It is safe to say that Cape Town is a city that does not need an introduction. Whether it’s the iconic Table Mountain or the vibrant V&A Waterfront, it’s a destination that captures the imagination of travelers from all over the world. Beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, however, there is a treasure trove of undiscovered treasures that are just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or a culture enthusiast, this guide is sure to take you on a journey through Cape Town’s best-kept secrets no matter what your interests are.
1. Persian Peacock: A Taste of Iran in Vredehoek
“Climbing two flights of stairs to this rooftop terrace feels like stepping into a Persian fairytale. The peacock-blue decor, rich textiles, and brass lamps transport you to another world, while the aroma of saffron and sumac tantalizes your senses.”
What to Try:
- Tah-chin: A saffron rice dome with slow-cooked lamb, barberries, and pomegranate sauce.
- Mezze Platter: Fluffy pita with an array of Middle Eastern dips.
- Saffron Ice Cream: A sweet ending to a flavorful feast.
Good to Know:
- Fully halaal with traditional non-alcoholic drinks.
- BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) is welcome.
Opening Times:
- Tuesday – Friday: 5pm – 10pm
- Saturday: 1pm – 10pm
Contact:
- Phone: 060 579 9486
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 176 Upper Buitenkant Street, Vredehoek, Cape Town
- Google Maps Link
2. Tapi Tapi: Ice Cream with an African Twist
“Tapiwa Guzha, a microbiologist-turned-ice-cream-artist, has turned a tiny Observatory shop into a hub of creativity. His ever-changing flavors, like amagwinya with kei apple jam or rooibos with imphepho smoke, are a revelation.”
What to Try:
- Caramelised Plantain: Sweet, smoky, and utterly addictive.
- Matemba with Toffee: A daring blend of salt-cured fish and sweet toffee.
Good to Know:
- No set menu – flavors change daily.
- Perfect for adventurous eaters.
Opening Times:
- Tuesday – Sunday: 12pm – 7pm
Contact:
- Phone: 076 914 5614
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 76 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
3. Table Seven: A Chef’s Table Experience in Salt River
“Hidden down a colorful alleyway, Table Seven is where chefs Luke and Katie Wonnacott showcase their culinary genius. The blackboard menu changes daily, offering dishes like chargrilled octopus with caponata or roast figs with mascarpone ice cream.”
What to Try:
- Chef’s Table Experience: A multi-course meal paired with local wines.
- Lunch Specials: Simple, seasonal, and delicious.
Good to Know:
- Private dinners and events available.
Opening Times:
- Tuesday – Friday: 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Contact:
- Phone: 079 286 1811
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: The Salt Orchard, Unit C5, Corner Briar and Yew Streets, Salt River, Cape Town
- Website
4. Saint Juz: Siberian Cuisine Meets Asian Flavors
“This Woodstock gem is where Anna Moskvitina brings her Siberian childhood to life. From solyanka soup to pelmeni dumplings, every dish is a heartwarming journey.”
What to Try:
- Solyanka: A tangy meat soup with pickles and olives.
- Pelmeni: Siberian dumplings in chicken broth.
Good to Know:
- Blind wine tasting with a R1,000 voucher prize.
Opening Times:
- Monday – Friday: 12pm – 9pm
Contact:
- Phone: 082 399 7862
- Address: 111 Sir Lowry Road, Foreshore, Cape Town
5. Zanne’s Fare: Nostalgic South African Flavors
“Under the shade of an ancient vine, Zanne’s Fare serves up comforting dishes like bobotie and roosterkoek sandwiches. It’s like a hug from your grandmother.”
What to Try:
- Bobotie: Spiced minced meat with a golden egg topping.
- Roosterkoek Sandwiches: Perfect for a quick lunch.
Good to Know:
- Cosy indoor seating available.
Opening Times:
- Monday – Friday: 9am – 6pm
Contact:
- Phone: 083 745 4815
- Address: Cape Heritage Square, 90 Bree Street, Cape Town
- Google Maps Link
6. Reverie Social Table: A Dinner Party Like No Other
“Dining at Reverie is like being at the best dinner party you’ve ever attended. Chef Julia Hattingh’s five-course menu is a masterpiece, paired with exquisite wines.”
