Rhino Africa’s Top 5 Cape Town Restaurants & Bars 2014

It being 14 February, we dedicate this year’s foodie list to the romantics of the persistent kind. The crazy beautiful ones with enough staying power to watch The Notebook, Message in a Bottle and P.S I love you in one sitting. The consistently broken-hearted who are still pining for their ex, playing Adele’s ‘Someone I used to Know‘ on repeat. The wake-me-up-with-a-fresh-cuppa-every-day-of-the-week heroes. The flowers-on-Monday-for-no-particular-reason champions.

We can all learn something from these 365-days-of-the-year lovers. Treating every day like it’s Valentine’s Day is not for timid souls, but we’re here to help you achieve the feat because we know what you need to go the distance: food. Not just any food – spectacular food. Virginia Woolf said, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” If our hands weren’t occupied with chocolate croissants, we’d applaud her wise words and if our mouths weren’t noshing another burrito, we’d give her a cheer too.

We’re promoting a seasonless love. Encouraging you to spread the affection out, lay it on thick enough for the other 11 months to get their share. This 14 February and the 364 days that follow, our wish for you reads like two-thirds of Elizabeth Gilbert’s novel, with our favourite pursuit thrown in for good measure:

Eat. Travel. Love

Before we embark on naming the best eateries of 2014, we’d like to give the singletons reading this a shout out. Hola! Maybe there won’t be roses this year, maybe there won’t be confessions of undying love on this rotation around the sun but by Jo, there will be food. There’s really nothing left to say except, “Nom nom nom.”

The Greenhouse – The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel, 93 Brommersvlei Rd, Constantia. This fine establishment emphasises the fusion of modern and traditional, creating original flavours and combinations. Executive chef, Peter Tempelhoff aims for innovation and makes a perfect landing. Read our review. Tel: (021) 794 2137.

Test Kitchen – Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock. For a consecutive year, the Test Kitchen pipped the rest to the post, claiming Eat Out’s Best Restaurant of 2013. Despite this accolade, the Test Kitchen has resisted the temptation of resting on its laurels. With Luke Dale-Roberts at the helm, it is consistent in its evolution, maintaining its superb standard without sacrificing creativity. Read our review. Tel: (021) 447 2337.

Planet Bar & Restaurant – 76 Orange St, Cape Town CBD. It is hard to say whether the food copies the sophistication of the dining room or vice versa but, either way, there’s an elegance present in both. Einstein said, “Everything should be made as simple as possible and not simpler.” Head chef, Rudi Liebenberg would agree. He belongs to the ‘less is more’ fraternity, paying homage to fresh, local ingredients. Read our review. Tel: (021) 483 1000.

Pot Luck Club – Top floor, The Silo Building, The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock. The tapas-style menu of the Test Kitchen’s sister restaurant is divided into taste extravaganzas: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. An amalgamation of flavours and textures, Luke Dale-Roberts creates delicious mouthfuls of Asian influenced dishes that are best enjoyed when shared. Tel: (021) 447 0804.

La Colombe – Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate. Hugh sigh of relief. The rumours aren’t true; La Colombe is not closing down on account of the sale of the farm. Alive, kicking and churning out meals fit for a king, we’re honoured to include La Colombe on our list. “La Colombe is without doubt the best restaurant I’ve eaten at. It’s a cliché, but it really is an experience.”  Read our review. (021) 422–0765.

Kitima – 140 Main Rd, Kronendal Estate, Hout Bay. Ask a discerning palate where to get the best Asian cuisine in Cape Town and the answer will be – more often than not – Kitima. The vote of confidence is warranted. Kitima celebrates the best that Thailand has to offer. If you’ve never ventured that far, take it from us – the country is dripping in artful combinations. Tel: (021) 790 8004.

Willoughby and Co – Lower Level, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront. The near constant queue is testament to the quality that leaves Willoughby’s kitchens. Rewarding your patience with generosity, Willoughby’s dishes up impressive portions of line-fish and handsome helpings of the best wedges in the city. For those who are more tempted by raw fish, the extensive sushi menu will not disappoint. Tel: (021) 418 6115.

Bombay Brasserie – Wale St, Taj Hotel, Cape Town CBD. The best films and books take you to a different time and place with the benefit of never having to leave home. The best dining experiences do the same. Bombay Brasserie’s elegant dinning room will transport you to India long before its mouthwatering dishes are placed in front of you. Read the review. Tel: (021) 819 2000.

