Your Perfect Cape Town Function Venue

Function venues with a difference, plus plenty of traditional options, for your next event

Last updated: 6 August 2019

If you’ve ever been tasked with organising a birthday bash, bachelor/ette party, wedding, baby shower, anniversary, family reunion, board meeting, conference, workshop or a bar/bat mitzvah, you’ll know that finding the perfect venue can strike fear in the heart of even the most enthusiastic party planner. Panic not – we’ve got the definitive line-up of places that’ll ease the pain and take your event to the next level.

CITY ROOFTOP OR PRIVATE LOUNGE?
Voted one of the best new bars in the world by Condé Nast Traveler in 2012, Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar has been a favourite hang-out since 2011, and is as popular as ever. Killer cocktails, views and an inner-city vibe under wooden mansards in an old attic with an open rooftop area make this space special. There’s also great indie and electronic music, moreish bar snacks and cool décor, like the red Japanese-shrine-inspired bar and the black and white Tokyo photo wall. One floor down is the moody, intimate Momiji Lounge, with sunken booths and a long, low couch. Sip on Japanese folklore-inspired cocktails, or something from the extensive wine or spirit list (including Japanese whiskies). Both Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar and Momiji Lounge are ideal for private functions or events.
Capacity: Up to 20 people in Momiji Lounge; 80-100 people in the Rooftop Bar of Tjing Tjing House.
Nice to know: There is no venue hire cost. 

165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town | +27 21 422 4920 | info@tjingtjing.co.za

TECHED-UP CONFERENCE ROOM
The fully-automated, eco-centric guest house’s 16-seater conference room’s main feature is the impressive 55” Microsoft Surface HUB – a touchscreen, all-in-one digital whiteboard that runs on Windows 10 and has internet connectivity. The room has everything you’ll need – plug points built into the table, high-speed wifi and you’ll have the room automation system at your disposal. Plus, there is plenty of natural light pouring in, sweeping views and French doors that open up to the edge of the dam at theLAB Robertson.
Capacity: 16 people
Best for: multi-day conferences

Klaas Voogds West | Robertson | +27 (0)23 626 1570 | robertson@thelab.africa

IDEAL WEDDING RECEPTION VENUE
This Rawsonville holiday resort, an hour’s drive from Cape Town, has eight conference centres in various sizes and layout and can accommodate up to 800 people in total. The jewel of the resort is the stunning Slanghoek Conference Centre, which seats up to 100 and has its own restaurant and bar. With panoramic views of the Breedekloof Valley, it’s ideal for a wedding reception, and the centre is walking distance from the Slanghoek Villas at Goudini Spa.
Capacity: Up to 100–800 people
Nice to Know: There are five heated pools. Also the bridal couple gets a free stay in the Slanghoek Villas.

Wyzersdrift Road, Rawsonville | +27 (0)23 349 8100 | goudini@atkv.org.za

A PRIVATE UPSTAIRS NOOK
The Attic is a cosy, private nook up the stairs of popular Beluga restaurant in De Waterkant, perfect for birthday parties, business meetings or engagement dinners. It accommodates up to 18 people and caters for special meal requirements, including halaal. The venue hire cost works like a tab. You pay R5,500 into a tab and can order from the food menu and the bar to your chosen value. You can also become a member of the new Beluga Whisky Lounge for special events and tastings of whiskies from unique locations at Beluga.
Capacity: Up to 18 at the upstairs nook
Nice to know: The restaurant can be booked for functions for larger groups, too.

70 Prestwich Street, The Foundry, De Waterkant | +27 (0)21 418 2948

PICTURE-PERFECT ESCAPE IN APPLE COUNTRY
“Weddings here are just different, so relaxed, no stress – it must be the fresh air or just this place,” says one happy Cherry Glamper. This ultra-cosy glampsite, In Elgin, with a lounge, family table, fireplace, braai, covered viewdeck with adjoining lapa and firepit is ideal for functions (you don’t pay venue hire, just the accommodation) and big birthday parties. It’s just an hour from the city. Go Cherry Glamping with your team for a low-tech team getaway.
Capacity: Seating for 80, accommodation for 100. (but more can be arranged upon request)
Nice to know: Also try low-tech Wednesdays at Cherry Glamping’s team-building getaways.

Groenrug Estate, N2, Grabouw | +27 (0)82 788 9837, info@cherryglamping.co.za

BE IN THE  MIDDLE OF ART AND CULTURE
ONOMO hotel, housed in one of the oldest buildings in the city (and a declared heritage site), towers over bustling Greenmarket Square. They offer several venue hire options, depending on whether you need the hotel to provide the staff, food, entertainment for your cocktail function, birthday or baby shower. ONOMO Hotel Cape Town has a Friday lunch taco special and everyday dinner specials.
Capacity: Up to 150 people
Nice to know: The large terrace, which is lit up by fairy lights at night, can be covered by a marquee or Bedouin tent.

