Food-Ball World Cup: How to eat like you're in LA, Miami and New York in Cape Town

The World Cup is really starting to heat up as we embrace knockout football in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Bafana Bafana did the nation proud by reaching the knockout round of the tournament for the first time, finishing second in Group A behind co-hosts Mexico.  

Sadly, their adventure came to an end in Los Angeles on Sunday night, with a late goal from Canada knocking South Africa out of the World Cup.

We'll get them next time, Bafana.

To keep the fun and games going between these crucial matches, Time Out Cape Town and Virgin Bet South Africa are diving headfirst into the action off the pitch with the Food-Ball World Cup - a content series dedicated to the tastes of Cape Town.

If you missed the first instalment, you can read that here. The second instalment is available here.

This article is sponsored by Virgin Bet | 18+ | T&Cs Apply | Play Responsibly

In this instalment of the Food-Ball World Cup, we take a look at where in Cape Town you can eat like a New Yorker, Miamian or Angeleno (yes, that's what someone from Los Angeles is called).

Host cities New York, Miami, and Los Angeles have been a hive of activity since the World Cup started, so we thought you might like to join in on the fun right here in the Mother City.

Eat like a New Yorker (New York)

New York is known for its street food culture, pizza, hot dogs, bagels, and deli sandwiches.

With that in mind, Kleinsky's Deli is a must-visit if you want to eat like a true New Yorker. They are known for their bagels, sandwiches, and hot dogs, making them the perfect Food-Ball World Cup stop. Located in Sea Point and Constantia, the legendary deli does 'Nu Yaahk' justice. You can't go wrong with any of their bagels, but the Bada-bing is always a winner - beef salami, mozzarella, rocket, and lemon dijon vinaigrette. Read our review of the newly-opened Constantia branch.

If it's pizza you're after, there is no shortage of great spots in Cape Town. However, you need it by the slice, right... or 'far-get abaaat it'! The aptly named NY Slice Pizza has a number of branches around Cape Town. They serve authentic New York-style pizza by the slice (duh!). The Kloof Street branch is always buzzing and we recommend trying their Pepperoni Classic slice... or whole pizza, we ain't judging.

World Cup matches still to be held in New York:

• Tuesday, 30 June @ 23h00: Round of 32 Match 6
• Sunday, 5 July @ 22h00: Round of 16 Match 3
• Sunday, 19 July @ 21h00: World Cup Final

Eat like a Miamian (Miami)

Miami, not unlike us in Cape Town, is incredibly diverse, with their food offering influenced heavily by its Cuban-American and Latin-Caribbean residents. Think bold flavours and the freshest of fresh seafood.

Banana Jam Cafe in Kenilworth is a good place to start if you want some of the bold Caribbean flavours that have inspired Miami's cuisine. For the adventurous, they have a goat curry, while their jerk chicken hits hard. For beer lovers, Banana Jam Cafe has their own brewery, so give one of their delicious Afro Caribbean beers a try - or try them all with a tasting board.

If it's Cuban influence you'd prefer, Cape To Cuba in Kalk Bay is an institution. Packed with seafood options, a must-try is the fish tacos, while their prawns always hit the right spot after a day of beach fun. You also can't visit Cape To Cuba without trying one of their legendary cocktails. 

World Cup matches still to be held in Miami:

• Saturday, 4 July @ 00h00: Round of 32 Match 15
• Saturday, 11 July @ 23h00: Quarter-Final 3
• Saturday, 18 July @ 23h00: Third-Place Play-Off

Eat like an Angeleno (Los Angeles)

Just like Miami, Los Angeles' food scene is heavily influenced by other countries. Mexican, Asian-fusion, and Korean BBQ all make LA a foodie's dream destination.

You know that California Roll you enjoy so much when chowing down on sushi? Yip, it originates from Los Angeles. It is believed that its creation was as a way to ease the American public into the world of sushi. Regardless, we love them and there are many spots around Cape Town for you to get your fix. Check out our list of the city's best sushi spots.

If it's Mexican you are after, Cape Town is also loaded with options. Check out our list of the best Mexican restaurants. For a Korean BBQ experience to remember, Seoul Pocha in Rondebosch does it very well. Seoul Pocha is one of the few restaurants in Cape Town where diners can savour Korean BBQ, an interactive dining experience where hungry patrons grill their own meat and vegetables right at their table, creating a communal dining atmosphere. This underpins one of the principles of Korean dining culture - sharing meals amongst friends and family.

World Cup matches still to be held in Los Angeles: 

• Thursday, 2 July @ 21h00: Round of 32 Match 11
• Friday, 10 July @ 21h00: Quarter-Final 2

Don't forget to enter Virgin Bet SA's VIP Watch Party competition!

10 July 2026: Quarter-Final 2 (Competition closing date: 8 July @ 10am)
19 July 2026: Final (Competition closing date: 17 July @ 10am)

Have a punt with Virgin Bet South Africa

Fancy yourself when it comes to predicting football matches? Place your World Cup bets here. If you are a new sign-up, you can double your money with a deposit match capped at R3,000. Odds are subject to change. Please remember to always bet responsibly. Follow Virgin Bet South Africa on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

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