New Restaurants and Hot Spots in Cape Town

Our round-up of the latest eateries, bars, shops, pubs and clubs to launch in the Mother City

The Mother City is a fast developing, ever evolving metropolis with trendy, fresh places opening up on almost every corner every month. To keep you clued up, we’ve rounded up some of the hottest latest additions to Cape Town, from quirky new restaurants and shops to chic new clubs, pubs and bars.

Love Milo Homeware Shop
A late January 2013 addition to Cape Town’s animated Loop Street, designer Nicki Ellis’s new Love Milo décor shop offers a light and airy home to her striking range of handcrafted homeware products, formerly only found in larger retailers. Here, on sleek shelves near the front of the boutique (the back is used as a studio space), browsers can find her complete collection, which includes ceramic cups, mugs, jugs, pitchers and pots; wooden plates, platters, placemats and cutlery; cotton cushion covers, table runners and napkins; and eye-catching lights and lanterns. Each carefully handmade piece is adorned with graphic, nature-inspired elements and shapes taken from Nicki’s own photographs – lines of ants, tree branches and birds, for instance. Being both a contemporary and inviting space, the new store is an ideal spot to pick up a cherished must-have purchase.
Opening times: Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
99 Loop Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0) 82 522 4921

Stunner of the Month
Formally launched in South Africa in February 2013, Stunner of the Month is an innovative online subscription-based sunglasses enterprise that delivers a fresh pair of stylish shades to enrolled members every month for no more than R140 a pop. Though new to Mzansi shores, the company was started in the US back in 2009 by a group of mates eager to share their passion for flashy specs with the world. All the sunglasses in their diverse collection – it includes over 400 distinct styles – are sourced on travels from countries around the globe, and each arrives monthly at fashion-forward fans’ doorsteps complete with its own quirky story. Though ideal for those hip Capetonians looking to build their own inventory of swag, OTT shades, the virtual business also offers a gifting option for anyone looking to spoil a special someone with regular surprise parcels in the post. To sign up as a member or register to be a ‘giver’, simply visit their website at Stunnerofthemonth.com.
www.stunnerofthemonth.com

Baked Bistro
With the tagline ‘home is where the heart is’, Baked Bistro, a rustic bakery-cum-eatery that opened in Cape Town’s Bakoven in February 2013, aims to provide locals with a warm and welcoming neighbourhood hangout that’s centred on a sense of community. Flaunting an unfinished edge and long communal tables, the unassuming restaurant invites diners to tuck into a tasty selection of handcrafted breads (all made on site), buttery pastries, inventive breakfasts and hearty, wholesome lunch options. The simple menu includes anything from Scrambled Egg and Sardines and Blueberry French Toast to a lamb and rosemary burger, thyme-infused chicken pizza and an artisan vegetable sandwich (all options are available as takeaways too). What’s more, the small café also boasts its own smooth blend of coffee for passing java junkies. With free Wi-fi, mahala deliveries and regular chef’s table evenings added to their offering, the Bakoven bistro is an ideal new spot to sit back and, as driven young founder Zahir Mohamed says, “get baked”.
Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday: 7am – 5pm
38 Victoria Road | Bakoven | Cape Town | +27 (0) 79 268 9821

The Pot Luck Club
Though not entirely new on the scene, this popular modern global fusion restaurant – owned by legendary local chef Luke Dale-Roberts – now flaunts a brand new glass and steel home on the top floor of the historic Silo building at Woodstock’s Old Biscuit Mill. Having relocated from a spot next to its fine dining sibling, The Test Kitchen, in February 2013, the re-imagined eatery, which boasts uninterrupted views of the city, was conceptualised in collaboration with a handful of esteemed local creatives, making for a particularly eye-catching space. Though the venue has certainly been upgraded, The Pot Luck Club’s communal, plate-sharing focus and emphasis on adventurous, cutting-edge cuisine remains the same. Hence, guests can still expect to find a smattering of creative tapas-style dishes on the unusual menu (it’s divided into taste profiles), including options like Crispy Duck Spring Rolls, Yellowtail Sashimi Lettuce Ssam and succulent Pork Belly. These can be washed down with an inventive sake-based cocktail or premium boutique wine from the hip new Pot Luck Bar. Fervent fans should also note that with the fresh setting comes a new addition: a laidback Sunday brunch option ideal for those in the mood for a relaxed family-friendly weekend feast.
Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday: 12:30pm – 2:30pm (lunch); 6pm – 10:30pm (dinner); Sunday: 11:30am – 3pm
Top Floor | The Silo Building | The Old Biscuit Mill | 375 Albert Road | Woodstock | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 447 0804

