Local Intel: Ryan Cole

This is something we do very regularly with our dogs, Truffle and Rhino. We try to do it probably once a week. It doesn’t even matter what the weather is; it’s just so beautiful up there, and it makes you feel so small. You get to see the vistas on either side of the Cape, with the Twelve Apostles, and then all the way over you can see Blouberg, that whole coastline on that side. It’s one of my favourite things to do, and whenever we have friends visiting, it’s probably the first thing we make sure we do.

Fish and chips at The Salty Sea Dog in Simon’s Town is like a gin and tonic. The price is just ridiculous, and the quality of the fish and chips is like an institution.

For a beach day, I would always head to Buffels Bay in Cape Point. There’s just so much life there under the water. You put a pair of goggles on and you’re blown away. The spearfishing is also really good in that little bay.

If I were coming to Cape Town and wanted to do some fishing, I would definitely do it with Donavan from Ocean Life Charters. He is my brother, and his passion for the ocean and its diversity and preservation is unrivalled. He works so hard – even when the fishing is slow – to show people as much as possible. And he has so much information to share. It’s an overload, and it’s contagious when you’re out there fishing with him.

I absolutely love Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The gardens are incredible. You get lost in time there, and it’s just so calming and peaceful. Take a picnic, or do a sunrise hike from Newlands up the mountain and then left down into the gardens. It’s absolutely incredible.

Going out of town, I really like Rooi Els and Pringle Bay, that little coastline. Parking there and walking up into the mountains. Obviously, everything we do is very dog-inspired! We’ve got two crazy dogs, so there’s a lot of walking involved.

If I’m going for lunch with a mate who’s a chef, we’re definitely going to Hesheng in Sea Point. The Chinese food is simple, no fuss, served on plastic, but the flavour is incredible.

Best coffee? It’s definitely going to be in Hout Bay at Hout Bay Coffee Roastery. Their coffee is fantastic. And South Yeaster, that little bakery in Hout Bay; they do the most incredible almond croissants. Obviously, everything’s food-related because I’m a chef. So it’s a bit of a problem!

If somebody’s coming to Cape Town and asks, ‘Where’s the one place we have to go out of town?’ It’s always Wolfgat in Paternoster. You sit there and watch the chukkies being pulled onto the beach, and the whole sense of community around it. The people-watching at Wolfgat is one of my top experiences.

[Make it a road-trip with the Time Out West Coast guide!]

Another little gem is Novo Pizza in Mowbray. I like walking the dogs on the Rondebosch Common nearby. It’s quite wild, with a lot of natural flowers.

[Novo also cracked Time Out's global hot-list!]

This is just a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Observatory, but 1890 has been around for about 15 years. The sushi is so fresh and beautiful.

For a day out, I like going to FABER at Avondale. The drive out feels like you’re in a different city, even though it’s only an hour away. Dale’s food and his wife Kat, who runs front of house, offer service that’s simple, humble, down-to-earth, and geared to your experience. It’s so genuine, I just love going there.

The Oranjezicht City Farm Market on a Saturday or Sunday is an absolute jol – getting a coffee and a croissant there, even as a local. Were you even in Cape Town if you haven’t been to this Market?!

You definitely have to do flower season up at West Coast National Park. But don’t go when they officially say it’s flower season. Go in late-July or early-August: there are fewer cars, and it’s still spectacular.

If I were going for a drink at one cocktail bar in Cape Town, it would be The Drinkery, because chances are you’ll see people from the hospitality industry. There’s a good sense of community and you’ll probably bump into someone you know.

[Pull up a stool at The Best cocktail bars in Cape Town]

For a laid-back beer I’ll head to Oceana Power Boat Club. It’s opposite The Grand in the Granger Bay district, but in my opinion the views are even better. There’s no frills and fuss. You just sit, have a beer, and watch the slipway action: people coming in from the dive school, yachties learning how to move a boat. Quite entertaining for me. Down south, Noordhoek Beach, and then Aegir Project Brewery is also an absolute must.

[Need a beer? Try the Best craft beer taprooms in Cape Town!]

You have to go to the Bo-Kaap and experience it in all its splendour. Apart from the colourful houses we love going to Atlas Trading for spices. Whenever I need inspiration, I go there and ask, “Okay, cool, what is this? Where did they use that? What do they do with it?” It inspires me to create.