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Special Places To Celebrate Your Birthday
Make your own gin, play an escape game, watch a movie under the stars for your birthday
Last updated: 18 August 2023
If you’re looking for ways to celebrate your birthday, you’re in luck. How about a feast of African flavours or an outdoor movie experience? Or you could make your very own gin. Whether you’re into a big bash or something more low-key, you’ll find your perfect birthday venue in this round-up of Cape Town hot spots.
CELEBRATE AT A BAVARIAN-STYLE BEER HALL
Albert Road is one of the busiest and most vibrant roads in Woodstock, making the balcony at Woodstock Brewery a great spot to drink beer and celebrate your birthday. Treat your friends (and yourself) to a beer tasting experience with belly-busting burgers at Woodstock Brewery’s Beerhall, located above the brewery. Plus, it’ll add a little cheek to the celebration with its sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll beers.
Good to know: You could also bring Woodstock Brewery to you. Hire a keg, tap unit and chilling system for private use
252 Albert Road | Woodstock | Cape Town | 021 203 3045 | @woodstockbrewery | Image: Woodstock Brewery
BOOK OUT A MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Cederkloof Botanical Retreat, near Citrusdal, is the perfect secret spot to have a special milestone birthday. Families and friends can gather to celebrate a 30th, 40th, 50th while the kids run around the lawn and swim in the heated pool at the main house. There are 10 self-catering cottages on site, plus camping, and the venue can host between 36 and 400 people, so everyone can party the night safely at Cederkloof.
Good to know: Make a weekend of it. Make use of the hiking and mountain biking trails, swim in the heated pool, plus each cottage has a heated jacuzzi on the veranda,
R303 | Regional Road | Citrusdal | 083 285 6766 | @cederkloof | Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat
WEEKEND AWAY AT AN ECCENTRIC HOUSE
Looking for a hotel experience that still feels like home? Once a historic house in Bo-Kaap, the restored Amina Boutique Hotel is filled with colour, vintage finds, antique furniture and special art. Thanks to Amina’s proximity to some of the city’s hottest art galleries, restaurants and bars, it’s the spot for an unforgettable birthday getaway. Plus, there’s continental breakfast and serviced rooms at Amina Boutique Hotel.
Good to know: There’s an infrared sauna and pool, as well as a self-catering kitchen if you and your crew feel like a night in.
16 Whitford Street | Bo-Kaap | 084 418 1879 | @stayatamina | Image: Amina Boutique Hotel
ESCAPE THE CITY AT THIS HIDDEN FARM
Cheverells Farm, a working apple farm just an hour from Cape Town, has stunning views of the rolling greenery of the orchards. It can accommodate 50 people in its light-soaked country café, the Cheverells Farm Shed. The food is wholesome with a farm-to-fork approach, explains owner Catherine Boome.
Good to know: There are two sweet cottages if you’d like to stay over after the celebrations.
5 Highlands Road | 060 861 104 | cheverellsfarm@gmail.com | @cheverellsfarm | Image: Cheverells Farm
HOST A 50TH TRIP AT A COUNTRY HOUSE
Mardouw Country House is a gem of a stay on a secluded olive farm, where you can golf, mountain bike, hike, swim and more. Sleeping ten people, it’s renovated from a nineteenth century farmhouse and comes with a private chef (all meals included). You could make a 40th, 50th or 60th birthday special at Mardouw.
Good to know: You can even organise an olive oil tasting during your stay.
R60 | Swellendam | 023 616 2999 | Website | Image: Mardouw Country House
PARTY AT THIS 3-STOREY JEWEL
What better place to have your “Here’s looking at you kid” moment than at Cape Town’s very own Casablanca fantasy? This Kloof Street restaurant can take up to 80 people cocktail-style or 60 people sit down. Treat your crew to old Hollywood glam, Moroccan cuisine, and signature cocktails like the Kloof Street Hurricane (tequila, rum, gin and grapefruit). Plus, there’s over 500 liquor options to choose from, including 100 tequilas, 100 gins or 100 wines at Rick’s Café Americain.
Good to know: There are lunch specials everyday, from Monday burger specials to Sunday roasts.
103 Kloof Street | Gardens | 021 822 1100 | @rickscapetown | Image: Ricks Cafe
CELEBRATE ON A BELOVED LONG STREET BALCONY
If chilled local vibes are your thing, SGT Pepper on Long Street might be your perfect party venue. It’s laid back but with a rock n roll edge that’s bound to get the party started at some point – probably once you’ve made some progress with their impressive cocktail list. Their legendary pizzas are still excellent and the ideal party food for a big table or group. Let the buzz of Long Street below make your birthday extra vibey.
Good to know: SGT Pepper will let you host a party for up to 150 people at their venue for free on Mondays.