10 Greenmarket Square, City Centre | +27 (0)21 423 2050

SHARE ETHIOPIAN CUISINE
This Ethiopian eatery in the heart of the city centre is a great place to share a memorable meal in a warm and communal manner, great for special events or functions. They offer set menus of two to three courses, with vegan, non-vegan and mixed options. The flavourful stews are served in a pancake-like sourdough base called Injera, which is gluten- and fat-free. Get together in a traditional, yet beautiful and relaxing setting at Addis in Cape.
Capacity: Around 100 people
Nice to know: The coffee plant originated in Ethiopia, meaning Addis in Cape is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional coffee after your meal. 

41 Church Street, City Centre, +27 (0)21 424 5722 | celebrate@addisincape.co.za

IDYLLIC COUNTRY ESCAPE
The perfect location for a destination wedding, girls getaway, family reunions or simply to come and do absolutely nothing. They offer great packages from a romantic couples breakaway to a girls gin getaway that is a great bachelorette option. The package includes goodie bags, spa treatments, yoga classes overlooking the green pastures and delicious food from the restaurant at the Rotterdam Boutique Hotel.
Capacity: Accommodates 60+, sleeps 40
Nice to know: The Restaurant patio has uninterrupted views of the Langeberg Mountains and the perfect place to watch a golden sunset while having a glass of wine.

Olivedale Road, Buffeljags River, Swellendam | +27 (0)76 738 4664, info@therotterdam.co.za

ALL-IN-ONE ROOFTOP IN DE WATERKANT
Inner City Ideas Cartel offers spaces in Cape Town where you can book meeting rooms or enjoy the rooftop. Book your product launch, corporate gathering, birthday, or wedding at the Cartel Rooftop in Waterkant Street for photo-worthy views of the city and Table Mountain. They can help arrange caterers, décor, bar, DJ and more. There is an auditorium which can be hired for screenings, presentations, conferences and live music.
Capacity: Up to 220 people for a cocktail-style set-up and 80 for a seated dinner-and-dance event. 
Nice to know: From August 2019, en-suite accommodation will be available.

71 Waterkant Street, Cape Town, | nina@nvdproperty.co.za, +27 (0)21 824 1781 | Website 

GET TOGETHER AT ONE OF THE MADAME’S EATERIES
Whether you’re planning a relaxing afternoon of lunch and drinks at The Company’s Garden Restaurant or an untamed night out at Café Manhattan, you’re guaranteed to get an excellent vibe, great food and attractive backdrops for photos at any of the Madame Zingara Group’s restaurants.   
Capacity: 30–150
Nice to know: Madame Zingara has happy hours every day of the week with these drink specials around Cape Town.

Various locations | +27(0)21 423 6805, media@madamezingara.com | MadameZingara.com 

QUIRKY AND GREAT FOR GROUPS
House of H is a rustic, graffiti-clad urban restaurant and rooftop bar. There’s no venue hire fee, but a minimum spend is expected depending on the night of the week and whether you have your event upstairs or downstairs, including food, drinks and service charge. The snack menu on the rooftop, starting from R175 a head, offers mini burgers, wings, and brisket vetkoek. The restaurant menu offers meals from R85 and set menus starting from R200 per head with choices of burgers, rump, sirloin, fish and chips, salads, occasionally soups, and desserts of chocolate brownies or koeksister waffles. The food is halaal-friendly and there are vegan options at House of H.
Capacity: Up to 80 downstairs, up to 120 at the rooftop: 120
Nice to know: You can connect to their music system via Bluetooth to play your own playlist. 

112 Loop Street, Cape Town | +27 (0)76 699 6146, info@houseofh.co.za

A SOCIAL DINING EXPERIENCE
If you’re looking for a private, intimate space to host up to 20 guests where food and wine is the main focus, then the Green Room at Grub & Vine is the private dining experience you’ve been waiting for. Chef Matt Manning, the owner and chef-patron of Grub & Vine, is well-known for creating unique social dining experiences (for example, One Ingredient, Manning’s five-course cooking and dining experience that centres around one key ingredient.) Let his team of chefs and sommeliers cook for you and your guests at your private event at Grub & Vine.
Capacity: 20
Nice to know: The bistro has a sommelier. 

103 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre | +27 (0)76 256 8654

VINEYARD AND GOLF COURSE VIEWS
This Stellenbosch golf and wine estate has three sleek conference rooms ideal for everything from corporate functions and seminars to weddings. The larger of the three, the Indaba Room, has seating for up to 180 people and leads out to a patio with a braai area. Blumberg Room (up to 70 people) has a balcony overlooking the golf course, and the intimate Wine Tasting Room holds 10 people at Devonvale Golf and Wine Estate.
Capacity: 10 to 180 people
Nice to know: Catering is available, and they cover all dietary requirements.

Bottelary Road, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 865 2080

URBAN AFRICAN BEACH RESTAURANT WITH KILLER VIEWS
Vibrant colours, a live DJ, an exotic local menu, refreshing cocktails and a view over Big Bay, Table Mountain and Robben Island – surely a combination for a successful event? This is one of our favourite hidden gems and perhaps the best place to get the full Cape Town experience. Find out why moyo at Eden on The Bay is perhaps the most Capetonian beach restaurant.
Capacity: Up to 400.
Nice to know: You can dangle your feet in the shallow pool below your table.

