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New restaurants and experiences to discover

Oyster & ice cream bar, smashburger food truck & more

Last updated: Monday, 11 March 2024

Looking for the hottest (and most unique) new places in Cape Town? There’s a retro food truck that has smashburgers and fries; oyster and ice cream pairing at Shuck + Scoop; a cosy neighbourhood eatery in Franschhoek; and a fire-dining experience with South African classics. Plus 27+ more new places to try.

RETRO FOOD TRUCK WITH SMASHBURGERS

Two best friends, absolutely zero cooking experience, and an unrelenting passion for making smashburgers with the care that they deserve. Combine all of this and you get Brash, a hot and happening retro food truck in Cape Town

 
 
 
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Location TBD | @brashburger 

ICE CREAM AND OYSTERS?

It’s the latest invention from Michelin star chef Rikku Ó’Donnchü, pairing savoury ice cream and fresh oysters. There are unique flavours like olive oil, parmesan, and wasabi ice cream.. And it’s tucked inside a stylish car showroom on Bree Street. Discover more curious flavours at Shuck + Scoop

Must-try: Cauliflower ice cream with curry oil and apple, served on a fresh oyster
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 12pm to 9pm
Cost: Oysters from R85 each, wine from R120 per glass, cocktails, R170


61 Bree Street | @shuckxscoop | Image: Shuck + Scoop

FLAMING STEAKS AND COLD BEERS

Franks Corner Bar and Grill, with its high ceilings and outdoor seating has a variety of options: From signature steaks and seafood to vegetarian dishes like baba ghanoush and Cacio e pepe pasta. It also serves Franschhoek-produced wines, bringing local vineyards to your seat along with other house-brewed beers, seltzers, and lemonades.

Must-try: “Nashville” hot chicken (pira grilled deboned thigh and leg, Nashville hot chicken basting and pickles)
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 9pm
Cost: Starters from R85

42 Huguenot Street | Franschhoek | @franks_corner_za

FAVOURITES COOKED ON AN OPEN FIRE

Surrounded by the greenery of Olijvenkraal Olive and Wine Farm in Paarl, FYRE Dining is a modern restaurant in a sleek black building with little bonsais at its entrance. Experience South African dishes cooked over an open fire like pap en vleis, braaibroodjies, lamb chops, and dhal curry. Of course, the meal wouldn’t be complete without malva pudding or “melktert” ice cream.

Must-try: Biltong-spiced seared tuna with a balsamic reduction
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm to 11pm; Sunday, 12pm to 8pm
Cost: Fyre bites starting from R80


1-12 Contractorpad | Simondium | Paarl | @fyre_diningsa | Image: @marcellenel_

TASTE SOURDOUGH FROM A 350-YEAR-OLD RECIPE

One of the oldest bakeries in Germany, Erbelrot, is now part of a new bakery in South Africa, Bäckerei. There’s freshly-baked German artisan sourdough, crafted with a 350-year-old family recipe that takes 18 to 36 hours to produce. Not only is it available for you to take home, but it's also on the menu for breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Subject to availability.

Must-try: Krustenbrot (Rye Sourdough)
Hours: 8am to 12pm (or until sold out)
Cost: Sourdough baguettes from R35


149 Main Road | Somerset West | Cape Town | @backerei.co.za | Image: Bäckerei

WINE HOPPING IN STELLENBOSCH

If you’re looking for a unique way to go wine tasting, Wine Tractor is just that. Starting at Eikendal Wine Estate, you can hop on and off across six hidden gem wine farms like Webersberg Estate and Grangehurst Wine Estate. The route takes you through farm roads (not main roads), meaning you can see horses and blue cranes on the wine tractor

Must-try: Drunken horse gin at the Avontuur Wine Estate stop
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 9.30am to 6pm
Cost: R300 for adults, R150 for kids


Eikendal Vineyards | R44 | @wine_tractor | Image: Wine Tractor

SMALL PLATES IN CONSTANTIA

It’s the new kid on the Constantia Uitsig block. Ember and Oak is an unconventional experience, hoping to rewrite the rules of dining. Ember and Oak (from Tim Pick, who worked at La Colombe) has a short menu of small plates like yellowtail ceviche puri and Yakitori wings in a gochujang glaze. Sit outside on the terrace tables of Constantia Uitsig and share plates with mates. 

Must-try: Wine and cider boozy slushies
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, coffee from 10am, kitchen from 12pm to 9pm; Sunday, coffee from 10am, kitchen from 12pm  to 4pM
Cost: Snacks from R65


Spaanschemat River Road | Constantia | @emberoakcpt | Image: Ember & Oak

TSHISHANYAMA IN THE CBD

They call themselves a “tshishanyama that went to private school.” PriMEATive is the city’s newest tshishanyama spot. A working space with free wifi by day and casual hangout by night. They have happy hour specials (from 6pm to 7pm), savoury spitbraais and a selection of craft beers on offer, with live music and DJs. You can also join them for First Thursdays, with artists like Tankiso Mamabolo or DJ Dilish. 

Must-try: TBC
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8am to 12am
Cost: TBC

57 Temple House | Buitenkant Street | Cape Town | @primeativerestaurant

COMING TO CAPE TOWN: MARBLE

They call themselves the meat and flame enthusiasts. Luxury bar and restaurant, Marble, arrives in Cape Town in spring 2024. Marble originally opened in Johannesburg by renowned South African chef David Higgs, where dining is a theatrical experience and the food is cooked on a direct fire. Marble in Cape Town unveiled their new location at the historic Union Castle Building in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. 

Must-try: TBC
Hours: TBC
Cost: TBC


Union Castle Building | V&A Waterfront | @marble_capetown | Image: Marble

DOWN A BREE STREET ALLEY

It’s the place that has everyone talking. Babbi is a new cosy deli and bar, with a hidden courtyard. The menu is filled with unique finds like a toasted cheese and atchar sandwich, beetroot, orange, and olive salad, and on Sundays there’s crayfish. 

Must-try: Sesame S’more Dough Boy Cookie
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, from 12pm; Sunday, from 2pm
Cost: Sandwiches from R65 and salads from R80


215 Bree Street | City Centre | @babbi.capetown | Image: Babbi

REFINED DINING WITH LOCAL FLAVOURS   

It’s Stellenbosch’s new refined dining experience, with sleek decor, contrasting dark colours and wooden furniture. Mertia has a playful and innovative six-course lunch menu and 10-course dinner menu, with some familiar favourites like jam and cheese on toast, and pampoen tart with venison. Courses are paired with rare and fine local wines. 

Must-try: MERTIA Sweetie Pie
Hours: Lunch, Thursday - Saturday, 12pm to 3pm; Sunday, 12pm and 2pm; Dinner, Wednesday - Saturday, 5.30pm and 8pm
Cost: Lunch tasting menu R995 per person, dinner tasting menu R1495 per person

 
 
 
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20 Bird Street | Stellenbosch Central

BISTRO WITH A SEA VIEW

Hidden next to Artvark Gallery is a new gem, Canvas Bistro, with a courtyard area nicely shaded by trees, and a covered deck with views of False Bay. Tuck into fresh seafood meals like prawn risotto and mussels in white wine before ending off with homemade cheesecake. There’s First Thursdays events too with live music and complimentary wine tasting.

Must-try: Calamari tubes sauteed with tomato, green olives and garlic
Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 11am to 5pm; Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 11pm, Sunday, 11am to 5pm
Cost: TBC


48 Main Road | Kalk Bay | Cape Town | @canvaskalkbay | Image: Canvas Bistro

RAISE A GLASS AT THIS WINE BAR  

There’s a new natural wine bar at The Old Biscuit Mill, and it has wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas made with a 48-hour slow-proved dough recipe. Pavement Special has a selection of natural wines by South African winemakers like Mother Rock and Lubanzi Wines. There’s also small plates and snack bars that you can pair with your wine.

