Chapter 7: Multi-National Cuisines
Cape Town is filled to the brim with multi-national cuisines with restaurants specialising in dim sum, sushi, pho, moussaka and many more! Whether it’s a multi-course dinner you’re after or a quick bite to eat, the Mother City has you sorted.
Bombay Brasserie
Cape Town’s most elegant dining room also happens to serve the city’s most mouth-watering meals, which are all skillfully prepared using traditional ingredients.
Why go?
Offering an opulent, yet classic, setting, the restaurant indulges in a glittering atmosphere and an Indian-inspired menu created by world-renowned Chefs from India.
Details
a: The Taj Hotel, 1 Wale Street, Cape Town
t: +27 21 819 2000
w: tajhotels.com
h: Monday to Sunday, 16h00 – 22h30
Momiji – Tjing Tjing
As the latest addition to Tjing Tjing’s three-level Japanese dining concept, Momiji is inspired by the structure and detail of a classic Japanese kaiseki menu, with the food veering towards fine dining with a Tokyo twist.
Why go?
The sophisticated, minimalist décor exudes traditional Japanese elegance and makes for the perfect fine-dining backdrop in this one-of-a-kind space.
Details
a: 165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town
w: tjingtjing.co.za/momiji-2
t: +27 21 422 4374
e: info@tjingtjing.co.za
h: Saturday, 18h00 until late
Thali
Thali takes you on a visual journey where intricate postcard art, kaleidoscopic patterns, vibrant colour and Indian intrigue abound. The interiors and garden area make for an exotic and unique eating experience.
Why go?
The menu doesn’t conform to conventional Indian cuisine, but incorporates traditional ingredients and techniques to make for some exquisite Indian-fusion.
Details
a: 3 Park Road, Gardens
w: chefswarehouse.co.za/thali
t: +27 21 286 2110
e: info@thalitapas.co.za
h: Monday to Saturday, 17h00 – 21h30
Torii – Tjing Tjing
You’ll find this brightly coloured street-food joint at street level, where the electrifying, Harajuku-inspired décor reflects the palate-popping menu.
Why go?
This is the perfect place to grab a glass of Tjing Tjing’s signature house wines and catch up on life with friends—the ideal spot when you’re looking to hide away from the bustle of the rooftop bar upstairs.
Details
a: 165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town
w: tjingtjing.co.za/torii-2
t: +27 21 422 4374
e: info@tjingtjing.co.za
h: Tuesday to Saturday, 12h00 – 22h00
Nobu
No stranger to international culinary influences, Nobu dishes up classical Japanese cuisine served with a contemporary Peruvian twist.
Why go?
Nobu’s one and only African outpost sits in a vast, modern space within in the Waterfront’s One&Only resort. The plush, pared-down décor and delectable sharing platters make dining here a swanky and sophisticated affair.
Details
a: One&Only, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
w: oneandonlyresorts.com/cape-town/dining/nobu
t: +27 21 431 5888
e: Restaurant.Reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com
h: Monday to Sunday, 18h00 – 21h45
Maria’s Greek
Open since the 1950's! Maria's is one of Cape Town's oldest and most loved restaurants. Situated on charming Dunkley Square in the old part of the city, loyal guests return for lunches, dinners, mezes, baklava, chunky Greek salads, and other favourites.
Why go?
This warm and comfortable taverna-style eatery serves hearty, flavour-packed Greek food that takes no prisoners, and has been doing so for years. The food is organic, green and free-range where possible.
Details
a: 31 Barnet Street, Dunkley Square, Gardens
w: facebook.com/MariasGreekCafe
t: +27 21 461 3333
e: info@Marias.co.za
h: Monday, 11h00 – 22h00; Tuesday to Saturday, 08h30 – 22h00; Sunday, 10h00 – 16h00
Florentin
Discover this Middle Eastern Mediterranean restaurant and bar, which offers a curated selection of delicious dishes with a twist in an intimate, welcoming setting.
Why go?
Whether you visit for breakfast or lunch, each dish is an aromatic and flavourful blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. The only tricky part is deciding what to order.
Details
a: 87 Loop Street, Cape Town
w: florentin.co.za
t: +27 21 109 0082
e: info@florentin.co.za
h: Monday – Sunday, 07h00 – 15h00
Nikkei
This vibrant fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours will make your tastebuds go on a culinary adventure unlike any other.
Why go?
When translated into English, Nikkei means ‘diaspora’, and that’s precisely what the combination of this food, atmosphere, and hospitality does – it transports each diner to different worlds.
Details
a: 87 Bree Street, Cape Town
w: nikkei.co.za
t: +27 21 109 0081
e: capetown@nikkei.co.za
h: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 22h30
Vadivelu
Chef Jai and the rest of the team invite you to experience Indian cuisine with a South African attitude – no tricks or gimmicks, just delicious food.
Why go?
Vadivelu offers a fresh take on traditional recipes passed down through generations. Authentic flavours, a warm and lively atmosphere, generous servings... What more could you want from an atypical Indian restaurant?
Details
a: 151 Kloof St, Cape Town
w: vadivelu.co.za
t: +27 21 300 5777
e: info@vadivelu.co.za
h: Monday to Saturday, 12h00 – 22h00
Yen’s Vietnamese
A taste of authentic Vietnamese street food crafted with care and passion.
Why go?
Owner and chef Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Yến takes you on a culinary adventure with her traditional dishes and authentic restaurant ambience. Each bite is a taste of Vietnamese culture, transporting you through space and time to the bustling streets of Vietnam.
Details
a: 19 Dixon Street, De Waterkant
w: yensvietnamesestreetfood.com
t: +27 71 156 6782
h: Monday, 10h00 – 18h00; Tuesday to Saturday, 10h00 – 21h00; Closed on public holidays
How Bao Now
Indulge in the fluffiest Taiwanese-inspired Bao Buns bursting with flavour.
Why go?
With a menu brimming with fresh bao bun options and other tempting dishes like fresh tuna, cucumber, and daikon salad, there's something for every taste bud.
Details
a: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
w: instagram.com/howbaonow
h: Oranjezicht City Farm Market: Saturday, 08h15 – 14h00; Sunday, 09h00 – 14h00
h: Time Out Market: Sunday to Wednesday, 11h00 – 22h00; Thursday to Saturday, 11h00 – 23h00
Three Wise Monkeys
Devine Asian-fusion dishes crafted with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Why go?
Inspired by the vibrant ramen bars of New York City, their menu focuses on Asian-fusion dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy their freshly made noodles and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Details
a: 77 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
w: threewisemonkeys.co.za
t: +27 21 433 1837
e: info@threewisemonkeys.co.za
h: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 23h00
Obi
Experience a fresh take on traditional Japanese cuisine.
Why go?
A legend among Cape Town's sushi aficionados, Papa San serves authentic Japanese sushi, tempura, and ramen, while co-owner and chef Ben Bettendorf adds a modern twist to the dishes.
Details
a: 14 Long Street, Cape Town
w: obirestaurant.co.za
t: +27 21 418 4040
e: info@obirestaurant.co.za
h: Lunch: Tuesday to Saturday, 12h00 – 14h00
h: Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday, 18h00 – 21h00
Ouzeri
Experience a modern tribute to the rich culinary heritage of Cyprus and Greece through regional dishes and traditions.
Why go?
Their dishes blend old family recipes with flavours from various regions of Cyprus and Greece, offering an authentic yet contemporary culinary experience.
Details
a: 58 Wale Street, Cape Town
w: ouzeri.co.za
t: +27 61 533 9071
e: seeyou@ouzeri.co.za
h: Lunch: Wednesday to Saturday, 12h00 – 14h30
h: Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday, 18h00 – 21h30
Chapter 7/14
Featured image credit: Valentin B. Kremer