Chapter 9: Views
Part of Cape Town’s outrageous allure lies in the varied topography you’re exposed to. If skyscrapers or street canals don’t tickle your fancy, the world-class seascapes and mountain views probably will.
Azure
Aptly named after its colouring, Azure brings to mind an ocean palace. But this award-winning, fine dining hotel restaurant offers a diverse French-influenced menu, and an opulent, romantic setting.
Why go?
The breathtaking location is its strongest selling point. It stands along a scenic coastal road that connects the fashionable suburbs of Camps Bay and Llandudno for unadulterated sea views as far as the eye can see.
Azure blends panoramic sea views with a menu of exceptional Cape cuisine, Image Credit: The 12 Apostles Hotel
Details
a: 12 Apostles Hotel, Victoria Road, Camps Bay
w: 12apostleshotel.com/dining-and-drinks/the-azure-restaurant
t: +27 21 437 9000
h: Monday to Sunday, 07h00 – 22h00
Bilboa
A fusion of Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired delicacies, Bilboa prides itself on fresh seafood and sustainable fish.
Why go?
Slap bang in the middle of the action on Camps Bay’s sunset strip, with a first-floor location that gives you spectacular sea views—and takes you out of the buzz downstairs.
Enviable views across the Atlantic Ocean, Image Credit: Bilboa
Details
a: Shop 120, First Floor, The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay
w: bilboa.co.za
t: +27 21 286 5155
e: managers@bilboa.co.za
h: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 23h00; Public Holidays: 12h00 – 23h00
Bistro Sixteen82
Named after the year in which Steenberg Wine Estate was established, Bistro Sixteen82 first opened its doors in 2009 and has been Cape Town’s tapas and bistro-style darling ever since.
Why go?
Bistro fare that’s seasonal, flavourful, and bursts with freshness. The terraced dining area leads into reflective water features, unfurling into views of the magnificent stone mountains and expansive winelands.
Bistro Sixteen82 is surrounded by indigenous gardens and reflective water features, Image Credit: Bistro Sixteen82
Details
a: Steenberg Estate, Steenberg Road, Constantia Valley
w: www.steenbergfarm.com
t: +27 21 205 3866
e: reservations@bistro1682.co.za
h: Breakfast: Monday to Sunday, 09h00 – 11h00
h: Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 15h00
h: Tapas: Monday to Sunday, 17h00 – 22h00
Bungalow
Bungalow has something to appeal to almost everyone’s tastes. Add on a pretty comprehensive wine list, and you have a great spot for an evening of relaxed indulgence.
Why go?
With great views of the Atlantic Ocean, Bungalow is a peaceful and isolated option away from the humdrum of main restaurant strips.
Plays host to some of the finest sunsets in the world at Bungalow, Image Credit: Bungalow
Details
a: Glen Country Club, 3 Victoria Road, Clifton
w: www.thebungalow.co.za
t: +27 21 438 2018
e: reservations@thebungalow.co.za
h: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 23h00
Grand Africa Café and Beach
Whether you come for the panoramic views, the delicious food, retro ambience, or some feet-in-the-sand indulgence, The Grand perfectly encompasses why Cape Town summers deserve to be spent outdoors.
Why go?
A combination of paradise meets luxurious lifestyle, picturesque ocean views, and a 5-star menu to die for.
Head to Grand Africa Café and Beach for free-spirited beach café culture, Image Credit: Grand Africa Café and Beach
Details
a: 1 Haul Road, V&A Waterfront, Granger Bay
w: grandafrica.com
t: +27 21 425 0551
e: beach@grandafrica.com
h: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 00h00
Pot Luck Club
The sister restaurant to Test Kitchen is a more commercial Luke Dale-Roberts option. Sitting in a glass-and-steel box at the top of an old silo, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. But the star attraction is undoubtedly the food.
Why go?
The focus is on five flavour profiles (salty, sour, bitter, sweet, and umami), and plate-sharing is encouraged, so you get to savour them all.
