“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
― Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own
We’re inclined to agree with Ms Woolf on this one. Dining is a decidedly profound part of the Cape Town experience. Luckily, there are a plethora of mouth-watering venues to satisfy your summer appetite. In part two of our What’s Hot in Cape Town series, we’re highlighting our favourite holiday eateries. Get ready to wine and dine!
Lola’s in Long Street has a reputation for being an iconic Cape Town hotspot. It’s situated on the ground floor of a converted Victorian right in the middle of hubbly-bubbly Long Street – a labyrinth of colour and culture packed with little boutiques, side-street markets and eclectic eateries. The veggie-friendly café is now open every Thursday evening for a seafood and paella feast. Remember to dress for the occasion – Thursdays are theme nights!
For local flavour with a bite, Amazink is where you need to be. This Township Theatre/Restaurant serves authentic “township food”, which for you means barbequed meat and spicy sauces along with sizzling nightly entertainment, showcasing the best of South African culture. Read more about Amazink and other great African-inspired Restaurants in Cape Town here. This is a perfect treat to heat up those summer nights.
There are few things more beautiful than a blazing summer sunset, except maybe for a blazing summer sunset in Cape Town. We’re not the only ones who think so. Whether you’re in mood for epic mountain views or a whiff of salty sea sea, you can bet there’s a restaurant or bar near that’ll be more than happy to provide to with a cold one as you watch the day slip away. Take a look at our Top 5 restaurants and bars for 2012 to give you an idea of where to be this summer.
For the ultimate sundowner experience, we’d suggest you spend your twilight hours at The Grand Café and Beach. Glam, exclusive and oozing luxury, you’ll feel like a bit like a Vogue centrefold as you sip on your Cosmopolitan and look out at the crashing blue waves. Came to the Grand Café to glimpse the sexy side of Cape Town.
“‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the ‘hood, restaurants opened to bring you great food.”
If your find yourself spending Christmas Eve in the Cape, Rick’s Café Americain has a fantastic “night before Christmas” special. Inspired by the 1942 black and white classic, the charming bistro offers an international cuisine in a 100-year-old converted Victorian House. The menu this Christmas Eve is both traditional and startlingly unique, featuring dishes such as slow roasted duckling with apple scented red cabbage, fried serviette dumplings and a dark beer jus. Visit Rick’s and give your taste-buds the ultimate gift this season.
Christmas in the Cape is a sunny affair, with merriment abound and general jollity. For a festive family affair, there’s no better spot than the picturesque Cape Winelands, where a scrumptious afternoon meal awaits at Hazendal Wine Farm, Stellenbosch. The Hertimage Restaurant’s mouth-watering menu ranges from from festive season favourites, such as Smoked Gammon or Roasted Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce to proudly South African dishes, like Cape Malay Bobotie. You could also snack on fresh, unusual alternatives, like a Smoked Chicken and Kiwi Platter. Musical entertainment enhances the mood for a truly sparkling Yuletide celebration.