Africa On One Plate – Cape Town’s Top African Restaurants

When tasked with finding Africa’s best ethnic restaurants, I resigned myself to a few nights on Long Street jostling with backpackers, paying a premium for exotic, sub-par meals and being bombarded with every colourful African dance cliché around.

So imagine my surprise when I found a fun and vibrant scene where the African influences stretch far beyond our boundaries, where local music thrives and where modern African culture sits cheek by jowl with curious ancient traditions. The Mother City is described as the “melting pot of Africa” and I soon discovered that whatever’s brewing in our pot smells and tastes mighty fine. My pursuit of the perfect dish led me to some of the most interesting and authentic spots in Cape Town. From Ethiopian injera bread to traditional Tanzanian mango chicken, Cape Town offers it all. It also offers some of the finest contemporary dining in the world, so if you’re in the mood for something a little more cosmopolitan, then take a look at some of our other Horny Grazer Restaurant Reviews.

This is the our list of Top 10 African Restaurants in Cape Town (in no particular order). Dig in!

AmaZink

AmaZink, hailed as “South Africa’s First Township Theatre/Restaurant”, is a crash course in South African township hospitality. Think braai food, chakalakka relish and sweet, sticky koeksusters for dessert. As the sun goes down, watch your waiters turn into entertainers as the scene before you transforms and an exhilarating show unfolds, featuring some of South Africa’s most popular musical influences. Fun, laughter and occasional audience participation essential!

Where? 118A Masithandane Street, Khayamandi, Stellenbosch
Tel: +27 21 8897536

Cognito

Cognito exhibits Cape Town’s fusion culture in its decor and atmosphere and its creative menus, inspired by the cuisine of North and East Africa. Expect a relaxed vibe, stylish decor and a list of good wines. The welcoming terrace is ideal for a mid-summer night’s feast.

Where? 137 Dorp Street, Purdon Gilmour Building, Stellenbosch
Tel: +27 21 882 8696

Gold Restaurant

Gold Restaurant offers you a sensory safari through Africa’s assortment of dishes. Let your menu be your road map as you sample everything that this restaurant has to offer. As you arrive, you are greeted with traditional African décor. The atmosphere is warm and hospitable and by the time the Mali puppets start strutting their strings, you’ll never want to leave. A few unique dishes to expect include Zambian imfino patties, North African couscous and chicken pie made in traditional South African style.

Where? 15 Bennett Street, Green Point, 8005
Tel: +27 21 421 4653

Addis in Cape

Addis in Cape is exactly what the name suggests – a taste of Ethiopia right here in the heart of Cape Town. Treat your taste buds to the exotic spices and herbs synonymous with Ethiopian cuisine. The menu offers a diverse selection of non-vegatarian, vegetarian and vegan options, including an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony on request.

Where? 41 Church Street, Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 424 5722

Mzoli’s

Mzoli’s is not for sissies, located in the heart of the bustling township of Gugulethu. It’s all about the meat, as one would expect from a butchery-cum-restaurant. BYOB is permitted, if not encouraged and visitors include a mix of locals, from the township and Cape Town central, as well as celebrities and international travellers looking for a real and unique taste of Cape Town. As Jamie Oliver succinctly stated,  “The lovely meat speaks for itself.”

Where? NY 115, Shop 3, Guguletu, Cape Town

Moyo

Moyo is nestled in the Cape’s majestic winelands on the Spier estate in Stellenbosch. The drive itself is enough to convince anyone to visit this eclectic hotspot. Once you arrive, expect a tantalising buffet menu and superior service. Enjoy your meal in a lush Bedouin tent, or under the stars in a rustic tree house. Moyo provides a uniquely African experience with African face painting and traditional dancers. The buffet includes and assortment of chicken dishes, a very popular kudu-meat stew and a variety of vegetarian options.

Where? Spier, Wine Estate, R310 Lynedoch Road, Stellenbosch
Tel: +27 21 809 1133

The African Café

The African Café was born with the intention of creating a space that would celebrate Africa in all its glory. What began as a small but hopeful enterprise, soon grew into a colourful, vibrant restaurant that caters to all tastes and sensibilities. The mouth-watering menu includes Malawi bbata balls, Congolese spinach and the ever-popular Tzaneen orange and nut cake.

Where? 108 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
Tel: + 27 21 422 0221

Marco’s African Place

Marco’s African Place is located in the kaleidoscope of culture that makes up Cape Town’s Bo Kaap, formerly known as the Malay Quater and where now you can still hear the muezzin’s call to prayer between the colourful houses and down the cobbled streets. An “all-around Africa” inspired menu offers everything from crocodile carpacciou to steamed ox tongue, while energetic African beats will keep you dancing away those calories.

Where? 15 Rose Lane, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 423 5412

The Marimba Restaurant

The Marimba Restaurant has it all – art-winning decor, a wide outdoor terrace, a sleek cigar bar and the largest marimba on the planet! True story! The wooden African xylophone, for which the restaurant is named, inspires the unique theme and design. On selected nights, you’ll have a chance to hear marimba maestro Bongani Sotshononda do his thing while enjoying the best of Africa’s cuisine, served in traditional earthenware pots. Why not try the ‘pojtie’ of the day? Or for the more adventurous, there’s the Egyptian spiced ostrich fillet!

Where? Cape Town International Convention Centre, Foreshore, Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 418-3366

Mama Africa

Mama Africa is not just a restaurant –  it’s an iconic stomping ground, hosting tourists and locals alike. Situated in Cape Town’s buzzing and ever-active Long Street, Mama Africa is well-known for its warm service and bold, authentically African menu. Expect vibrant entertainment, live music, and an all-round good time. After sampling the springbok steak or grilled crocodile, get up and dance with other happy guests.

Where? 50 Long Street, Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 426 1017

So now that you know where to go, all that’s left to do is eat!
The names can get tricky but take a look at our African Food Glossary to better tackle the menu: