Cape Town is a fine dining gem. You’ll find a world of the best restaurants with award-winning chefs and tantalising dishes – and often at very reasonable prices.

To help you experience the top restaurants in Cape Town, we’ve curated a list of some of our favourites.

These Cape Town fine dining restaurants are must-visits for 2023. Some of these you’ll know. Others may come as a complete surprise.

In the last few years, many of the previous best restaurants in Cape Town, like the beloved Greenhouse at Cellars-Hohenort or the acclaimed The Test Kitchen, have fallen away.

These may be gone, but they are not forgotten, and you can reminisce about the fallen gems in our tribute article on restaurant closures.

But onwards and upwards.

Since we can’t possibly choose a number one restaurant in Cape Town, we’ve decided to list the below trendy restaurants in alphabetical order.

So, here you go, our list of 20 of the best Cape Town fine dining restaurants to visit in 2023!

Chefs Warehouse

Including Liam Tomlin’s Chefs Warehouse in this list should come as no surprise. This has consistently been ranked as one of the best restaurants in Cape Town.

But Chef’s Warehouse hasn’t been a stand-alone venue for a long time.

There are actually multiple Chefs Warehouse restaurants around greater Cape Town, all offering a unique twist of flavours and dishes.

• Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia: Situated at the heart of a wine estate, the four-course set menu at this flagship branch celebrates seasonal produce, grown locally or on the Beau Constantia farm, combined into dishes with bold flavours and global influences.
• Chefs Warehouse Bree Street at The Bailey: The iconic Bree Street branch of Chefs Warehouse is now situated inside The Bailey, diagonally opposite from where it used to be.
• Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo Atlantic: The contemporary tapas set menu draws inspiration from the Atlantic Ocean and focuses on marine produce sourced from small, sustainable, and local suppliers, and is best enjoyed overlooking Hout Bay and the mesmerising sea.
• Chefs Warehouse Maison: Set in the heart of the Franschhoek wine valley with mountain views, this restaurant celebrates casual fine dining in a country setting, focusing on a small-plate menu, wine tastings, and cheese and charcuterie boards.

Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia and Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo Atlantic will offer the best views, but you won’t go wrong with any of these.

Visit Chefs Warehouse:

• Beau Constantia: 1043, Constantia Main Road, Constantia 
• Bree Street (The Bailey): 91 Bree Street, Cape Town
• Tintswalo Atlantic: Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay
• Maison: Maison Estate, R45, Franschhoek

Contact Chefs Warehouse:

• Beau Constantia: +27 21 794 8632 | cw@beauconstantia.com
• Bree Street (The Bailey): +27 21 773 0440 | reservations@the-bailey.co.za
• Tintswalo Atlantic: +27 21 541 0165 | tintswalo@chefswarehouse.co.za
• Maison: +27 21 876 2116 | maison@chefswarehouse.co.za

Chorus

The iconic Chorus in Somerset West overlooks False Bay and the Western Cape mountain ranges and is definitely a restaurant worth writing home about.

It is situated on the Waterkloof Estate and is famous for its glass-box dining space that hovers over the vineyards.

As a Bertus Basson restaurant, diners can expect to indulge in culinary masterpieces that aim to impress.

Dishes are inspired by local ingredients, flavours, and season cooking, and guests can enjoy four- and six-course tasting menus.

While the wine pairing celebrates Waterkloof wines, the wine list also features wines from many other South African producers.

Visit Chorus: Waterkloof Estate, Waterkloof Drive, just off Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Somerset West

Contact Chorus: +21 21 007 4230 | info@chorusrestaurant.com

Dusk

Dusk is an immersive dining restaurant in Stellenbosch.

It features low lighting that moves attention away from the ambience to the quality of the food.

Chefs Darren Badenhorst and Callen Austin take diners on a 13-course tasting menu experience, with or without beverage pairing.

Dishes are designed to push the boundaries of fine dining.

There is also an emphasis on local, indigenous foods, foraging, fermentation, and a zero-waste approach, and many of the ingredients used in the dishes are made in-house.

Visit Dusk: 43 Plein Street, Stellenbosch

Contact Dusk: +21 21 023 4100 | reservations@duskrestaurant.co.za

Epice

Named after the French word for spice, Epice (pronounced eh-peace) is an intimate 45-seater fine dining restaurant in Franschhoek.

Dishes are inspired by a range of spice-loving nations, though diners need not worry about food that packs a punch.

Instead, dishes are designed to take diners on a culinary journey that’s packed with exotic flavours like turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, smoked paprika, and many more.

At the same time, though, the restaurant still stays true to the fine dining elegance to be expected from restaurants in the La Colombe group.

Diners can enjoy both reduced and vegetarian versions of the tasting menu, all while soaking in the mesmerising Franschhoek views.

Visit Epice: Le Quartier Francais, Corner of Berg and Huguenot Streets, Franschhoek 

Contact Epice: +21 492 4044 | reservations@epice.co.za

Foodbarn

You’ll find this exceptional fine dining gem off the beaten track in Noordhoek.

The Foodbarn has been on the Cape Town foodie map for years and consistently impresses with delightful and original dishes packed with flavour.

In addition to their more fine dining dinner menu, you can also visit them for cafe-style breakfasts and lunch.

Visit Foodbarn: Noordhoek Farm Village, Village Lane, Cape Town

Contact Foodbarn: +27  21 789 1390 | info@thefoodbarn.co.za

Foxcroft

In many ways, Foxcroft is the perfect restaurant.

Unpretentious and open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Foxcroft gives you everything you need.

And, they consistently manage to impress!

With a laid-back atmosphere, gorgeous Constantia mountain views, and reasonable prices, they’re our number one choice for an approachable fine dining experience.

Foxcroft keeps things fresh with an ever-changing tasting menu, with regular, reduced, and plant-based options available.

Visit Foxcroft: Shop 8, High Constantia Centre, Groot Constantia Road, Constantia

Contact Foxcroft: +27 21 202 3304 | reservations@foxcroft.co.za

READ OUR FOXCROFT REVIEWS

FYN

FYN unites the kitchen and the dining room to create a unique sensory and culinary experience in a semi-casual setting.

Headed up by culinary genius Chef Peter Tempelhoff, the FYN take on fusion cuisine aims to delight on all levels.

Like many modern restaurants, FYN offers various tasting menus, including the standard menu, pescetarian menu, plant-based menu, and a bento experience.

Ramenhead: You’ll find Chef Peter Tempelhoff’s latest culinary destination, Ramenhead, on the ground floor below FYN. If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, this is an absolute must-visit destination. The creamy mushroom gyoza are worth trying.

Visit FYN:  5th Floor, Speakers Corner, 37 Parliament Street, Cape Town

Contact FYN: +27 21 286 2733 | info@fynrestaurant.com

Gåte Restaurant at Quoin Rock

Gåte Restaurant at Quoin Rock is an absolute delight.

Not only does it offer fantastic views and great wines, but the food creations are real works of art with beautiful flavours and many unique combinations.

Gåte offers a full tasting menu, but reduced tasting menus and vegan reduced tasting menus are also available.

All tasting menus are available with or without wine pairing.

We’d recommend opting for the full tasting menu with wine pairing for the full experience.

Visit Gåte: Quoin Rock Wine Estate, Knorhoek Road, Knorhoek Valley, Stellenbosch

Contact Gåte: +27 21 888 4750 | gate@quoinrock.co.za

READ OUR GÅTE RESTAURANT REVIEW

Grub & Vine

Chef Matt Manning serves up five-star quality food in this bistro-style restaurant at the heart of Cape Town’s CBD.

Both the wine list and the food menu change regularly to keep things at Grub & Vine fresh and exciting while supporting various local producers.

Expect good food served as a seasonal tasting menu, available with or without wine pairing.

Visit Grub & Vine: 103 Bree Street, Cape Town CBD

Contact Grub & Vine: +27 87 153 5244 | info@mattmanningchef.com

Homespun

Homespun is the only restaurant across the bay that continuously makes it onto our best Cape Town restaurants list.

Situated in Blouberg, Homespun stands out like an unexpected blooming rose and offers a contemporary fusion menu that’s crafty and delicious.

With an unpretentious and simple space, the restaurant lets its food do the talking – and it’s likely to seduce you with its delicious tasting menu or 3-course set menu.

Conveniently, the tasting menu is available without wine pairing, with 1/2 glass wine pairing, and with a full glass wine pairing. This is a fabulous idea, as full wine pairings can sometimes be a tad too much.

Homespun has since opened a second location in Claremont that’s also well worth a visit.

The Odyssey tasting menu and reduced tasting menu available at the Claremont branch differ from the main tasting menus at the Blouberg branch but are equally indulgent.

