Known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and world-class culinary scene, Cape Town continues to evolve as a food lover’s paradise. Restaurants are redefining dining experiences in the Mother City. Cape Town’s food scene buzzes with creativity and flavor, from chic bistros to innovative sushi counters.
I will take you on a gastronomic journey through the 25 hottest new restaurants in Cape Town. This guide will equip you with everything you need to know, from must-try dishes to pricing and insider tips.
Cape Town’s Culinary Scene
The food scene in Cape Town is a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and innovations. Rich history, diverse communities, and abundant local produce inspire the city’s chefs. Several new restaurants have opened recently, each offering a unique twist on dining.
“I’ve always been amazed by how Cape Town’s restaurants manage to blend tradition with modernity,” I shared during my recent visit. “Whether it’s a cozy bistro or a high-end sushi bar, there’s something for every palate and budget.”
Here are the 25 hottest new restaurants in Cape Town that you need to try
The Fountain
The Fountain at Mount Nelson offers a delightful alfresco dining experience under charming pink umbrellas by the grand fountain, evoking Cape Town’s summer charm with a hint of Mediterranean flair. Chef Luke Barry’s menu blends Mediterranean freshness with local ingredients, perfectly complemented by bubbles or cocktails from the Planet Bar.
Highlights include Nonna-style pork-and-beef meatballs with puffy flatbreads, West Coast prawn scampi, roasted calamari, yellowtail crudo, Cape burrata-and-heirloom tomato salad, and an array of pizza-style flatbreads, with the lamb sausage and mushroom being a standout. For dessert, indulge in a decadent pistachio bomboloni or a limoncello misu with fresh berries. Set in the lush gardens of the iconic pink lady, The Fountain promises to be a summer haven. Note that reservations are not accepted.
Opened in January 2025, it operates Monday to Sunday from 12pm until late. Contact 021 483 1000 or [email protected].
Located at Mount Nelson, 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town.
Coy
The celebrated chef behind Salsify has launched his second culinary venture. At the V&A Waterfront near the Bascule Bridge, this new restaurant offers breathtaking views of the harbor, yacht basin, and Table Mountain. Chefs Geoffrey Abrahams and Teenola Govender use only sustainable, ethical, and locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that tell the story of African cuisine. The menu draws inspiration from the ocean and traverses the continent’s coastline, reviving traditional preparation methods and forgotten ingredients.
The restaurant’s interior boasts a captivating chiaroscuro ambiance, offering a relaxed yet refined dining experience. Standout dishes include a tuna tartare with sugar cane and caramelized coconut, served in a ceramic shell, and a tender ox tongue with earthy ras el Hanout spices and black rice, winning over even the most skeptical diners.
For convenience, park at the Portswood parking garage and stroll towards the Bascule Bridge.
Opened: 9 August 2024
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9pm
Contact: 021 010 6444, [email protected]
Location: Scheryn Pavilion Building, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
ROOI
ROOI, One&Only Cape Town’s new restaurant, embodies the theme of fire, symbolizing energy and life. The design reflects the warmth and community of a traditional braai with rich colors and local flair. The menu features sustainably sourced South African ingredients like wagyu beef, aged mutton, Kalahari venison, and masala-spiced kingklip.
Unique dishes include fire-cooked vegetables, grilled South Coast rock lobster, and flame-grilled tuna, showcasing South Africa‘s diverse culinary heritage. Complement your meal with selections from a curated cap classique cart, signature cocktails, and a hand-picked wine list by sommelier Luvo Ntezo.
Opened: 1 October 2024
Opening times: 6pm – 11pm (last seating at 9pm)
Contact: 021 431 5888, [email protected]
Location: One&Only Cape Town, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Hiro Izakaya: A Japanese-Inspired Gem in Constantia
Location: Constantia Uitsig, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia, Cape Town
Opening Date: 1 May 2024
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact: 082 373 5045
Chef Cheyne Morrisby, alongside his partner Danielle Oosthuizen, has brought a slice of Japan to Constantia with Hiro Izakaya. This intimate saké-shop-style restaurant combines Japanese street food with a touch of fire-cooking, creating a menu that’s both innovative and deeply satisfying.
My Experience
Walking into Hiro Izakaya feels like stepping into a cozy Tokyo alleyway. The vibrant artwork by Danielle adds a personal touch, while the covered verandah and banquette seating create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Tuna Tacos: Crispy, wafer-thin triangles topped with marinated tuna – a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
- Yellowtail Ceviche with Ponzu: Fresh, zesty, and utterly refreshing.
- Short-Rib Gyoza: Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crispy on the outside.
Good to Know: The 4 dishes for R400 option is an absolute steal and offers incredible value.
Heirloom: Fine Dining Reimagined at Cape Grace
Location: Cape Grace Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Opening Date: April 2024
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 7pm – 9pm
Contact: 021 410 7068, [email protected]
Chef Asher Abramowitz has transformed the Cape Grace’s signature restaurant into Heirloom, a fine-dining destination that’s all about minimalist elegance. With breathtaking views of Table Mountain and the marina, this is the perfect spot for a special occasion.
My Experience
Heirloom’s monochromatic white-themed menu is a bold departure from the theatrics of traditional fine dining. Each dish is a masterpiece of simplicity, letting the ingredients shine.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Seasonal Tasting Menu: A 7-course journey through the best of South Africa’s produce.
- Vibrant À La Carte Options: Perfect for those who prefer a more flexible dining experience.
Good to Know: Don’t miss the revamped Bascule Bar, which now boasts a sultry, sophisticated vibe.
Terrarium: A Sustainable Dining Experience
Location: Queen Victoria Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Opening Date: 1 November 2024
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday
Contact: 021 419 6677, [email protected]
Chef Chris Erasmus is back with Terrarium, a restaurant that celebrates sustainable, organic food. Located at the Queen Victoria Hotel, Terrarium focuses on regenerative dining, sourcing ingredients from small, family-owned producers.
My Experience
The open kitchen and intimate setting make Terrarium feel like a culinary theater. The Fauna and Flora tasting menus (meat-based and plant-based, respectively) are a testament to Chef Chris’s creativity and commitment to sustainability.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Small Plates: Perfect for sharing and exploring a variety of flavors.
- Fauna Menu: A meat-lover’s dream, featuring locally sourced proteins.
Marble: Fire-Cooking with a View
Location: Union Castle Building, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Opening Date: December 2024
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 9.30pm
Contact: 021 002 8484, [email protected]
Chef David Higgs has brought his iconic fire-cooking concept to Cape Town with Marble. Perched atop the Union Castle building, this rooftop restaurant offers stunning views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean.
My Experience
The energy at Marble is electric. The open kitchen, with its roaring fires, is the heart of the restaurant, and the menu is a celebration of bold flavors and communal dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Fire-Grilled Steaks: Perfectly charred and bursting with flavor.
- Seafood Platters: Fresh and expertly prepared.
Amare – A Celebration of Love Through Food
Derived from the Latin word for “love,” Amare is a brand-new restaurant in Bantry Bay that radiates warmth, passion, and authenticity in every dish. Co-owner Rob Moretti describes the cuisine as “South Coast Mediterranean,” emphasizing fresh, light, and flavorful ingredients such as olive oil, lemon, and chili.
What’s on the Menu?
Every dish at Amare is a testament to quality ingredients and expert preparation. The appetizer selection includes standout options like:
- Crumbed feta with honey, cabernet balsamic, and oregano
- Tomato gazpacho
- Beef carpaccio
- Kingklip ajillo with garlic, chili, and capers
For mains, guests can indulge in:
- Linguine limone
- Charred aubergine with baba ghanoush and Parmesan
- Chalmar beef
- Grilled prawns
- Chargrilled linefish
Each main course is complemented by a carefully selected side, including white kidney beans, sautéed seasonal vegetables, crispy potatoes with burnt butter and sage, and a fresh green salad.
Drinks & Desserts
Amare’s curated wine list pairs beautifully with its Mediterranean-inspired menu, while its cocktails are already a hit among social media enthusiasts. The chocolate torte with salted lemon sorbet is a dessert highlight that perfectly balances richness and zest.
📍 Location: 29 Victoria Road, Bantry Bay, Cape Town
📅 Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 7:30 AM – 11 PM
📞 Contact: 021 300 8290 | [email protected]
Kiki – A Contemporary Greek Affair
A stylish addition to Sea Point’s Regent Road, Kiki is a modern Greek restaurant with a contemporary twist. Created by the team behind Jarryd’s and Ariel, Kiki reinvents traditional Greek flavors in a trendy, shareable format.
What’s on the Menu?
Expect an array of meze-style dishes, such as:
- Dolmades
- Tzatziki
- Fried halloumi
- Spanakopita
Chef Scott Walker infuses a creative touch into every dish, inspired by his culinary journey through Greece. The experience is completed with a sophisticated selection of cocktails.
