Richard Holmes

With the Atlantic Ocean on the doorstep and Table Mountain National Park as the ‘back garden’, it’s little wonder Cape Town is hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. But beneath the visual spectacle there’s a rich cultural and historical tapestry to be discovered. Centuries of history as a trading port have given Cape Town a cosmopolitan multiculturalism that fuses warm African hospitality with Mediterranean charm. It’s a city where you’ll spend your days outdoors and your nights enjoying the city’s legendary culinary scene. Not sure where to start? Don’t miss these must-do experiences handpicked by a local writer.  RECOMMENDED: 🛏 A guide to where to stay in Cape Town🍴 The best restaurants in Cape Town🐧 The best beaches in Cape Town🏡 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town Richard Holmes is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

As if the mountain, oceans, vibrant city and dynamic culinary scene weren’t enough to keep you busy, Cape Town also brings the goods when it comes to a jam-packed schedule of concerts and events. We're tapping into all the vibes with our updated and expanded Events Guide to Cape Town. Across the city, you’ll find live music, vibey markets, special shows and fun events that are a total jol (that’s a ‘party’, in local lingo). Here's our hand-picked selection of the hottest events to head for in the Mother City. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🍝 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏖 The best beaches in Cape Town🛍 The best shops in Cape Town🏠 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town 🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town Richard Holmes is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Let’s be clear: Cape Town has a lot of bad pizza. Bland pizza. Doughy pizza. Cold pizza. Undercooked pizza. Overpriced pizza. Pizza that would make a nonna weep. But from the city to the suburbs, amidst the sea of forgettable takeaways and underwhelming eateries, there are some absolute gems. Pizzerias where the wood-fired oven is lovingly tended and the dough is given the respect it deserves; where seasonality is celebrated, and local produce – and producers – are championed. So when that pizza craving hits in the 'Mama City' (and it will), look no further than these talented pizzaioli, picked by local writer Richard Holmes who set out to update and expand our list of the best pizza restaurants in Cape Town. RECOMMENDED:  😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍣 The best sushi in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🛏 Where to stay in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

After more than a decade abroad, chef Luke Lawrence Barry is back on home soil and firing up the culinary experience at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel. As the storied hotel’s Executive Chef, Barry returned to Cape Town last year after 12 years sharpening his knives and honing his craft in both Hong Kong and the Middle East. "I’ve always appreciated and respected what Mount Nelson does and represents," he says. "This majestic property possesses 125 years’ worth of history that I feel I need to uphold." And Barry has certainly reinvigorated the offering, from the revived Oasis Bistro to the al fresco dining experiences at The Fountain by Planet Bar where Mediterranean and flame-grilled fare are served on the famous lawns. But when he’s not behind the pass, you’ll find Chef Luke exploring Cape Town’s food scene with the curiosity of a local and the palate of a professional. “My goal is to eat out as much as I can,” he laughs. From bacon sandwiches at Oranjezicht Market to playful chef collabs at Chefs Warehouse, this is a man who knows his way around both fine dining and a good braai. Here’s where the chef eats out on his days off... MORE CELEBS SHARE THEIR LOCAL SECRETS Musician Mandisi Dyantyis on finding inspiration in the city Designer Paul van der Spuy on the best fashion and Old Fashioned Where designer Sindiso Khumalo shops for gifts Where songster Will Linley heads for burgers and beaches The GoodLuck guide to Cape Town! Art concierge Michael Tsepo Jacobs

With the Atlantic Ocean on its doorstep, it’s no surprise that Cape Town is awash with wonderful seafood restaurants. And while there are plenty of high-end eateries creating edible art with local seafood, sometimes all you want is a good ol' portion of fish and chips. And not just any old fish and chips – a plate where the fish is fresh, the batter is crispy and the chips come swimming in vinegar. And if it’s eaten with a sea view? So much the better. Luckily, there’s no shortage of places supplying just that in the city dubbed the ‘Tavern of the Seas’. Read on for our local writer’s pick of the very best. RECOMMENDED: 🍽 The best restaurants in the Cape Winelands🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town This article was written by Richard Holmes, a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… no, not Christmas. Easter, when it’s almost our duty to eat as much chocolate as humanly possible! And whether your palate leans towards silky truffles, fruity confections or handcrafted slabs of 70%, Cape Town’s chocolatiers are doing delicious things with cocoa... and we’re here for it! Cape Town’s chocolate scene is as diverse as it is decadent, so this year rather skip the supermarket eggs and support our local creators instead. Whether you're after a last-minute Easter gift or a sugar hit to enjoy in solo indulgence, you’ll find it in the Mother City. Think bean-to-bar producers using ethically sourced cocoa, experimental flavour pairings and chocolate studios that double as cafés and creative spaces. Here are Time Out’s favourite spots for getting your chocolate fix in and around Cape Town… just don’t blame us if you can’t stop at one bite! RECOMMENDED:☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🥣 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🏨 The best shops in Cape Town This article was written by Richard Holmes, a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

