Ishani Chetty

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  

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. FNB This content is proudly brought to you by FNB, a Division of FirstRand Bank Limited, an Authorised FSP and Credit Provider.

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

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

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

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

Whether you’re sipping an early morning coffee on Darling Street, stepping out of the Golden Acre at midday, or catching the golden light across the Grand Parade in front of the City Hall at sunset, you'll hear a sound that's more than a century old - and impossible to ignore.   After nearly a decade and a half of silence, the iconic City Hall clock is not only ticking but striking once again - revived in all its Westminster-style glory. Installed in 1905 by legendary British clockmakers JB Joyce & Co, the tower clock has been restored to its original splendour thanks to a meticulous six-month project led by the City of Cape Town, local engineer Marius Schoeman and horologist Rudi Conradie performing the maintenance on the clock.   @timeoutcapetown The City Hall clock and bell chime is ticking in perfect time following its restorations which kicked off 6 months ago. We had an exclusive look at the clock chimes and tower that is a core part of the city’s heritage. #TimeOutCapeTown #capetown #tiktokcapetown #visitcapetown #capetownsouthafrica #capetowntravel #timeoutexclusive ♬ original sound - Time Out Cape Town    The project brought a wave of nostalgia for many, including Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis's grandmother-in-law, who grew up in Woodstock and remembered shopping in town on Saturdays, the clock’s bells echoing in the background. “She got glassy-eyed when I told her it would ring again,” he shared at the ceremony marking the completion of

The new kid on the Kloof Street block is Aruba. Offering diners an experience that merges Mediterranean food with a Caribbean twist, Aruba's tapas-style menu and laid-back setting is the perfect addition to the thriving dining scene. Founded by two friends, Daniel Kruger and Murray Hunter-Smith - who share a passion for food and restaurants, Aruba came to life from a dream that was once thought to be impossible. "I had been thinking about it for a really long time, but I never thought it was going to happen because property in Cape Town is really hard to find. Unless it was the right property, I wouldn't have wanted to do it. I was driving down the road one day and I saw that this property was up for rent. I was out with Murray the one night and said, ‘Murray, I have an idea, come meet me for coffee tomorrow morning’," shares Daniel. Daniel adds that although they faced challenges at the start, their perseverance to create a space that embodies what they love the most about dining came to life. "It was a long process of deciding what we wanted to do because we didn't get an interior designer or anyone to help us with the design. We sat together every day and decided what we would do. As a result, everything in the restaurant has been thought out by the two of us and we got it made specifically to match what we wanted." Murray adds: "We sort of built the place that we both like to sit, eat and drink at." Time Out Cape Town The restaurant concept Aptly named Aruba, Daniel emp