What to Try:
- Set Menu: Changes weekly, always a surprise.
Good to Know:
- Dietary requirements accommodated.
Opening Times:
- Wednesday – Saturday: 6.30pm – 11pm
Contact:
- Phone: 079 060 6971
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 226A Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
- Website
7. Bodega Ramen: Noodle Heaven on Wale Street
“Perched above Honest Chocolate Café, Bodega Ramen is a cozy spot for slurping up bowls of miso charsu pork belly or braised beef short rib ramen.”
What to Try:
- Miso Charsu Pork Belly: Rich and flavorful.
- Burnt Cabbage: A surprising favorite.
Opening Times:
- Tuesday + Saturday: 6pm – 11pm
- Wednesday – Friday: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact:
- Phone: 078 241 3285
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 64A Wale Street, Cape Town
8. The Collective Hout Bay: A Creative Hub
“This historic post office building is now a vibrant space for artisans, with a charming café serving gourmet bagels and organic coffee.”
What to Try:
- Harvest Table Buffet: Comfort food classics.
- Sourdough Bread: Fresh from the Test Kitchen.
Opening Times:
- Monday – Sunday: 7.30am – 5pm
Contact:
- Phone: 083 258 1343
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: The Fisherman’s Village Precinct Courtyard, 35 Main Road, Hout Bay
- Website
9. The Scone Shack: A Fairytale Dessert Spot
“Tucked away on a farm near Cape Point, this crooked little shack serves the best scones in the Cape, made in a wood-burning oven.”
What to Try:
- Scones with Homemade Jam: Simple and delicious.
- Cinnamon Ice Tea: The perfect accompaniment.
Good to Know:
- Cash only.
Opening Times:
- Friday – Sunday: 9.30am – 5pm
Contact:
- Phone: 079 045 1318
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Lalaphanzi Farm, Plateau Road (M65), near Cape Point, Cape Town
- Google Maps Link
10. Joon: A Homely Café in Muizenberg
“June and Lindsay Homan have created a warm, welcoming space where sandy-footed kids and dogs are always welcome.”
What to Try:
- Eggs Benedict: A breakfast favorite.
- Thin-Based Pizzas: Crisp and flavorful.
Opening Times:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 8am – 9pm
- Sunday: 8am – 2pm
Contact:
- Phone: 083 336 8305
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 40 Palmer Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town
11. C’est La Vie Bakery and Café: French-Inspired Delights
“Jo Hill’s bakery and café are a must-visit for artisanal breads, croissants, and soft-serve ice cream.”
What to Try:
- Pasteis de Nata: Creamy custard tarts.
- Sourdough Sandwiches: Made with fresh bakery bread.
Opening Times:
- Bakery: Wednesday – Sunday, 7.30am – 12pm
- Café: Friday – Tuesday, 8am – 4.30pm
Contact:
- Phone: 083 676 7430
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 2A Recreation Road, Fish Hoek, Cape Town
- Website
12. Furny’s Fine Wines: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
“Tucked away in Noordhoek’s milkwood forest, Furny’s is a wine shop, bar, and restaurant all in one.”
What to Try:
- Truffle and Parmesan Arancini: A perfect snack.
- Slow-Cooked Lamb: Hearty and delicious.
Good to Know:
- Complimentary wine tastings on Fridays.
Opening Times:
- Tuesday – Sunday: 9am – 10pm
Contact:
- Phone: 072 455 0184
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 67 Beach Road, Noordhoek, Cape Town
13. The Kraal at Joostenberg: A Farm Lunch Experience
“Set under olive and fruit trees, The Kraal offers a three-course lunch menu featuring fresh, seasonal produce.”
What to Try:
- Set Menu: Changes weekly.
Good to Know:
- Wine pairings available.
Opening Times:
- Friday – Sunday: 12pm – 2.30pm
Contact:
- Phone: 079 641 1320
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Joostenberg Wine Estate, Hoopenberg Road, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch
- Website
14. Fynboshoek Cheese: A Cheese Lover’s Dream
“On this organic farm, Alje van Deemter creates award-winning cheeses served alongside homemade bread and salads.”