📍 Location: Piccadilly Court, 85 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
📅 Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday, 6 PM – 10 PM
📞 Contact: 021 023 2667 | [email protected]
Edge – Elevating African Gastronomy
After a successful pop-up at Mount Nelson, renowned chef Vusi Ndlovu has launched Edge at Vue Shortmarket. This pop-up restaurant showcases Africa’s rich culinary heritage through live-fire cooking and indigenous ingredients.
A Unique Culinary Concept
Edge redefines African cuisine with:
- Experimental fire-cooked dishes
- A focus on under-explored indigenous ingredients
- A curated menu that tells the story of African gastronomy
The experience is enhanced with a selection of fine wines, bubbles, and craft cocktails.
📍 Location: Vue Shortmarket, 108 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town CBD
📅 Opening Times: Tuesday – Saturday, 1 PM – 10 PM
📞 Contact: 021 569 7090 | [email protected]
The Wes Bistro & Bar – A Cinematic French Escape
Transporting guests into a whimsical Wes Anderson-inspired world, The Wes Bistro & Bar on Shortmarket Street combines classic French bistro charm with playful aesthetics.
Signature Dishes
The menu, curated by renowned chef Pete Goffe-Wood, includes French bistro favorites such as:
- Bouillabaisse with rouille and croutons
- Moules frites
- Chicken liver parfait
- Goat’s cheese soufflé
- Herb-crusted rack of lamb with ratatouille
The Wes is a delightful spot for casual lunches, cocktail hours, or an intimate dinner.
📍 Location: 55 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
📅 Opening Times: Tuesday – Saturday, 12 PM – 10 PM; Sunday, 12 PM – 5 PM
📞 Contact: [email protected]
Yatai Ramenbar – Gourmet Street Food
Located below the lively Nikkei restaurant, Yatai Ramenbar redefines Japanese street food with gourmet execution.
Menu Highlights
Guests can indulge in:
- Signature ramen bowls
- Yakitori
- Dumplings
- Small plates infused with Japanese flavors
📍 Location: 87 Bree Street, Cape Town
📅 Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 12 PM – 10:30 PM
📞 Contact: 021 109 8094 | [email protected]
RYŪ Sushi Counter – A Modern Izakaya Experience
Set in a quirky container space at the Old Biscuit Mill, RYŪ Sushi Counter offers a modern take on traditional sushi.
What to Expect
- 10-course omakase menu
- A la carte sushi
- Japanese hip-hop soundtrack
- Signature cocktails and tea-based drinks
📍 Location: Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock, Cape Town
📅 Opening Times: Wednesday – Sunday, 12 PM – 10 PM
📞 Contact: @ryu_sushicounter
Chefs Warehouse & Canteen – A Culinary Reinvention
Location: 91 Bree Street, Cape Town
Opening Date: August 7, 2024
Contact: 021 773 0440 | [email protected]
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 9:30pm
Famed chef Liam Tomlin is back with a bold new vision for 91 Bree Street. The three-storey building, formerly The Bailey, has been transformed into a multi-experience culinary hub. The ground floor now houses the revived Chefs Warehouse & Canteen, bringing back its globally inspired tapas in an edgy, urban setting. On the first floor, Merchant champions local produce with an inventive tasting menu and casual bar offerings, while the rooftop venue, Room 91, is set to host unforgettable events. Chefs David Schneider and Adrian Hadlow join Tomlin in this grand culinary revival.
Pizza Shed St James – Canotto-Style Neapolitan Pizza by the Sea
Location: 56 Main Road, St James, Cape Town
Opening Date: July 2024
Contact: 071 342 5681
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday: 12pm – 8:30pm
- Friday & Saturday: 12pm – 9pm
The Deep South finally has its own Pizza Shed! Known for its slow-fermented, canotto-style Neapolitan pizzas, this new branch offers a cozy, beachy atmosphere with reed ceilings and pavement tables. Nestled near the St James tidal pool, it’s the perfect post-swim pitstop for a restorative slice.
Grumpy & Runt at Ditto – The Return of Vegan Doughnut Bliss
Location: 119 Kloof Street, Cape Town
Opening Date: September 2024
Contact: 067 798 8645 | [email protected]
Opening Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 9am – 10pm
- Friday & Saturday: 9am – 11pm
Vegan sweet-tooths, rejoice! Grumpy & Runt is back, now housed inside Ditto on Kloof Street. Their famed plant-based doughnuts are once again available, alongside Ditto’s legendary oat-milk ice cream and waffles. A dangerously delicious duo!
