TL;DR – Best Cheap Eats in Cape Town You’ll Love
If you’re dining out in Cape Town and want to stretch your rand without sacrificing flavor, you’re in the right place. I’ve explored the city plate by plate to find the very best affordable restaurants—from iconic local institutions to creative new hotspots. Whether it’s a beachside fish & chips shack or an all-you-can-eat sushi deal, these places combine value, atmosphere, and authenticity like nowhere else.
Quick Highlights:
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Best burger: Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room
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Top pizza night: Borruso’s
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Sushi steal: Active Sushi
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Seafood on a budget: Kalky’s in Kalk Bay
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Global flavours, local prices: Eastern Food Bazaar
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Healthy + hearty: The Poké Co
Below you will find a list of places where you can eat well (without going broke) in Cape Town.
1. Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room—Bree Street’s Breakfast & Burger Darling
I’ve spent enough early mornings here to say with confidence—Clarke’s is the downtown go-to for a quality bite on a budget.
133 Bree Street, Cape Town CBD
Visit Website
021 424 7648
Mon–Sat: 8am–10pm | Sun: 9am–3pm
Why I Keep Coming Back:
The brioche burgers here deserve their cult following—juicy patties, perfect buns, and that sweet balance of crunch and melt. But it’s the soup & grilled cheese combo at lunch that offers unbeatable value.
Their under-R60 before-9am breakfast special is a well-kept local secret, too.
👍 Pros: Free Wi-Fi, cool urban vibe, consistent quality
👎 Cons: Gets crowded after 9am, limited vegetarian options
2. Maria’s Greek Café—Mediterranean Magic Under the Stars
Sitting under the leafy trees of Dunkley Square with a cold Mythos and a plate of souvlaki? That’s my summer ritual.
📍 31 Dunkley Square, Gardens
🌐 marias.co.za
📞 021 461 3333
🕒 Mon–Sat: 12pm–9pm
The Experience:
Maria’s is all charm—wrought-iron tables, fairy lights, and generous portions of Greek comfort food. I suggest skipping the mezze if you’re watching your wallet, and go straight for the chicken souvlaki main. It’s hearty, juicy, and pure satisfaction.
👍 Pros: Romantic atmosphere, authentic Mediterranean cooking
👎 Cons: Mezze can quickly push up your bill
3. Mariam’s Kitchen—Home of the Legendary Gatsby
This no-frills spot has fed generations of Capetonians. Mariam’s is where flavor, tradition, and quantity intersect.
📍 101 St George’s Mall, City Centre
🌐 facebook.com/mariamskitchenct
📞 021 423 0772
🕒 Mon–Sat: 7am–5pm
Why It’s a Local Icon:
The Gatsby sandwich—stuffed with steak, chips, and sauce—is a food challenge and culinary joy rolled into one. For under R100, it can feed two, or one very hungry traveler. It’s messy, meaty, and magnificent.
👍 Pros: Generous portions, Cape Malay spice legacy
👎 Cons: Limited seating, best for takeaway
4. The Cousins – Pasta That Feels Like Home (From Italy)
Imagine this: silky, herby tagliolini tossed inside a cheese wheel. This is not a drill.
📍 3b Barrack St, Cape Town CBD
🌐 thecousinsrestaurant.com
📞 083 273 9604
🕒 Mon–Sat: 6pm–10pm
Pasta Perfection:
Run by real Italian cousins, this small restaurant delivers a big punch. Yes, some plates hover around the R140 mark, but trust me—the freshness and flavor make it a steal.
Their signature cheese-wheel pasta? Worth every cent.
👍 Pros: Authentic Italian, theatrical presentation
👎 Cons: Dinner-only, limited vegan options
5. Borruso’s – Pizza Night, Done Right
This Kenilworth institution is beloved for a reason. And it’s not just the thin-crust pizzas.
📍 2 Rosmead Avenue, Kenilworth
🌐 facebook.com/Borrusos
📞 021 671 0050
🕒 Mon–Sat: 5:30pm–10pm | No bookings
My Tip:
Get there before 6:30pm or risk waiting. The vibe is friendly and loud, the pizza bases crisp, and there’s no corkage—so bring your best bottle and settle in for a night that won’t break the bank.
👍 Pros: BYOB, cozy local energy, consistently good pizzas
👎 Cons: Long queues, no delivery
6. Dunes Beach Restaurant—Hout Bay’s Hidden Beachfront Hero
This is where I go with friends when we want sea views and seafood without V&A prices.
📍 1 Beach Crescent, Hout Bay
🌐 dunesrestaurant.co.za
📞 021 790 1876
🕒 Daily: 9am–9pm
Best Picks:
Their fish and chips portion is massive and fresh. Also, surprisingly great sushi at very fair prices. The outdoor play area makes it perfect for families.
