Restaurants with fireplaces in Cape Town

Despite winter weather, a great meal next to a cosy log fire can always coax us out of hibernation

Cape Town’s restaurants are not just about beachside lunches and sundowners. While most Capetonians hibernate in their masses when it rains, you could be tucking into a hearty winter meal and a glass of wine beside a roaring log fire. This might just be enough to tempt you out from under your duvet when the colder temperatures arrive.

We took it upon ourselves to select a couple of the best places to eat that have fireplaces, so that you can quickly find a cosy dinner venue when it's cold outside. This is our pick of Cape Town’s warmest foodie favourites.

Restaurants in central Cape Town

Societi Bistro
This elegant, yet homely bistro has an inviting fireplace to keep you warm on cold winter nights, while the outside garden is perfect for those hot summer days. Societi offers a chauffeur service during lunchtime and door-to-door delivery; Societi Bistro excels in service with passion.
Opening times: Monday- Saturday: 12pm-11pm.
50 Orange Street | Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 2100

Rick's Café Américain
Home to three fireplaces, this Casablanca-inspired eatery offers a selection of comfort food that ranges from kudu fillets to snack platters. Expect, a vibrant restaurant, a beer garden, a local hangout and a very busy bar – the interior is rich and warm. We loved our lunch at Rick's Café Américain.
Opening times: Monday - Saturday: 11am - late.

2 Park Road | Gardens | Cape Town |+27 (0)21 424 1100

Rafiki's Restaurant & Bar  
Rafiki’s has a fireplace inside and heaters on the large balcony. The food menu strikes a perfect balance between snacks and main meals and Rafiki’s is famous for its wood-fired oven pizzas. Boasting six large screens and four well-stocked bars, and we discovered that Rafiki’s is a good place to watch the game. 
Opening times: Monday-Sunday: 9am - late.
13 Kloof Nek Road | Tamboerskloof | Cape Town |+27 (0)21 426 4731

Bardelli’s (Kloof Street)
You can enjoy quality Italian food in this old house on Kloof Street while escaping the cold. Italian memorabilia decorates the walls and you'll struggle to choose from the comprehensive menu. This cozy restaurant offers a taste of Italy in the middle of Cape Town.
Opening Times: Monday – Tuesday: 6pm – 10pm, Wednesday – Thursday: 6pm – 10:30pm, Friday – Saturday: 6pm – 11pm, Sunday: 12pm – 10:30pm.
18 Kloof Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 423 1502 

Aubergine
Voted one of the San Pellegrino Top 100 restaurants in the world in 2009, Aubergine has created an atmosphere of timeless elegance, with beautiful yellowwood tables, original wooden sash windows and Knysna Blackwood floors. Enjoy al fresco lunches on the terrace in the summer or cosy up to the quaint fireplace in winter. 
Opening times: Wednesday - Friday: 12pm - 2pm (excl Public Holidays) | Monday-Saturday: 5pm - 10pm.
39 Barnet Street | Gardens | Cape Town |+27 (0)21 465 4909

Headquarters
Or HQ, as it is known, offers a casual yet elegant atmosphere and a simple menu: salad, sirloin and chips (as well as a couple of desserts). This allows them to ensure excellence in every meal. Dine in the restaurant or stop by the bar for a glass of wine by the fire.
Opening times: Monday - Saturday: 11:30am -10:30pm.
Heritage Square | Shortmarket Street | Cape Town |+27 (0)21 424 6373

La Mouette
This gorgeous restaurant guarantees loads of warmth with five fireplaces spread throughout their dining rooms. Offering upper class ‘fine dining’, this small oasis in Sea Point offers affordable and simply delicious food, excellent service and a friendly, warm environment. 
Opening times: Monday - Sunday: 12pm - 3pm |Monday to Saturday: 7pm to 10:30pm.
78 Regent Road | Sea Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 433 0856

Restaurants in Observatory & Woodstock

A Touch of Madness
Situated in the heart of bohemian Observatory, this house was restored to its former glory and presents a Victorian Quaffery. The setting offers a warm, friendly and relaxed environment with two dining rooms, a lounge and a pub. 
Opening times: Monday - Friday: 12pm – 11:30pm | Sunday: 5pm – 11:30pm.
12 Nuttall Road | Observatory | Cape Town |+27 (0)21 448 2266

Restaurants in the winelands

Avontuur Estate Restaurant  
Indulge your senses with their hearty breakfast selection or a lunch menu bursting with flavour. Health conscious options available are light meals, salads, sandwiches and quiches. Enjoy a roaring fire in the open fireplace, delectable desserts and the farm’s pot still brandy – we sure enjoyed Avontuur Estate.
Opening times: Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm | Wednesday and Friday: 7pm – 10:30pm | Saturday - Sunday: 9am - 4pm.
R44 | Between Stellenbosch & Somerset West | Somerset West | Western Cape |+27 (0)21 855 4296 

Backsberg Restaurant
Visit Backsberg Restaurant for their roaring fireplace, home-style food and impressive wines. Go on a Sunday for their lamb on a spit and live music or try their specially designed winter menu. Read more about Backsberg‘s wine and dine bliss.
Opening Times: Monday-Sunday: 9.30am – 3:30pm.
Backsberg Estate | Franschhoek | Western Cape |+27 (0) 21 875 5952