Cape Town is a truly global city, fusing vibrant African flair with European savoir faire, and that cosmopolitan character is on full display in the city’s shops and boutiques. From the inner city to the seaside, Cape Town’s shopping precincts and characterful suburbs offer no end of retail therapy, whether you're after big-name brands or local creatives. Not sure where to start? Try these must-visit stores... RECOMMENDED:☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🥣 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town This article was recently updated by Richard Holmes, a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

South Africa’s wine-making may fall into the ‘New World’ category but in fact its vinous heritage dates back more than 300 years! Many of the Cape’s greatest wine farms are less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town, so it’s not hard to justify a day trip. But if you do need one more reason, here it is: scattered amid the vineyards you’ll find many of South Africa’s top restaurants, dishing up inspired bistro fare and elegant fine dining. Check your appetite (and the depth of your pockets) and tuck in.  RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants 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 TownPlanning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

With its unrivalled coastal scenery, it’d be easy to believe that Cape Town’s cocktail offering is about little more than seaside sundowners. But come nightfall, the city’s bars spring to life, with world-class mixologists tapping into a burgeoning craft spirits scene to create authentic experiences rooted in South Africa’s ‘Mother City’. If you’re exploring Cape Town and find yourself thirsty, these are the watering holes to check out. RECOMMENDED: 🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🛏 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

The chefs at Time Out Market Cape Town have launched a collection of delicious new dishes in step with warm days that demand bright flavours, fresh produce and lighter bites. ‘We’re excited to usher in the energy of summer with fresh, bold flavours that capture the spirit of the season,’ says Russ Meyer, General Manager of Time Out Market Cape Town. ‘Our chefs have truly outdone themselves, creating dishes that not only highlight local favourites but also surprise and delight with every bite. It’s a summer experience you don’t want to miss.’  Set in the heart of Cape Town’s ever-popular V&A Waterfront, Time Out Market Cape Town brings together a dozen of the city’s best chefs under a single roof, offering a snapshot of the best flavours from South Africa’s ‘Mother City.   And seeing as Cape Town was voted the best city in the world for food in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards – beating out the likes of Milan, Bangkok and Sydney – you could say this is some of the best food on the planet! 'Cape Town really comes to life in the summer, and our Market is at the heart of it all,' adds Meyer. 'We’re not just a food destination – we’re a place where the city’s creativity and culture come alive. Whether you’re here for a meal, a cocktail, or just to soak in the atmosphere, there’s always something new to discover.' Here’s a look at the best new plates to order this summer…

The secret is out... there’s a brand-new reason to visit Time Out Market Cape Town, the food and cultural market that brings the best of the city together under one roof, as Una Más Taqueria joins the menu of delicious bites on offer in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. Founded by three restaurateurs – brothers Gavin and Sean Binder, and Ricky Simon from Three Wise Monkeys – with a shared passion for the spirit and flavours of Mexico, Una Más opened in Sea Point’s buzzy Main Road in 2022 and fast became the go-to spot for locals in search of Mexican street food and premium mezcal. And now they’re bringing the tastes of Mexico to Time Out Market Cape Town, with a menu that celebrates the flavours of Mexico across a choice of Bites, Nachos and Tacos. "The menu for Una Más Taqueria at Time Out Market offers some of our most popular plates, with a few dishes refined and reimagined for the Market setting," says Gavin Binder. "We wanted to offer a snapshot of the food  that has made Una Más so popular with locals and visitors to the city." Start with a plate of totopos – house-made tortilla chips served with guacamole, lime, salsa macha and salsa verde – as you peruse the choice of Bites. Empanadas – filled with beef ragout, or vegetarian with black bean and corn – are superb, while the ‘Mielie Mexicana’ of char-grilled corn on the cob topped with the Una Más ‘secret sauce’ is an unforgettable local take on traditional Mexican street snacks. Photograph: Una Mas Taqueria But leave

Cape Town has no shortage of chic malls and glitzy boutiques if you’re looking to shop up a storm, but the heart of the city is found in its vibrant markets, hosted anywhere from open lots to cavernous hangars, from wine estates to suburban gardens. Do as locals do and use these markets for fresh produce, artisan goods, clothing and so much more. Here’s our selection of the best in and around town, picked by three local writers. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🍽 The best restaurants in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town🏖 The best beaches in Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town Ishay Govender, Alison Budge and Richard Holmes are travel writers based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

The Time Out Market is a unique global concept that aims to celebrate the authentic flavours, foods and chefs of a city under a single roof. What began in 2014 with Time Out Market Lisbon has become a global phenomenon, and in 2023 Cape Town became the first city in Africa to host a Time Out Market. Located in a renovated historic building in Cape Town’s popular V&A Waterfront precinct, Time Out Market Cape Town brings together more than a dozen of the city’s top chefs, serving up a diverse menu of dishes that find inspiration both in Africa and beyond. Alongside the food, a dedicated wine bar showcases the acclaimed New World wines of South Africa, while a trio of bars serves up everything from local craft beers and artisan spirits to signature Time Out Market cocktails. It’s a vibrant space of communal tables – with plenty of outdoor seating dishing up amazing mountain and harbour views – with an easy ordering and collection system. Our How To Order guide and FAQs will answer all your questions about a visit to Time Out Market Cape Town. 📍 For everything you need to know about Time Out Market Cape Town, visit our homepage.   

The Time Out Market is a unique global concept that aims to celebrate the authentic flavours, foods and chefs of a city under a single roof. What began in 2014 with Time Out Market Lisbon has become a global phenomenon, and in 2023 Cape Town became the first city in Africa to host a Time Out Market. Located in a renovated historic building in Cape Town’s popular V&A Waterfront precinct, Time Out Market Cape Town brings together more than a dozen of the city’s top chefs, serving up a diverse menu of dishes that find inspiration both in Africa and beyond. Alongside the food, a dedicated wine bar showcases the acclaimed New World wines of South Africa, while a trio of bars serves up everything from local craft beers and artisan spirits to signature Time Out Market cocktails. It’s a vibrant space of communal tables – with plenty of outdoor seating dishing up amazing mountain and harbour views – with an easy ordering and collection system. Our How To Order guide and FAQs will answer all your questions about a visit to Time Out Market Cape Town. 📍 For everything you need to know about Time Out Market Cape Town, visit our homepage.   

While her eponymous restaurant in the V&A Waterfront is already hugely popular for its elevated take on South African cuisine, The Siba Deli dishes up a more relaxed culinary experience, all while retaining Siba’s focus on freshness. Look out for a subtle infusion of local flavours in everything from her wholesome salads and delicious dips, to traditional sticky wings and spicy chakalaka sauce.   THE SIBA DELI MENU Starters Sticky chicken winglets and salsa mayo R135 Charred corn ribs in creamy coconut sauce R80 Siba’s famous chakalaka with a chimichurri dressing R80 (a side for mains and starters)  Siba’s signature quiche R95  Mains Our Salads Tuscan artichoke, chickpea, sundried tomato, crispy capers, parmesan salad with a tangy vinaigrette R165 Maple glazed baby rainbow carrots, roasted beetroot, wild rocket feta salad on a bed of hummus with a chimichurri dressing R130 Miso-glazed roasted sweet potato bowl with sautéed courgetti spirals, mixed cabbage, tahini-dressed broccoli R175 Spicy and zesty Asian pickled spiral cucumbers with edamame, sugar snap peas, salad on a bed of baby spinach leaves R110 Roasted butternut, couscous, red pepper and feta salad with pickled red onion and creamy dressing R165 Our toppers Lemon, garlic and parmesan chicken kebabs R60 Teriyaki trout R70 Braised beef short rib R80 Roasted miso mushrooms and aubergine kebab R60 Soy and chimichurri tofu kebab R50 Dessert Granadilla and lemon curd baked cheesecake R95  (vegan option available)  Water

Want the scoop on the most creative ice cream in the Mother City? You’ll find it at Unframed, thanks to the innovative flavour creations dreamt up by founder Yann Rey. Ever wondered what lemon-infused olive oil and white chocolate ice cream might taste like? Here’s your chance to find out. Every flavour combination is crafted from scratch, in small batches and from quality ingredients, drawing heavily on what’s fresh and in season in the Cape. No surprise then that Unframed has been rated amongst the world’s greatest ice-cream parlours. UNFRAMED MENU   Scoops 1 Scoop R49 2 Scoops R79 3 Scoops R89   Indulge Tasting Flight R99 (5 flavours) Sundaes R109 (3 scoops, toppings, whipped cream)   Waffles Waffle R59 (Icing sugar, whipped cream) + Extra Scoop R25 + Extra topping R10  

South Africa may fall into the so-called ‘New World’, but the country’s winemaking heritage dates back more than three centuries, with the first wines pressed here as far back as 1659. All of which means there’s a long and complex history to South African wine, and though you may be familiar with white Burgundy, or Left Bank Bordeaux, understanding the strengths and stars of the Cape’s diverse vineyards requires expert insight. That’s where chef Matt Manning comes in, bringing Bree Street’s hugely popular Culture Wine Bar to Time Out Market Cape Town. The extensive wine list includes an impressive range offered by the glass, allowing you to sip your way from the cool-climate vineyards of Elgin and big-hitters of Stellenbosch to the pioneers breaking new ground in the Swartland. Culture Wine Bar captures the best of the Cape in the glass.

The menu of Asian restaurants in Cape Town may be small, but if you know where to look you’ll find some real gems, with talented chefs putting their own spin on the classics. How Bao Now is a great example, with two of the city’s top chefs – Matt van den Berg and Carla Schulze – bringing authentic Cape flavours to a concise menu of Asian plates at their Woodstock outpost of How Bao Now. Fluffy bao buns are, as you might have guessed, the star of the show, and at Time Out Market Cape Town this creative duo brings a local perspective as they plate up exclusive flavour combos such as crayfish bao infused with Cape Malay flavours and a coconut and curry furikake, or wagyu sando-bao with a chilli crunch mayo, tonkatsu and pickled cucumber.   HOW BAO NOW MENU Baos Wagyu Sando (2 in a portion) R170 (Panko bao, wagyu, tonkatsu sauce, chilli-crisp kewpie) Flaming Chicken R105 (Fried thigh, XO, peanut crumb, Szechuan dressing) Fried Fish R100 (Hake, pickled red onion, Thai red curry dressing, nuac cham) Kimchi Pork R105 (Sous-vide pork belly, kimchi, miso mayo, Asian dressing) Banana Blossom (Vegetarian) R100 (Pickled red onion, Asian dressing, XO, herbs Kiddies Chicken Bao R65   Bao Special Cape Malay Crayfish R200 (Curry aioli, coconut furikake, vadouvan XO, lime)   Bites Crack Peanuts R45 Andry Edamame

YARD began as a cult classic in the inner-city, as famous for its idiosyncratic service as the delicious fare. And now Eugene Smith brings his inimitable approach to pizza to Time Out Market Cape Town. Atop their signature hand-stretched dough you’ll find four classic YARD flavours flying out of the ovens. Whether your poison is New York pepperoni, barbecue chicken, spicy Italian salami or the heady mix of blue cheese and caramelised onions, expect the generous pizzas from YARD to come standard with a side order of their (in)famously cheeky service. YARD MENU Select your: Dough Style N = Neopolitan R = Romano NY = New York (45cm) C = Californian Please note: Neapolitan & Romano-base pizzas come with Fior de late cheese. New Yorker and California-style bases come with grated mozzarella cheese Sauce White Alfredo Italian Tomato Pesto Signatures Juicy Chick N245/R275/C225/NY465 (Choose Sauce, Pizza Warehouse BBQ Sauce, Mozzarella, Slow Roasted shredded Chicken, Feta and Peppadews) Sweet Baby Blue (Vegetarian) N190/R230/C180/NY375 (Choose sauce, Mozzarella, Blue cheese crumbled, Caramelised onions and fresh wild rocket) Italian Favourites Autumno (Vegetarian) N180/R185/C175/NY314 (Choose Sauce, Mozzarella, Italian herbs, Mushrooms, red onions, Baby Spinach finished with a crack of black pepper) Artigiano N210/R220/C205/NY400 (Choose sauce, Mozzarella, Artichokes, Roasted red peppers & Pepperoni) Capricciosa N180/R190/C175/NY340 (Choose sauce, Mozzarella, Salami, Kalamat

South Africa was a late-bloomer when it comes to picking up on the artisan coffee trend, but in 2006 that began to change. That was thanks to the founders of Origin Roasting, who slowly introduced a curious Cape Town to the concept of hand-roasted beans, single-origin coffee and the fact that, no, milk didn’t need to be super-heated. Origin kick-started a juggernaut, and today the city is brimming with adventurous micro-roasters, hipster baristas and seriously good coffee. Honestly, if you’re drinking a bad cup in Cape Town you have only yourself to blame. But if you don’t know where to start in the search for a good brew, make it Nøsh Café. Created by Origin co-founder Joel Singer, Nøsh Café offers a unique coffee experience, brewing up three of the city’s finest artisan roasters – Origin, Truth and Tribe – in a single location. At Nøsh Café Singer brings his signature passion to the Time Out Market Cape Town, showcasing the Mother City’s vibrant coffee culture in all its guises.  And to accompany that cortado? Alongside the coffee, at Nøsh Café you’ll find a menu of all-day breakfasts and an eclectic collection of light meals and baked goods that take global inspiration and serve it up with a friendly neighbourhood feel. NØSH CAFÉ MENU Breakfast Bialy Breakfast Bun R115 (Bialy, aromatic beef patty, fried egg, house-made tomato jam, fresh tomato, hot sauces for the brave (jalapeño or habanero) Shakshuka - Merguez|halloumi R135 (Two free-range poached eggs, fragrant tomato s