Fun House
Based out on the picturesque Durbanville wine route, this new kids’ play place-cum-café affords parents the chance to relax and unwind while their little ones frolic and cavort to their hearts’ content. The family-friendly farm-style centre, which was launched in March 2013 by single mother and aspiring artist Natasha Potgieter, boasts indoor and outdoor play areas equipped with everything required for kiddies’ amusement – think slides, jumping castles, craft tables and jungle gyms – alongside a vintage coffee shop and boutique for adults. The café treats guests to fresh homemade cakes, muffins, scones, quiches and sandwiches and also sells hot dogs and sarmies for the young’uns, while the quaint shop stocks children’s clothing, accessories and other lovely odds and ends for the home. Visitors to Fun House, a veritable recreation wonderland, should note that kids are charged an entrance fee of R40 for an unlimited time in the playgrounds; moms and pops can stop by for free.
Opening times: Wednesday – Friday: 10am – 5pm; Saturday: 9am – 5pm; Sunday: 9am – 2pm
Mountain View Farm| Tygerberg Road | Durbanville | Cape Town | +27 (0) 82 770 3286

Nuri Sushi Factory
Housed in an old heritage building in Cape Town’s CBD, this new addition to the city’s mushrooming sushi scene (March 2013) firmly emphasises originality, quality and affordability. With an on-the-run takeaway focus, the eatery, which does boast a scattering of tables for those keen to sit down, dishes up an array of well-priced inventive specialities (think rice-free platters and fashion sandwiches topped with peanut dressing and crushed nuts); conventional California rolls, hand rolls, maki, nigiri and sashimi; a selection of sushi-based salads and a medley of fat-free fruit and coffee-based smoothies. Most notably though, the city centre newcomer also has big plans to ‘South Africanise’ sushi in the near future; hence, patrons can expect to see anything from ostrich fillet nigiri to springbok and pineapple California rolls appearing on the diverse menu within the next six to eight months. What’s more, for those keen to craft the Japanese delicacy themselves, Nuri will be offering two-hour sushi-making lessons every alternate Wednesday from April 2013 onwards.
Opening times: Monday – Saturday: 12pm – 9pm
8 Parliament Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 461 8719

The Toad & Josephine
In March 2013, Cape Town’s historic Josephine Mill, an age-old site where stone-ground flour was once milled, became home to The Toad & Josephine, the latest addition to retired rugby player Bobby Skinstad’s well-loved restaurant group that includes The Toad in the Village in Noordhoek and The Toad on the Road in Lakeside. From its charming setting on the banks of the Liesbeek River (the venue used to house Caveau), the easy-going new eatery dishes up delicious pub grub, with options like eisbein, pork ribs, venison pie, succulent burgers and wood-fired pizzas on the menu. On the drinks side, the upstairs bar, which is located out on a deck, and its alfresco downstairs counterpart are base to nine different draft beers, wine and a wide range of other liquor that are all best enjoyed with a gaggle of mates just before or after game time, especially since the laidback newcomer is located only steps away from the Newlands Rugby Stadium.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday: 11am – 9:30pm (kitchen); 11am – 11:30pm (bar)
Josephine Mill | 13 Boundary Road | Newlands | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 686 1437

