The best winter specials in Cape Town

The Test Kitchen Fledgelings at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock is known for mentoring young chefs into culinary careers.

This winter, they're offering a bold three-course lunch at just R590 per person. Dishes on the menu to try include Korean fried chicken with ponzu emulsion, mushroom-stuffed ravioli in a Thai butternut broth, or the signature TTK wagyu burger and fries.

With Head Chef Nathan Clarke at the pass and no pretentious frills in sight, it’s one of the city’s most feel-good fine dining experiences. 

Set slap-bang amid the buzz of Kloof Street is the on-trend Egghead Diner. And while local celebrities from Tracey Lange to Luke Lawrence Barry rave about their Eggs Benedict and ‘Porky Bun’ breakfasts, it’s truly an all-day destination. This winter, you’ll find a three-course dinner special waiting for you. It’s available every day from 5pm onwards, priced at just R195 per person!

34 Kloof Street, Gardens

If you've been looking for refined dining at a fair price, COY introduces 'The Winter Two’s', a five-course menu served every Sunday until the end of September. For R490 per person, enjoy snacks, bread, a starter, main and dessert.  A thoughtful, slower way to spend a winter afternoon in the V&A Waterfront.

V&A Waterfront

Celebrating 30 years at the Waterfront, Den Anker is marking the milestone with a '30 & Thriving' winter special. Enjoy a meal for two for just R300 from their curated anniversary menu, featuring dishes like Wagyu beef or vegan burgers with frites, pork belly, risotto, and more. Just mention the phrase when ordering.

V&A Waterfront

This winter, the luxury Asian dining destination offers two curated experiences showcasing Tang’s signature dishes. Enjoy a five-course lunch between 12pm and 4pm for R450 per person, or settle in for an indulgent eight-course dinner from 5pm to 9pm at R650. A refined way to warm up your palate this season.

V&A Waterfront

There’s nothing like soup and wine to take the edge off a winter’s day in the Winelands. At Spier, a trio of hearty soups – white bean and truffle, charred tomato, and pumpkin velouté – are each paired with award-winning wines, from a bold Pinotage to a layered Creative Block 5. A garden mushroom toastie and sweet brownie round out the indulgence. Afterwards, wander the farm’s art-filled gardens and riverside paths. Until Available until end-September 2025 for R180pp at the tasting room, booking essential.

Spier Wine Farm, R310 Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch

Steak aficionados in the Mother City love the meat feasts at IRON on Bree Street. It’s so good that Time Out ranked it one of the world’s best steakhouses in 2024. And the good news for carnivores this winter is that IRON’s winter special is big on flavour and easy on the pocket! For R199 per person you’ll start with the signature beef dripping popcorn to whet your palate for the signature 200g grass-fed flat iron steak that comes served with a fresh seasonal salad. End off with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream for one last flavour bomb. The special is available every day, for lunch or dinner, but sit-down only. Also, check out our list of the best steakhouses in Cape Town.

114 Bree Street, Cape Town

Is there a restaurant with such incredible food and great views in town? But if you’ve felt like ‘Pot Luck’ was out of your league or only for special occasions, think again: this winter, The Pot Luck Club is serving up two great-value menus for two people sharing. If your wallet’s feeling a little light, then opt for Prix Fixe Lite: a six-plate sharing experience for two, priced at R550 per person, or up the flavour punch to eight courses with the Prix Fixe Loaded at R795pp.

Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock

[City Editor Selene Brophy loved her taste of the Prix-Fixe offering!]

Nothing says winter weekends like a good Sunday lunch. Palm House Boutique Hotel is pulling out all the stops with its Palm Terrace Easy Sundays menu. Here the emphasis is on sharing fine food across the table, so gather your nearest and dearest for a feast that begins with sharing plates, runs through homemade soup and onto a main course of traditional Sunday roast: think Slow-Roasted Cider Pork Belly or Herb-Rubbed Roasted Leg of Lamb, both with a selection of sides. There’s dessert too,of course, and a glass of Plam House wine is thrown in too. All of that for R425 per person? Sounds like a deal to me.

10 Oxford Street, Wynberg

Set on Buitenverwachting wine estate in Constantia, with glorious vineyard and mountain views, beyond’s menu is rooted in seasonality. But this winter it’s also rooted in great value! The five-course special winter menu is available for R645 per person, and serves up a host of dishes celebrating regional ingredients and local suppliers. All with stellar Constantia views.

Buitenverwachting, Klein Constantia Rd

Luke Dale Roberts and Executive Chef Carla Schulze take diners on a globe-trotting gourmet adventure at this intimate fine-dining destination in Woodstock’s Old Biscuit Mill precinct. Salon’s six-course ‘Explorer’ menu is priced at R875 per person this winter, showcasing local creativity fused with global inspiration.

Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock

Locals love Grub & Vine on Bree Street, and this winter you can tuck into a curated two-course feast filled with Matt Manning’s signature seasonal flair. Expect refined comfort food and a touch of bistro elegance with a two-course menu – plus a round of canapés to start – all for just R395. Available for lunch and dinner, Monday to Saturday. Booking essential via DinePlan.

103 Bree Street, Cape Town

A wintry Winelands lunch doesn’t get better than this: surf or turf for R245 per person. Take your pick between a 250g Bonsmara sirloin with triple-cooked chips and Béarnaise, or rich mussel chowder with homemade bread. Each dish is paired with a standout glass of Kleine Zalze Family Reserve wine: Shiraz for the beef, or Sauvignon Blanc for seafood. The winter lunch offer is available Monday to Saturday throughout winter. Reservations recommended. 

Strand Road (R44), Stellenbosch

Snag a table fireside for the Winter Lunch Special at Kloof Street House: two courses for R250 or three for R295, available Monday to Saturday, 12pm-4pm. Expect the likes of West Coast mussels in coconut broth, ostrich stroganoff with mash and crispy onions, or vegan lentil-artichoke bake. Finish with orange crêpe brûlée or coconut ice cream with charred pineapple. Wine pairings are available from just R85 a glass. Available until the end of winter 2025.

30 Kloof Street, Gardens