96 Winery Road
Cuddle up next to the fireplace at this popular wineland’s restaurant and enjoy a view of the vineyards and the Helderberg mountains. A favourite haunt for local wine growers, the restaurant boasts 250 wines and a firm favourite on the winter menu is the Duck and Cherry Pie, which is sure to warm you up from the inside out. 
Opening times: Monday - Saturday: 12pm - 3pm | 6:30pm - 10pm | Sunday: 12pm - 3pm.
Winery Road | Zandberg Farm | Somerset West | Western Cape |+27 (0)21 842 2020

Allora Ristorante Classico
This restaurant is designed around the concept of a traditional Italian village, with the focal points being the central fountain and the wood burning ovens. Casual yet sophisticated, the menu options allow for a quick, light meal or a more impressive dinner. 
Opening times: Tuesday -Thursday and Sunday: 11:30am - 10pm | Friday to Saturday: 11:30am - 11pm.
55 Main Road | Franschhoek | Western Cape |+27 (0)21 876 4375/6

Country Kitchen (Mont Rochelle)
Visit the Country Kitchen for relaxed dining by the fire and enjoy their Mediterranean-inspired food. The restaurant is located in the wine tasting facility of Mont Rochelle Vineyard and tastings can be done at your table – so if you are interested in finding out how to pair wines with your meals then let them know beforehand.
Opening times: Monday-Tuesday: 10am-8:30pm (last seating) | Wednesday-Sunday: 10am-7pm (last seating).
Mont Rochelle | Dassenberg Road | Franschhoek |Western Cape |+ 27 (0)21 876 2770

Glen Carlou
Take a trip to the heart of Paarl Valley and enjoy the panoramic views from the Glen Carlou Restaurant. The beautiful interior and the locally and internationally flavoured food will make up for the cold weather outside.  
Opening times: Monday -Sunday: 11am-3pm.
Glen Carlou Estate | Simondium Road | Klapmuts | Western Cape |  +27 (0)21 875 5528 

Delaire Graff Restaurant
Warm up at the Delaire Graff Restaurant and take in some art while you’re at it – for instance, a striking Kentridge portrait hangs on the wall above the fireplace. The food is accessible and approachable fine cuisine with fresh and robust flavours.
Opening times: Wednesday -Saturday: 12pm – 2:30pm | 6:30pm – 9:30pm.
Delaire Graff Estate | Stellenbosch | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 885 8160      

Waterkloof Restaurant
Waterkloof Restaurant is home to a grand fireplace that provides  modern and elegant warmth. Settle down into the black leather chairs and warm up with a glass of fine wine while taking in the breathtaking views of vines, the mountains and the sea. Read more about fine dining with a view at Waterkloof.
Opening times: Monday – Saturday: 10:30am – late | Sunday: 10:30am – 3pm.
Waterkloof Estate | Sir Lowry’s Pass Road | Somerset West | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 858 1292

Restaurants in the Southern Suburbs

Aston’s @ Greenways
Offering fine dining cuisine in an elegant and relaxing environment, the menu promises to deliver the freshest South African ingredients in an array of innovative dishes.  Enjoy a pre-dinner drink or a night cap at the original cigar library. 
Opening times: Monday - Sunday: 7:30 am - 10am | 12:30pm - 2pm | 7pm - 10pm.
Greenways Hotel | 1 Torquay Avenue | Bishopscourt | Cape Town |+27 (0)21 761 1792

La Colombe
Fancy cosying up at one of San Pelligrino’s World’s Best 50 Restaurants? La Colombe offers French fine dining with an Asian twist in the elegant surrounds of Constantia Uitsig.. Winter specials run from May until August and offer good value on three course meals and tasting menus.
Opening times: Monday - Saturday: 12:30pm-2pm | 7pm-8:45pm | Sunday: 12:30pm-2pm.
Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate | Spaanschemat River Road | Constantia | Cape Town |+ 27 (0) 21 794 2390

Catharina's Restaurant at Steenberg Estate
Steenberg Estate is a serene place to visit, out in the forests of Constantia. Catharina's has views of a lush garden and the green valley below. A log fire warms up the sophisticated restaurant where you can enjoy elegant courses paired with award-winning South African wines. Look out for their winter specials and pop in to the martini bar before or after dinner. 
Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday: 7am-10:30am, 12pm-3pm | 7pm-10pm | Sunday: 7am-10:30am and 12pm-3pm.
Steenberg Wine Estate | Tokai Road | Constantia | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 713 2222

The Wild Fig
Experience ‘that country feeling’ in a beautifully restored 18th century building. The restaurant is in a restored Victorian Manor while the comfortable, but stylish, bar is in a barn which has been declared a historical monument. Choose from over 50 single malt whiskies at Annie’s Arms while having a post-dinner cigar or visit the restaurant for dinner or a lazy Sunday lunch.
Opening times: Monday -Friday: 12pm – 3:30 | 7pm – 10:30pm | Saturday: 7pm -10:30pm| Sunday 12pm – 3:30 | 7pm – 9:30pm.
Valkenberg Estate | Mowbray | Cape Town |+27 (0)21 448 0507      

