To me, the gastronomic experience is a major element of my trips that help me get to know the culture. I’ve always felt that food is a universal language that we all speak, and the differences in cuisines identify the differences we have as human beings. As languages and borders may separate us, things like food and art bring us back together. During my last trip to South Africa, I tried multiple restaurants in Cape Town, and the variety was astonishing. It was probably because of the city’s metropolitan nature that it gathered so many cuisines on its land.
Tiger’s Milk
Up for a juicy meal, Tiger’s Milk your go-to! With lots of branches scattered around the city, there’ll be a Tiger’s Milk everywhere you go. My favorite was the one in Camps Bay; the view is to kill for!
My Rating: 4/5
Pricing: $$
Address: Multiple branches (check out the ones in the hottest locations below)
Pro tip: Their side of mac n’ cheese is incredible! It’s hands down the best I’ve ever had but the downside of it is that it’s super small!
Belthazar
This steakhouse and wine bar at the V&A Waterfront is a must-visit for avid carnivores and fine diners. I opted for the Fillet au Poivre (my all-time favorite dish), and I have to say, it was of high standards. No wonder Belthazar is dubbed as one of the best restaurants in Cape Town!
It’s also worth mentioning that the service there is top-notch. They had me with their professionalism and their complimentary appetizer of beef sausages dipped in tomato sauce served with freshly baked bread and butter.
My Rating: 4.5/5
Pricing: $$$
Address: V&A Waterfront
Den Anker
Do you fancy some moules-frites? Den Anker will offer you the full Belgian experience, in the heart of South Africa, with its variety of Belgian dishes and big-ass beer menu. I’ve had their Brussels Waffles and asked for some extra Belgian chocolate; it was yummy in my tummy! The restaurant’s owner is a native Belgian, so authenticity is guaranteed!
My Rating: 4.5/5
Pricing: $$
Address: V&A Waterfront
Funny story: Have you ever heard about the Kwak beer shoe deposit story? Kwak is a very popular beer in Belgium, that’s served in an extra special glass. As tourists started stealing the precious glassware as some sort of souvenir, bartenders started asking anyone who orders Kwak to deposit his/her left shoe in exchange of the glass. Once done with his/her drink, and of course, gives the glass back, the shoe will be returned.
Pro tip: Sit on the terrace and admire the astonishing view of the marina with Table Mountain as a backdrop.
Mama Africa
Super popular among tourists, but totally worth it. We’ve been wanting to go to Mama Africa from our very first night, but every single time something happened and we ended up missing it. However, on our very last night in South Africa, we managed to get a table.
The cosy restaurant, strategically situated on Long Street, serves an authentic selection of South African specialities, accompanied by upbeat live music. Try out Mama’s Wild Game Mixed Grill for the full experience. The dish consists of crocodile, ostrich, springbok, kudu, and venison sausage.
My Rating: 4/5
Pricing: $$
Address: 178 Long St, Cape Town
Pro tip: You must reserve in advance; it’s one of the most touristy restaurants in Cape Town and it’s always packed!
Gold
Gold is hands down one of the coolest restaurants in Cape Town. You basically pay ZAR 415 for entry, which includes 14 shareable dishes for the table and 3 incredible live shows. The best thing about the set menu is that it boasts starters, street food selections, main courses, and desserts from all over the African continent. My favourites were the South African Seared Ostrich Fillet Salad, the Xhosa Pot Breads, the Mozambiquan Chili Chicken Wings, and the Ghanian Peanut Chicken.
If you have allergies or if there’s something you don’t eat; don’t fret. Your waiter/waitress will explain the menu for you and will ask you if there’s something you can’t eat. In this case, these items will be replaced. My lovely waitress replaced one of the dishes for me with Egyptian red lentils. Score!
Drinks are not included in the entry fee, but it’s noteworthy that there are some non-alcoholic options for the non-drinkers as myself. Oh, and did I mention that face painting is mandatory?
Rating: 5/5
Pricing: $$
Address: 15 Bennett St, Green Point
Pro tip: Book in advance! The place is incredibly huge, yet, it’s always packed with tourists! Also, arrive early as 7 pm in order not to miss the first live show.
Kloof Street House
This one was my absolute favorite restaurant in Cape Town; it was the restaurant we went to for my birthday dinner. We actually ended up there by pure coincidence (the universe simply worked its magic). It’s one of those fancy-schmancy restaurants that you need to book for in advance or stand in line for, but somehow (the universe *cough*), we managed to get a table at a time when all kitchens in the city were closing.
I had the Grilled Ostrich Fillet with mashed sweet potatoes and green beans; which I totally recommend. For dessert, I had their Dark Chocolate Fondant with homemade toasted marshmallows and a scoop of pop-corn ice-cream (recommended by the waitress as a replacement for the marshmallow ice-cream); it was heavenly!
I’d also recommend their Chalmar Beef Fillet, served with smoked marrow bone butter and a side of rustic cut fries. Yes, it was so good we went back again!
Rating: 5/5
Pricing: $$$
Address: 30 Kloof St, Cape Town
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Nadine is an Egyptian curly-head who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. She ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time digital nomad and to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.
Mama Africa is such a fun place. I haven’t been to the others, but it sounds like a return to Cape Town is in
order!
If you ever go back you should really try them out! Gold and Kloof Street House are a must; they were my favs!