Within days of Ramenhead opening in Cape Town in 2022 there were queues out the door, as hungry locals lined up for the best noodles in the city. That’s not surprising, as Peter Tempelhoff, Ashley Moss and Jennifer Hugé – the culinary creatives behind Ramenhead, and award-winning FYN restaurant – scoured Tokyo and Osaka for time-honoured ramen recipes, returning with the first (and only) Yamato noodle machine in Africa. The trio brings that same passion and focus to Time Out Market Cape Town, with Ramenhead’s seaside outpost offering a compact list of Asian plates and slurpable ramen bowls.   RAMENHEAD MENU   Tori Chintan R240 (Light broth of chicken with soya sauce) Tori Katsu Curry R250 (Rich creamy style chicken curry ramen) Kids Ponyo ramen R140 (Half-portion of chicken tori chintan) Sesame & Mushroom R240 (Double dashi style vegan)   Ramen add-ons Ajitamago egg R20 Extra noodles R30 Gluten-free noodles +R30 Nekomanma R40 (Bowl of Ishikawa rice for leftover soup)   Rice bowl Chashu Don R210 (Spring onion, BBQ-glazed pork burnt ends, sesame)   Snacks Karaage R145 (Tokyo-style friend chicken, miso mayonnaise) Pork gyoza R130 (Potstickers with green chili ponzu) Cabbage gyoza R120 (Potstickers with spicy ponzu peanut sauce)   Dessert Purin R95 (With seasonal fruit and fragrant shisho syrup)  

It’s a burger bar, but not as you know it – and that’s thanks to the creativity of prolific restaurateur, chef and TV personality Bertus Basson. With a brace of popular restaurants across the Cape, Basson is passionate about celebrating homegrown South African flavours and culinary traditions. At De Vrije Burger you can count on having your hands full with his next-level burgers made with free-range beef and homemade buns.    DE VRIJE BURGER MENU Burgers: De Vrije Burger R125/R155 with tjips (180g Free Range Beef, Double Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickles) De Jonge Burger R115/R145 with tjips (180g Free Range Beef, Double Cheese) Die Bennie Griessel R125/R155 with tjips (180g Free Range Beef, Double Cheese, mustard pickle) De Vrije Vegetarian R115/R145 with tjips (Bo-Kaap-inspired falafel burger, double cheese, all the trimmings) A complimentary De Vrije Roomys with every burger purchased.   Add on: Smoked chilli sauce: R12.50 Melrose and Biltong: R35 Bacon - 3 rashers: R30   Extras: Hand-cut Tjips: R45 Have it: BBQ spice dusted: +R7.50 Cheezy: +R25 Peri-Peri: +R17.50 Onion Rings: +R45 Basson and Son soft drinks: R40  

John Van Zyl is a chef who likes to fly under the radar. Don’t expect TV shows, branded cookware or product endorsement deals. Rather, he just quietly goes about his business serving up some of the best food South Africa has to offer. Until recently you had to drive for an hour from Cape Town to taste Van Zyl’s cooking, and the winelands setting in the Elgin Valley is certainly a wonderful way to take a deep dive into the small plates he’s cooking up at The Melting Pot. And while his Elgin restaurant remains worth the trip for its concise menu of globally-inspired small plates, at Time Out Market Cape Town he brings a whole new take on the Melting Pot experience. Here, Van Zyl turns his focus to the Cape’s bountiful seafood while drawing plenty of inspiration from his own travels abroad. That could mean tuna sashimi with fermented black bean dressing, coconut and mint, through to beer-battered hake sliders with smoked potato purée and (of course) a best-in-class tartar sauce. In a city famous for its seafood, Van Zyl sets the bar high with his concise menu of superb small plates.  THE MELTING POT SEAFOOD MENU Linefish Sashimi R140 (Fermented black bean dressing, coconut, mint) Peruvian Mixed Seafood ceviche R145 (Butternut purée, tortilla chips) Beetroot-cured Salmon R140 (Mint & dill yoghurt dressing, dill pickled cucumber) Chargrilled Octopus R135 (Cauliflower purée, bacon shrimp XO dressing) Fried Fish Tacos R120 (Smoked potato aioli, tartar sauce, house pickles, shredded

As parents grapple with yet another string of school holidays, the good news is that Cape Town’s favourite pop culture festival returns to the city this weekend, as Comic-Con Cape Town rolls into the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 1-4 May. And this year, Comic Con Cape Town is making it even more epic for families with the KidsCon Zone. Look forward to four jam-packed days of cosplay, gaming, meet-and-greets, and kid-focused fun, designed to entertain fans of every age. “Comic Con is for everyone,” says show director Carla Massmann, and that includes little superheroes, sidekicks, and their costumed families. Here’s what’s on offer:  Character Meet and Greets Bring the kids to say hello to some of their favourite pop culture characters — from Mario & Luigi and The Smurfs to Geoffrey the Giraffe and viral YouTube duo Noodle & Bun. Expect plenty of photo ops and high-fives all-round. Toys R Us Shopping Experience The Toys R Us activation will feature exclusive toys and collectibles from brands like LEGO, Funko, Marvel, Barbie, and more. There will be demos, limited editions and a chance to buy what you just played with. Parents, lock up your credit cards. Daily Kids Cosplay Competition Whether it’s homemade threads or a store-bought masterpiece, young fans can show off their best character looks in the daily cosplay competitions on the Comic Con main stage. There are two shows a day, with great prizes up for grabs. Freak Marbles Racing Championship Fast fingers

