The 12 best restaurants with fireplaces in Cape Town

Something of an inner-city classic, Kloof Street House is as famous for its summer brunches as for its cosy winter vibes. Set in a Victorian house just off this buzzy boulevard, the house is a maze of candlelit rooms packed with vintage furniture and deep sofas, all framed by the wood-burning fire that brings the cosy you could ask for. And there’s a warming menu to match, with a selection broad enough to keep just about every palate happy, whether you’re stopping by for a light bite and a cocktail or settling in for dinner. The South African ‘bord kos’ of braised lamb shoulder and rosemary potatoes is the perfect order.

30 Kloof Street, Gardens

On a stormy day, when the West Coast feels wild and moody, wrap up warm and take a drive out to Melkbosstrand. Go for a windswept wander on the beach, gaze back at Table Mountain, and then head straight for Die Damhuis. Set in a historic whitewashed fish barn – part of it dates to 1785! – the restaurant’s menu focuses on seafood and traditional South African dishes. Locals also love chef Stèfan Meintjes’ pepper steak pot pie and Damhuis Fisherman’s Casserole. The Voorhuijs has the fireplace, making it the section to ask for in winter. Otherwise, you can let the sea views and historic setting do the rest. 

32 Beach Road, Melkbosstrand

Time Out was one of the first to flag the arrival of Ember & Oak, and two years on it remains just as good as that first meal. Informal, flavour-forward and relaxed enough for a spontaneous lunch or a date-night dinner, Tim and Judy Pick’s small-plates menu changes often, with plates – drawing on global influences – that never disappoint. The terrace (hello, mountain views!) is lovely on bright winter days, but come evening, you’ll want to be indoors by the fireplace. It’s a compact space, so book ahead.

Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia

With its mountain views and al fresco feel, there’s plenty to love about the rooftop at Rick’s. But there’s just as much reason to visit when the rain rolls in. This Kloof Street favourite brings together Moroccan lanterns, live jazz and hearty comfort food in a space where the crackle of the fire adds that much-needed cheery glow to any night out. Rick’s is famous for its burgers, but the menu here also rambles to tagines (the space was inspired by the movie ‘Casablanca’, after all), tapas and grills.

103 Kloof Street, Gardens

Set within the Cape Cadogan Hotel, Upper Union brings a more polished edge to fireside dining just off Kloof Street. Chef Amori Burger’s menu centres on generous shared plates, with big, bold flavours best enjoyed across the table. It’s a sophisticated yet relaxed space, with contemporary décor neatly framed by the building’s heritage interiors. On top of all that, the striking, tile-clad fireplaces are a joy on a cold winter’s night. 

Cape Cadogan Hotel, 3 Upper Union Street, Gardens

While this (modern, glass-edged) flame might not be our favourite fireplace on the list, the elevated bistro-style cooking by chef Franck Dangereux still makes this Noordhoek staple one of the most rewarding reasons to head south. The Foodbarn offers casual fine dining without the fuss, from breakfasts and bistro lunches by day to tapas-style dinners in the evening. The country-barn setting, earthy interiors and central fireplace make it a delight in winter.

Noordhoek Farm Village, Village Lane, Noordhoek

While locals may swear by al fresco tables under the oaks on a summer’s eve, the Jonkershuis Eatery on Groot Constantia wine estate is just as lovely a choice when the weather’s cold. Set beside the historic manor house at, Jonkershuis Eatery offers a choice of dining spaces, but the best tables are indoors set between the thick walls, low beams and a roaring fire. The menu moves easily between bistro-style comfort food and Cape Malay dishes, both of which pair nicely with the robust bottles of red from the Groot Constantia cellar.

Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Constantia

A country-style eatery in the heart of the city? Sounds impossible, yet that’s what you’ll find at The Wild Fig, despite being minutes from the CBD. Set on the historic Valkenberg Estate, close to the new Riverlands Mall, the restaurant’s cosy dining room, relaxed bar and proper fireplace make it a great choice for winter dining. The food menu is wide-ranging, with plenty of hearty winter plates to choose from. You won’t go wrong with the lamb shank and mash or the truffled risotto. It’s a strong Southern Suburbs choice when you want something unfussy, warm and generous.

1 Liesbeek Avenue, Observatory

Chingadas has brought a welcome jolt of colour – and a dollop of Mexican spice – to the old Societi Bistro space on Orange Street. The menu at this Tex-Mex Cantina delivers all the crowd-pleasers you’d expect: tacos, taquitos, quesadillas and nachos, best enjoyed with a margarita. And, of course, the heritage charm of the space is ramped up by a pair of wood-burning fireplaces.

50 Orange Street, Gardens

Ah, Forries. As great for a Friday night jol as it is for a lazy Sunday lunch. Foresters Arms is one of Cape Town’s best-loved rainy-day restaurants, and with a history that stretches back to 1852, this Newlands institution still has all the right ingredients for a fantastic neighbourhood pub. Think wood-panelled rooms, long tables, draught beer on tap, sport on the screens, thin-based pizza and plenty of meaty options off the grill. Their steak and stout pie is a great order for chilly days (and it does get damp this close to the mountain), but their Sunday carvery is an equally fine reason to leave the house. Go for a pint, a burger, a carvery plate or just a properly filling family lunch.

52 Newlands Avenue, Newlands

For Constantia dining with a dash of refinement, Beyond is your go-to. Set on the Buitenverwachting wine estate, it combines stunning vineyard views with a menu of polished, produce-led plates crafted by chef-patron Peter Tempelhoff and head chef Sebastian Stehr. The restaurant is elegant without feeling overly formal, and the fireplace gives the dining room extra winter appeal. Choose à la carte for a more flexible meal, or settle in properly with the six-course tasting menu.

Buitenverwachting, 37 Klein Constantia Road, Constantia

Chapman’s Peak Hotel is all about nostalgia, sea air and those pans of calamari. The terrace offers the views, but when Hout Bay turns grey and windswept, it’s at the fireside indoors that you want to be. The famous calamari (fried, with chips, of course) remains the must-order dish, though the menu also features prawns, line fish, Portuguese-style seafood and hearty winter dishes. It’s relaxed, old-school and a great excuse to take a drive over Chappies.

Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay