Outdoor Restaurants in Cape Town and Surrounds

Suns out, funs out...

Last updated: 11 August 2017

When winter’s grey clouds disappear and the Mother City’s spring and summer – seasons with longer days and an inviting Mediterranean climate – come to rest, you'll want to spend as much time in the great outdoors as you can. So, you'll be happy to know that outdoor restaurants in Cape Town and surrounds aren't few and far between. Gardens, terraces and rooftops with unrivalled views are regular features among the city’s countless eateries; thus, it’s easy to couple gorgeous summer menus with stunning sunny days.

OUTDOOR RESTAURANTS IN THE CITY CENTRE

The Grand Café and Beach

The Grand Café and Beach is one of Cape Town’s most popular and idyllic soirée spots. With a front stoep made-up of the white beaches of Granger Bay, the stylish eatery - with accompanying world-class sea views – is one of the city’s most prolific outdoor restaurants, and its bistro-style menu is available for both lunch and dinner. Not to mention, the alluring open-air cocktail bar and lounge area will have you rubbing shoulders and clinking glasses with the rich and beautiful of Cape Town.
Granger Bay Road (off Beach Road) | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 425 0551

Rick’s Café Américain

Tucked away 100m off of the ever-buzzing Kloof Street, Rick’s Cafe Americain boasts a large rooftop deck with an exceptional view of Table Mountain and Signal Hill. Patrons will be delighted to know that Rick's hosts happy hour(s) every Monday to Saturday, between 3pm - 7pm. Making this the perfect inner-city place to meet, gather and relax with a group of friends for sundowners. A highly diverse menu means that there is something for everyone (from the picky vegetarian to the simple burger lover). 
2 Park Road | Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 1100

Sotano

Situated opposite Mouille Point’s iconic barber pole lighthouse, this Mediterranean-style restaurant plates up gems, such as beer country lamb and Spanish Paella, to match the sparkling view. You can also choose from a list of delicious tapas while enjoying the seascape from Sotano's outside tables. Make sure to try their breakfast menu; add fresh sea air to dishes like Israeli-inspired shakshouka (pepper and tomato eggs) and eggs benedict, and you have one invigorating way to wake up.
121 Beach Road | Mouille Point | +27 (0)21 433 1757

Harveys at Winchester Mansions

The terrace of this Cape Dutch-style hotel offers an unbeatable sea view. Sit on the bar side for sundowners and light meals, or take a seat at the restaurant to enjoy their full menu. Sunday brunch (complete with live jazz) is held in the open-air courtyard, so keep this in mind for a sunny morning.
221 Beach Road | Sea Point | +27(0)21 434 2351

The Waiting Room at Café Royale

After a legendary burger or milkshake at Café Royale , the upstairs bar is the place to be for Saturday club nights. Retro and stylish, the Waiting Room showcases diverse musical talent and the rooftop deck is lined with cool Capetonians sipping cocktails.
273 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 422 4536

Roundhouse

Nestled amongst 300-year-old pomegranate trees and landscaped gardens, this former hunting lodge of Lord Charles Somerset has been sophisticatedly restored, and the lavish green lawn at the back affords stunning views of the Cape while you savour your picnic. Tuck into contemporary French cuisine, boutique wines and classic cocktails while you appreciate the beautiful greenery surrounding you. Make sure you come with a full wallet however, as it is one of the most expensive fine-dining institutions in Cape Town.
No. 1 Roundhouse Road | Off Kloof Road | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 438 4347

Van Hunks

Named after the legend of Jan Van Hunks, who won a pipe smoking contest with the Devil and caused the Devil's Peak mountain to be covered in a cloud of smoke, this restaurant and popular happy hour spot has a large deck that overlooks the hip and trendy Kloof Street. Furthermore, the upper deck has a wicker roof and a big screen television for sporting fixtures; their new summer menu includes Tandoori kebabs, gourmet sandwiches, homemade pies and a summer salad.
1 Upper Union Street | Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 422 5422

 

OUTDOOR RESTAURANTS IN THE CAPE PENINSULA

Olympia Café and Deli

Exuding rustic charm, Olympia boasts beautiful views over Kalk Bay Harbour and the smell of freshly baked goods. Outside seating will provide you with front-row views of all the hustle and bustle of this quaint and quirky beach-town. Their specialty breads include ciabatta, seed loaf, multigrain, rye bread and potato bread. 
134 Main Road | Kalk Bay | +27 (0)21 788 6396

Two Oceans Restaurant

Thanks to a July 2012 refurbishment that could better be described as a Mediterranean make-over, Cape Point’s Two Oceans Restaurant now better reflects its breathtaking surroundings. An expansive deck looks out onto a distant silhouette of shoreline, and diners can take their breakfast, lunch of dinner al fresco – thus becoming part of the picture-perfect postcard themselves. Though, even if the weather’s poor, floor-to-ceiling windows afford those sitting indoors views nearly as impressive. 
Cape Point | Cape Peninsula | +27 (0)21 780 9200