Opera fans… hold onto your theatre glasses. This May, Cape Town Opera unveils a striking new retelling of Verdi's classic, AIDA, at the Artscape Opera House. Directed by Artistic Director Magdalene Minnaar, this reimagining of the iconic opera is done through a lens of Afro-futurism, exploring love, betrayal, and cultural identity in a modern context. The all-South African cast is led by acclaimed soprano Nobulumko Mngxekeza in the title role, alongside rising star Nonhlanhla Yende as Amneris. Choreographed by Gregory Maqoma and featuring dancers from Jazzart, this production brings emotional intensity and powerful movement to the opera stage, while the 52-member Cape Town Opera Chorus and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Kamal Khan, provide the musical backbone. Look forward to a visual feast of geometric set design, immersive lighting and bold costumes. Aida will be performed in Italian with surtitles in English and isiXhosa. With a soaring score, visionary direction, and a uniquely local creative team, this is one Cape Town opera event you don't want to miss. Aida runs at the Artscape Opera House where: Friday 23 May at 7pm Sunday 25 May at 3pm Tuesday 27 May at 7pm Thursday 29 May at 7pm Saturday 31 May at 3pm. Tickets to AIDA cost from R190 through Webtickets. Advance booking is highly recommended. No children under five years old are permitted. Are you ready for Comic-Con Cape Town? A Sith Lord cometh…

If the last few years of torrential rain have taught us anything, it's that winter in Cape Town is no joke. Unless, that is, you've bagged yourself a ticket for the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival! Now in its 26th outing, this month-long celebration of comedy and variety returns to the Baxter Theater from 2 to 29 June 2025, with a laugh-out-loud collection of local and international comedy talent. Two standout international acts are magician Charlie Caper, winner of Sweden's Got Talent, and Campagnia Baccala, the award-winning Cirque du Soleil clown sensation from Italy. They'll join a stellar local line-up, including Robby Collins, Kagiso Mokgadi, Alan Committie, Tumi Morake, Dalin Oliver, Emo and Loukmaan Adams, The Big Boys, and the newly crowned champion from the Jive Funny Championships which takes place in May. Founded by publicist Eddy Cassar in 1997, the Funny Festival celebrates freedom of speech and the vibrancy of South Africa's comedy scene. "We phased out importing stand-up comics from the UK and US as the local stand-up industry is thriving," says Cassar. "Our audience views the Funny Festival as a great night out." And it turns out that even the Mayor of Cape Town is keen on a chuckle! "Cape Town's biggest and best comedy event, the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival, never fails to bring laughter and smiles to many, many Capetonians," says Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. "And this year's program looks to be one of the best yet. I urge all Capetonians who love comedy and th

Cape Town's favorite after-hours arts experience is stepping out, and from this week – Thursday, 1 May – First Thursdays will kick off in Stellenbosch . This vibey university town is the perfect locale for the debut Winelands outing of First Thursdays , and the historic heart of South Africa's second-oldest town will come alive from 5pm to 8pm, with galleries, design stores, and wine bars throwing open their doors for an evening of culture, shopping, and sipping. The launch program is centered around the charming, walkable Church Street precinct, with restaurants and bars staying open later for those who want to keep the vibe going. Stellenbosch's historic center makes a natural fit for First Thursdays, thanks to its rich mix of cultural institutions, independent businesses, and beautiful streets made for walking. Organizers hint that the program will expand over time, but for now, the focus is on a few tightly curated blocks. Highlights for art lovers include stops at Oude Leeskamer, SMAC Gallery, GUS, Vincent Da Silva Gallery, and the Art & Wine Lounge. Design lovers can browse SAD, Made In Africa, Me&B, Stellenbosch Books, and Courage. Need a bite to eat? Grab a glass at Bartinney Wine & Champagne Bar or settle in at Wijnhuis or De Warenmarkt. Check out the full program for First Thursdays Stellenbosch over here. But don't worry, while First Thursday Stellenbosch sets the Eikestad abuzz, the much-loved Cape Town original will still take place as usual. And organizers hin

