There are many things that I wish I knew upon my arrival in Cape Town, one of which is very, very important. If you’re a foodie like myself, you know that one of the things that you need to know going into a new city is how to tear through it gastronomically. If you’re the type that plans lunch at breakfast and dinner at lunch like so many before us, this article is the one for you during your stay in Cape Town.
In classic foodie fashion, and the niftiest way to plan, it is, of course, organized by meal (you’re welcome in advance).
The following list and set of descriptions is one not only based on my own personal opinion (though I think that it can certainly be trusted…). It was compiled based on recommendations from the other students on my program who brought their own excellent taste buds to the table for our feasts.
Bon appetit!
Breakfast/Brunch
Suprette This breakfast spot has some excellent breakfast bagel sandwiches and a pretty decent latte. Plus, its convenient location Woodstock Exchange means it's optimal for some good post-meal shopping!
Clarke’s Whether for breakfast, lunch, or everyone’s favorite meal combo, this spot is a must-do! I’m a puppy for a good bowl of fries and this spot had it, and the chicken buttermilk burger was delish.
Jarryds A trendy little spot in Sea Point, this breakfast joint does it better than maybe any other one in Cape Town. I like to consider myself a breakfast sandwich connoisseur myself, and Jarryds does it best!
Kleinsky’s Delicatessen One word: bagels. Kleinsky’s got ‘em, and you need ‘em, baked to deliciousness and to be enjoyed on-site or on-the-go. But that’s not all! You also couldn’t go wrong with the challah French Toast or a fresh pastry from their spread.
Nest Before I can even begin with the food, I have to start with the view. Situated on the gorgeous Constantia Uitsig property and overlooking one of the many beautiful winelands of Western Cape, you’re enjoying your breakfast with a view! And, as a plus, the food is fantastic! Portions are small so you might need to get one and split with a friend, but it’s worth it nonetheless.
Lunch
Old Biscuit Mill This one is more than just a meal, it’s an experience. Open on Saturdays in Woodstock, Old Biscuit Mill is a whole hodgepodge of options for some of the best food in Cape Town. It’s a must-do, more than once, because you won’t be able to enjoy its specular spot in all its glory the first time around.
Cocoa Wah Wah A popular spot among UCT and study abroad students alike, Cocoa Wah Wah is a great spot to pop in for a meal after or before or even between classes if you have the time.
Jeans Kitchen at UCT Hustle and bustle your way into the heart of UCT at this hoppin’ spot for your falafel fix that will satisfy your mid-day hunger for sure! This vegetarian Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant located in the Rachel Bloch House is a popular one for lunch on campus.
Mojo Market I cannot endorse this one enough. Filled with some of the best pop-up restaurants in the city, it’s a great stop in for a group of people with different tastes and stomachs. If you’re lucky, the live band will come out to play a set too!
Dinner
Eastern Food Bazaar Dubbed by multiple sources (to be trusted, I promise) to be a Cape Town favorite restaurant, Eastern Food Bazaar is a great spot for dinner in groups. A market-style restaurant with options spanning from traditional South African Cape Malayan to Chinese, their big portions are sure to fill you up the right way.
Saigon I have to say this is my favorite (though not to take away from any of these other fantastic dinner spots!), and I am not the only one to say so. With some of the best sushi in Cape Town, and fantastic noodle dishes too, this Vietnamese / Sushi twist is sure to please.
Kloof Street House This one’s a little fancy, but it’s worth the trip for this beautiful venue and delicious food. Set in one of the most hoppin’ parts of town, it’s the perfect spot for a nice night out on the town.
Bocca For an Italian fix like no other, this is the perfect spot for you. Situated in Cape Town CBD, it’s a beautiful venue with a fantastic bowl of pasta!
Bay Harbor Market at Hout Bay Open on Friday evening, the Bay Harbour Market is a great spot for any fix you’re looking for. With a great array of options in every stall, you’re sure to fill your belly with something worthwhile.
Willoghby’s One of the best sushi spots in Cape Town, Willoughby's at V&A is a fantastic spot to fill that Japanese crave. Can’t go wrong with a fried rice or noodle dish either! They’re the jack of all dishes.
UberEats
Mr. Lin’s Sushi and Thai This Uber Eats blessing has a very Chinese take on Thai curry including ingredients like bamboo shoots and wood ear for a nice blend on a classic dish. It's a great one for a dinner in or a late-night crave crush!
Gourmet India Great spot for some fast Indian cuisine. Fast and gourmet? What else could you ask for!
1890 House of Sushi One of the best sushi spots in Cape Town, this spot can be enjoyed on-site or on UberEats, with an extra nod to its Tiger Roll. The Chicken Fried Noodles also come highly recommended for their authenticity to actual Chinese fried noodles.
Pizza Co. Need your late-night pizza fill up? Pizza Co. is the one to call! They’re quick, they’ve got plenty of options, and their pizzas are the perfect size for a hungry you.
Now I'm hungry...and I'm sure you are too. So go out and enjoy! I know I did.
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Mary Kaitlin Enright
<p>I was born and raised in Glenview, Illinois, a suburb of the beautiful city of Chicago. When I was fifteen, I was surprised by the unexpected opportunity to move to Hong Kong, when my family was transferred there. That was the very beginning of my relationship with the travel bug, by which I have been afflicted ever since. I spent time traveling around Asia with my family throughout high school, then traveling through Europe in my first year of college while studying abroad in London. Now a Marketing student at Villanova University with minors in Creative Writing and Communication, my next stop is Cape Town, South Africa, and I am excited to share my experience with the world.</p>