High above the city, Pot Luck Club is one of the best places to enjoy a late summer night, Image Credit: Pot Luck Club
Details
a: Silo Top Floor, The Old Biscuit Mill, 373 – 375 Albert Road, Woodstock
w: thepotluckclub.co.za
t: +27 21 447 0804
e: hello@potluckclub.co.za
h: Lunch: Monday to Saturday, 12h30 – 14h00
h: Dinner: Monday to Saturday, 18h00 – 22h00
h: Sunday Brunch: 11h00 – 12h30
The Verandah at Mount Nelson
The Verandah offers a conservatory-style ambience with spectacular views of the hotel's lush gardens. Indulge in a three-course evening feast meticulously crafted by Chef George Jardine, highlighting the best of local ingredients at their peak.
Why go?
With a hyper-seasonal menu that changes biweekly, you'll be treated to the freshest offerings. Furthermore, expertly curated wine pairings feature an exceptional selection of wines, including rare releases and hidden gems from The Mount Nelson's cellar.
Experience the dedication to seasonal and sustainable produce prepared with integrity and finesse, Image Credit: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Details
a: 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
w: belmond.com/hotels/africa/south-africa/cape-town/belmond-mount-nelson-hotel/dining
t: +27 21 483 1000
h: Monday to Sunday, 18h30 till late
Tobago’s Restaurant, Bar & Terrace
Feast your eyes on stunning ocean views while you savour a delectable feast at Tobago's. Whether you fancy ordering from the à la carte menu or diving into the buffet, don't forget to save room for dessert!
Why go?
Tobago's local flavours and international culinary trends creates a dining experience that's both familiar and exciting, whether you're a local or a visitor. Plus, the atmosphere is stylish yet relaxed, making it the perfect spot for a fine dining experience by the sea.
The seaside scenery at Tobago's is complimentary, Image Credit: Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront
Details
a: Radisson Blu Hotel, Beach Road, Granger Bay, Waterfront
w: radissonhotels.com/en-us/restaurants
t: +27 21 441 3414
e: tobagos.capetown@radissoncollection.com
h: Monday to Sunday, 06h30 – 22h30
Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo
Built into the cliffs of the Atlantic side of the peninsula, Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic offers a truly magical setting paired with exquisite and flavourful culinary artistry.
Why go?
The five-course menu of small plates designed for sharing showcases not only the freshest seafood but also celebrates the richness of sea life. Expect a constantly evolving menu, offering far more than your typical fish and tartare sauce fare. Plus, the location is like nothing you've experienced before.
Prepare to be spellbound by breathtaking views accessible only via a chauffeured drive down the cliffside, Image Credit: Tintswalo Atlantic
Details
a: Chapmans Peak Drive, Hout Bay, Cape Town
w: chefswarehouse.co.za/cw-tintswalo
t: +27 21 541 0165
e: tintswalo@chefswarehouse.co.za
h: Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 16h30 (last order for tapas at 14h30)
h: Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 18h00 – 23h00 (last order for tapas at 20h30)
The Granary Café at The Silo Hotel
As you enter The Granary Café, you are welcomed by uninterrupted panoramas showcasing Cape Town's beauty. Indulge in unique contemporary and classic dishes while soaking up the spectacular harbour views.
Why go?
Each delectable bite of the carefully curated dishes bursts with the vibrant flavours of locally sourced ingredients as you enjoy the natural scenery of our Mother City outside.
Your table at The Granary Café awaits, inviting you to savour every moment, Image Credit: The Royal Portfolio
Details
a: The Silo Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
w: theroyalportfolio.com/the-silo-hotel/dining/the-granary-cafe
t: +27 21 670 0511
e: dining@thesilohotel.com
h: Royal Tea: Thursday to Sunday, 14h30 -17h00 (last seating at 15h30)
h: Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 12h30 – 14h00
h: Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 18h30 – 21h00
Utopia Cape Town
Situated on the top of the beautiful Mirage building in Chiappini Street, this new kid on the block, much like its namesake suggests, is a place where everything is perfect.
Why go?
A stop at Cape Town’s De Waterkant area is not complete without popping by Utopia for sundowners as you overlook the harbour and stadium.
A place where everything is perfect, Image Credit: Utopia Dining Elevated
Details
a: Floor 15, 40 Chiappini Street, De Waterkant
w: www.utopiacapetown.co.za
t: +27 21 418 3065
e: info@utopiacapetown.co.za
h: Monday to Saturday, 06h30 – 23h00
h: Sunday, 06h30 – 10h30
Chapter 9/14
Featured image credit: Azure