Cape wine lovers, raise a glass! Hasher Family Wines in the scenic Hemel-en-Aarde Valley has been crowned Winery of the Year at the 2025 London Wine Competition . The boutique estate from the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus wowed an international panel of sommeliers, wine buyers and judges with its Ernest Pinot Noir winning plaudits and the top trophy at the eighth outing for this international wine award. Unlike many other wine shows that focus purely on what's in the glass, the judging at the London Wine Competition also factors in quality, value and packaging. A little bit like we all do when deciding which bottle off the shelf is going to deliver bang for our buck. Hasher's Ernest Pinot Noir impressed the judges with its peppery spice, chewy tannins, and sleek modern design. "Very 'now' modern expressive packaging," noted UK importer David Harvey, while fellow judge Francesco Fronzo praised its complexity and elegant label design. The win is a proud moment for co-owners Frederik and Céline Haspeslagh. The Ernest Pinot Noir – named after their eldest son – reflects the winery's ethos of blending traditional techniques with contemporary flair. "This recognition from the London Wine Competition is a meaningful moment for us," says Celine, co-owner of Hasher Family Wines. "It inspires us to keep sharing our passion with wine lovers across the world. We look forward to welcoming you to the farm and raising a glass of Ernest together." Can't make it to the Hemel-en-Aa

Grab your phone, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to explore Cape Town's rich natural heritage: the City Nature Challenge 2025 kicks off today (Friday, April 25), and for one long weekend, entry to all 16 City-run nature reserves is completely free. That's a day out at Rondevlei, Helderberg, or Rietvlei for nothing ! Mahala ! Now in its 10th year, the global City Nature Challenge is a friendly competition among over 2000 cities worldwide, each vying to document as much local biodiversity as possible using the free iNaturalist app. The theme for the 2025 Challenge is 'Bring the Globe Together for Biodiversity' and invites everyone – from seasoned twitchers to first-time nature lovers – to snap, upload, and contribute to a global snapshot of urban wildlife. "This challenge is about documenting the wildlife in our city," said Alderman Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment. "Capetonians are spoiled for choice with an array of nature reserves and conservation areas. Access to the City's nature reserves will be free from 25 April until 28 April 2025 for those taking part in the challenge." Getting involved is as easy as taking a photo of any wild plant or animal (your pet dog or cat doesn't count) and uploading it to the iNaturalist app. You'll need a smartphone (or a camera connected to the internet), GPS switched on, and an eye for nature's finest. The iNaturalist app is available for download on Android or iOS, and

After being lucky to escape with a victory last weekend, the DHL Stormers return to home turf on Saturday, 26 April 2025, as they take on Italian side Benetton in a high-stakes United Rugby Championship fixture at DHL Stadium in Green Point. Kick-off is at 18:15, with gates opening two hours earlier at 16:15. After a scrappy win against Connacht last week, fans are expected to turn out in full force to back John Dobson’s boys in blue. And you know what that means, right? Traffic jams, like only Cape Town can manage. With a busy weekend on the cards across the city, spectators are being urged to plan ahead to avoid traffic headaches and parking woes. Due to limited parking around the stadium, fans are encouraged to park in the CBD and either stroll along the Fan Walk or take advantage of the free MyCiTi shuttle service that will be running exclusively for ticket holders. These shuttles will operate between the Civic Centre and Thibault Square stations and the stadium, with services starting from 15:45. After the match, the last buses will depart from the stadium at 22:15. Free parking is available for those using the MyCiTi buses from 10:00 at the Civic Centre, accessible via Hertzog Boulevard or Civic Road on a first-come, first-served basis. Paid parking is also available at Parkalot on Jack Craig Street and at Harbour Arch on Harbour Arch Boulevard. Because here’s the thing: it’s not just rugby drawing crowds to the city this weekend. The Cape Town International Jazz Festiv

With the cool days of autumn settling in on the Mother City, authorities have called time on summer swimming as pools close and lifeguards climb down from their watchtowers for the season. Cape Town’s beach and pool lifeguards officially wrapped up their duties for the 2024-2025 summer season on Monday, 21 April, and many seasonal swimming pools are now closed to the public. Public swimming pools across the city are now closed until spring, with only five pool facilities remaining open year-round. If you fancy a dip, you’ll have to head to Blue Downs, Long Street, Retreat, Strand, and Sea Point. Feeling brave? You could always brave one of these awesome tidal pools close to Cape Town? Although it’s outdoors and alongside the chilly Atlantic, Sea Point is always a hit with locals and visitors. Nearly 4000 swimmers visited on Boxing Day (26 December) alone! It was certainly a busy season for the city pools, with over 660,000 people laying out their towels, and nearly two-thirds of them children. Keeping them safe was a team of lifeguards, who are now off-duty for the winter. It was a busy season for Cape Town’s water safety teams, which responded to dozens of emergencies across beaches and pools, saving many people from drowning. But with the lifeguards off duty until next summer, the City is urging swimmers to remain cautious. “Don’t become another statistic,” said Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health. “Avoid isolated beaches,