Wakaberry Frozen Yoghurt Bar in Durbanville
To the delight of all Durbanville residents with a penchant for slightly healthier sweet treats, in early March 2013, a brand new self-service Wakaberry frozen yoghurt bar opened in Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs at the Willowbridge Lifestyle Centre. Like its now well-established sister outlets in Rondebosch and the city centre, the playfully decorated store invites visitors to help themselves to a diverse range of delectable FroYo flavours (options range from more conventional favourites, like Vanilla and Mixed Berry, to innovative premium alternatives, like Fudge Brownie and Condensed Milk). Patrons can then adorn their portions with a tantalising selection of tasty toppings (think fudge, fresh fruit, nuts, turkish delight, jelly tots and more). The experience is unique, social and fun, and as the cost of each serving is determined by a pay-by-weight system, the control is entirely in customers’ hungry hands.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday: 9am – 9pm
Shop G75 | Willowbridge Lifestyle Centre | 39 Carl Cronje Drive | Durbanville | +27 (0) 21 914 3207

Woodstock Academy of Music
A truly inspiring new home for Cape Town’s emerging musicians, this Woodstock-based school and rehearsal venue was born of esteemed sax player Rus Nerwich’s desire to craft a welcoming place where aspiring Mother City melody makers can learn and practice music. The academy, which opened in January 2013, offers both private and group lessons in piano, guitar, drums, bass, saxophone, trumpet, violin and vocals for individuals of any age or ability level (beginners are welcome too); all classes are taught by gifted tutors that are well trained in a range of genres, from classical and jazz to pop and modern contemporary. What’s more, the tastefully adorned venue also claims light, airy rehearsal studios that are fully equipped with amps, PA systems, microphones, drum kits and more for up-and-coming bands seeking a comfortable, acoustically treated spot to spin tunes (mentoring by seasoned professionals is also an option for budding ensembles). As for those eager to immortalise their tracks, the academy will soon (April 2013) launch a first-rate recording studio that will be open to artists all hours of the day and night.
Opening times: Lessons:Monday – Friday:9am – 8pm; Saturday: 10am – 2pm; Rehearsal Studios: Monday – Sunday: 2pm – 4am (open through the night)
Side Street Studios | 48 Albert Road | Woodstock | Cape Town | +27 (0) 72 510 4859

Honest Chocolate Shop at The Woodstock Exchange
At the beginning of February 2013, proudly Capetonian artisan venture Honest Chocolate, which has called Wale Street home for some time now, verified its burgeoning success with the launch of a second store in creative hub The Woodstock Exchange. Home to the brand’s mouth-watering selection of handcrafted, raw cacao treats, the new shop retains the old-school vintage charm of its sister outlet while at the same time channelling the industrial feel of its setting. Alongside heavenly, individually wrapped chocolate slabs, chocolate spread and bonbon truffles, the Woodstock store, where the kitchen is now based, is also experimenting with macadamia nut butter cups, water ganache cakes, chocolate pizzas, coconut and cashew nut butter-based ice cream and hot chocolate in winter. These melt-in-your-mouth delicacies, which are all free of preservatives, dairy and processed sugar, can be enjoyed at the newcomer’s inside wooden bar or in its contained outside area that flaunts a row of old, red cinema-style seats.
Opening times: Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm; Saturday: 10am – 2pm
The Woodstock Exchange | 66 Albert Road | Woodstock | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 447 1438

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*The above information was updated in March 2013

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Paul Smith Shop on Bree Street
After being based for several years at Cape Town’s cosmopolitan V&A Waterfront, this iconic British menswear brand has relocated and revisited its original focus with the launch of a new diffusion shop in the Mother City’s bustling CBD. Found on the corner of Bree and Wale streets, the chic, quirky Paul Smith store – which boasts a bright blue facade and an interior adorned with bold, playful touches – places the emphasis on stylish casual wear (as opposed to formalwear) for men and women, and aims to reflect the pulse of Cape Town in both its decor and eclectic clothing collection. Inside the edgy space, visitors can expect to find jackets, pants, shirts and more from the Paul Smith Jeans men’s range; blouses, cardigans, swimwear and dresses from the Paul by Paul Smith women’s collection; as well as an array of trendy bags, shoes and accessories to complete a top-notch shopping experience.
Opening times: Monday – Friday: 9am – 6pm; Saturday: 9am – 2pm; public holidays: 9am – 2pm
137 Bree Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 424 0354