Butter – Spreading the Love in Sea Point
Location: 176 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Opening Date: June 2024
Contact: 066 264 2697 | [email protected]
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8am – 4pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 9am – 3pm
The Loop Street favorite Butter has expanded to Sea Point, bringing with it all-day breakfasts, decadent lunches, and an open-air courtyard adorned with twinkling lights. Signature dishes include the Butter Burger and the fully-loaded Bun with Everything (egg, bacon, hashbrown, cheddar, jalapeños, and tomato jam). Pair it with a mimosa for the full experience.
Juno – A Community-Driven Café & Deli
Location: 6 Kloof Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Opening Date: November 2024
Contact: 021 003 3601 | [email protected]
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 6:30am – 5pm
- Sunday: 6:30am – 4pm
The dynamic duo behind Table Seven, Luke and Katie Wonnacott, have created a welcoming neighborhood café and deli at Juno. Expect shelves stacked with fresh-baked sourdough, artisanal cheeses, and indulgent pastries, plus an array of grab-and-go meals and pantry essentials.
Alfi Pizza – New Haven-Style in Sea Point
Location: 158 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Opening Date: January 2025
Contact: [email protected]
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11am – 11pm
The team behind Jarryd’s and Ariel brings Cape Town its first New Haven-style pizza joint. Expect thin, wood-fired crusts with charred edges, topped with everything from double pepperoni to a sweet S’mores Pizza. Their pizzaiolos call themselves “sourdough DJs,” and we’re ready for the party!
Our Local Sea Point – Vintage Charm & Comfort Food
Location: 295 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Opening Date: January 2025
Contact: 064 642 5004 | [email protected]
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8am – 3:30pm
The second outpost of Our Local brings the brand’s signature vintage aesthetic and relaxed atmosphere to Sea Point. Featuring high ceilings, lush greenery, and pet-friendly vibes, it serves beloved brunch staples like shakshuka, avo toast, and their famous flourless chocolate cake.
Seebamboes – A Modern Take on Surf & Turf
Location: 99 Harrington Street, District Six, Cape Town
Opening Date: March 7, 2025
Contact: 079 093 0559 | [email protected]
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 6:45pm
Created by the team behind Belly of the Beast and Galjoen, Seebamboes reimagines surf and turf with an innovative tasting menu. The intimate 16-seater space offers a view of Table Mountain while guests indulge in experimental yet nostalgic dishes, perfectly paired with an offbeat wine selection.
Brash – Smashburgers with a Side of Cool
Location: 90 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Opening Date: September 14, 2024
Contact: 021 002 8376 | [email protected]
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday – Thursday: 4pm – 10pm
- Friday: 4pm – 11pm
- Saturday: 12pm – 11pm
- Sunday: 12pm – 10pm
Born from the cult-favorite Brashmobile food truck, this smashburger haven offers just two options: the classic American cheeseburger or the double-patty Mack Daddy—both designed for ultimate caramelized crispness.
Qué Linda – Spanish Tapas & Pintxos
Location: 39 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Opening Date: August 2024
Contact: 078 184 3354 | [email protected]
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – late
With a lively taberna vibe, Qué Linda serves up Spanish-inspired small plates, from jamón ibérico to an indulgent Basque cheesecake. Whether you’re craving classic paella or crispy patatas bravas, this spot delivers bold flavors in a vibrant setting.
Lorenzo’s – An Italian Delight at Delaire Graff Estate
A brand-new Italian gem, Lorenzo’s, has joined the Delaire Graff foodscape. This intimate 40-seater lunch spot spills outdoors under a sun-dappled Iroko pergola, evoking a classic Mediterranean ambiance. Chef Clinton Jacobs, alongside Italian consultant chef Alfonso Russo, crafts an authentic Italian menu using fresh, seasonal ingredients from the estate’s garden. The bronze-panelled pizza oven churns out superb wood-fired pizzas, while guests can also savor exquisite antipasti such as burrata Caprese, wood-fired artichokes, veal carpaccio, and a mouth-watering selection of handmade pastas.
- Opening Date: 28 November 2024
- Hours: Monday – Sunday, 12pm or 2pm (two seatings)
- Location: Delaire Graff Estate, Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch
- Contact: 021 885 8160, [email protected]
The Beach House – Coastal Cuisine in Yzerfontein
Nestled along the tranquil shores of Yzerfontein, The Beach House is set to redefine seaside dining with its relaxed yet world-class menu. Headed by renowned chefs Darren Badenhorst and Callan Austen, with chef Jacques Grove at the helm, this eatery prioritizes sustainability and authenticity. Expect fresh fish and chips, foraged salads featuring dune spinach, wood-fired whole fish, locally harvested mussels, peri-peri chicken, and a simple yet decadent steak Florentine with café de Paris butter.