Must-try: Cacio e Pepe (white) pizza
Hours: Daily (for breakfast and lunch), 8am to 6pm; Wednesday to Saturday, 6pm till late
Cost: Pizzas from R125 


The Old Biscuit Mill | 373 Albert Road | Woodstock | @pavement_special | Image: Pavement Special

ONE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST SPECIAL CAFÉS

You’ll find Only Specials Café in Hermanus next to Daans Bakery. With patterned floors and a pretty garden setting, sit indoors or outside where tables are shaded by umbrellas and trees (and eucalyptus leaves are painted on the walls). The café hires special needs individuals as part of their partnership with The Sluyter Foundation, to train intellectually challenged students from Camphill. You’ll find a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups and cakes on the menu. 

Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm
Cost: Croissants from R35

 
 
 
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 6 Dirkie Uys | Hermanus

INNOVATIVE DESIGN SHOWROOM   

If you’re a geek for furniture and design, you’ll love the new showroom from Pedersen + Lennard. In addition to their popular showroom in Maitland, their second space opens in De Waterkant with a soft launch on February 14, 2024. Visit the showroom (no appointments needed) and pick up some furniture inspiration from kitchen stools to bedroom drawers.

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm; Saturday, 10am to 2pm

 
 
 
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 24 Napier Street | De Waterkant

COCKTAIL BAR FROM NYC TO THE CBD 

Three New Yorkers came to Cape Town to start a cocktail bar called ANTHM. Inspired by its NYC sister establishment ROKC, ANTHM in the CBD specialises in craft cocktails and Japanese small plates. And it’s all in a Japanese “kominka”. Find out more about the CBD’s coolest new cocktail bar

Must-try: Smokestack Lightin’ (scotch whiskey, amaro, porcini and Yamazakura aroma smoked)
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm till 12am
Cost: Craft cocktails from R150


63 Loop Street | Cape Town | @anthm_cpt | Image: Alessandro Galassi

COFFEE SHOP IN A CHURCH COURTYARD

Pauline’s, a popular coffee shop on Sea Point’s main road, has opened a new location in De Waterkant, in the backyard of Sacred Heart church. The intimate space has high vaulted ceilings, arched windows, wooden benches and an outdoor courtyard, mimicking the feeling of a church. There’s fresh pastries, coffee and breakfasts like spiced chelsea buns, smashed avo toast or a burrata salad. 

Must-try: Burrata salad (fresh burrata served with a courgette, almond and mint salad)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm; Saturday, 8am to 3pm
Cost: Sourdough toasties from R60

 
 
 
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37A Somerset Road | Green Point | Cape Town

MONTREAL-STYLE COFFEE AND BAGELS

Montreal is a new artisanal bagel and coffee shop in Stellenbosch. You can build your own bagels or choose flavours like Nutella, cream cheese, blueberry and the Montreal. Something truly special about this new coffee joint is the CAN IT concept, where coffees are made and freshly-canned in store. Choose between four different sizes, from Mini Monte, Jacaranda, Jozi or Mother City.

Must-try: The Montreal Bagel (Bagel of your choice layered with cream cheese, biltong dust, sliced avocado, jalepeños, danish feta and fresh rocket drizzled with balsamic glaze).
Hours: Monday to Friday, 6am to 5pm; Saturday, 6am to 4pm & Sunday, 6am to 2pm
Cost: Bagels from R40


26 Bird Street | Stellenbosch Central | @montreal_coffee  | Image: Montreal Coffee+Bagels

THE OTHER HOLE-IN-THE-WALL EATERY

New to Bree Street, where Nish-Nush used to be, is another hole-in-the-wall burger eatery. Burgers and Brews feels like an old school takeout spot, with a little order window, red tile decor, and a few white tables on the sidewalk. There’s American-style smashburgers, animal fries, milkshakes and beers (and it’s open till midnight). Plus, there are specials every First Thursdays.

Must-try: Animal-style French fries (loaded fries)
Hours: Monday to Saturday; 12am to 12pm
Cost: Smashburger from R95, French fries from R35


110 Bree Street | City Centre | @burgersandbrews.ct | Image: Burgers & Brews

COMING SOON: NOODLE BAR IN STELLENBOSCH

A hidden courtyard just off Plein Street in Stellenbosch will be the home of brand new noodle bar, Slurp. It will open right next to sister restaurant Minari Korean Kitchen, a favourite for Korean corn dogs, gimbap, tteok bokki, and japchae. Expect dishes such as Japanese Ramen and Vietnamese Pho at Slurp.

 
 
 
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Simonsplein Center | Plein Street | Stellenbosch

ARGENTINIAN BAKERY WITH PASTERELAS

Weirdough serves medialunas, an Argentinian pastry that's a mix between a brioche and a croissant, with many layers and a subtle hint of lemon and vanilla. There’s savoury to sweet options, from Nutella and Custard to Mozzarella and Brie. You can sit down at the colourful tables and stools dotted throughout the store or just order a takeaway.  

Must-try: The Original Crema Pasterela (custard)
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 7.30am to 3pm; Sundays, 7.30am to 12pm
Cost: Medialunas from R26


Lions Square Shopping Center | Main Street | Somerset West | @weirdough_bakerysa | Image: Weirdough

AMARULA MAGNUMS & VETKOEK

Along the Camps Bay strip you’ll find a beach club with rattan and wood interiors, South African treats and specialty drinks. There’s Apricot snoek and vetkoek. Or for a drink try the Picasso with Gin, lemongrass, citrus, soda and edible paint. This interactive cocktail is plated on a palette with various paints for you to get creative with.

Must-try: Amarula magnum ice-cream
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday; 11am to 1am
Cost: Food from R65, cocktails R105


75 Victoria Road | Camps Bay | @savora_campsbay | Image: Savora

MEDITERRANEAN BREAKFAST

Located in the Tokyo Building, Florentin is a breakfast and brunch spot that offers dishes like shakshuka, turkish eggs and kıyma. With orange walls, round wooden tables and brown leather booths, the menu is structured around a selection of sharing plates and dishes. Pop in and get some work done (with free Wi-Fi) or grab coffee and pastries on the go. (Note: they’ll be open for lunch and dinner soon). 

Must-try: Çilbir (Turkish eggs made from poached eggs, herbed garlic yoghurt, chilli butter and dukkah. Served with sourdough or flatbread).
Hours: Daily, 7am to 3pm
Cost: Breakfast from R85


The Tokyo Building | 87 Loop Street | Cape Town | @florentin_cpt | Image: Florentin

TSHISANYAMA DOWN THE GYPSY RABBIT HOLE

Hidden in a courtyard on Bree Street, connect over a braai at Gypsy Rabbit, where tshisanyama is the specialty. Blending South African and South American flavours together, the menu has items like a 24-Hour Short Rib Braised Baked Potato made with Bourbon, minty crème fraîche and onion rings. There's also specials on food and drinks. For a night out, enjoy hubbly. 

Must-try: Oepsies (paper-thin lamb bacon, wrapped around a stick)
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 4pm to 12am
Cost: Platters from R300, meats from R120, small plates from R85


110 Bree Street | City Centre | @gypsyrabbitct | Image: Gypsy Rabbit

CRUDO WITH A VIEW 

VUE Shortmarket overlooks Table Mountain, Signal Hill and Lion’s Head, with Art Deco-décor and mural paintings. Besides crudo, there's also oyster trios, whole fish, wagyu katsu sando, Peruvian ceviche, anchovy flatbread and Springbok loin.

Must-try: Blood Orange & Scallop Crudo (served with a variety of beetroot, radish, watermelon, jalapeno, red onion, and spring onion, topped with crispy wonton)
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12am to 12pm
Cost: Small plates from R95


108 Shortmarket Street | Cape Town | @vueshortmarket | Image: VUE

HEAD TO HUGO

This social club comes from the brothers behind JARRYDS Brunch & Bistro and Ariel Modern Italian. Hugo has direct views of Lion’s Head with items like the Bubble and Squeak (broccolini, crispy potato, calabrian chilli, poached eggs and hollandaise) and Prawn Linguine Gamberetti (white wine, garlic, chilli, cream, parsley, tomato and lemon).

