Signal Hill Terrace and Lounge at Hilton Cape Town City Centre

Enjoy laid-back dining and poolside drinking at this contemporary CBD oasis

Part of the international luxury hotel chain, the Hilton Cape Town City Centre’s contemporary Signal Hill Terrace and Lounge will sweet talk you in style and pull you in with panache.

After all, Hilton Hotels & Resorts is one of the most recognised names in the industry, boasting more than 550 facilities across six continents. But as you walk into the trendy hotel’s charming eatery not only are you taken in by its lavish reputation, but you will also be pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and relaxed you immediately feel.

While it certainly claims an air of refinement, the urban-chic outdoor restaurant and bar, which sits pretty on the pool deck on the mezzanine level of the eight-storey accommodation, is a relaxed, informal and unassuming space. With little to suggest that it is even in a hotel, this hidden alfresco gem – which was named for its spectacular views of Signal Hill – is the ideal location for a chill session and snacks with friends, after-work cocktails or a casual business meeting.

Situated at the base of Table Mountain at the edge of the Bo-Kaap, Hilton Cape Town City Centre is a stone’s throw from the Mother City’s bustling CBD. Owing to the hotel’s relatively small size (with only 136 rooms) – a unique characteristic of this hotel brand – the venue seeks to create a more personalised and sophisticated experience for its guests.  

Equipped with wooden decking, an assortment of patio tables and couches, a sparkling swimming pool and rows of enticing sun lounges – not to mention the adjacent indoor lounge – Signal Hill Terrace and Lounge creates a welcoming, comfortable and cosy space for visitors. What’s more, the bar area in the lounge is fitted with a flat screen television perfect for sport-loving guests who wish to catch the game over a cold beer. Customers are also welcome to order and puff on colourful and authentic Middle Eastern shisha pipes (tobacco flavours available include strawberry, apple and orange).  

The menu, which changes regularly according to the season and the whims of innovative Executive Chef Yousuf Abrajee, boasts a wide selection of signature meals such as duck pot pie and polenta-crusted Kingklip as well as other gourmet meal options including burgers, salads and vegetarian dishes. In addition, there is also an extensive tapas menu comprising various hot, cold and sweet plates. The emphasis is on fresh and seasonal flavours, as well as on uncomplicated and contemporary cuisine with easy items that are as relaxed and unfussy as the eatery itself.

Certified by ICSA (Islamic Council of South Africa) the restaurant is strictly Halaal and offers no bacon or ham on the menu. Instead, the eatery uses other meat varieties and offers macon* as a bacon alternative. What’s more, Hilton Cape Town City Centre also offers guests separate gender praying facilities as well as wash areas. These services can be found on the same floor as the terrace and lounge.

To accompany the restaurant’s delicious menu, the bar makes a wide range of refreshing and fruity cocktails – think anything from classics like Cosmopolitan and Pina Colada to specialty drinks like Sex on the Hill, as well as a selection of oversized cocktails. Signal Hill Terrace and Lounge is the only restaurant at Hilton Cape Town City Centre that serves alcoholic beverages. Aside from such masterpieces of mixology, the indoor bar also serves an impressive assortment of top local wines, bottled beer, spirits and liqueurs, all ideal for laid-back poolside sundowners under the beautiful Cape Town sky. 

No matter whether it is for lunch or dinner, a business meeting or a social gathering, the eatery’s contemporary vibe and comfortable setting coupled with its breath-taking views of Signal Hill and the Bo-Kaap creates the perfect space for visitors from all walks of life. Be warned though, once you take a seat on the terrace, in the lounge or by the pool it is very difficult to leave this little-known city centre oasis.

NOTE: While Signal Hill Terrace and Lounge is open to the public, the pool is strictly reserved for Hilton Cape Town City Centre guests. There is secure parking and Wi-fi.

Tip: Signal Hill Terrace and Lounge can be hired out for various events and functions. The venue can host approximately 200 people complete with catering. Guests can choose to purchase a blanket package, which includes all the necessary trimmings, or a personalised menu at a cost per person or per menu. What’s more, at no additional cost, clients can also use the services of the events coordinator. In addition, there are also six meeting rooms available with a maximum capacity of 120 people each, wich is served banquet style.
NOTE: Depending on the type of event, guests can choose to change the set-up of the venue and meeting rooms to a style that suits their needs, their function and their pocket best.

The Bill: Though relaxed, Signal Hill Terrace and Lounge is located in a luxury hotel and while there certainly are a variety of affordable menu items, the prices do reflect this location somewhat. Starters cost between R55 and R110 and main meals cost between R65 and R185. Desserts go for R50 to R110. Hot, cold and sweet tapas range between R26 and R68. Alcoholic cocktails cost between R60 and R69 whereas virgin concoctions range between R50 and R59. Shisha Pipes are R40 each.

Opening Hours: Daily: 10am – 11pm

Hilton Cape Town City Centre | 126 Buitengracht Street | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 481 3700

*Macon is mutton prepared in a similar manner to bacon.

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Every Tuesday from 12pm to 11pm Signal Hill Terrace and Lounge offers guests their Tapas and Wine Special. Looking for more awesome hangouts in our pretty city? Check out these great rooftop bars and best sundowner hotspots. 

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