Town’s bustling V&A Waterfront, The Granary Café at The Silo Hotel offers a refined dining experience with views to match. Framed by the hotel’s signature pillowed glass windows, the restaurant looks out over the harbour, city skyline, and Table Mountain—making it an ideal setting for a leisurely lunch or a sunset dinner.
The menu leans into contemporary cuisine, with seasonal dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients and paired with an excellent wine and cocktail selection.
Dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice, and Kosher or Halaal meals are available by pre-order. For guests looking for a standout city dining experience, The Granary Café offers a polished but relaxed atmosphere with some of the best views in town.
Ready to explore Cape Town’s Best Restaurants?
Cape Town’s food scene is diverse, exciting, and full of unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood by the water, a laid-back bistro meal, or something a little more elevated, there is no shortage of great places to try.
If you’re staying at Blackheath Lodge, POD, Camps Bay or any of our Oyster Collection properties, our team is on hand to help. Reach out to our concierge for recommendations and to make your reservations.
If you’re still planning your trip, browse the Oyster Collection website to explore our beautiful stays and curated experiences.