Must-try: PB & J (peanut butter bulleit bourbon, raspberry jam and lemon) or Salted Caramel Cheesecake (vanilla cream cheese, salted caramel and pretzel crumb)
Hours: Daily; 7.30am to 11am, 12pm to 10pm
Cost: Breakfast from R45, Lunch and dinner from R125, Cocktails from R105


9th Floor | 2 Kings Road | Sea Point | @hugosocialclub | Image: Hugo Social Club

SLICE OF LAKE COMO

Chef and owner Louise Castle bring her classical Italian training to Bellagio. Here you’ll find refreshing items such as tuna carpaccio with caper berries, veal limone and cheese soufflé. The sun-kissed patio is ideal for long lazy summer lunches, and the stylish interior transports you to a trattoria overlooking Lake Como.

Must-try: Freshly baked chocolate, orange or three cheese soufflé, made in-house
Hours: Daily, 10am to 11pm
Cost: Starters from R80


74 Prestwich Street | Green Point | @bellagio_sa | Image: Bellagio

ICE CREAM BAGUETTES, ANYONE?

Pho and Bun Halal Vietnamese Kitchen in Diep River is a new local spot where you can try Vietnamese cuisine (and vegan-friendly options too). With bamboo straw hats hanging from the ceiling and greenery climbing up the walls, try Pho (a Vietnamese specialty, made of rice noodle soup) and Bún Thit Núóngh (vermicelli noodles, grilled meat and salad). There’s also ice cream baguettes and Vietnamese-dripped coffee.

Must-try: Pho, a salty broth, rice noodles, thinly sliced onions, fried shallots, coriander and spring onion
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 9pm
Cost: Starters from R65

67 Main Road | Diep River | Cape Town
 

SLUSHIES ‘N SLICES AT PALS

Located on the bustling Kloof Street and right next to Yours Truly, is a little pizza joint named PALS. This new spot has massive pizza slices, boozy and non-alcoholic slushies, soft-serve ice cream, and milkshakes. There are also live vinyl DJs at PALS.

Must-try: An alcoholic slushie with a slice of Mad Villainy pizza
Hours: Sunday to Wednesday, 7am to 12am; Thursday to Saturday, 7am to 1am
Cost: Slushies from R28 and pizza slices from R35


73 Kloof Street | Cape Town | @allyourpals | Image: PALS

SIP COCKTAILS AT A HIDDEN BEACHSIDE SPOT

Overlooking the Camps Bay Strip in the Promenade Shopping Centre, you’ll find The Attic by Bo-Vine, a secretive new cocktail lounge and wine bar. If you’re wanting to pair your drink with a snack, crostinis are also available. Or head downstairs to the Bo-Vine Wine and Grill House. Ring the doorbell and enter into a lounge with cheetah cushioned seats, pink floral carpets and orange couches. 

Must-try: Cointreau Orange Sour or Aubergine Bruschetta
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 4pm to 11pm; Friday to Sunday, 1pm to 11pm
Cost: TBC


85 Victoria Road | Camps Bay | @the_attic_by_bovine | Image: The Attic by Bo-Vine

GET YOUR GAME (AND DRINK) ON 

There are tons of bars in Cape Town, but how many of them have an arcade? Barcadia is Cape Town’s first retro bar and arcade, and they’ve got a collection of original arcade game machines, some going back as far as 30 years. Play the classics like Rave Racer, Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter while enjoying drinks on tap. At Barcadia, the games are free and there’s no entry fee.

Must-try: No food is served yet but they have a soda gun with various flavours, including lemonade, cola and tonic
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to 2am
Cost: Sodas from R10


52 Hout Street | Cape Town | @barcadiaza | Image: Barcadia

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