- Opening Date: 24 October 2024
- Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, lunch and dinner
- Location: Yzerfontein
- Contact: [email protected]
- Good to Know: Dog-friendly patio available!
L’Ami Family Brasserie – A La Motte Revival
After years of renovations, La Motte Wine Estate has unveiled its re-imagined heart: L’Ami Family Brasserie. This family-friendly brasserie combines chic elegance with a relaxed farm vibe. With a long wrap-around veranda leading onto lush lawns, the menu features fresh cob with vin blanc sauce, beef tartare on estate-baked sourdough, beetroot and fig salad, and a variety of fire-grilled meats. Chef Richard Carstens masterfully infuses Mediterranean and South African flavors into each dish, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.
- Opening Date: 18 December 2024
- Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 11:30am – 3pm; Friday & Saturday, 6:30pm
- Location: La Motte Wine Estate, R45 Main Road, Franschhoek Valley
- Contact: 021 876 8000, [email protected]
- Good to Know: Small plates menu available in the afternoons until 4:30pm. There’s also a children’s menu!
The Table at Oak Valley – A Scenic Culinary Retreat
Famous for its relaxed, share-style lunches, The Table has opened a second location at Oak Valley Estate in Grabouw. With seating on an elegant terrace beside a turquoise pool and under shady oak trees, this restaurant continues its tradition of hyper-local ingredients and communal dining experiences. Guests can expect a menu highlighting the flavors of Elgin and Grabouw, ensuring a true farm-to-table experience.
- Opening Date: Mid-November 2024
- Hours: Varies by season; check with the restaurant
- Location: Oak Valley Estate, 127 Oak Avenue, Grabouw
- Contact: 021 859 4111, [email protected]
- Good to Know: Bookings open on Dineplan from 1 October.
La Cotte Mill – A Historic Coffee Haven
A delightful coffee shop has emerged from the historic La Cotte Farm’s fully restored water mill. Guests can relax on the stoep, enjoying expertly brewed coffee accompanied by chef Keshia Louw’s exquisite patisserie. From millefeuille and macarons to Basque cheesecake and flaky croissants, the offerings are divine. The on-site bakery also tempts visitors with crusty sourdough loaves, making this an essential stop in Franschhoek.
- Opening Date: October 2024
- Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 8am – 3pm
- Location: La Cotte Farm, Franschhoek
- Contact: 021 207 3907, [email protected]
Melfort – A Hidden Gem in Stellenbosch
Nestled in a picturesque valley overlooking a serene dam, Melfort is a farm-to-fork eatery celebrating organic, locally sourced ingredients. Chef Tasmin Reed crafts nourishing and visually stunning dishes, such as stuffed zucchini flowers, Karoo lamb belly with chimichurri, and sheep’s milk panna cotta. The ambiance is rustic yet refined, with a cozy indoor fireplace for winter dining and scenic outdoor seating for sunny days.
- Opening Date: September 2024
- Hours: Varies; includes weekend set menus and weekday à la carte
- Location: Marianne Wine Estate, Valley Road, Stellenbosch
- Contact: 060 201 2200, [email protected]
Bloem – A New Culinary Bloom in Elgin
Celebrating the bounty of Elgin’s orchards, Bloem at Paul Clüver Family Wines is the latest venture from acclaimed chef Bertus Basson and head chef Carla Burger. The restaurant’s farm-to-table ethos shines through its hearty breakfast dishes and fresh, locally inspired sharing plates, best paired with the estate’s cool-climate wines.
- Opening Date: 22 October 2024
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (breakfast and lunch)
- Location: Paul Clüver Family Wines, Grabouw
- Contact: [email protected]
Mill Street Bistro – Michelin-Star Flair in Stellenbosch
Chef Phil Carmichael, with experience in Michelin-starred kitchens alongside legends like Gordon Ramsay, has launched Mill Street Bistro in Stellenbosch. Melding French techniques with premium local produce, this sophisticated yet unfussy eatery focuses on sustainability and regenerative farming.
- Opening Date: 12 June 2024
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, lunch and dinner
- Location: Cluver Markotter Building, Mill Street, Stellenbosch
- Contact: 021 020 1301, [email protected]
