Western Cape, South Africa Food Guide: 10 European food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Cape Town Central

July 10, 2020 Florencio Paulino

Find out what European restaurants to try in Cape Town Central. Cape Town glistens at the southern toe of the African continent. Tourist brochure-views at Blaauwberg Beach and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are within easy driving distance of "The Mother City." The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve provides sweeping sea vistas, hiking trails and wildlife encounters. On a more somber note, travelers can visit Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years.
Things to do in Cape Town Central

10. The Black Sheep Restaurant

104 Kloof Street Gardens, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa European Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +27 21 426 2661 http://www.blacksheeprestaurant.co.za/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1096 reviews

The Black Sheep Restaurant

Reviewed By Grace R

We had a three course dinner here and every dish was spectacular. The staff were very informative and knowledgable on all the food and wine. I was very pleased they recommended the kudo, it was delicious. They were also very good at matching a wine to your chosen meal with your input. The chocolate brownie was so good, we returned the following night just for that after eating elsewhere. A must-go in Cape Town! Advise to book ahead as they are popular

9. Bouchon Wine Bar & Bistro

95 Hout Street, Cape Town Central 8000 South Africa Mediterranean, European, Wine Bar Lunch, Dinner Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Full Bar [email protected] +27 21 422 0695 http://www.bouchon.co.za
Food
Service
Value
Overall Ratings

4 based on 146 reviews

Bouchon Wine Bar & Bistro

Reviewed By Mike B

After reading about the last two reviews that had many negative points, we still decided to visit and had an excellent evening. I sat next to the winery entrance and even so it was not cold (as read in other reviews), later they put a gas heater close by without any prompting. The service was excellent (Wayne), the food (Tapas) was very good especially the oxtail Gnocchi and the ambience suited us as a couple for the evening to celebrate a special occasion. We started with a glass each of bubbly to celebrate the occasion and then the waiter brought us a sample of each of the house white wines (Dorrance) and we selected the Chardonnay and the Viognier. As it turned out the sampler of the Chenin Blanc and the Chardonnay were swapped and the Chardonnay glass that we ordered was replaced and the glass of Chenin Blanc was left at our table at no cost. Being a wooded Chardonny fan I found their Chardonnay very good. After sharing 6 tapas plates we decided to end a superb evening without taking up their deserts or coffee offering.

8. Dash Restaurant & Bar

Portswood Close, Portswood Ridge V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Central 8000 South Africa European, International, Contemporary Late Night Outdoor Seating, Reservations, Buffet, Seating, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Cash Only, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Ca [email protected] +27 21 418 1466 http://newmarkhotels.com/places/restaurants/dash
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 681 reviews

Dash Restaurant & Bar

Dash Restaurant & Bar, although it caters for Queen Victoria Hotel guests, is a stand-alone establishment that welcomes patrons from near and far. Extraordinary artworks embellish the walls in a bold fashion. Further, a live pianist sets the tone during d

Reviewed By Travelcc24

Excellent food..... I had the risotto and my husband had the sea bass dish- both were very tasty... We split the cheesecake dish for dessert- also delicious. The service was impeccable, as was the piano music and singing in the outer room. We had breakfast there as well... same excellent quality as the dinner. Definitely recommend.Good day We appreciate that you took the time to write this review on your recent experience at Dash restaurant We always strive to exceed our guests expectation and the team in the restaurant are key to this success as they are extreme passionate about creating intimate guest experiences. And we are so pleased to know that you like our new menu items that we offer and that you enjoyed the atmosphere created by the pianist. I will definitely relate this feedback to the chef and the rest of the team we look forward into welcoming you back for another journey at DashMany thanks Mark

7. Pigalle Restaurant

57A Somerset Road Green Point, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa Seafood, Mediterranean, European, Soups Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Free Off-Street Parking, Wine and Beer, Live Music, Jazz Bar [email protected] +27 21 421 4848 http://pigallerestaurants.co.za/capetown/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1314 reviews