Passengers on board British Airways flight BA58 endured a tense few hours on Wednesday night when their aircraft, en route to London, was forced to make an emergency return to Cape Town International Airport after smoke was reported in the cockpit. The Airbus A350 had departed Cape Town shortly after 7pm local time, but less than two hours into the flight, while flying over Namibia, and shortly before Windhoek, the crew declared an emergency and turned the plane back to the Mother City. The aircraft landed safely just after 10pm, with four fire engines on standby at the airport. Photograph: Flightradar24 JP Smith, the City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, confirmed the incident on Facebook. "Our emergency services were put to the test... with four of our major fire pumps on standby," said Smith. "Fortunately, the pilots were able to shut down the engines and fuel supply after landing, and the plane was escorted to a parking area where passengers waited to disembark safely." Let's hope the mechanics on the ground give the aircraft a good once-over here in Cape Town because flight data from Flightradar24 shows that the same aircraft—G-XWBG—was involved in a similar incident just two days earlier. On 14 April, flight BA59 took off from London bound for Cape Town, but once it reached Algeria did an about-turn and returned to London, landing in the early hours of the morning. Photograph: Flightradar24                                             

In a galaxy not so far away – OK, it’s the Cape Town International Convention Centre – Star Wars legend Ian McDiarmid is set to make an intergalactic landing in May, with Comic-Con Cape Town confirming that the celebrated Scottish actor will be attending this year’s edition of the hugely popular pop culture festival. Best known as Emperor Palpatine and his Sith alter ego Darth Sidious, McDiarmid will be on stage at Comic-Con Cape Town on 3 and 4 May, right on cue for the global Star Wars day on May Fourth.  McDiarmid first appeared as the villainous Emperor in Return of the Jedi and went on to bring his imposing presence to The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. He will be joining fans for a weekend packed with Q&A sessions, autograph signings, and photo ops… a rare chance for local fans to meet the man behind one of cinema’s greatest villains. “Star Wars has had a significant impact on modern culture, with references deeply embedded in today’s popular culture. Phrases such as ‘Jedi mindtrick’ and of course ‘May the force be with you’ are common phrases that resonate with a wide spectrum of people,” says Carla Massmann, the festival’s Show Director. “Star Wars helped to launch science fiction as a genre capable of producing blockbuster films, and its special effects are known to have been state-of-the-art. The films pioneered the launch of computer-generated imagery in film”. This year, the Force will be strong at Comic-Con, with 4 May promising a f

With its cobbled streets, colorful homes and rich Malay culture, the Bo-Kaap is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cape Town. But this historic neighborhood is also a living community, not a theme park, and now residents say they have had enough of over-sized tour buses clogging up the steep streets of their 'hood. Authorities agree, and big tour buses will soon be taking a short left to detour around Bo-Kaap as the City of Cape Town rolls out new restrictions aimed at reducing congestion and improving road safety in the neighbourhood. From later this month, buses with 36 seats or more will no longer be allowed to enter Upper Wale Street, one of the main access routes into Bo-Kaap. The move comes amid ongoing concerns from residents about traffic snarl-ups caused by hefty tour buses navigating the area's notoriously narrow and steep streets. "The environment on Upper Wale Street in Bo-Kaap cannot accommodate the movement of big tour buses," said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councilor Rob Quintas. "Those who are familiar with the Bo-Kaap are well aware of the steep and narrow roads. Given the area's geometrical challenges, the entry of large tour buses will have to be restricted to ensure the free movement of general traffic into and from the area.” Instead, new designated stop-and-drop zones are being introduced along Buitengracht Street. An existing parking area south of Wale Street will become a drop-off point for large buses, while a

If you've been wondering why the traffic was a little slow on the freeways into town this week, it's likely because all eyes were on the shapely lines of the cruise ship tied up at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal.  With the signature black and white hull, and red funnel towering above the quayside, Cunard's Queen Anne made her maiden visit to Cape Town on April 9, stopping off in the Mother City on the final stretch of a 153-day world cruise. The arrival of Queen Anne – which entered service in 2024 as the latest addition to Cunard's iconic fleet of ships and ocean liners – docked in the Mother City on April 10, marking a milestone for both the cruise line and the city's growing reputation as a global cruise hub. Sailing in from Durban, the Queen Anne is the 249th vessel to carry the Cunard flag, joining the ranks of Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria. But this visit is particularly notable: it's the first time Queen Anne has docked in Cape Town, following last year's historic moment when two Cunard ships – Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria – were berthed in the 'Tavern of the Seas' at the same time. "Wesgro extends a very warm welcome to Queen Anne," said Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro and spokesperson for Cruise Cape Town. "This occasion highlights Cape Town and the Western Cape's growing status as a premier cruise destination," adding that cruise tourism contributed an estimated R1.2 billion to the Western Cape economy in the 2023/24 season, supporting local