Cape Town Stadium Rugby Guide: Best Spots for Pre- and Post-Match Bites

If you’re going out with a group, this is your go-to. Bringing together some of the city’s top chefs under one roof, Time Out Market Cape Town is a culinary all-rounder just minutes from the stadium. There are over a dozen kitchens – which means there’s something for everyone – along with bars serving craft beers and stylish cocktails, so it’s perfect for grazing pre-match or gathering post-show. There’s plenty of seating outside when the weather’s fine, but also loads of room indoors. Lekker.

Distance to Stadium: 17 minutes / 1.3kms

Old Power Station Building, Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront

The ‘Oranjezicht Market’ is something of a weekend ritual for foodie locals, thanks to the variety of stalls offering artisanal produce. However, if you’re heading to the game, leave the shopping bag at home and grab a table for the gourmet food stalls. Whether you're craving steak sandwiches, Korean fried chicken, or vegan doughnuts, you’ll find a tasty plate here. Perfect for pre-match grazing, this laid-back market offers everything you could ask for. Just remember that it typically closes at 2pm, allowing you plenty of time to head to the stadium for kick-off!

Distance to Stadium: 13 minutes / 1km
Granger Bay Blvd, V&A Waterfront

A Sea Point institution since 1971, Mario’s dishes up hearty old-school Italian literally right across the road from the stadium. Score! This joint won’t win any style awards, but that’s just the way loyal locals love it. Red-check tablecloths, family-style pasta, and charming service. Favourites include veal limone, spaghetti pescatore and the kind of tiramisu that will have you staying longer than you should.

Distance to Stadium: 8 minutes / 550m

89 Main Rd, Green Point

This one’s most popular with dog walkers (they are so pet-friendly that they even offer doggie cushions for your pooch) and promenade strollers, but it’s also a great option if you don’t mind the short walk to the stadium. Overlooking the ocean, with a pleasant coastal buzz, Sotano is a go-to for lazy lunches with a Mediterranean twist. It’s known for its chilled seaside setting, sushi, mezze, and lamb burgers.

Distance to Stadium: 17 minutes / 1.2 km

121 Beach Rd, Mouille Point

With a wide-ranging menu that offers something for everyone, Tiger’s Milk is all about crowd-pleasing comfort food. The burgers and wood-fired pizzas are reliably good, but you might also dabble in loaded nachos (though perhaps rather go to El Burro for those) and steaks on the grill. There’s usually a good selection of craft beers on tap. The courtyard tables are a proper vibe on event days, but you’ll definitely have to book in advance or take your chances. With a nice mix of buzz and laid-back approach, it’s a great option for families who need a little bit of everything. Plus, it’s an easy walk to the stadium.

Distance to Stadium: 10 minutes / 700m

Corner Main Rd & Napier St, Green Point

If you want a proper pizza close to DHL Cape Town Stadium, look no further. Overlooking the padel courts at the corner of Main and Portswood Roads, Lievita turns out an impressive array of wood-fired pizza choices on Neapolitan-style bases that’ll make a nonna weep. The ingredients are all top-drawer, with creative combos like salami and gorgonzola or Italian sausage with mushrooms. Aside from pizza, the menu runs to a compact selection of tasty antipasti and classic desserts too. Oh no, affogato bring my tickets!

Distance to Stadium: 10 minutes / 750m

98 Main Rd, Green Point

El Burro showed Cape Town what proper Mexican food should be like, from the proper corn tacos and chunky guacamole to ceviche with the right amount of bite. And happily, it’s right across the road from the stadium! To drink? Dozens of tequilas and mezcals are on offer, from mass-market brands to more complex premium tequilas, and an excellent collection of cocktails. Chances are you’ll love the colourful décor as much as the superb food and drinks.

Distance to Stadium: 8 minutes / 550m

81 Main Rd, Green Point

If you like to keep things classy before a concert or kick-off, look no further than The Hussar Grill. A bastion of old-school steakhouse charm, the Hussar Grill serves up dry-aged cuts, moreish sauces, and generous sides in a cosy setting. The service is slick, the wine list solid (but there’s also no corkage if you want to BYO), and the Chateaubriand is nothing short of legendary. It’s a bit of a walk from the stadium, but oh-so-worth it.

Distance to Stadium: 19 minutes / 1.4km

163 Beach Rd, Mouille Point

Drawing on the American diner in both décor and menu, Hudson's has been turning out flame-grilled fare since 2009 and has built a loyal following of hungry locals. And this burger joint close to the stadium ticks all the right boxes for meaty goodness before the match. The menu runs to more than a dozen varieties of burger, from the classic Original Royale with bacon and cheese to a juicy wagyu patty with caramelised onion and homemade pickles. Impressively, there are five vegan options, including a Beyond Meat burger, all of which are half-price on ‘Vegan Mondays’.

Distance to Stadium: 9 minutes / 700m

69A Main Rd, Green Point

Oh dear. You’re that guy (or girl). You thought you could just rock up and find parking in the side streets somewhere, and now you’ve ended up leaving your car somewhere east of Woodstock… and you’re hangry. And the warm-up act is long gone, and you’re about to miss the main event. Sigh. Better luck next time. If you just need something fast and familiar, then this iconic outpost of Mickey-D’s is here to help. McDonald’s is steps from the stadium and open 24 hours! Whether it’s a quick bite before the gates open or a post-match McFlurry, you know exactly what you’re getting... and how quickly. A word of warning: after the event, it could be not very fast at all. The queues here get crazy when the gates open, so plan ahead.

Distance to Stadium: 3 minutes / 250m

106 Main Rd, Green Point

Packed with travellers and locals looking for a little fun, the Randy Warthog is the place to let your hair down over a few (maybe more than a few) drinks. It’s the kind of place where Ladies Specials, a daily Happy Hour (5pm-7pm), and Beer Pong competitions keep the punters happy. Although the atmosphere at the bar is the main draw, the menu here serves up unfussy fare too: think burgers, wraps, and classic pub fare. 

Distance to Stadium: 9 minutes / 650m

98 Main Rd, Green Point

Locals know Tobago'srestaurant and bar in the Radisson Collection on the Waterfront as one of the best sundowner spots in Cape Town, but it’s also a great option for a sea view before heading over to the stadium. The outdoor terrace definitely steals the show for sunsets and sea breezes, but we also love the stylish vibes and generous gin selection.

Distance to Stadium: 13 minutes / 1km

Beach Rd, Granger Bay

When the final whistle blows and the night is young, Grand Africa is where the party kicks off. Best in the summer, this seafront venue is equal parts city-chic and seaside chill. Think bubbly on ice, an impressive cocktail selection and DJs spinning late into the night. Dress code? Rugby jerseys and plakkies won’t really cut it, so wear something a little glam.

Distance to Stadium: 17 minutes / 1.2km

Granger Bay Rd, V&A Waterfront