Father’s Day, Cape Town Style: Local legends share their ideal day

Father’s Day, in my mind, starts with one thing: a slow, indulgent breakfast with mountain views and zero dishes. Cue Grande Roche in Paarl – peaceful, classy, and just far enough from home that it feels like a cheeky escape, but not so far that the kids can’t tag along.

My wife Karen and our two daughters, Faith and Erin, would join me – though if I’m honest, the real star lately is our 8-week-old Rhodesian Ridgeback, Roxy. She’s a hurricane disguised as a puppy: cute, energetic, and permanently surprised by her tail.

Post-breakfast, we’d roll into Franschhoek (because Father’s Day calls for wine country logic) and take a slow walk through the village before popping into Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa, where I swear there’s always a room with my name on it – even if I’m not staying the night, it just feels like home.

From there, a relaxed lunch – somewhere dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and ideally nap-friendly for Dad. Maybe Haute Cabrière or a cheeky picnic-style affair. Roxy would steal half the charcuterie board, and I’d pretend not to notice.

The afternoon? A drive back over Helshoogte Pass, some bad karaoke from the back seat, and one very sandy, sleepy puppy. Then home, pizza, a family movie, and me nodding off halfway through Toy Story 3, mid-slice, mid-sentence.

It’s not glamorous. It’s not quiet. But it’s mine – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Two things make me happy: great food and the great outdoors, so my ideal Father’s Day would have to involve both of those.

If I can coax my wife and son to join me, it would be a walk in the forest or perhaps a wellies-on splashy ramble around a muddy Rondebosch Common. If not, I’ll rope in a friend and hit the trails of Table Mountain for a run. Silvermine is one of my favourite corners of the city, and I’m thrilled the trails there will reopen on 1 July. 

As for the great food, I’ve become a huge fan of Novo Pizza in Mowbray (one of Time Out’s best pizzas in the world!), so chances are that will be on the menu. If not, I’m pretty handy in the kitchen, and nothing beats a slow-cooked oxtail at home by the fire. Throw in family – three generations – and you have my perfect Father’s Day in the Mother City. 

I love a good hike, and Table Mountain offers several paths of tranquillity and unmatched views of the city. The Pipe Track is a great starting point for any hiker, and it can be lengthened or shortened depending on your available time or how much you want to challenge yourself. Newlands Ravine is much the same – just as beautiful – but it's perfect for taking the dogs on what I like to call “walkies on steroids.” I'm a dog dad to four Boston Terriers, so this is essential.

A trip on the Cape Town City Sightseeing bus is one of the best ways to be proud of the city I live in and a treat for any dad. It offers the opportunity to see so many places that I can mark off the bucket list to visit and the Hop-on-Hop-off opportunities make it a full day of fun and connection with loved ones. 

I love Beau Constantia. It's fine dining but it never feels inaccessible. The menu changes beautifully and often, not seasonally. The ideal way to end a Father’s Day experience.

Father’s Day is an interesting one in my household, as we have three generations of dads to celebrate; so, it can get a bit chaotic – but it’s a blessing, nonetheless.

My ideal Father’s Day starts with some tasty breakfast, with Dixies in Glencairn always worth a visit. The views of the bay alone are worth the trip, while their breakfasts have always been on-point. If we are good for time, we’ll pop in for a quick round of Cave Golf near Simon’s Town, where I will proceed to teach my son a lesson or two.

After breakfast – and in preparation for more eating throughout the day – a walk with the family and our dog along the Alphen Greenbelt is always a winner. We are lucky to have so many great green spaces in Cape Town and this ranks among my favourites.

For lunch, I’m a sucker for a pub lunch, so a spot like Forries in Newlands scratches that itch. An ice-cold pint accompanied by their pie and chips hits the spot every time.

Armed with a full belly – and my son wanting ice-cream, it’s time to find something sweet. More food! As we’ve already been down Muizenberg way, we’ll skip the legendary Majestic Café’s soft-serve delight and head for Kristen’s Kick-Ass Ice-Cream at Uitsig in Constantia. If you haven’t been, finish reading this article and go, go, go. The views are also stunning of the surrounding mountains.

To end the day of eating, another walk is probably a good idea, so before the winter sun drops on us, a quick walk around Tokai Forest will do the trick. If you are there before 4pm, you can grab a treat and hot drink from the Secret Café, but on this particular day, I’m maxed out. Next time.

Now, you may be wondering whether dinner is on the cards? Are you mad? All we’ve done today is eat! Just kidding, we’ll probably order in some Butler’s pizza and then send my son off to bed with the biggest high five as a thank you for a special day out.