Pastis Bistro Brasserie
Visit Pastis in Groot Constantia to sample the French cuisine or sip a glass of wine by the fireplace in the bar. If the food turns you into a Francophile for the evening then try their imported French wines and champagnes. There is also a large selection of wines from their own Cape vineyards on offer as well. 
Opening times: Monday-Sunday: 8:30am – late.
High Constantia Centre | Constantia Main Road | Constantia | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 794 8334      

Café Verdi
Think of a cross between an Italian restaurant and an English pub; go warm yourself by the fire and have a drink in the bar or sit down and enjoy the classic Italian food. If you’re in the mood for something to go with your beer then try one of the burgers or the bobotie. 
Opening times: Monday-Saturday: 9am-12pm | 12pm-10pm.
Chelsea Village | Wolfe Street | Wynberg | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 762 0849

Rhodes Memorial Restaurant
The rain brings out the best of this Cape Town landmark, enjoy your meal by the fire as you look out through the misty trees. The restaurant serves traditional food with a couple of innovative new meals showing up on the specials’ board.
Opening times: Monday-Sunday: 9am-5pm.
Rhodes Memorial | Rondebosch | Cape Town | +27  (0)21 687 0000

Restaurants in the Northern Suburbs

Cassia Restaurant
Just 20 minutes drive from Cape Town this country restaurant is an ideal spot for warm winter meals. Enjoy their award-winning wines with the seasonal menu and friendly atmosphere.
Opening times: Monday -Saturday: 9am-11;30am | 12pm-9:30pm |Sunday: 9am-11:30am | 12pm-3pm.
Nitidia Wine Estate | Tyger Valley Road | Durbanville | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 976 0640      

Poplars Restaurant
Poplars pairs an intimate dining experience with a unique menu, in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting. Serving only hormone-free red meat products, a leisurely spitbraai can be enjoyed in the braai area. 
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 12pm - 10pm | Sat: 9am - 10pm | Sunday: 9am - 3pm.
D’Aria Estate | Racecourse Road | Durbanville | Western Cape |+27 (0)21 975 5736

De Oude Welgemoed Bistro
Located in the Taphuis, which used to be stables, this cosy bistro has wooden ceilings as well as a wood-burning pizza oven. Enjoy relaxed evenings with friends or family while keeping warm in front of their fireplace. Bookings are essential. 
Opening times: Monday - Saturday: 4:30pm - 9pm.
Pandoer Street | Welgemoed | Western Cape |+27 (0)21 913 4962

Restaurants in the Cape Peninsula

Polana
Watch sheets of rain crash against the floor to ceiling windows while  enjoying a glass of wine next to the large fireplace at Polana. If you're lucky you may even spot some Southern Right Whales passing by. Situated in the Kalk Bay harbour, this is a cosy haunt for seafood lovers. The easy-going lounge has comfortable leather couches and stays open until the wee hours of the morning.
Opening times: Monday-Sunday: 6pm-10:30pm | Saturday-Sunday: 12pm-4pm (including public holidays)
Kalk Bay Harbour | Kalk Bay | Cape  Town |+27 (0)21 788 7162      

Café Roux  
With an indoor area that has a fireplace and a small bar area, Café Roux is a relaxed, family style restaurant. The menu serves anything from springbok carpaccio to Durban curries, from Asian beef salad to burgers and all-day breakfasts. Café Roux is the place to unwind and indulge.
Opening times: Monday - Sunday:  8.30am - 5.30pm in summer | Monday to Sunday: 9am - 5pm in winter.
Noordhoek Farm Village | Cnr Main Road and Village Lane | Noordhoek | Cape Town |+27 (0)21 789 2538

Chapmans Peak Restaurant
The grand old lady of outdoor seafood restaurants in Cape Town, Chapmans Peak Restaurant, also offers steaks and salads.  Enjoy the warmth of the indoor fireplace on chilly days, and take a stroll to the wine cellar to choose your own vintage or simply enjoy the pictures of a bygone era that adorn the walls. 
Opening times: Monday - Sunday: 12pm - 10pm.
Chapmans Peak Hotel | Chapmans Peak Drive | Hout Bay | Cape Town |+27 (0)21 790 4403

The Roundhouse
This Camps Bay gem offers four dining experiences – the Private Dining Room for warmth, romance and luxury and the Somerset room offers the majestic views of the 12 Apostles, Clifton and Camps Bay.  Enjoy the Rumbullion Terrace with freshly-baked bread, decanters of wine and tasty roasts, while the Oval Room has an original fireplace, a lowered roof and exquisite wall panels. 
Opening times: Wednesday - Saturday: 9am - 9pm | Sunday: 9am - 3pm.
Kloof Road | The Glen | Camps Bay | Cape Town |+27 (0)21 438 4347

Or if you have your own fireplace, learn to cook like a chef at Chefs Warehouse.

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