Ishani Chetty

When the air fills with the scent of incense and the soft glow of clay lamps lights up homes across the Cape, it’s a sure sign of celebration. For many South Africans of Indian heritage, that might mean Diwali, honouring Lord Rama and the triumph of light over darkness. Others who follow Lord Shiva, Karthigai Deepam holds special meaning — a time to light lamps in his honour, offer prayers, and share in the joy of sweet meats that symbolise light and renewal. Though these two celebrations fall on different dates and honour different deities, they share one beautiful thing: an abundance of mithai — those irresistible Indian sweets made with ghee, milk, sugar, and love. From syrupy jalebi to creamy burfi, Cape Town’s Indian confectioners have perfected the art of making every festive moment a little sweeter.

There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to finding a bed in Cape Town, and that perfect trinity of comfort, charm and location can be dialled up or down according to the depth of your pockets. If you’re watching your budget, you’ll want to start with our guide to the Best Affordable Hotels in Cape Town, which is filled with pocket-friendly picks. But if you’re splurging a little? Well then, you’ve come to the right place. From glorious urban hideaways that could have been plucked from the streets of Paris or Amsterdam, to seaside escapes with the most unforgettable views, you’ll be spoilt for choice for luxury hotels in Cape Town. There are historic charmers and contemporary creations, and if you’ve been dreaming of a room with a view, you’ve come to the right city. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Cape Town😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏄‍♀️ The best beaches in Cape Town🛍 The best markets in Cape Town🖼 The best museums and galleries in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts. Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do allow us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Cape Town’s food scene is next-level. Officially ranked the 4th best food city in the world, the Mother City blends global flavours with local flair, dishing up everything from award-winning fine dining to hole-in-the-wall gems you’ll want to keep secret (but we won’t). With its rich mix of cultures, the city’s dining scene is a constant state of delicious evolution - think boundary-pushing chefs, bold new concepts and collaborations with plenty of option that’ll have you booking a table immediately. Hungry and ready to explore? We’ve rounded up the hottest new restaurants in and around Cape Town - because we are dedicated to keeping our finger on the pulse of Cape Town’s dining scene, uncovering the hottest new restaurants for you to enjoy!  ICYMI: Trend Alert: Tastebud Travel is the new wanderlust  

Winter is in full swing, and the icy cold days call for a delicious bowl of hearty and wholesome goodness. Entering from stage right, to rescue you from those winter blues and keep you nice and toasty (and full), is a bowl of delightful ramen. Bringing together the best of both worlds, a flavourful broth, freshly made noodles, meat of your choice (usually pork, beef or chicken, I know how this sounds, similar to what air hostesses ask you on your long-haul flight, but we promise it is more than just that) and other toppings including boiled eggs, spring onions and other carefully paired finishings, ramen is one of the ultimate comfort foods. Our pick of top ramen spots in Cape Town will have you slurping up the last bit of the broth and searching frantically for the noodles (only to forget you ate them all because it was just that good). A slurp-tastic ramen adventure awaits! RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best indoor activities for kids in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town

With a simple scroll on social media, you are bound to see an advert for a Labubu or its unfortunate and fake counterpart, the Lafufu, pop up.  While some may gawk at these items in utter disgust or confusion as to why everyone and their mother is after one, there are a large number of individuals who are trolling the internet to find where they can purchase one.  Now, Labubu’s aren't the only items that have piqued the interest of collectable fans, with blind boxes becoming all the rage across the world. As with all trends, there are some retailers and online resellers that are charging through the roof for these adorable yet questionable creatures (in their many forms, we are not just referring to Labubu’s here).  As the love for blind boxes has made its way to Cape Town, we take a closer look at why it has become so popular and how best to authenticate purchased items to ensure you are getting your money's worth. What's in the box (cue Brad Pitt's lines from the movie Seven)?  Blind boxes are just as the description indicates, they are sealed boxes that contain a collectable figurine, toy or plushie.  A good comparison would be lucky packets or dips, the ones we would receive as kids after a friend's birthday party, but blind boxes are more than that, with an added layer of collectability and premium quality. The joy of opening up the lucky packet to find out what trinkets and delights you got is providing that same feeling to blind box fans across the world.  But who is b

Some might say matcha tastes like grass (usually those not yet inducted into the somewhat cult-like following - and full disclosure: I’ve been a card-carrying member since long before the craze hit). But love it or not, there’s no denying that this vibrant green tea is having a serious moment, and Cape Town is catching on fast.Made from shade-grown tencha leaves that are steamed, dried and stone-ground into a fine powder, matcha is prized not just for its earthy flavour but also for its antioxidant punch and gentle, slow-release caffeine kick.With a wave of new matcha spots popping up around the Mother City, we’ve sipped our way through the best to bring you this guide to where to get your next emerald elixir fix - hot, iced or mixed into a latte. Let’s just say, when it comes to matcha, we’re anything but 'matchalant'. Here are Cape Town’s top spots for your next matcha moment. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best indoor activities for kids in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town

Nestled below Chapman's Peak Drive, Tintswalo Atlantic appears like something out of a fairytale. With suites located right on the shoreline, this boutique hotel is an exclusive retreat from the chaos of life. From the moment you enter Tintswalo Atlantic, you are treated like royalty. Collected by a valet from the top entrance, they drive you down a winding one-way road to the shoreline. It's as if you are about to discover a secret trove that no one else has ever seen before. Why stay at Tintswalo Atlantic? I have always wanted to visit Tintswalo Atlantic. The hotel has earned multiple prestigious awards for its offering and is renowned for its seclusion. The hotel is a space that envelops you in a warm embrace of deep relaxation, gently urging you to leave all your worries behind. With a location unlike any other hotel in Cape Town, Tintswalo Atlantic beckons the ocean inwards with all main areas, including the rooms, offering ceiling-to-floor glass views of the endless waters. With the entire property on stilts, the hotel has become one embodied with the surrounding coastal area, sandwiched between the ocean and the mountain. Following two devastating fires - in 2015 and 2019, with the former destroying much of the hotel as the fire ravaged through from the reception area to the Sait Marie suite, Tintswalo Atlantic rose like a phoenix from the ashes. The reconstruction of the property included a complete overhaul of the structures, with new technology and materials that do

Embodying the true spirit of South African food culture, Veldt in Hout Bay sets flavour alight as a braai eatery and smokehouse. With the art of fire cooking at the helm of the restaurant's food philosophy, Veldt's menu features a range of wood-fired and smoke-infused dishes prepared with grass-fed and premium cuts of meat. What's on the menu? Ideal for sharing, the Veldt Meat Platter includes honey and orange chicken, 28-day aged beef fillet, smoked beef short rib, pork belly ribs, rocket salad, coleslaw and chips.  If sharing isn't your forte, the 60/40 aged beef dripping burger made with 38-day aged beef & Wagyu fat, topped with smoked tomato relish, Veldt applewood cheddar, pickles and baby gem lettuce is a winner. For those craving a sweet treat, the malva pudding served with ice cream is a delight. How do you get there? Located in Hout Bay, secure parking is available close to the restaurant, along with the 109 MyCity bus stop, titled Mainstream, which can be accessed from town. Why go? While South African's do love a good braai, toiling over the grill for hours on end is not always as appealing as it sounds, and that is where Veldt comes in, offering that braai experience with no work required from diners. The menu showcases a commitment to South African food heritage and its diversity, with a range of dishes representing the rainbow nation, from braaibroodjies and chips to Durban mutton curry. Cocktails on the menu also showcase a nod to South African flair, with the

Dashi Poké, known for its hearty and wholesome poké bowls that infuse Hawaiian, Japanese and Vietnamese flavours, and The Mussel Monger & Oyster Bar, a seafood concept that is loved for its live oysters and mussels, have opened a branch under a shared space at Riverlands Mall in Observatory. What's on the menu? Pairing mussels with amagwinya never sounded better, and Mussel Monger and Oyster Bar's game changer, tempura mussels topped with a sweet soy sauce reduction, torogashi dressing and lime alongside fresh and warm amagwinya proves just that. An explosion of flavour awaits with Dashi Poké's crispy hoisin chicken wontons served with a peanut chilli crunch, spring onions and garnished with coriander. Green-tea lovers will be thrilled to know that Dashi Poké has a matcha cheesecake on offer. How do you get there? There are various locations throughout the city: Mojo Market: 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point  Riverland Mall: 51 Gogosoa St, Observatory Oranjezicht Market: Haul Road, Granger Bay Blvd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront What are the operating hours? Mussel Monger and Oyster Bar: Mojo Market: Monday to Sunday: 11 am to 10 pm Riverland Mall: Monday to Sunday: 12 pm to 10 pm Oranjezicht Market: Saturday and Sunday: 8 am to 2 pm | Wednesday: 4 pm to 9 pm Dashi Poké: Mojo Market: Monday to Sunday: 11 am to 10 pm Riverland Mall: Monday to Sunday: 11 am to 9 pm Oranjezicht Market: Saturday: 8 am to 2 pm | Sunday: 8:30 am to 2 pm Why go? Dashi Poké's offering is centred on refin

Family-owned and operated, Seoul Pocha offers diners the experience of a traditional yet elevated Korean Pojangmacha, a street stall that serves quick and comforting traditional Korean bites, without having to catch a flight to the East Asian region. Located in Rondebosch, the food ethos of this restaurant highlights the culinary principles of traditional and comforting Korean dishes, similar to those served at a Pojang-macha. What's on the menu? Seoul Pocha's menu features Korean classics such as tteokbokki, pan-fried rice cakes basted in a signature sweet and spicy sauce, and bibimbap, a flavorful rice dish with vegetables, protein, egg, and gochujang sauce (a spicy, sweet and fermented traditional Korean sauce, known to pack a punch of flavour).  If you are in the mood to try a Korean staple, opt for the bibimbap, and if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, we recommend the Korean-style Yakiniku Don, pan-grilled beef slices glazed in-house sauce, served over steamed rice and topped with sesame seeds With only one dessert option on the menu, the Bungeo-ppang, a fish-shaped pastry with a crispy yet soft shell and stuffed with melted chocolate paired with vanilla ice cream, it is not to be missed. The melted chocolate and warm pastry envelope your taste buds, ending off your meal perfectly. How do you get there? Parking in the area is limited, as it's located on Rondebosch Main Road, so it's recommended to use e-hailing services like Uber. Why go? Seoul Pocha is one of the

Located on Harrington Street in the heart of the bustling CBD, Tambourine offers a curated range of small plates that aim to tell a story. Inspired by the rich tapestry of cultures and flavours of South Africa, diners can expect dishes that showcase a layered and thoughtful approach to culinary artistry. What's on the menu? Dishes on the menu include smoked hay butter risotto, a hearty dish with Jerusalem artichoke and pistachio, alongside other delicious bites such as chicken wings stuffed with sticky bacon jam and glazed in bourbon and peri peri for that spicy kick. For drinks, the cocktail menu features a range of innovative drinks inspired by local flavours and seasonality, such as the Mari's Tea Garden, an infusion of Marigolds from the farm and  Rooibos.  Thought cabbage was bland? Think again. Once you have tried the charred baby cabbage with chestnut, date and chive breadcrumbs, it will have you rethinking the humble stereotypes associated with this cruciferous vegetable. For meat lovers, the chicken wings stuffed with bacon jam are a winner. Staying true to their local approach, and as a homage to braai culture, the Fat Boy cocktail, made with biltong fat wash and brandy base, is a must. How do you get there? It is best to opt for an e-hailing ride, given that there is only off-street parking available and it's a busy main road in Cape Town CBD. A secondary option would be to take the MyCity if you live near a stop, the closest stop to the restaurant is the Roeland b

The idyllic and one-stop destination of the winelands in Stellenbosch Spier Wine Estate is now home to Veld, a restaurant that showcases the flavours of South African cuisine through timeless cooking methods and seasonal ingredients.  Nods to South African flavour can be seen through the menu, from the springbok loin with rainbow carrots and citrus jus to the rooibos ice cream with honeycomb served with shortbread. What's on the menu? With all the dishes made from scratch, diners are spoilt for choice. The grilled Karoo lamb cutlets are served with a vibrant and fresh salsa verde alongside braised fennel and confit tomatoes, creating a dish that envelopes your taste buds in flavour. For meat-free eaters, the Kashmiri masala cauliflower steak, served with hummus, toasted almonds, and coriander yoghurt to balance out the spicy kick, is a stellar option. Adjacent to the restaurant is the Wine Library, allowing diners to peruse Spier's award-winning wines. How do you get there? Travel time from Cape Town City Centre to Spier is: Approximately 1 hour 23 minutes via the N2 Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes via the N1 Approximately 1 hour 33 minutes via the N2 and M12 Why go? The restaurant has a firm commitment to regenerative farming and sourcing from local producers. Fresh produce is sourced from their on-site gardens and beat to the rhythm of the seasons, ensuring that only the freshest ingredients are used. All the seafood is sourced from Abalobi, a company that is pioneering