What to Try:
- Cheese Platter: A variety of raw cheeses.
- Cheesecake: A sweet ending.
Good to Know:
- BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle).
Opening Times:
- Thursday – Sunday: 12pm – 2pm
Contact:
- Phone: 072 342 0445
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Fynboshoek Cheese, Tsitsikamma, Sanddrift
- Google Maps Link
15. Hari Kitchen: Afro-Fusion Cuisine in Franschhoek
“Chef Munashe Kwaramba’s Afro-fusion dishes are a celebration of his Zimbabwean heritage, paired with elegant wines from Topiary Estate.”
What to Try:
- Tuna Tartare: With fynbos sorghum puffs.
- Chicken Curry: With carrot and cardamom.
Opening Times:
- Tuesday – Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Contact:
- Phone: 021 867 0258
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Topiary Road, Franschhoek
16. Osteria Cheese Bar: An Italian Cheese Haven
“Puglia Cheese’s Osteria is a cheese lover’s paradise, with dishes like gnocchi made with ricotta and sourdough pizzas.”
What to Try:
- Burrata: Creamy and indulgent.
- Pappardelle with Wild Mushrooms: A hearty dish.
Opening Times:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 9.30am – 8pm
- Sunday: 9.30am – 5pm
Contact:
- Phone: 078 543 0663
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Waterkloof Wines, 24 Old Sir Lowry’s Pass, Somerset West
- Website
17. Rosemead Bakery: Artisanal Breads in Yzerfontein
“Anli and Brett Nortier’s bakery is famous for its pasteis de nata, croissants, and sourdough bread.”
What to Try:
- Pasteis de Nata: Creamy custard tarts.
- Hot-Pressed Sandwiches: Made with fresh bread.
Opening Times:
- Wednesday – Saturday: 8am – 3.30pm
- Sunday: 8am – 2pm
Contact:
- Phone: 066 222 5076
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Corner of Park and Volstruis Streets, Yzerfontein
18. Fryer’s Cove: Seafood by the Sea
“This windswept winery in Doringbaai offers lazy seafood lunches and wine-tasting right by the Atlantic Ocean.”
What to Try:
- Snoek Koekies: Traditional fish cakes.
- Perlemoen Risotto: A West Coast delicacy.
Opening Times:
- Wednesday – Sunday: 10am – 6pm
Contact:
- Phone: 027 215 1092
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Portion #1 of the Old Fish Factory, Hawe Road, Doringbaai
- Website
19. Weltevrede Fig Farm: A Fig Lover’s Paradise
“This picturesque farm is a must-visit during fig season, with fresh figs, jams, and preserves available.”
What to Try:
- Fig Tart: A sweet treat.
- Fresh Figs: Buy more than you think you need!
Opening Times:
- Monday – Friday: 9am – 4pm
- Saturday: 9am – 2pm
Contact:
- Phone: 087 095 6229
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Weltevrede Road, about 25km from Prince Albert
- Google Maps Link
20. Die Steakhuis: A New Steakhouse in Malmesbury
“This historic building is now home to Die Steakhuis, serving perfectly cooked steaks and Swartland wines.”
What to Try:
- Ribeye Steak: Grass-fed and flavorful.
- Pork Belly Tapas: With sweet-potato mash.
Opening Times:
- Wednesday + Thursday: 12pm – 10pm
- Friday + Saturday: 12pm – 11pm
- Sunday: 12pm – 9pm
Contact:
- Phone: 022 330 5006
- Address: 3 Loedolf Street, Malmesbury
FAQs
Q: What are the best hidden gems in Cape Town for foodies?
A: Persian Peacock, Tapi Tapi, and Reverie Social Table are must-visits.
Q: Are these hidden gems family-friendly?
A: Yes, most are family-friendly, with options for kids and vegetarians.
Q: Do I need to make reservations?
A: It’s recommended for places like Reverie Social Table and The Kraal at Joostenberg.
Disclaimer
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please verify details before visiting.