Nobu – One&Only Hotel, V & A Waterfront. The queen of pop (Madonna, for those of you who were thinking of Lady Gaga) hit the nail on the head when she said, “You can tell how fun a city is going to be if Nobu has a restaurant in it.” When the mere presence of a restaurant serves as a reference for a city, you know it’s something special. That something is classical Japanese cuisine with nuances of Cape Town. Read our review. Tel: (021) 431 4511.

Saigon – Corner of Camp & Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town CBD. It is fitting that Saigon is on a prominent corner of the bustling Kloof Street because the energy and ambiance reflects the restaurant’s namesake, now known as Hoi Chi Minh City. If you’re craving those spring-rolls you sampled in Hoi An without going the distance, then Saigon is your answer. Tel: (021) 424 7670.

Sevruga – Quay 5, V&A Waterfront. Shopping is no hardship but, a few hours in, we all need a break from the retail therapy. Look no further. The crisp elegance and sophistication of Sevruga is restorative, its fresh food rejuvenating. “The setting is sublime – vivid colours, yachty totty, sea air and Table Mountain looming in the background.” Read our review. Tel: (021) 421 5134.

Simon’s – Groot Constantia Estate. Sometimes we pretend that we own the 300 year old wine estate surrounding Simon’s. It’s silly, we know, but it’s difficult not to when you’re positioned on the gorgeous terrace, sipping a glass of white, waiting for one of Simon’s delectable creations. Tel: (021) 794 1143.

Bistro Sixteen82 – Steenberg Estate, Tokai. Every Friday afternoon there’s a scramble to get 1 of 10 Steenburgers on offer at Bistro Sixteen82. Why the rush? Wagyu Beef, foie gras, black truffle and aioli on a roasted, home-made bun with a helping of fries. We’re not sure whether the bistro is playing with us by making so few – adopting a policy of keeping it mean to keep us keen. All we know is that when Friday rolls around, we want one and badly! Tel: (021) 713 2211.

Rhodes Memorial – Table Mountain National Park behind Rhodes Memorial, Newlands. In the past few years Rhodes Memorial has become lackluster, leaning too heavily on its view, letting its food slip below par. With that said, if any view can single-handedly keep a place running, it is this one! The menu should generally be avoided but there’s no harm in soaking up the vistas with a G & T in hand. Tel: (021) 687 0000.

Cape Point Vineyards – Cape Point Vineyards, Silvermine Road, Noordhoek. We’re going to go out on a limb and recommend the Cape Point Vineyards restaurant before we’ve sampled the food. Before there’s a revolt, hear us out. The unanimous reviews tell us that it’s a safe bet and, besides, we’re familiar with its most prized asset: the view overlooking Noordehoek beach. Tel: (021) 789 0900.

Babel – Babylonstoren Wine Farm, Simondium Rd, Klapmuts. Simply exquisite. Babylonstoren will plaster a smile on your face and leave it there for the whole day. Babylonstoren itself extends beyond its world-class restaurant, Babel, with The Greenhouse where you can dine under the trees and enjoy meals that exhibit a wholesome farm-to-fork philosophy, and the extensive fruit and vegetable gardens to lose yourself in. Babylonstoren leaves its competitors in its dust. Read more about Babylonstoren here. Tel: (021) 863 3852.

Waterkloof – Sir Lowry’s Pass, Village Rd, Somerset West. Waterkloof flips the stereotypical wine estate on its head, foregoing old-world charm for a contemporary masterpiece. On arriving, it seems improbable that Waterkloof’s food could live up to the architectural feats of its building or steal attention from its incomparable view, but the food surprises, and is worthy of the highest recommendation in its own right. Tel: (021) 858 1491.

Delaire Graff  – Delaire Graff Wine Estate, Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch. Parents shouldn’t have favourite children but we all know they secretly do. On the same note, maybe we shouldn’t love one of the wine estates on our list more than the others but we can’t help it – such is our adoration for Delaire Graff. And it’s home to two restaurants – Indochine and the Delaire Graff Estate Restaurant. Tel: (012) 885 8160.

Overture – Hidden Valley Wine Estate, Annandale Rd, Stellenbosch. “Overture is a very fine restaurant indeed, in one of the most spectacular parts of South Africa. I cannot wait to return.” Read the review. Tel 021 880 2721.

Pierneef à La Motte – La Motte Wine Estate, R45 Main Rd, Franschhoek. Shoplifting its name from the great South African painter, Pierneef has pride of place with a touch of French flamboyance. Pair the meticulously prepared food with some of the best wine in South Africa and the result is a meal to remember. Tel: (021) 876 8800.