Located in the forested hills of Hout Bay, Phakalane Spirit Spa can be summed up as an integrative holistic lifestyle sanctuary. It is more than a space for zen and relaxation as it blends time-honoured ancient healing practices with cutting-edge science-backed health practices. As the rolling gate opens, while unassuming at first glance, it is hard to believe you are just 30 minutes from the fast-paced city life of the Mother City.  Founded by Claudia Rauber and now owned by designer and wellness entrepreneur Nikolas Cramer Klett, Phakalane is designed to create an immersive space dedicated to holistic well-being.  As you make your way through the main entrance, a sense of serenity washes over you, amplified by the surrounding sounds of nature... birds chirping mingled with leaves brushing gently.  What are the rooms like at Phakalane? I stayed in a room within the main house, the Hummingbird - a warm and inviting space with a queen bed and an en-suite bathroom that featured both a bath and a shower.  A true highlight? The view from the bathroom windows offers a near 360-degree view of the expansive and thriving forests surrounding the main house.  As a social media manager and a journalist, I rarely switch off from the world, which can sometimes be concerning, even to me. I always keep my phone at hand, scrolling endlessly as the screens warp me.   But lying on the bed and looking at the ceiling, I thought to myself: 'This is a chance for me to fully switch off.'  While I m

As a growing hub located on the eastern fringes of central Cape Town, the 'East City' is now home to two new dining offerings, East City Grill & Yakiniku. What took root as an idea and a love for Japanese culture and food among friends, namely The SteakBoyz, a group of steak-loving friends on a mission to find the best steak in town, alongside Duncan Parker, the founder and owner of 84 Harrington Street, has been realised as Cape Town's latest dining destination.  "There was some talk about my future building plans and jokes about creating a private SteakBoyz hangout with mountain views. That idea sparked the vision for a restaurant. By 2016, I secured a rundown building on Harrington Street, now home to East City Grill and Yakiniku," shares restaurant and building owner, Duncan Parker. Housed under one roof, the two dining offerings seamlessly blend Japanese cuisine with African flavour in both cuisine and setting. Fuelled by flame  At the heart of the two restaurants' ethos is fire cooking, taking centre stage at both East City Grill and Yakiniku. With this in mind, the restaurant's dining offering is led by Executive Chef Jaycee Ferreira, a passionate and talented chef who shares a fiery passion for all things flame. “Fire is the great equaliser. It demands patience, precision, and respect. Whether it’s a braai in the Karoo or a Yakiniku table in Tokyo, the language of flame is universal," states Jaycee. East City Grill  The East City Grill heralds South African fla

With a number of new markets popping up in and around Cape Town, the newest kid on the block is offering a fresh approach to the traditional market setting, both in size and operational founding. Established by a husband and wife duo - Kirstin and Shane Copeland, the team behind Mystery Fun Club, a private art studio that showcases a range of pieces by local artists and offers tattooing services - the Super Mini-Market officially launched on 30 August 2025. Taking place at the Flour Market in Gardens, the co-founder of Super Mini-Market, Kirstin Copeland, provides insight into how their idea came to life in an exclusive interview with Time Out. "We met up with David Donde, who owns Flour Market, at the end of July and pitched the idea. He was cool enough to let us run with it! We didn’t quite know how the first one would go, so a second one was kinda up in the air based on that. Then a whole bunch of people showed up and had fun, and now we’re officially a market." Curating the market around one-of-a-kind creations by talented designers, creatives, and the like, Kirsten adds that the inspiration for the market came from the need for a space to showcase artists' work: "We’ve never felt like our work really fits in anywhere when it comes to markets or retail." Unlike other popular longstanding markets, the Super Mini-Market was born out of the collaboration of friends and fellow creatives, with no investors backing their initiative. The participating vendors and founders worked

Located at the V&A Waterfront, COY, known for its curated and refined dining experience that brings local and African flavours to the forefront with ocean cuisine woven throughout its menu, has launched a new offering, the COY EDIT. In homage to laid-back summer lunches, the menu features 16 small plates that have been carefully curated to showcase the season's bounty and offer the freedom of choice, an alternative to the traditional lunch dining experience. “We wanted to create something accessible, unpretentious, and unpredictable,” points out Geoffrey Abrahams, co-head chef at COY. Known for their innovative approach, while heroing local ingredients and culinary flair, the head chef duo, Teenola Govender and Geoffrey Abrahams, have worked alongside their talented team to create an offering that nods to the restaurant's ethos. “No matter the occasion, COY offers a tailored experience. This menu is a celebration of our space, our people, and our guests," adds Teenola Govender, co-head chef at COY. Flavour, nostalgia and South African flair The extensive menu celebrates diverse tastes and preferences, shaped by lived experience and inspired by nostalgia. Embuing their heart into the new offering, the menu showcases the team’s favourite dishes reimagined with a fresh twist, highlighting hyper-seasonality, fermentation, and more, all viewed through a distinctly South African lens. A standout plate on the menu that would have Colonel Harland Sanders shaking in his boots is G's

Bree Street is arguably one of the pinnacles of foodie central for many diners, with trendy restaurants lined up one after the other, and is now home to Maru Korean Steakhouse. Founded by the PAN Collection Hospitality Group, the same group behind beloved restaurants such as Hacienda Coastal Mexican, Scala, and Burger & Lobster, among others, Maru Korean Steakhouse seamlessly merges tradition with modernity, ensuring that authenticity is woven into every aspect of their offerings.  “We wanted to create a space where Cape Town diners could feel the pulse of Seoul, its flavours, its energy, its warmth, while still celebrating the best local ingredients and hospitality,” shares Paolo Carrara, Director at the PAN Collection Hospitality Group. A concept fermented to perfection like kimchi With an undeniable passion, love and admiration for Korean cuisine, the concept of Maru began with talented award-winning chef Rikku O’Donnchu. As the lead consultancy chef on the project, Rikku provided some key insight into what led to the opening of Maru in an official interview with Time Out. "My inspiration comes from Korea. I was first introduced to Korean cuisine in the United States in California, and later I travelled to Korea and saw it in its own environment, and I fell in love with it then. It is a very unique cuisine, very spicy and rooted within the asian-esque corner that we all love and know, umami and spice mixed together, what a combination," says Rikku. This isn't the first div

The talented and dynamic duo behind multi-award-winning restaurant MERTIA, restaurateur Marais Kirsten-Uys and chef Matt Van Den Berg, have teamed up to open a new restaurant in the heart of the winelands, Stellenbosch. Opening its doors earlier this month, TERRA is an all-day eatery that draws inspiration from nature and earth, focusing on providing a casual dining experience with thoughtfully curated dishes. In an interview with Time Out, Marais summarises the core essence of the restaurant, "TERRA is a place to gather, connect, and enjoy honest food from morning to night." TERRATERRA Stellenbosch   Shared plates and grounding flavour  With Executive Chef Matt Van Den Berg, co-founder of popular bao spot How Bao Now, shaping TERRA’s culinary vision, and Head Chef Jarryd Morris, whose experience includes Chef’s Warehouse Tintswalo Atlantic and Restaurant Klein Jan, leading the kitchen, diners can expect a refined yet approachable culinary journey. TERRA StellenboschHead Chef Jarryd Morris and Executive Chef Matt Van Den Berg Providing breakfast, lunch and dinner service, the menu features a variety of cuisines and flavour profiles. Rather than being confined to a signature style or specific cuisine, each dish emphasises considered flavour. At the core of the restaurant is a space and experience that is 'the perfect refuge for sout-van-die-aarde, lekkermense', which transcends into their menu. Offering small plates, snacks and shared dishes, the menu emulates its ethos of

It is a Friday night, you have had a long day, that's when you grab your car keys and head out the door to no other than Scooters Pizza, with a Mr Video or Blockbuster's right next door, it's perfection. This was a common weekend ritual for many South Africans prior to Scooters Pizza closing down. What an era, where DVDs were for hire and we got to savour a slice of cheesy legacy (yes, we said legacy because Scooters Pizza really is that girl). Following its closure in 2019, Scooters Pizza is making a return to Joburg! And you may be asking, wait, is it an April Fool's joke, is this a hallucination? Have I travelled back to 2016? ( arguably the most iconic year we have had in the 2000s). @thulanidube It’s coming back baby🍕 @Scooters Pizza #satiktok #scooterspizza #itsback #wewillbethere ♬ original sound - Thulani dube   Spotted on TikTok, Scooters Pizza will be opening its doors in Mellville on 21 October. Will they be offering a 39-minute delivery guarantee and their Makhulu (40cm pizzas) that just ticked every box? And who can forget their honey mustard pizza? While that has not been confirmed as yet, one thing is for sure, we are witnessing the revival of a legend. Let us take a trip down memory lane with one of Scooter's Pizza's adverts, a blast from the past.    What South African fast-food brand do you think should make a comeback? Let us know by drop us a mail on hello@timeoutsouthafrica.com or follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instag

Major French airline, Air France, has extended its seasonal direct route offering between the Mother City and Paris and the City of Love, also known as Paris.  While the route was initially planned as a limited seasonal operation until the end of March 2026, the increased demand from both South African travellers and international visitors heading to the Mother City has prompted the airline to extend this direct route. “This extension not only reflects the continued appetite for travel between Cape Town and Europe but also reinforces Air France’s commitment to connecting South Africans to the world with style, comfort, and efficiency. We are thrilled to offer our customers a longer window to experience this highly seasonal popular route, ” shares Wilson Tauro, Country Manager Southern Africa at Air France–KLM.  For South Africans, this means easier access to flights to Europe as Paris functions as a one-stop connector to many popular European travel locations, while Europeans and Parisians can explore all that the beautiful Mother City has to offer through direct travel.  “Cape Town remains one of the most inspiring destinations in our network, and we are thrilled to see such strong demand for our seasonal Paris–Cape Town route,” adds Wilson Operated by Air France's Airbus A350, the route will be offered daily in the following schedule:  Departing Cape Town from 8.50am and arriving in Paris at 7.20pm  Departing Paris at 6.30pm and landing in Cape Town at 06.45am the followi

KissKiss, a new festival founded by the team behind loved Cape Town restaurant, also known as Kloof Street's iconic watering hole, Blondie, will host its inaugural event at Emmarentia Dam this November. Headlining the event, which promises to showcase the best restaurants, chefs, live performances, and more, is globally renowned and Grammy Award-winning musical group, the Gipsy Kings by Diego Baliardo. Known for their iconic song, 'Bamboleo', which currently has 90-million views on YouTube, Gipsy Kings' music blends Catalan rumba, flamenco, salsa, and pop into an undeniable symphony that will have you swaying your hips from side to side. The group mostly performs in Spanish but also mixes in Catalan, French, and other dialects originating from Southern France. Taking place on 23 November, attendees can look forward to iconic songs from the band such as 'Bamboleo' and 'Volare'. With an exceptional line-up of artists, other performers include SAMA-winning pop trio Beatenberg and electronic dance-rock duo Roi Turbo, with more performers to be announced ahead of the festival.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by @kisskiss__________ While more details are still to be revealed, the event promises to be one that is "over the top" and a "music-and-food eruption". Early bird tickets are currently sold out, with the current tier of tickets setting you back R495. Time Out Insider Tip: With each new performer announcement, tickets will increase b