OUTDOOR RESTAURANTS IN THE CAPE TOWN SURROUNDS 

Dornier Bodega Restaurant 

Bodega Restaurant has one of the most beautiful settings in the Cape Winelands – it is quietly tucked away on the Dornier wine farm in the picturesque Blaauwklippen Valley outside Stellenbosch. From the Mediterranean-style terrace you can see the ultra-modern wine cellar and a large Koi fish pond. The food and wine is of a high standard, and all the dishes are seasonal. You can expect wholesome, healthy and generous portions of consistent quality, from farm to table.
Blaauwklippen Road | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 880 0557

Big Easy Restaurant 

Situated inside a converted Cape Dutch Manor, Ernie Els’ Big Easy Restaurant is situated in the bustling Dorp Street of Stellenbosch, and is surrounded by a ubiquitous stoep. Enjoy al fresco dining by a fountain in the garden, while you choose from a bistro-style lunch menu or fine-dining evening menu. Apart from the delicious food (the wild mushroom risotto is a popular choice), the Big Easy also offers a colossal wine menu, with over 170 wines to choose from.
95 Dorp Street | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 887 3462

Holden Manz 

The boutique wine estate of Holden Manz and its stunning balcony is a fantastic place to while away a summer day in Franschhoek. If you’d rather be among the vineyards then simply overlooking them, you can also eat at a table set-up between the regiments of vines. Enjoy Italian food inspired by home-grown fruits and vegetables, while sipping on some of the estate’s signature wines.
3 Green Valley Road | Franschhoek | +27 (0)21 876 2738

Fresh Restaurant at Paul Cluver Estate

Fresh Restaurant at the Paul Cluver Estate focuses on food straight from the ground, so it’s no surprise that you can enjoy your meal in a garden surrounded by plants. It’s comfortable and rustic; a real garden restaurant where you can enjoy the sunshine. The restaurant will only be open for business from September.
De Rust Estate | N2 Kromco turnoff | Grabouw | +27 (0)21 844 0605/ 071 563 6020

Pomegranate Restaurant at Vergenoegd Wine Estate

Visit the stunning Vergenoegd Wine Estate for lunch, and dine al fresco while you watch all the action going on at this working wine farm. Also, keep an eye open for the adorable Indian Runner ducks – charged with keeping the snails at bay - that roam the vineyards during the season.  Enjoy inspired, gourmet food paired with impressive wines.
R310 | Baden Powell Drive | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 843 3248

Morgenhof Restaurant

In the heart of the Cape Winelands, an enchanting garden under an old oak tree awaits. Summer lunches, which run from 1 October until 1 May, consist of a variety of delicious salads, including the famous Morgenhof sesame chicken salad. There are also a variety country-style dishes, cheese boards and desserts on the menu that are best enjoyed with wine from the estate.
R 44 | Klapmuts Road | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 889 2024

Marc's Mediterranean Cusine and Garden

This old French Provenҫal house is steeped in Mediterranean charm. The enclosed courtyard featuring a fountain, lavender and olive trees make for a fantastic spot for a summer buffet with a large group of friends or family. You can indulge in single or mixed meze platters, including kofta and grilled mixed peppers in balsamic vinegar and oil.
129 Main Street | Paarl | +27 (0)21 863 3980

Delheim

High up on the south western slope of the Simonsberg Mountains you can eat al fresco on Delheim’s picturesque garden terrace. German and South African cuisine graces the menu, including traditional German onion pie and biltong salad. Why not enjoy a family picnic by the river with a selection of fruit, preserves, cheese, fresh bread and wine?
Knorhoek Road | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 888 4607

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Enjoy award-winning steaks and wines at The Hussar Grill. Also check out their daily lunchtime special.

New Place: On the Blouberg beachfront, for affordable prices and delicious food, bring your family to Our Place.

Experience the magic of each of the Madame Zingara restaurants in Cape Town. Plus, check out their everyday drink specials.

Enjoy authentic South-Indian flavours at Sundoo in Sea Point. It’s a good place for a business lunch or to get together for dinner.

Get SA food with an international flair at The 41 in Camps Bay. And they have live music every Thursday.

Camping, live music and planting trees in the Platbos forest at the GreenPop Reforest Fest.

Cape Town also has some awesome outdoor wine tastings which can be found at Waterford Estate, De Grendel and Glenelly Estate. From the beach to the eats, check out our selection of outdoor restaurants with a sea view or visit our restaurants section for more inspiration.

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