Bungalow – Glen Country Club, 3 Victoria Road. We were tempted to include this swanky joint in the drinks category but its uninterrupted view of the Atlantic slapped us in the face, reminding us that Bungalow’s rightful place is among the best real estate in Cape Town. Between Camps Bay and Clifton, Bungalow presents Mediterranean dishes  for those who have worked up an appetite by lazing on white sand beaches. Tel: (021) 438 2018.

The Azure Restaurant & Leopard Bar – Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Camps Bay. “Their bar definitely cuts no corners, with exquisite Martinis and a great selection of vodkas, cognacs and port, as well as several wines and cocktails. Heck – the bartenders will even throw together a cocktail of your choice – just name the ingredients!” Read our review. Tel: (021) 437 9000.

Harbour House – Off Main Road, Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalk Bay. If the motion of the ocean is what floats your boat then Habour House is a must, with waves crashing just short of its wide windows. Our advice: prepare for your dinner by spending an hour or two in the lounge, cocktail in hand, staring at the ocean before the seafood divides your attention. Tel: (021) 788 4133.

KOI – 34 Victoria Rd, Bantry Bay. Johannesburg is the proud parent of KOI, which quickly multiplied to include three restaurants in the city of gold. Bantry Bay’s KOI is easily comparable to its older siblings in its attention to detail and pazazz but its view of the Atlantic distinguishes it, earning it the title of best in the family. Tel: (021) 439 7258.

Roundhouse – Kloof Rd, The Glen, Camps Bay. Built as a guardhouse in 1786 by the Dutch East India Company to watch for approaching enemies, the Roundhouse has unparalleled views of Camps Bay and the 12 Apostles mountain range. All the advantages of the vantage point remain without any of the fear of attack. For a relaxed atmosphere, make a beeline for the Rumbullion, an outside venue with a tapas menu. Those who wish to feel like royalty should saunter up to the Roundhouse restaurant. Tel: (021) 438 4347.

Hemelhuijs – 71 Waterkant St. Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day so best you do it in style. Home made potato rösti with salmon gravidlax and soft poached egg definitely suffices. It’s the kind of meal that makes you second guess taking a sip of your drink because you’re cherishing the taste of your last bite. Tel: (021) 418 2042.

Jason’s Bakery – Cnr Bloem and Bree St. Write this down. Doughssants, 8am every Saturday at Jason’s Bakery. Don’t have paper? Ink it on your skin. A doughssant combines the best of a doughnut and a croissant. Pecan nut dark chocolate ganache and salted caramel. Blue berries and dark chocolate. Just two of the encyclopedia of combinations that happen every Saturday. For more delicacies that’ll make your mouth water, follow @jasonbakery. Tel: (021) 424 5644.

Old Biscuit Mill Market – 373-375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town. The spectacular thing about this market is that it gives you an excuse to have anything and everything for breakfast. It’s 9am and you feel like a falafel; go for it! Trust us, you won’t regret it. Tel: (021) 447 8194.

Dear Me – 165 Long Market, Cape Town. The menu at Dear Me reads like a personal wish list for the lactose-intolerant and gluten-resistant. Dear Me caters for vegetarians and vegans without turning away those after a chunk of bacon. Vowing not to compromise your health, weight or wealth, this is the perfect spot if you want to tread (in kilograms and in conscience) a little lighter on the earth. Tel: (021) 422 4920.

Vovo Telo – 60 Kloof St, Cape Town. These artisan bakers have gained acclaim in cities around South Africa. The Surrey Hills – sourdough toast with avo, Danish feta and a poached egg, served with rocket and lemon infused olive oil – is hands down one of our favourite meals to break the fast. Tel: 086 086 8683.

Caprice – 37 Victoria Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town. Caprice transcends trends. The same fashionistas that are hopscotching between the latest hot-spots are still dying to be seen at Caprice because it’s that cool. It always has been. Tel: (021) 438 8315.

Shimmy Beach Club – South Arm Rd, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. The ease with which Shimmy Beach Club entered, and then dominated, Cape Town’s social scene reflects its name – it shimmied. We’ll mention some numbers to persuade you that it’s a good place to lap up a cocktail: 13 metres (that’s the length of the bar on the pool deck), 22 metres (that’s how far you’ll have to swim to reach the other side of the infinity pool). Tel: (021) 200 7778.

The Orphanage – 227 Bree St, Cape Town. Any shindig that describes itself as a cocktail emporium has our full attention and any address that fulfills on its promise by creating mind-blowing fruity concoctions, has our heart. Tel: (021) 424 2004.

Bascule Bar – West Quay Rd, V& A Waterfront. There’s really no reason to talk at the Bascule Bar other than occasionally mumbling the obvious, “Beautiful.” “I love yachts.” “Another whiskey?” The ever-changing view of the yacht arena is enough to keep you entertained, conversation is a personal choice. Tel: (021) 410 7100.