Pigalle Restaurant

Well-known as the perfect venue for a stylish evening out, we offer guests live entertainment from our dance floor alongside superb dinner courses. Renowned for our fresh seafood and Chalmar steak, our menu comprises of classic dishes with a subtle Portug

Reviewed By JP-in-MD

We always try to get to Pigalle when in Cape Town and this year's visit was wonderful. The seafood is the calling card and it did not disappoint. I had the Pigalle platter which is prawns and langoustines, both of which were really tasty. Two of my colleagues shared the seafood platter for 2 and enjoyed every bit of it. The third colleague had the calamari which was also quite good. They all had the malva pudding for dessert and said it was the best they had ever had. One of my colleagues was celebrating her birthday so they wrote "Happy birthday!!" on her dessert plate and had a candle for her to blow out. It was all perfect. We also really enjoyed the live music.One note of advice, I would not recommend walking from your hotel despite it being a short distance as it is off an alleyway in a business district where most of the buildings are closed after dark.

6. The Hussar Grill Mouille Point

163 Beach Road New Cumberland Building, Mouille Point, Cape Town Central 8005 South Africa Steakhouse, European, Grill Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront, BYOB [email protected] +27 21 433 2081 http://www.hussargrill.co.za/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1244 reviews

The Hussar Grill Mouille Point

Mouille Point, one of many special places in the Mother City where Table Mountain slopes ever gentler towards its rendezvous with the mighty Atlantic Ocean. The word ‘Mouille’, forever connected to lighthouse of the same name, stems from the French word m

Reviewed By matneastie

The Hussar was soo good that we returned for a second visit. Located in an upscale, safe area of Capetown and less than a 10 minute uber or 25 min walk from the VA waterfront its worth a visit from wherever your staying. The menu offers a variety of traditional steak cuts as well as lamb and game dishes. It was difficult to decide. They even came to the table with the steak cuts to choose from. My friend had the steak, I had the lamb chops. Both were cooked to perfection; the traditional sides dishes offered were delicious and plentiful, I particularly loved the mashed potatoes, and the side sauces were some of the best I ever tasted. There was an extensive drink menu, we had a mojito and wine both times. The service was flawless, attentive and friendly. We requested Tony for our return visit as he was impeccable. The unbelievable part was the cost, two meals , sides and 4 drinks? 50$ yes.... 50$ including a 20% tip. I couldn't recommend Hussar's grill any higher. Awesome meal and service. Good evening matneastieThank you for a beautifully written review.It is always a pleasure to serve great steaks and certainly more when its appreciated by our guests.Tony is currently on leave, thank you for your kind words,Tony is a real asset to Hussar grill."We love him to bits"Please be assured this review will be passed on to him when his back!We hope to see you soon.Thank you for choosing us!Tracy and Team Hussar

5. Fork Restaurant

84 Long Street, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa Mediterranean, European, Spanish Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Seating, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +27 21 424 6334 http://www.fork-restaurants.co.za/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 2028 reviews

Fork Restaurant

Reviewed By morewierd

We were walking around after going to the District Six Museum........Bo Kaap......Greenmarket Square,etc.....so we stopped in for cappuccino. We were given a tiny complimentary bite of something....and we ordered a stuffed cannoli to share. We were not impressed with the cannoli filling.The BEST part of our visit was conversing with the guy next to us, who it turns out started the vineyard from scratch: ELGIN RIDGE. The gal in charge even gave us a tasting of his sauvignon bllanc. It was delish.

4. NV-80 Grill & Bar

76 Regent Road Sea Point, Cape Town Central 8005 South Africa Steakhouse, European, Grill Lunch, Dinner, Drinks Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +27 21 439 7112 http://nv-80.co.za
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1206 reviews

NV-80 Grill & Bar

Taking the classic grill and bar to new heights, NV-80 was born in celebration of a successful 32 years in the restaurant industry. Named after the dynamic and legendary Goncalves brothers, Naldo and Victor, NV-80 is not just a restaurant, it's a lifestyl

Reviewed By sarahbO241QL

Staying in the area , we took the opportunity to eat here twice and thoroughly enjoyed our meals on both occasions. The steaks here are fantastic! We had the oysters to start, which were creamy and tender, then the surf and turf..perfectly cooked steak, followed by the pear tarte tatin (my fave!) We came back for the oysters and steak, they were so good. Our two servers were Best and Mr Q, both looked after us very well, were helpful and friendly. The restaurant is upstairs in the Checkers mall, really nice decor and ambience, is very popular so booking is essential. They are open for lunch too. Highly recommended.

3. Chefs Warehouse

92 Bree Street, Cape Town Central South Africa European Lunch, Dinner Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Cash Only, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +27 21 422 0128 http://www.chefswarehouse.co.za/blog/?tag=bree-street
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1351 reviews

Chefs Warehouse

Reviewed By swisstraveller002

A really mixed bag and I dont know how to properly review this place. This is one of my favourite restaurants in Cape Town, food wise, and I was so much looking forward to eat there again and to share this wonderful restaurant with my mother. In terms of food,I was not dissapointed at all, quite the opposite, But in terms of service, I guess I have to say that this is one of the worst experiences in 12 years and many trips to south africa. No matter where, and no matter in what kind of price category, I have never experienced this kind of "service". Arrogant, uncaring, unsmiling,and overall just really distroying the whole experience for us there. Quite a shame really,

Top 6 Things to do in Cape Town Central, South Africa

2. Reverie Social Table

226A Lower Main Road Observatory, Cape Town Central 7925 South Africa European, International Lunch, Dinner Reservations, Seating, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +27 79 060 6971 http://www.reverie.capetown
Food
Service
Value
Overall Ratings

5 based on 262 reviews

Reverie Social Table

Join the Social Table for a totally unique dining concept. An eclectic space to eat, drink and be merry with some fabulous company. Table d' Hote style eatery with a set 5 course dinner, paired with boutique wines from around the Western Cape. Perfect for

Reviewed By ScotchAndSuits

We were a little nervous about trying this social table concept because we’re not the most social people but we are sooooo glad we decided to give it a try! The atmosphere is super cosy and friendly inside the restaurant. The owner Julia and her sous-chef Melissa are so genuinely friendly and passionate about food that they really made this experience extraordinary for us! Most of their customers are tourists so it allows for meeting people from all around the world and sharing travel experiences. Julia has selected some local wines and then drew up her menu based on the pairing with the wines. The menu features local seasonal vegetables, oysters, king clip, ostrich, beef two ways, and of course a delicious dessert! Every plate was thought out to perfection with lots of flavors that complimented the wines perfectly! All the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, and we loved tasting high end South African food! We loved when Julia took time to sit at the table with us to join the conversation. Everything was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented! We loved everything and had the most wonderful and memorable evening! Thank you so much!

Top 10 restaurants in Cape Town Central, South Africa

1. Cafe Charles

137 Waterkant Street De Waterkant, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa African, European, Cafe, Mediterranean Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol [email protected] +27 87 743 2359 http://www.thecharles.cafe/
Food
Service
Value
Overall Ratings

4 based on 112 reviews

Cafe Charles

A quaint and cosy café situated in the heart of De Waterkant. Café Charles serves up a tasty breakfast fare, light lunch options, weeknight dinner menu, artisan coffee from Houtbay Coffee Roastery, organic tea, local Cape Malay specialities and other swee

Reviewed By seanw090

Great outdoor seating under wonderful old tree. Excellent coffee and Turmeric Latte went well with very filling trout eggs Benedict. Hollandaise sauce could have done with more lemon juice to break up the richness of the potato spirals that were fried and very rich with oil. The views of the neighbourhood were splendid. A good start to the day.Thank you so much for the valuable feedback, and for choosing us as your breakfast spot! Your points regarding the hollandaise were noted and forwarded on to the head chef to look into. Wishing you a good start to every day!

Where to eat African food in Cape Town Central: The Best Restaurants and Bars

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