Lionshead Bar
A recent addition to the Mother City’s buzzing Bree Street, this new city centre watering hole offers locals and visitors alike a distinct, alternative spot for a relaxed after-work dop or vibey weekend boogie. In an effort to make the pub unique, unassuming and accessible to all, owner Marlon Shaw – previously the manager of popular haunt The Power & The Glory – has crafted a space that’s strikingly stark and minimalist, with only grey walls, a diagonal bar and a few tables as features. A diverse array of affordable drinks are available, including a wide range of craft beers, a limited selection of local wine, 100% agave Mexican tequila, a marula mampoer house cocktail, and milkshakes and artisan coffee for non-drinkers; not to mention, homemade biltong and cured meats are on offer for the peckish. What’s more, as a bar that values a ‘roaring’ good time, Lionshead, which has a small open-air courtyard out back, also claims a dart board and a video games machine and regularly plays host to live music nights.
Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday: 3pm – 2am
103 Bree Street | City Centre | Cape Town

The Boardhouse Surfbar and Skatepark
Located along Table View’s beachfront, this new laidback surf, kite and skate bar – the brainchild of husband and wife team Grant and Sheree Brown– serves as a relaxed hangout and central meeting place for board riders, alternative types and beach bums alike. The easy-going, quintessentially Capetonian space – which doubles up as something of an art and graffiti gallery – claims a small indoor skatepark, a lounge and bar area where cocktails, beer and wine can be bought, and a café that offers up a small selection of light bites alongside smoothies, tea and Truth coffee. On top of these offerings, The Boardhouse runs a surf school and equipment rental venture from the front of the venue, and is also a regular base to a range of fun events, such as karaoke nights, skating demos, adventure sports-related movie premieres, rocking parties with guest DJs and live music jols.
Opening times: Monday – Saturday: 9am – late
12 Marine Circle | Table View Beachfront | Cape Town | +27 (0) 84 554 3262

Waterfront Market on the Wharf
Founded by well-travelled, pioneering entrepreneur Ruth Munitz, this mass shopping space situated within the V&A Waterfront’s old Power Station serves as the Mother City’s first big, central produce-driven market. With an emphasis on fresh food, fruits and vegetables, this large bazaar offers visitors the rare opportunity to interact with the producers of their fare and to thus have direct exposure to its source. Over 60 carefully selected traders sell a diverse range of high-quality farm goods, and the market also boasts a number of unique features aimed at making the shopping experience positive and convenient, including an interactive pop-up kitchen and a basket service that allows buyers to collect purchases later with their vehicle. All in all, this large-scale new souk provides a far better and enjoyable alternative for doing the groceries.
Opening times: Wednesday – Sunday: 9:30am – 7:30pm
Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 276 0200

Agua Dreamz
In chic new beachwear store Agua Dreamz, the beauty of Brazil and Colombia’s sandy shores comes to Cape Town. Officially open for business in mid-January 2012, the Bo-Kaap based shop, which was founded by partners Carina Karcher and Ross Smerdon, stocks a wide range of eye-catching, elaborate bikinis from well-loved Colombian swimwear brand Agua Bendita (for which model Candice Swanepoel was a South African representative). Each glamorous, brightly-coloured product is carefully handcrafted out of high-quality materials, comes adorned in intricate beadwork and dazzling detail and is ideal for fashion-conscious (and well-earning )women eager to turn heads. In addition to striking swimwear, the urban store, which is beautifully decorated with wood and vintage furniture, also sells a range of bright, bold necklaces, most notably from the Brazilian brand Sobral.
Opening times: Monday – Friday: 10am – 5pm; Saturday: 10am – 2pm (subject to change)
Urban-Hub | 142 Buitengracht Street | Bo-Kaap | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 424 8292

