Of all the cities in South Africa, it is Cape Town that is endearingly called the country’s “culinary capital.” In this part of the country, there are many first class Michelin star-level restaurants, local and international top chefs, incredible vineyards and food markets.
But when it comes to food choices, instead of depending on reviews, the best method still remains getting information from locals. They not only know what’s opened, what’s closed down; they also know who owns it, who runs it, and whether or not it’s worth a visit.
Here are their choices:
Once upon a time, the best burgers were found only in Royale Eatery with its popular Hawaiian Miss Piggy burger, vegetarian burgers, and Fat Bastard double patty burger. Today there are burger joints in almost every major street in Cape Town. To sort them out, locals rate the following as among the best burgers in the city: Dog’s Bollocks, Hudson’s, Beefcakes Burger Bar, Greens, Sticky Fingers, and Saints Burger Joint.
Cape Town has at least 31 restaurants serving pizzas. That’s quite a number even for a culinary capital. Of these 31 pizza places, the top 4 are: Massimo’s, Col’Cacchio Pizzaria, Ristorante Posticino, and Borusso’s.
Winter pubs are very popular in the city especially since many restaurants close down for an annual break. The top winter pubs to visit during the cold months are: Asoka Restaurant, Annie’s Arms, Dizzy’s Pub, Rick’s Café, The Fireman’s Arms (one of the oldest in the city), Snug Bar, Power and the Glory, and the Royal Oak.
Special Deals
Everybody loves a deal and Cape Town normally has places with weekly specials like the following:
• Rafikis has a Thursday half price promo on cocktail drinks and a half price on pizzas every Monday
• Beluga offers half price sushi on Sundays
• Beleza on Kloof Nek Road has its breakfast specials for just R13-00 with generous servings of eggs, bacon, and toast
The Best Food Markets to Have a Meal
There are 3 great food markets to visit while in Cape Town. The Bay Harbour Market has 150 vendors including food sellers offering steak rolls, burgers, quiche, South African food like bunny chow and potjie, pizzas, desserts, and gelato. There’s also a lot of beer and cocktails and on weekends, a reggae or jazz band is ready to entertain everyone.
The Old Biscuit Mill Neighbourgoods Market is a Saturday market opening at 9 in the morning. It’s open air eating with wood-fired bread, wine, beer, fresh fruit, vegetables, and gourmet food al fresco. It can get very crowded though on holidays.
Finally, the City Bowl Market in Gardens is another Saturday market from 9 to 2pm. There are more choices here with seafood, international dishes, desserts, and very reasonably priced fresh fruits.