194 Long Street, Cape Town | 021 424 5608 | info@sgtpepperct.com | Image: SGT Pepper
CATER FOR EVERYONE AT THIS VEGGIE-LOVING RESTAURANT
Have vegan or vegetarian loved ones? Pear Tree in Hermanus has a range of healthy and delicious food regardless of your food preferences - think tofu tostada, pink falafal tacos, crispy pork ribs or calamari sushi. It has cosy indoor seating and an outdoor area with picnic tables overlooking the sea, which means that it's a great party spot all year round.
Good to know: There are refreshing and unqiue cocktails (like berry kombucha cocktails) to toast the special birthday person.
Village Square | Hermanus | @peartreehermanus | Image: Pear Tree Bistro
CHEERS WITH A PRIME SEA VIEW
The good news is that Strolla Restaurant & Bar welcomes birthday celebrations and doesn’t charge a fee (unless the party is upwards of 50). There are four spaces where you can gather – the restaurant, the bar, near the pool, but our vote would be the lovely sunset deck with a sea view. The food is not only good but there’s also so much on the menu that you can share. Kids are welcome and there’s lots to keep them entertained. Plus, if you celebrate on a Wednesday, you could take advantage of the rotisserie chicken half-price special. Hold your gathering on a Friday and Saturday, and you’ll add live music to the mix.
Good to know: For families who’re part of a celebration, there’s a fantastic kids’ playroom, where a childminder is always present. 
13 Beach Road | Sea Point | Cape Town | 021 430 7778 | @strollact | Image: Strolla
FEEL SPECIAL WITH AN OUTDOOR MOVIE
Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable night under the stars at The Galileo Open Air Cinema. Watch a movie while picnicking in some of the Cape’s most gorgeous gardens and wine estates. If you’re planning a birthday for someone special, you can arrange for an on-screen birthday message beforehand. Find out more about Galileo and book tickets online.
Good to know: The Galileo is only active during the warmer months of the year (October to April)
Various locations | 071 471 8728 | Instagram: @thegalileo | Image: Galileo Open Air Cinema
PARTY WITH ART, INK + COUTURE
Inside the cerulean-framed door of Rare Gallery – cum-couture and tattoo studio – you’ll find sparkling white walls with bright paint spills, and neon lights that feel like a comic book come to life. A large cast-bronze phallus, a life-sized Joker and collector’s item Bearbricks creates a memorable Instagram moment. You and your crew can browse through the rare art, shop for luxury couture from Off-White and Dior, plus make your birthday extra special by investing in body art.
Good to know: Rare Ink Tattoo Studio, an enticing “red room” made up of neon lights and skateboards hanging on the wall is decorated with an edgy, punk-rock mural, is just off the main gallery room.
6 Watson Street | Cape Town City Centre | 074 784 2986 | @raregallery_ | Image: Rare Gallery
CELEBRATE WITH A SUNSET, SEA VIEW, FOOD + WINE
One of the big benefits of having your birthday celebration at Mouille Point restaurant Sotano is that it is laid-back and versatile – and that’s besides the fact that it is set close to the promenade with a great sea view. There are a few options for seating, so it’s adaptable for any group size. If it’s intimate, opt for one of the cushy, rounded banks inside, or in the more open-view section which has simple tables and chairs. There’s outside in the open-air, where dogs are also allowed. The menu is varied, so all your friends will find something they’ll love. Many celebrate on a Sunday, where your party will benefit from live reggae music from the Rivertones.
Good to know: You won’t be charged anything extra to have your birthday party there. Also, lots of the food is designed for sharing, which could make a party more cost-effective.
Sotano | 121 Beach Road | Mouille Point | 021 433 1757 | @sotanoct | Image: Sotano
HINTHUNT OPENS LATE SOME DAYS
It only takes one hour to play a HintHunt live escape room game. The question is, do you have what it takes to win? Challenge your friends to the 2 new escape rooms and find out. There’s Escape Plan where you and your cellmates must decipher codes left by the previous escapees. Or, be locked inside a submarine in Torpedo. And because the venue is at the V&A Waterfront and closes late on Fridays and Saturdays (last game slot at 8.30pm), you can go-out for a pre- or post-dinner and drinks celebration.
Good to know: You can have up to 6 team members in a room. But if you have a large group try the Amazing Race, a race around the V&A Waterfront, or online games. You can also go for free on your birthday. 
HintHunt | Watershed | 17 Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | 076 187 2764 | capetown@hinthunt.co.za | Instagram: @hinthuntafrica
BOOK OUT THIS DISTILLERY
Treat your guests (and yourself) to gin, beer and pizza. At Distiller's Union you and your guests can make your own gin and design your own label. It’s easier than you think, especially under the guidance of expert distillers. Sniff a variety of spices, citrus, herbs and floral botanicals before you decide on the perfect combination. At the end, you’ll walk away with your own 500ml bottle of gin with your custom-made label.
Good to know: You can keep the party going with a gin tasting, or pop down to Sweet River Brewery for pizza and beer.