The Grand – 34 Victoria Rd, Camps Bay. Pretense often grips elegance’s hand. The Grand Cafe is refreshing because it separates the two, making it the perfect spot to destroy a cocktail to welcome the weekend in or to see it to a close. Tel: (021) 438 4253.

Deluxe Coffeeworks – Roodehek St, Gardens. This garage of cool is also known as the Yard (when you’re this trendy you can afford to ping-pong between names), during the day the Bitches Tits takes over (the burritos will convert any skeptic to Mexican cuisine) and in the dark hours there are only 30 burgers up for grabs so look sharp. Oh and then there’s the coffee… The coffee. For those unfortunate souls who are yet to sample a Deluxe blend, do yourself a favour, walk past the tables, hook a right and order a cuppa. Tel: 072 569 9579.

Truth – 36 Buitenkant St, Gardens. When the reputation of ‘best coffee shop in the world’ preceeds you, living up to the title can become a little daunting but, even more impressive in person, Truth meets the expectations with a shrug of its shoulders, unaffected by all the hype. “And yes, the coffee is perfect. Strong enough to not need another, creamy enough to leave a delicious and lasting taste.” Read our review. Tel: (021) 200 0440.

Yours Truly, Kloof – 74 Kloof St, Cape Town. There was one in every school. The younger sister who arrives at school full of confidence because her older sibling has shown her the ropes. Yours Truly is that girl; piggy backing on the reputation of the Long Street branch and then surpassing it.” Tel: (021) 422 3788.

Loading Bay – 30 Hudson St, De Waterkant. Of the eclectic mix of food, clothing and, more importantly, coffee, Jon-Paul Bolus explained, “I planned to start an establishment that links passion, simple design, originality and artisan craft.” Whether you’re courting a pair of polished leather shoes or the froth on one of their rich coffees, one thing is certain, you’ll be moseying up to a high quality product. Tel: (021) 425 6320.

Bootlegger – 39-41 Regent Rd, Sea Point. This newbie earns its place alongside the hippest coffee hubs in the city. Bootlegger’s house blend is sourced from Guatemala, Burundi and Costa Rica with the intention of adding Ethiopia and Brazil to the mix. Sea Point has been dying for a good hit of coffee for longer than it deserves and Bootlegger more than answers that craving. Tel: 021 434 0060

Woodlands – 6 Deer Park Avenue West, Vredehoek. Hailing from the renowned Emily Moon in Plettenberg Bay, Larry Steenkamp and his wife Sarah-May took the leap and started their own venture in Cape Town. With Larry’s gastronomic flair and Sarah-May’s artistic eye, the gamble more than paid off and, four years on, the restaurant is hitting its full stride. Read our review.Tel: (021) 801 5799.

El Burro – 81 Main Rd, Green Point, Cape Town. Mexican cuisine has earned a bad rap for being all cheese and carbs. El Burro is murdering the stereotype one taco at a time. The new chilli seared salmon trout served in two flour tortillas with lime aioli, spring onion, coriander, lettuce and avo sprinkled lime salt is sensational! Read our review. Tel: (021) 433 2364.

Societi Bistro – 50 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town. Any authentic bistro that seesaws between inspirations – Italy in summer and France in winter – sparks our interest. A feast for the senses, Societi Bistro focuses on accentuating flavour rather than prettifying dishes which is a philosophy worth praise. Tel: (021) 424 2100.

Orinocos – 17 Bree St, Cnr Prestwich & Bree St, Foreshore, City Bowl. “It’s tasty and fresh and a quick glance into the open kitchen reveals everything is handmade to order. Particular favourites are the warm chorizo in chimichurri sauce, the fusion ceviche, the crispy calamari and the Argentinian empanadas. My advice, go hungry and order a bit of everything to share.” Read our review. Tel: (021) 418 4544. 

La Boheme – 341 Main Rd, Sea Point. When it comes to wine we’re from the order-a-bottle school of thought but there are occasions, like Monday nights, when ordering by the glass is appealing. Offering no less than 60 blends by the glass and matching this extensive selection with hearty meals, this bistro is still one of our most precious finds. Tel: (021) 434 8797.

With Cape Town’s world of gastronomy exploding in the last little while there’s a chance that we’ve missed something so if you have any suggestions, we’d love to hear from you. Be sure to consult this list the next time you’re looking for somewhere to wine and dine in Cape Town. Read our blog for Cape Town’s top vegetarian restaurants and our favourite picnic spots.

Get a taste of the good life and contact us to find out more about the city and to start planning your own tailor-made trip!