👍 Pros: Beach access, large menu, family-friendly
👎 Cons: Can get windy, service is slower in peak hours
7. Kalky’s—Real Fish & Chips in Kalk Bay
Rough around the edges and real to the bone, Kalky’s is Cape Town’s answer to a seaside classic.
📍 Kalk Bay Harbour, Main Rd
🌐 facebook.com/kalkys
📞 021 788 1726
🕒 Daily: 10am–7pm
What to Order:
The snoek and chips is salty, crispy perfection. Ask for it grilled if you prefer a healthier option.
Their crayfish prices (when in season) are unbeatable.
👍 Pros: Oceanfront view, unbeatable value
👎 Cons: No-frills setting, cash recommended
8. The Poké Co—Clean, Custom Bowls That Satisfy
It’s rare to find healthy food that doesn’t cost a fortune—Poké Co nails it.
📍 Multiple locations (CBD, Sea Point, Claremont)
🌐 thepokecoct.com
📞 Varies by location
🕒 Mon–Sat: 10am–9pm
Go-To Order:
The Build-Your-Own Bowl with local line-caught tuna, brown rice, and mango salsa is refreshing and filling. Portion sizes are generous, and the takeaway setup is fast and efficient.
👍 Pros: Fresh, healthy, fast service
👎 Cons: Seating is minimal at some locations
9. Arnold’s—Kloof Street’s Anytime Breakfast Legend
Breakfast at 2pm? Why not. Arnold’s has you covered.
📍 60 Kloof Street, Gardens
🌐 arnolds.co.za
📞 021 424 4344
🕒 Mon–Sun: 7am–10pm
Breakfast Heroes:
I’m partial to their classic breakfast—bacon, eggs, sausage, and toast for under R70. There’s also a weekday happy hour and a game meat selection if you’re feeling adventurous.
👍 Pros: All-day breakfasts, massive menu, generous servings
👎 Cons: Décor is dated, gets busy on weekends
10. Café Extrablatt—All-Day Global Comfort Food
Want a breakfast buffet, German eisbein, and pizza—under one roof? Café Extrablatt is your place.
📍 79 Main Road, Green Point
🌐 cafe-extrablatt.com
📞 021 286 0460
🕒 Daily: 8am–11pm
Try This:
Their weekend breakfast buffet is an epic deal.
There are also burger and pizza specials throughout the week, so keep an eye on the chalkboards outside.
👍 Pros: Wide variety, daily deals, sidewalk seating
👎 Cons: Food quality varies by dish
11. Active Sushi—Cape Town’s All-You-Can-Eat Sushi Hero
When cravings hit, this is where I head for endless sushi—without the luxury price tag.
📍 Active Sushi Hudsons, De Waterkant + 2 locations
🌐 activesushi.com
📞 021 418 0064
🕒 Mon–Sat: 12pm–10pm
Smart Ordering:
Go with the all-you-can-eat option, but order smart and only what you can finish—waste is charged.
Their salmon roses and tempura prawn rolls are consistently fresh.
👍 Pros: Great value, modern interiors
👎 Cons: Extra charge for leftovers
12. Eastern Food Bazaar—Where the World’s Flavors Collide
This is my budget lunch hero—fast, furious, and full of flavour.
📍 96 Longmarket Street, City Centre
🌐 easternfoodbazaar.co.za
📞 021 461 2458
🕒 Mon–Sun: 10am–10pm
My Order:
The Durban bunny chow—curried lamb in half a loaf of white bread—is rich, spicy, and only R50–R70. Also try the Turkish shawarma and masala dosa. Portions are easily shareable.
👍 Pros: Huge variety, cheap meals, ideal for takeout
👎 Cons: Canteen-style seating, not ideal for dates
Final Thoughts
Cape Town proves that affordable dining can still be exceptional. Whether you’re craving coastal classics, spicy Cape Malay curry, or vegan poke bowls, the city delivers big flavors without the price tag. These aren’t just budget restaurants—they’re local institutions, each with a story and a soul.
FAQs
Where can I find the best cheap sushi in Cape Town?
Active Sushi offers all-you-can-eat sushi deals at three locations across Cape Town. It’s affordable and fresh—perfect for sushi lovers on a budget.
What’s the most affordable breakfast in Cape Town?
Arnold’s on Kloof Street serves a hearty two-egg breakfast for under R70—all day, every day.
Is Kalky’s in Cape Town worth it?
Absolutely. Kalky’s in Kalk Bay offers budget-friendly seafood with authentic Cape Town flair and unbeatable sea views.
Where do locals eat in Cape Town for cheap?
Locals love Clarke’s, Mariam’s Kitchen, and Eastern Food Bazaar for affordable, filling meals with authentic flavor.
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 pricing, hours, or location details. Please consult official websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
