Cape Town: Food Journal

I fell in love with Cape Town from the moment I left the airport and felt the warm breeze of Africa. We visited recently, and to this day, I still catch myself daydreaming about it almost daily. There’s something about the place—the mix of dramatic mountains, endless ocean, and lush greenery makes the city feel alive in a special way.

One of the highlights for me was the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. I went twice because I couldn’t get enough of it. Walking through those gardens felt like stepping into a dream—giant trees, colorful flowers, and the most peaceful atmosphere. The silver trees took my breath away!

Camps Bay View

And then there’s the food. Cape Town’s dining scene blew me away, with restaurants that balance creativity and comfort so well. I loved how many places put a focus on fresh, local ingredients—you could taste the quality in every bite.

The combination of incredible nature, unforgettable food, and the warmth of the people made this trip one of the best I’ve ever had. I left feeling inspired, recharged, and honestly sad to go. Cape Town is easily one of the most gorgeous places I’ve seen in the world, and it’s a place I know I’ll return to. For now, I’ll just keep thinking about the views, the meals, and the moments that made it all so special.

The Cape Wheel

This list is a collection of my favorite spots where the food was so good it still lives in my brain rent-free!

1. Ellerman House Restaurant

   Bantry Bay, Cape Town, 8005 SA

   
   

I fell in love with this place as soon as I walked in. Walls are decorated with incredible artwork collection and the setting of the restaurant resembles a cozy living room. Each dish was excellent and felt very luxurious. Stunning views of the water!

2. Salsify at the Roundhouse

   Round House Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8040 SA

   
   

   The restaurant sits on a hill with killer views of the ocean, and the whole place has this relaxed-but-fancy vibe. The food was creative without trying too hard—beautiful plates, bold flavors, and everything tasted like it was put together with real care.

   

   Amuse-bouche at Salsify

   
   

3. Belly of the beast

   110 Harrington St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000 SA

   
   

   This is one of those spots that sticks with you long after the meal, it was a very unique experience. There’s no menu to choose from—you just sit back and let them surprise you with course after course. It’s intimate, a little edgy, and every dish feels like the chefs are having fun with what they do.

   
   

4. The Waterside

   Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001 SA

   
   

   The Waterside in Cape Town was such a fun surprise. Every dish was super fresh and full of flavor—the seafood especially was on another level. The views were stunning and I really loved the creativity in platings!

   
   

5. COOKED The Watershed

   Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Watershed, Cape Town, 8001 SA

   
   

   Our lunch at COOKED was epic! We stumbled upon it randomly and I loved it so much! The open kitchen made it even better—you could watch them tossing things around, plating dishes, and having a great time while doing it. The food was full of flavor, big portions, and you could taste that everything was made with real energy and love.

   
   

   

   Views from Table Mountain

   
   

6. Ethiopian Madam Taitou

   77 Long St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000 SA

   
   

   I think about this restaurant almost every day. I miss it so much—the food was outstanding!! It has a very relaxed vibe, we sat upstairs on the floor. We also had amazing gin and tonics and they cost us around $2 for one. I know I will eat here again!!

   
   

7. Kloof Street House

   30 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8005 SA

   
   

   We ate 3 times here. Everything from decor to food to service was incredible. They had live jazz music during Sunday brunch which was really lovely. A must visit if you ask me!

   
   

8. Afternoon Tea at Mount Nelson Hotel

   76 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001 SA

   
   

   What to say other that this was one of the best experiences of my life. I actually went second time the next day because I truly enjoyed it that much. They have a tea sommelier and multiple courses of the most delicious sweet and savory finger foods. It all ends with a table of gorgeous, mesmerizing cakes. I almost cried as I was so overwhelmed with the entire experience.

9. 

   Afternoon Tea at Mount Nelson