The best things to do at Riverlands

Perhaps the best drawcard of Riverlands is the two-hectare public Eco Park and six kilometres of riverside pathways that loop in and around the site to provide a wonderful public space that is free to access and open to all. Although the gardens are newly planted and will take some time to establish, the wide riverside promenade is a valuable open space. Take the diversion to discover the fragrant indigenous plants of the First Nations garden and the First Nations Gathering Space.

Want to grab a flat white for your wander along the river? Happily, you’re spoiled for choice. While the Woolworths take-away is always reliable, rather opt for one of the two specialist outlets in the mall. Platō is a fairly new brand in Cape Town, with just a handful of cafés across the city, but it has an extensive menu and won’t disappoint. Their ample indoor seating makes this a good option for coffee dates and remote work too. Out on the piazza, Shift Espresso Bar is another multi-outlet brand with a loyal following in the city. The coffee (and confectionery) is excellent here, and the indoor seating is always abuzz. Outdoor tables are a little quieter. Or grab-and-go to enjoy by the river.

Framed by a striking mural that celebrates the first inhabitants of the Cape, the First Nations Heritage Centre (opening mid-2025) provides long overdue recognition to the people who originally called this site on the banks of the Black River their home. Envisioned as the first specialist institution dedicated to the foundational peoples of the Cape, the Centre will incorporate museum galleries filled with tangible historical objects, as well as exhibition and lecture spaces.

Riverlands boasts a vibrant shopping selection, catering to both residents in nearby suburbs and those living in the on-site apartments. Checkers, Clicks, Woolworths Local, Mr Price, and Pick n Pay have you sorted for groceries, clothing and homeware, but there are also a few boutique stores. Gadget Time, Mr Chops, and Checkers Outdoor have everything from biltong to USB chargers.

One of the first restaurants to open at Riverlands was Omilo Greek Kitchen, where you’ll find a contemporary take on Greek classics.

“We want to bring people together and create a story through food,” says co-owner Andreas Skiathos, who is often on the floor to greet guests and suggest favourites from the menu.

Start with a platter of tirosalata and hummus, and certainly don’t miss the signature ouzo gravlax salmon. Off the grill, the lamb chops – cut thin, as you’d find in Greece – are a hit, but you’ll also love the octopus, which is rich and smoky. Watching your budget? The contemporary gyros offer authentic flavour and excellent value. Alongside a concise cocktail selection, you’ll find an impressive wine list featuring dozens of Cape estates and a good selection by the glass.

This airy modern café and bistro is a popular spot for tech workers at the nearby offices, who pop in for healthy breakfasts and bistro-style lunch plates that range from salads to toasted sandwiches and more. But the real interest at The Bee-Stro comes in the evening, with a menu of small plates that shows some proper creativity in the kitchen, all on a menu that favours flavour and easygoing charm over fuss. Expect fragrant curries, gnocchi, pasta, and prawns.

With a sleek, contemporary feel that’s all blonde wood and bonsai trees, Aiko Sushi offers a wide-ranging menu of classic and New Style sushi, along with a selection of hot dishes.

When the weather is fine, the best tables are out on the terrace overlooking the riverside walk, or you can opt for the plush seating and banquette indoors. However, don’t ignore the most fun seats in the house: up at the bar counter at the floating ‘sushi train’ where dishes bob along on wooden rafts, allowing you to pick and choose from the passing parade.

[More options? Try the Best 24 Sushi restaurants in Cape Town]

After making waves at the Time Out Market Cape Town, where his kitchen still draws a crowd, chef Hitesh Panchal brings his memorable take on Indian street food to Riverlands. His creative take on crisp Paani puri is one of his signatures at Time Out, but here the extensive menu presents a more diverse selection of what Panchal has to offer.

Start with a few small dishes of chaat and tapas to whet your appetite for a mouth-watering selection of mains. Choose between plates from the tandoor oven (perhaps lamb chops in kashmiri chilli) or the handi (stew pot) for silky curries.

[Head right here for The Best Indian restaurants in Cape Town] 

There’s a contemporary feel to this classic steakhouse, part of a well-known chain of meaty eateries across the city. Start with a cocktail at the elegant bar before grabbing a booth framed by tan leather and exposed brick. On the Cattle Baron menu, you’ll find a choice of main dishes and prime cuts, with the flambéed chateaubriand being a worthy signature. Cattle Baron famously charges no corkage fee, so you’re free to bring along your favourite bottle of wine at no cost.

If you’re looking for a change from the Neapolitan-style pizza that has become the standard across the city, Datterino brings Roman-style square cut slices to Riverlands. There’s plenty of attention to detail here, with dough cold-fermented for up to 72 hours, and toppings ranging from classic Italian flavours of basil, tomato, and mozzarella to the more creative amatriciana, salami, and jalapeño. Beyond the pizza, you’ll also find toasted sandwiches and generous panini filled with roasted vegetables, caprese salad, and more.

Just across from Datterino is the bright and colourful confectionery wonderland of Tessa’s Bakery. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be in heaven here, with a menu of indulgent shakes, cakes, and cupcakes on offer.

This small store packs a punch when it comes to shelves filled with Asian condiments and confectionery. If you’re looking for anything from Sriracha sauce and frozen dim sum to fruity flavours of imported Oreos, this is the place for you. Also, check out the Asian Noodle Hub, piled high with dozens of flavours of Asia’s most popular snack.

Need your highlights done, or a quick facial? No problem. Riverlands offers a Sorbet outlet (great for well-priced treatments), while Blonde Hair Studio takes care of your locks. Prefer a proper barber, gents? Head to Gary Rom Man for cuts, hot towel shaves, threading, waxing, and facial treatments.

[Need a wellness spa in Cape Town? Check out the best over here...]