The Mother City, a melting pot of all things delicious for any avid foodie, is now home to a new burger joint. Located on Loop Street, Cape Town's newest burger spot was founded by a team of four; Hanno Pienaar, Werner Neitz, and South African rugby stars Cheslin Kolbe and Ox Nché. Hanno and Werner both bring a wealth of expertise in business and restaurants to the table at ShoSho. Hanno founded Pretoria eatery Cheese Louise Social Club, so alongside restauranteur Werner and the Springbok duo, it is a team that is built for success. Embodying true patriotism to South African heritage and all things lekker, the new spot is aptly titled ShoSho to reflect the popular slang phrase used across all 11 South African languages, a word that unites us all through an understanding. In an exclusive interview with Time Out, Hanno provides insight into the ethos behind ShoSho. "South Africa is on a big heritage and unity wave since the 2019 Rugby World Cup win, and we want to play our part in this movement. No DNA, just RSA. The chant has been on many South Africans’ lips for the past few years. We want to form part of that DNA with our brand, quality burgers, and with a space where people can connect over an insane Smash or Bistro burger!"  Time Out Asks:  What’s it really like living in Cape Town right now? Jandre Grobler (supplied) True South African flair While the menu may be limited, it is packed with flavour and focuses on quality over quantity. Working alongside professional che

As the unofficial foodie mecca of South Africa, Cape Town's dining scene and the talented chefs that shape it are in the global spotlight, with several chefs being awarded at the acclaimed Best Chefs Awards 2025.  The awards spotlight gastronomy's best Held in Milan from 1 to 2 October, the official awards ceremony spotlights global culinary talent that embodies excellence, creativity, passion, sustainability and innovation. It's not just about the culinary flair that each chef possesses, the awards hone in on chefs who are elevating food with the use of technology or science and who make a positive social impact through their kitchen. The organisation, which first launched its awards in 2017, has stated that its mission is to "globally unite the best thinkers and leaders in the world of gastronomy and fine dining and highlight their process." The awards are a ranking that focuses solely on the chefs behind the culinary magic created at each restaurant, highlighting the chefs' personal approach to food and what makes them stand out in the industry.  ICYMI: What’s it really like living in Cape Town right now? How the voting system works Awardees are selected by an esteemed panel featuring chefs from 64 countries and industry professionals from 51 countries. This year's voter base featured a total of 927 individuals. The voting process requires voters to provide a thorough assessment based on the nominated individuals' skills, impact, and integrity, taking a deep dive into mo

In a truly unbelievable tale, a Capetonian travelling back from Johannesburg last month found that he had not only brought back memories of the festival he attended but also an adorable lesser bushbaby. After a long road trip of 1400km from Jozi to Cape Town, a local resident was left gobsmacked after unloading his vehicle to find a large pair of beady and bewildered eyes staring back at him. Following his shocking finding, the Capetonian man transported the little guy to The Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s Wildlife Unit. While under the care of the veterinary team, Maurice, as he has aptly been named, was provided with a full check-up. "Apart from a slightly confused expression and an appetite to match his energy, he was in excellent health," shared the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. Dr Karin Lourens and Ms Wendy Willson | Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital While he was found to be in good health, the team at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA had additional concerns. Maurice was separated from his family, and lesser bushbabies do not naturally occur in Cape Town, making him one of a kind in the Mother City. Facing the challenge of returning Maurice to his home and working alongside the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, the two organisations were able to locate the colony that Maurice had unfortunately strayed from. The colony was located near Fourways, and after securing the necessary permits for travel from Cape Nature, alongside assistance from local carrier Airlink, Maurice

Cape Town, often considered the foodie capital of South Africa, will soon be home to an exceptional dining experience spearheaded by Spanish Michelin-star chef Ángel León. Amura will be located at the luxurious Grand Old Lady of Cape Town, otherwise known as the Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, and plans to open this December. As the first restaurant of Ángel's located outside of Spain, Amura aims to offer a one-of-a-kind immersive marine culinary journey, tapping into the senses of diners.  A merging of flavours  It comes as no surprise that Chef Ángel, often referred to as the 'chef of the seas', has curated the restaurant's menu around marine cuisine. Diverging from the typical seafood restaurant concept, Amura will merge Mediterranean-style cooking with Spanish roots, alongside South African ingredients and culinary flair. Cooking methods and core elements such as fire-cooking, fermented fish, spice-laced broths and the like will pay homage to core themes throughout the restaurant. Supplied These core themes include a focus on seasonal produce, indigenous spices, and a celebration of simple and often overlooked ingredients such as by-catch fish, plankton, and halophyte plants - all transformed through culinary artistry and innovation into a refined dish. “Our menu is an homage to this shared seafaring legacy. To the salted fish and coastal fermentations, speaking the same ancestral language. To the spices that crossed oceans, just like our forebears. To the broths, flames