156 Victoria Road | Woodstock | 021 447 2517 | @distillersunion | Image: Distiller’s Union
STOCK UP ON DRINKS FOR LAST-MINUTE PARTIES
Bar Keeper, with its elegantly designed interior and seamless online-shopping experience, is unlike any other bottle store. Pick up some picnic essentials en route or pop in for last-minute supplies for a Saturday night party (because it is open until 7pm). Or you can order online from the website. It’s cheaper than Uber Eats and you’ll get your drinks within an hour, cold, even on a Sunday.
Good to know: Bar Keeper is open for trade every day of the week, and 364 days a year (except Christmas Day).
Bar Keeper | 103 Strand Street, Cape Town City Centre | 021 422 1024| capetown@barkeeper.co.za | Instagram: @bar.keeper
HOST A GERMAN FEST
This café and bar in Green Point is nothing if not versatile. You can host a birthday lunch, brunch or dinner any day of the week with its weekly food specials – think burgers, pizzas, buffets, as well as a drinks happy hour. There’s also a snazzy shisha lounge, if you want a party of a more easy-going nature. Or do it all: Kick it off with a weekend buffet and then move up to the shisha lounge for a hubbly bday at Café Extrablatt.
Good to know: There’s a kids’ corner with books and toys, so if it’s a family affair, the kids can have their own fun too.
Exhibition Building | Green Point | 021 434 3759 | @extrablattcapetown | Image: Café Extrablatt
HAVE A STEAMPUNK-THEMED PARTY
This steampunk steakhouse has something for even the fussiest of guests. Char’d Grill is known for its rare and interesting cuts that any meat-lover would appreciate (and an impressive glass locker where you can see the meat being dried). There’s also rum, brandy and tequila tastings, and a gin atomiser for a unique gin tasting. Have vegetarian friends? Not a problem - they can order from Pear Tree. Learn more about Char’d grill.
Good to know: There are phone boxes by the booths, so you can encourage your guests to put their phones away and be social.
Char'd Grill | Hermanus | 028 312 1986 | Instagram | Image: Char'd Grill
DRINK COCKTAILS, TRY PINCHOS + SWIM IN A TIDAL POOL
Ficks is the ultimate spot to have a summer birthday party. Built into the rocks surrounding Fick's tidal pool, this spot has a stunning view where you can spot whales and dolphins (in season). Try pinchos (a type of Spanish tapa) and spend your birthday sipping on cocktails by the sea. Warning: Ficks doesn't take bookings, so this is a better option for smaller groups. Read more about Ficks, and what kind of pichos you can expect at this Hermanus gem.
Good to know: To find out when there are special events taking place, check Ficks’ Instagram feed.
Ficks Pinchos & Wine | Hermanus | 028 312 4082 | Instagram | Image: Ficks
HEAD SOUTH FOR A TASTE OF HOME
If you want to go out but would like a place that makes you feel at home, try Scarpetta. It is the warm family-run Italian eatery in Woodstock where owner and chef, Ricky Turilli "The Big Boss" wants to show you his family style of dining. “I want to bring people together, around a table with humble, honest, seasonal food that makes them feel good inside,” he says.
Good to know: The Big Boss has an ever-changing menu. The food changes with the seasons and Ricky’s mood at Scarpetta.
Scarpetta | Woodstock | 083 251 0730 | Instagram | Stylist: Chiara Turilli | Image: Danillo Turilli
FEAST ON AFRICAN FLAVOURS
Eating at this restaurant is a rich sensory experience. You’ll be greeted by Malian puppets, be invited to join a djembe drumming session (or you can just appreciate the expertise of the artists), be taken on a taste safari with dishes from 14 African countries, listen to traditional praise singing and African songs, and be entertained by dancers. Another bonus is that all the halaal meat meals have vegetarian alternatives at Gold Restaurant. It’s a great choice for your next birthday celebration.
Good to know: It has multiple venue hire spaces for large and small celebrations.
GOLD Restaurant | Green Point | 021 421 4653 | Instagram | Image: GOLD Restaurant
FIND A FAMILY TABLE IN FRANSCHHOEK
This Franschhoek Valley estate boasts sociable tasting facilities, a versatile food offering, culinary tutoring and a novel food-and-wine-pairing experience. The offering can be tailored to suit your needs and there are six venues to choose from, including the veranda (with modern couches and lower tables), tasting room, and the inviting Family Table at Leopard’s Leap.
Good to know: Some areas can be interlinked with one another for greater versatility.
Leopard's Leap Family Vineyards | Franschhoek | 021 876 8002 | Instagram | Image: Leopard's Leap
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GET OTHER SPECIAL BIRTHDAY IDEAS
Host your birthday party at the laid-back, lekker and loud Food Jams.
Read more about the historic Mardouw Country House, a luxury group accomodation option.
Plan a birthday party for your little one at one of these kids birthday party spots.
See what you can do for free on your birthday.
Learn more about Woodstock Brewery and it's collection of rock n roll beers (plus, you can hire it for an epic party).
Explore more things to do this weekend.
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