Eden On The Bay Mall | Otto Du Plessis Dr, Big Bay/Blouberg | blouberg@moyo.com, +27 (0)21 286 0662

NEW: AC HOTEL CAPE TOWN WATERFRONT
The hotel, located on the quiet Dockrail Road next to the harbour, has four state-of-the-art meeting rooms and a boardroom with a total of over 250m2 of event space. All the meeting rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbour. Their event spaces include cutting-edge audiovisual technology and high-speed internet access. Enjoy snacks while on a creative coffee break in the AC Lounge or experience a bespoke private dinner in the AC Kitchen. There are 188 guest rooms and suites at the AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront.
Capacity: Enquire online
Nice to know: At the gin & tonic trolley you get to choose between three different infused tonics and your preferred gin.

Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town | +27 (0)21 137 1100

UNDER THE SEA: UNIQUE FUNCTIONS IN THE CITY
This underwater wonderland at the V&A Waterfront is an out-of-the-ordinary option for events. For large parties or functions, you can book out the entire aquarium. For a smaller event, choose one of four spaces, three of which look out onto kelp forests, ragged-tooth sharks, stingrays, turtles and small exhibits of spider crabs, jellyfish, anemones and more. Venues can be adjusted to suit specific needs when hosting events and functions at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Capacity: 10–800 depending on the room you choose and the function type.
Nice to know: Your booking includes access to the aquarium (for day functions).

Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town | +27 (0)21 418 3823

AWE-INSPIRING WINELANDS FOR CONFERENCES
Lanzerac Wine Estate offers a hotel, spa, four restaurants and wedding, function and conference facilities. Located in the Jonkershoek Valley on the outskirts of Stellenbosch, the estate boasts mountain and vineyard views and gardens shaded by towering oak trees. From the main Cellar Hall venue to five individually decorated boardrooms, Lanzerac offers state-of-the-art facilities, services and banqueting for sophisticated corporate conferences, management meetings, teambuilding and more. 
Capacity: 2 to 24 guests between the five boardrooms; up to 150 guests banqueting-style in the Cellar Hall and up to 250 guests on the lawns.
Nice to know: The private dining venue was built in the mid-1700s and offers a grand setting with chandeliers and fireplaces, and can host up to 40 guests for a conference, dinner or party.

1 Lanzerac Road, Stellenbosch, Western Cape | banqueting@lanzerac.co.za, +27(0)21 887 1132

TASTY DINNER, KILLER COCKTAILS
Knife, the Louisiana-style steakhouse loved for its ribs, is set up for functions of all kinds – from intimate family celebrations to large corporate events. Plus there’s a semi-private side room that can host up to 45 people. You can arrange your own decor and DJ, or let them do it for you. Book a spot for any and every occasion in the spacious Knife Restaurant. 
Capacity: Two to 200 guests seated. More for a casual stand-around function.
Nice to know: You get a free meal in your birthday month if you bring a party of five or more (minimum six, including yourself) at the Knife Restaurant birthday special.

Crystal Towers | Corner of Century Boulevard and Rialto Road, Century City, Cape Town | +27 (0)21 551 5000

PARIS IN THE WINELANDS
An explosion of green on Franschhoek’s Wemmershoek Road. Every kind of wedding “environment” you can dream up. Massive grounds for outdoor events, a versatile indoor banquet hall or intimate cellar venue. Discover La Paris Estate, with a bistro, deli and on-site bakery for your next function in Franschhoek.
Capacity: 90–450 people
Nice to know: All of this just 12 minutes outside of Paarl and Franschhoek.

R301, Wemmershoek Road, Franschhoek | +27 (21) 8670171 | events@laparis.co.za

BEACH, POOL AND MUSIC AT THE V&A
This picturesque venue offers the best of both worlds: A man-made beach featuring two pools (one of which is an infinity pool) and a sophisticated eatery. Inside, oak wood floors and dining tables offer a classier alternative. Shimmy Beach staff and a dedicated events manager are always on hand to help you create memorable moments for your corporate functions, company/brand launches, weddings and bachelor/ette parties. Year-end office parties get quite festive at the beach club too.
Capacity: 20–2200
Nice to know: An outdoor DJ stage provides the perfect setting to host a fun summer pool party (IMAGE)

12 South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town | +27 (0)21 200 7778

PARTY THE NIGHT AWAY AT THIS BEAUTIFUL STELLENBOSCH VINEYARD
Haskell Vineyards is the idyllic setting for an intimate function. The picnic area is ideal for an informal function like a family picnic or a baby shower, while the Longtable Restaurant can seat guests and a dance floor can be set up outside. It is an excellent location for beautiful views and to dance the night away under the stars. There are also two houses that are perfectly suited for the bride and groom to get ready in or spend the wedding night. Read about their 2019 Platter's award and find out about Haskell's 2019 sundowners and picnics. 
Best for: Intimate weddings and functions
Capacity: The Longtable Restaurant is also the perfect venue for a small wedding, as it seats up to 75 people, and 120 maximum if you incorporate the outside area as well.


Haskell Vineyards | Annandale Road (off the R44) | Somerset West |  +27 (0)21 881 3746

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