Cape Town is a haven for foodies

Fusing diverse cultures, incorporating fresh locally sourced ingredients and prepared by skilled passionate cooks, the food is one of Cape Town’s top attractions.

With more restaurants claiming international awards than ever (Wolfgat in Paternoster just walked away with the Restaurant of the Year title at the World Restaurant Awards in February), more Capetonian chefs stepping onto the world stage (Jan Hendrik Van Der Westhuizen became the first South African chef to receive a Michelin star in 2016) and the majority of the country’s top 10 restaurants being located in the Mother City, it’s no surprise that Cape Town is becoming a regular on lists of must-visit foodie cities.

Most recently the destination was included on National Geographic Traveller Food’s list of 17 of the world’s culinary hotspots. In 2016, Cape Town was rated the Best City for Restaurants and Bars and Best Food City in the World by Conde Nast. “Cape Town’s reputation has been growing for years. These awards underscore that Cape Town is the perfect city to enjoy a culinary adventure that is unparalleled. Food is an essential element of tourism and we are proud of our local restaurant industry for adding such value to the tourism sector,” says Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism.

Duminy attributes the achievements to a generous and diverse offering of local food but adds that like all 21st-century global cities, Cape Town boasts a wide array of restaurants serving some of the finest fares from around the world. “Some of the most unexpected and delicious tastes from around the world, you can find right here in Cape Town,” he adds. What’s more, Duminy says South Africa’s exchange rate is extremely favourable to international visitors making it possible to enjoy affordable luxury, especially when it comes to foodie experiences.

Why Cape Town is my foodie heaven

Duminy as well as two restaurant industry insiders dish on what makes the Mother City a top foodie destination.

Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism

Cape Town represents something for everyone, whether you want the nostalgic tastes of your mom’s cooking or you want to go out on a limb and try some wacky new combination of ingredients. Each neighbourhood has a selection you won’t find anywhere else. Couple your food and beverages with glorious sunsets and perhaps local musicians to entertain you and you won’t be disappointed.

Here are two unique experiences I suggest:

• Dine on a floating restaurant, the first of its kind in Cape Town: The Alba restaurant boat. It serves brunch, lunch, sunset canapes, high tea and dinners on the water while cruising around the V&A Waterfront.

• Learn how to brew the perfect cup of coffee: Origin Coffee Roasters was one of the original companies involved in kickstarting the coffee movement in South Africa some years ago. Its skilled baristas have perfected the art of making a good cup of coffee and now you too can enlist in one of these short courses to learn what goes into making that perfect cup of joe.

Zola Nene, TV chef and cookbook author

I love living in Cape Town and boasting about its awesomeness as the foodie capital of South Africa. It’s where the majority of the country’s top 10 restaurants reside and I’d definitely recommend visiting at least one of these for a refined dining experience.

There are so many great places, but I’d have to say my top three must-visit restaurants are Pot Luck Club, Upper Bloem (which describes itself as “a quintessentially Capetonian restaurant” that serves up small plates inspired by the city’s mix of cultures) and Thali (for fine modern Indian cuisine).

Linda Scarborough, editor of South Africa’s best food guide, Eat Out

Restaurants in Cape Town really showcase the incredible produce that’s available from our oceans, farms and winelands. It’s so easy to find fresh, seasonal food in the city—whether you’re looking for bao, sushi, tapas, burgers or gatsbys! (A gatsby is a popular fast food originating in the Western Cape. It’s basically a footlong sandwich crammed full of cold meats and French fries).

Having an unforgettable food experience is as easy as pulling on a pair of walking shoes. Bree Street and Kloof Street are culinary hotspots offering so much variety that’s best discovered on foot. There are also vibrant markets to check out for fresh produce and delicious treats to enjoy right there: Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock on Saturdays; Oranjezicht City Farm Market at the V&A Waterfront on Saturdays and Sundays; and Mojo Market in Sea Point, which is open from 8am–11pm seven days a week.

Depending on the kind of experience you’re after, I’d recommend the Pot Luck Club for totally delicious, fun sharing plates and amazing views from the top of an old mill in a grungy district (Woodstock)—plus it’s easier to get into than its famous neighbour, The Test Kitchen! The unassuming La Tête in Cape Town’s city bowl is for more adventurous diners who might be partial to brains on toast or the best fish sandwich of their lives, and Chef Warehouse at Beau Constantia is more special and elegant, and just too beautiful with views of the sun setting over the sprawling city.