Where To Eat In Cape Town, According To A Local Chef

The South African city of Cape Town has long been known for its food scene. Surrounded by oceans (the Atlantic on one side, and the Indian on the other), vineyards and farms, it boasts an abundance of fresh produce – showcased across vibrant markets, dreamy seaside restaurants and street food spots. But with so much to choose from, it can feel overwhelming. So we’ve enlisted Ryan Cole, executive chef and co-owner of one of the city’s top restaurants, Salsify, to share his top recommendations.

‘Cape Town’s food scene is layered – from tucked-away ramen joints to world-class tasting menus, it’s a city that rewards curiosity,’ he says. ‘Whether you’re chasing bold flavours, quiet luxury, or a good cocktail under the trees, here’s where I go when I’m not in the kitchen.’

A Foodie’s Guide To Cape Town: Ryan Cole’s Top Recommendations

Where To Spoil Yourself

Salon

‘Salon is really special – it offers a 13-course menu that’s shaped by Luke’s travels and influences from kitchens around the world, so every course has a story behind it. It feels more like a journey than a meal, and there’s a real sense of theatre to how it’s all presented. The wine pairing is a brilliant must-have, the technique and flavours are always spot on, and it’s creative without ever losing its grounding. 

Ist Floor, silo building, The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa, salonct.co.za

Pier

This is one of my go-tos when I want to mark a special occasion or celebration. It’s right on the V&A Waterfront so the view over the harbour adds such a beautiful touch to the experience. What I love is that it feels refined without ever being too formal – the plating is beautiful, the service is smooth, and the seafood really is the star. It strikes that tricky balance of being elegant but relaxed. 

Pierhead Building, Bowl, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa, lacolombe.restaurant

Faber

Faber is a spot I keep going back to – there’s something honest and grounded in the way they cook. You can feel the connection to the land in every dish. It really is a favourite of mine. Dale and his wife Kat approach food with real integrity and their philosophy resonates with me. Not forgetting the Klein Drakenstein Range backdrop too, that’s hard to beat. 

Drakenstein Rd, Paarl, 7646, South Africa, avondalewine.co.za

Wolfgat

Wolfgat is thoughtful, elemental, and feels both ancient and new at the same time. Everything – from the food and the wine to the service and the setting – is absolutely excellent. Chef-owner Kobus van der Merwe is so clever and uses foraged coastal plants and local seafood to create a tasting menu that feels rooted in both the land and history of the area. It’s totally guided by the seasons, and only seats about 20 people, so the whole experience feels incredibly intimate.

10 Sampson St, Kliprug, Paternoster, 7381, South Africa, wolfgat.co.za

Rust en Vrede

This Stellenbosch spot is quite traditional, but brilliantly so. Chef Fabio bases his menu on refined French cooking techniques but incorporates both Brazilian and Italian aspects. It’s unique but so well considered, elegant but not overdone, and I strongly believe it’s one of the best fine dining experiences in the Winelands. We’re lucky to have it.

Annandale Rd, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa, rustenvrede.com

A restaurant in Cape Town overlooking a vineyard

Where To Find Something Casual

Tomson

This is a no-frills, laid-back South Cantonese street food spot on Cape Town’s Bree Street. It’s a pretty small space, but it has counter seating and a great al fresco terrace for when the weather’s right. The menu is bold, fiery and absolutely packed with flavour. It’s Cantonese street food done just right, and is perfect if you’re in the mood for something more casual but still brilliant. 

120 Bree St, CBD, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Arthur’s Mini Superette

Hidden down a Sea Point side road, Arthur’s is somewhere I find myself going back and back to. It’s effortlessly cool with a nostalgic deli vibe, and everything feels like comfort food with a modern edge. Their sandwiches and toasties are the best in town, and they fill them to their brim with ingredients and flavour – such as cheese, pastrami, slaw and pickles. They also offer breakfasts and sweet treats, so it’s tricky to leave with just one thing. 

15 Arthurs Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060, South Africa, arthursminisuper.co.za

Strangers Club, Green Point

My favourite spot for brunch. The food here pays tribute to Cape Town’s approach to cafe eating – it’s simple and pared back with quality and provenance at its core. The menu is full of ingredients found in the Western Cape. It’s a bit of an urban oasis so you have to sit under the trees in the courtyard – I always grab a coffee, take a spot here and let the morning stretch out.

1 Braemar Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa, thestrangersclub.co.za

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Where To Find Global Cuisine

Hesheng, Sea Point

This is one of my favourite weekend staples. It keeps things simple – great dumplings, Chinese Tsingtao beer, steam-rising bamboo baskets and homemade chilli oil. It’s so satisfying and nothing fancy, but always hits the spot.

269 Main Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060, South Africa, hesheng.co.za

Ramenhead

This is proper authentic Japanese ramen. The chefs Ash, Julia and their team make everything from scratch – from the noodles to the broth – and it’s all delicious. Nothing is overworked or overcomplicated, just simple Japanese food. There’s nothing better than slurping noodles and drinking their umami broth.

37 Parliament St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa, ramenhead.co.za

1890 Sushi House

This is a great little hole-in-the-wall spot in the older suburb of Observatory, serving traditional Japanese sushi and Chinese cuisine. It’s been around for about 15 years, and has been busy every day I think. It’s the kind of spot that doesn’t chase trends; it just gets the basics right, every time.

40 Trill Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa, 1890.co.za

Other Places Not To Miss

• Drinks: Visit the Drinkery – a sharp little bar in Cape Town, offering tight drinks, no drama and just good taste. Whether it’s for one drink or two this is the cocktail bar for it. It’s a local favourite for those in the industry. 
• Fish & Chips: For a quick bite in Simonstown it must be the Salty Sea Dog. Hands down the best – and freshest– fish and chips. It’s like a gin and tonic.
• Coffee: The Hout Bay coffee roastery has to have the best coffee. It’s tucked away in a small shopping centre and offers small-batch roasted coffee, including single-origin beans and two house blends. They also serve homemade cake.’

Ryan Cole is the co-owner of Salsify