Chapter 12: Rooftop Drinks
Rooftop bars in Cape Town all have views to die for, where delicious drinks are a given. But these cloud-busting hangouts all have a little something extra to offer.
The Silo Rooftop
Located on the 11th floor of the V&A Waterfront’s tallest building, The Silo Rooftop is a brilliantly imaginative mixture of the traditional and the contemporary. Expect well-made classic cocktails and delicious South African wines.
Why go?
Some of the best views, particularly from the 360-degree viewing platform, which may only be topped by Table Mountain itself.
Details
a: The Silo Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
w: theroyalportfolio.com/the-silo-hotel/dining/the-silo-rooftop
t: +27 21 670 0509
e: dining@thesilohotel.com
h: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – sunset (weather permitting)
GiGi at Gorgeous George
The show-stopping cocktails reflect much of the sky-high designer influence of this rooftop bar. Think dry ice drama, unique glassware, elaborate decoration, and outlandish ingredients.
Why go?
The wooden and terracotta-tiled pool deck, emerald-green glass-panelled pool, and views of whitewashed heritage buildings are simply gorgeous.
Details
a: 118 St Georges Mall, Cape Town
w: gigirooftop.com
t: +27 21 612 0999
e: gigi@gorgeousgeorge.co.za
h: Breakfast: Monday to Sunday, 07h30 – 10h30
h: Lunch, Dinner, and Drinks: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – late
Chinchilla
With killer views of the ocean a stone’s throw away, it’s the ideal place to lounge past the hours sipping on gloriously refreshing cocktails and listening to the coolest beats spun by Cape Town’s finest DJs.
Why go?
A beachy boho-chic vibe, bold and brilliant colours and expansive, panoramic views.
Details
a: Shop 120, Second Floor, The Promenade Building, Victoria Road, Camps Bay
w: kovecollection.co.za/chinchilla
t: +27 21 286 5075
e: managers@chinchillarooftop.co.za
h: Monday - Thursday, 16h00 – 22h00; Friday - Sunday, 12h00 – 22h00; Public Holidays: 12h00 – 22h00
The Mountain Club Bistro – Cloud 9
A double-level restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with some of the best 360-degree views in the city. As the name suggests, you'll feel like you're on cloud nine.
Why go?
With its cosy layout and stylish plunge pool, this is easily the best inner-city sundowners spot.
Details
a: Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & Spa, 12 Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof
w: hotelcloudnine.com/dining
t: +27 21 424 1133
e: mountainclub@hotelcloud9.com
h: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 23h00
Locâl at RED Roof
The RED Roof Bar has one of the most breathtaking sunset views in Cape Town, overlooking the city skyline, Table Mountain, and the iconic Zeitz MOCAA. Plus, the pool adds a nice refreshing touch in the summer months.
Why go?
Its vibrant, laid-back energy makes it a great spot to unwind with friends and sip cocktails or smoothies from the signature drinks van.
Details
a: Silo 6, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront
w: radissonhotels.com
t: +27 87 086 1578
e: baxter@radissonred.com
h: Monday to Sunday, 11h00 – 23h00 (kitchen closes at 22h00)
Featured Image Credit: The Royal Portfolio. Photographer: Mark Williams