Latitude33
The project of innovative entrepreneurs Charles Post and Gareth Walford, who were inspired by surf culture and travels to Bali, Latitude33 is a combined restaurant, art gallery and clothing store and the vibrant meeting place of fine food, eye-catching creative works and trendy imported fashion. Based on Cape Town’s Bree Street, the laidback spot claims a contemporary yet rustic feel with exposed brick walls, light wood, edgy decor, a chill-out beanbag  area and library, and a few surf-inspired touches (including ‘wave’ shelves over the coffee counter and an imprint of a Tiki surf god on the front door). On the food and drinks side, the eatery (under chef Gareth) serves up Truth coffee and teas and an ever-evolving array of fresh, tasty breakfasts and lunches, with delicious options, like omelettes, freshly-baked bread, burgers, Roquefort and Pear Salad and Springbok Carpaccio Pizza, on the menu (while the restaurant is still in its early stages, the menu will change daily). Upstairs is the art gallery and clothing shop where a range of pieces produced by talented locally-based artist Olivia Franklin are displayed, and where visitors can browse through a wide selection of accessories and trendy clothing from top Australian surf brands (like Mink Pink, Rhythm Livin and Insight51). In essence, Latitude33 is a dynamic, exciting new space that, even if just for the free Wi-fi, is well worth a visit.
Opening times: Monday – Friday: 7am – 4pm (the kitchen closes at 3pm)
165 Bree Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 424 9520

Madame Zingara’s Miracle Tour
After a stint in Durban, the lovely Madame Zingara Theatre of Dreams – a lauded travelling dinner theatre production housed in an ancient, enchanting mirror tent – is returning to her Cape Town roots and settling down for the summer at the V&A Waterfront. Opening on 16 January 2013, the cirque extravaganza, which claims The Hot Mr C and Cathy Specific as comedic MCs, will feature local vocal quartet The Specifics and a range of captivating new acts, including masters of the Icarian Games (human foot-jugglers) and a three-man strength and agility performance. What’s more, while taking in such enthralling feats, show-goers can enjoy a four-course gourmet meal that boasts delicious meze, tasty mains like Chocolate Chilli Fillet and Duo Sesame-Crusted Salmon and decadent desserts like Chocolate Tiramisu. Such mouth-watering fare together with fine cirque entertainment is bound to make for a truly magical evening.
Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday: 7pm – late (from 16 January until April 2013, depending on demand)
Dock Road (near the Pick n Pay entrance)| V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0) 861 623 263

Shimmy Beach Club
Shimmy, Cape Town’s first true beach club and one of its finest entertainment and culinary destinations, opened at the end of 2012 right on the water’s edge at the V&A Waterfront. Developed by renowned businessman Shawn Mace and highly-lauded chef Seelan Sundoo, this large-scale, luxurious restaurant, bar and club features, amongst other highlights, a private beach, sparkling infinity pool, sweeping alfresco deck with sun loungers, dedicated whisky room for tastings, opulent lounge, champagne bar, raised hydraulic stage and upscale eatery. The diverse range of cuisine on offer includes options like oysters, Warm Cape Native Lobster Salad, Springbok Fillet and Lamb Lollipop Chops (there’s a kids menu too), and guests can wet their whistle with anything from cold draughts to sherry or wine cocktails. Not to mention, the premier venue, with its playful, nature-inspired decor, also spins commercial house music for those keen to ‘shimmy’ on the dance floor until the wee hours of the morning.
Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday: 12:30pm – late (lunch: 12:30pm – 2pm; dinner: 7pm – 9:30pm)
South Arm Road | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 200 7778

Food Lover’s Market at St Georges Mall
Joining several other sister stores located around the Western Cape, the new Fruit & Veg City Food Lover’s Market at St Georges Mall’s Newspaper House – which opened its doors under owner Mario Petim in December 2012 – offers passersby the same diverse range of fresh, quality fare that they’ve come to expect from the brand. As at the other shops, visitors eager for quick, convenient takeaways can help themselves to a wide array of delicious hot and cold options – think healthy salads, meat dishes, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, smoothies, fresh fruit and baked goods – from the large self-serve food emporium which works on a pay-by-weight system. A sushi bar, coffee bar and grill bar are also available for customers’ enjoyment. For those eager to linger a little longer in this stylish retail space, there is seating available inside.
Opening times: Monday – Friday: 7am – 6:30pm; Saturday: 7am – 5pm
Ground Floor | Newspaper House | 122 St Georges Mall | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 424 0294

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*The above information was updated in January 2013

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