A Guide for a Cape Town First Timer

Cape Town is packed with good food, adventure, and culture. Similar to San Diego in it’s laid back coastal lifestyle, it has a rich history and elements of deep roots of Africa.

To Eat:

There are so many amazing dining experiences in this city, you really can’t go wrong. Here’s a few to add to the list:

The Pot Luck Club – rooftop dining

This place is amazing. Located in the Old Biscuit Mill, it has beautiful views of the waterfront and Table Mountain. Food is sharing style, and each dish is unique and packed with flavor. The wine list is extensive and local, and the ambiance is cool.

The Food Barn – lunch after the beach

If you're visiting Cape Town in the summer and looking for a quick bite to eat after a day at the beach, look no further.

The Greenhouse Restaurant – tasting menu but local dishes

The Greenhouse Restaurant advertises as a “modern, South African experience.” Even if you’re not always keen on tasting menus, this is a good one to try for a new taste on traditional flavors and local ingredients.

Nourish'd – vegan café

This might not be an option for everyone, but it's worth throwing in here. Cape Town is home to eclectic flavors and now modernized healthy cuisine.

Willoughby and Co – on the waterfront

Cape Town is an excellent spot for seafood, and Willoughby and Co. does the job. This restaurant has been the perfect location for our big family dinners each time we go. There's something for everyone.

Thali – Indian food

This restaurant is an intimate setting for delicious Indian dishes. It is beautifully decorated and offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

La Colombe

Not only does this restaurant offer inventive French-Asian cuisine, but they also have small-batch house gin – an African specialty. A bit of a trek to get to but well worth it.

Bo-Kaap Kombuis

If you’re like us and like eating as authentic as possible, here's your spot. Nothing fancy but all-encompassing of traditional Cape Malay Cuisine, this restaurant will surely give you a taste of the culture.

Ons Huisie for Cape Malay Fish Curry

Ons Huisie is located right by the water and APPARENTLY has fantastic Cape Malay Fish Curry. This is another traditional dish that you must try when visiting Cape Town.

Gordon's Bay for fresh fish

Gordon's Bay is actually a location, not a restaurant, but it's known for its fresh fish. You can't go wrong picking a spot for a quick bite about 45 minutes outside the city.

The Waterside

A modern sister restaurant to La Colombe and located at the V&A waterfront. The tasting menu curated for large groups will not disappoint.

Salsify

Salsify is located at the Round House overlooking Camps Bay and offers an extensive tasting menu that will blow your mind.

The Lawn at the Round House

Perfect for summer sips and beautiful views.

The Bailey

Located in town, this old school French restaurant has delicious food and a fun lounge located on the top floor.

A few more for good measure:

Sonny & Irene’s
Lily’s
Clarke’s
Utopia
The Nines
Caprice
Ariel

And some good bars:

Asoka (lounge)
Willaston Bar (bar with a view Silo Hotel)
Tobagos Bar and Terrace (by seaport)
Cafe Caprice (right next to the beach)
Grand Africa (beach front)
Chinchilla (rooftop)

food to try:

Koesisters

Koeksisters and Koesisters are a similar traditional treat. However, Koesisters are the Cape Malay version. These sweet coconut-and-spice-covered fried dough balls light up fireworks in your mouth. Don't pass up an opportunity to try them. Traditionally they are served on Sundays.

Cape Malay Curry

There's a lot of Southeast Asian influence in Cape Town, with curry being one of them. There are a few different types of this curry, such as fish, vegetables, and meat. Each one is packed with flavor and tradition.

Rooibos Tea

Known for its detox and antioxidant benefits, this herbal tea is grown in South Africa. You should be able to find it at any café or restaurant. Give it a try!

Jack Black Beer

Jack Black is a locally brewed craft beer. Head to the brewery for a pint and a bite to eat, or find it at pretty much any bar or restaurant.

To Do:

Spend the day or see a sunset at Camp's Bay

Camp's Bay is known for its wind sand beach, cute cafes, and dramatic views of Table Top Mountain. There are many hotels and restaurants. Grab a drink and watch the swimmers or take a picnic. One of our favorite things to do here is watching the sunset. You'll get lovely pinks and purples surrounding the mountain.

Cape of Good Hope

Although it is often mentioned as the most southern tip of Africa, this might not be true. However, it's still a great place to visit and enjoy beautiful views and nature. When driving into this national park, you might see windsurfers on your left and a zebra or ostrich on your right. Head to the lighthouse to see the dramatic seaside. There are three ways to get there – the jagged stairs from the coast, the paved road from the carpark, and the funicular – difficulty in that order. No matter the route you choose, beware of the wind. It nearly blows you off your feet.

Visit Simon's Town for lunch

After taking in some breathtaking views, head back towards Cape Town through Simon's Town. This seaside village is a lovely spot to stop for lunch or souvenirs.

Go by Boulders Beach to see penguins

After refueling your stomachs, take a short drive down to Boulder's Beach to see the famous South African Penguins. These endangered species of penguins play in the Atlantic waves and make their home in the sandhills. While you can't go on to the beach with them, you can take a walk down a small path for an up-close look at these funny guys.

Hike Table Mountain (or take the tram)

I would HIGHLY suggest hiking to the top of Table Mountain. The "easy" trail usn't all that easy, but it isn't bad! And based on what I've heard about the "hard" route, I'm glad we decided to undermine our hiking abilities. The easy hike takes about 2-2.5 hours and can be accessed just a way down the road from the cable car station. Look out for signs for Platteklip Gorge Trail. The views were incredible, and we couldn't have asked for a better day. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and water.

The other option is to take the cable car to the top. The car runs basically all day. However, one year we visited, it was down, so plan accordingly if this is your only visit to Cape Town. The cable car takes gives you a smooth(ish) ride to the top, where you can explore this flat peak.

Wander through a market

If you’re visiting Cape Town on a Saturday use your time wisely by wandering through one of the Saturday markets. The Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill (also home to The Potluck Club mentioned above) houses artisanal treats and good food. The Oranjezicht City Farm Market is a cozy nonprofit farm celebrating culture and community.

Visit the V&A waterfront

Another Cape Town classic is visiting the V&A waterfront. This area is home to restaurants, shops, and a Ferris wheel. Enjoy a meal here or spend the day wandering the mall and various other attractions.

Cage dive with Great Whites

Unlike my other suggestions, I can't say I have any personal experience with this one even after my 4th visit to Cape Town. BUT it is quite a popular activity. The water will be pretty brisk, but the experience will be well worth it. Options range from half to full-day excursions. Check out some options here.

Head out to wine country

Stellenbosch is known for its pure South African wine. Take a day trip or spend a few days at some of the lovely lodges. Don't be afraid to bring some home. We love Jordan Winery and Waterford estates, but their are countless to choose from.

Visit the infamous Robben Island

Once a leper colony, then village, then prison housing Nelson Mandela, this island combines history and nature. Take a tour of the prison and keep your eye out for tortoise, birds, and more African penguins. Take a look at the tour options here.