Visit Homespun:

• Homespun Blouberg: 3C Porterfield Road, Table View
• Homespun Claremont: Andros Deluxe Boutique Hotel, Corner Phyllis & Newlands Road, Claremont

Contact Homespun:

• Homespun Blouberg: +27 21 556 2824 | reservations@homespunbymatt.co.za
• Homespun Claremont: +27 22 300 0295 | reservations@homespunandros.co.za

Indochine

Indochine is situated on the Delaire Graff wine estate near Stellenbosch, and the wide open restaurant space offers uninterrupted views of the rolling winelands.

Diners can enjoy the best of Indo-Asian cuisine with Chef Virgil Kahn‘s creative menu that combines authentic Eastern flavours with influences of his Cape Malay heritage, resulting in a fusion of flavours full of oomph.

Some dishes are served as stand-alone items on an à la carte menu.

But, the full creative expression can be found in the Eastern flavours of the Winelands tasting menu, available with or without wine pairing.

Visit Indochine: Delaire Graff Estate, Helshoogte Road (R310), Stellenbosch

Contact Indochine: +27 21 885 8160 | indochine.res@delaire.co.za

Kloof Street House

You can never go wrong with Koof Street House.

A classic home converted into a restaurant at the heart of Kloof Street, this gem lights up the city with old-school charm. The garden and the interior are exquisite, with nooks and crannies filled with wonderful secrets and stories.

Dishes are simple but expertly put together and offer an explosion of flavours.

Kloof Street House doesn’t offer tasting menus, but you can select an array of dishes from their à la carte menu or try their 2-course or 3-course lunch specials.

Also, try some of their world-class cocktails.

Visit Kloof Street House: 30 Kloof Street, Gardens

Contact Kloof Street House: +27 21 423 4413 | info@kloofstreethouse.co.za

La Colombe

Consistently voted as one of the best restaurants in the world and the best restaurant in Africa, a visit to Cape Town wouldn’t be complete without dining at La Colombe.

It truly is an honour to dine here.

If you only choose one Cape Town fine dining restaurant to visit, this should be it.

If you’re craving an out-of-this-world experience, from culinary creativity to extravagant tastes and world-class service, then La Colombe should be your go-to.

Diners can enjoy the acclaimed Chef’s menu but also indulge in vegetarian or reduced tasting menus.

If you’re out in Franschhoek, you can also visit La Petite Colombe, their equally excellent sister restaurant.

Visit La Colombe: Silvermist Wine Estate, Main Road, Constantia Nek

Contact La Colombe: +27 21 794 2390 | reservations@lacolombe.co.za

READ OUR LA COLOMBE REVIEW

Pier

One of the newest additions to the La Colombe group of unforgettable restaurants and with Head Chef John Norris-Rogers guiding the team, Pier Restaurant boasts exceptional seaside dining with a central location at the V&A Waterfront.

The ocean-inspired menu is served in a set of 12 tasting dishes, with elements of theatrics, molecular gastronomy, and classic French technique at play.

The restaurant is situated on the first floor of the picturesque Pierhead Building, and floor-to-ceiling windows allow for uninterrupted views of the iconic Waterfront harbour.

Visit Pier: Pierhead Building, V&A Waterfront

Contact Pier: +221 879 6328 | reservations@pier.restaurant

Reverie Social Table

Reverie Social Table is a rare fine dining gem in the rough streets of Observatory.

Based on the concept of social dining, everyone packs away their phones and shares one large table, ready to be delighted by Chef Julia Hattingh’s exceptional creations, beautiful stories, and lots of wine.

With an ever-changing seasonal menu, you’re never quite sure what you’ll get.

But we can guarantee that it will always be delicious.

Visit Reverie Social Table: 226A Lower Main Road, Observatory

Contact Reverie Social Table: +27 21 447 3219 | info@reverie.capetown

READ OUR REVERIE SOCIAL TABLE REVIEW

Salsify

Chef Ryan Cole and his team have put Salsify on the map – and it plans on staying.

This restaurant is situated at The Roundhouse, a heritage building in Camps Bay nestled under the sloping rise of Lion’s Head.

Salsify conjoins the classical charm of the venue with historical artworks and dishes that are full of awe and flavour.

Offering 4-course and 6-course tasting menus available for lunch and dinner, as well as a sumptuous Sunday lunch, Salsify has something to meet all your fine dining wishes.

Visit Salsify: The Roundhouse, Roundhouse Road, Camps Bay

Contact Salsify: +27 21 010 6444 | reservations@salsify.co.za

Thali

Liam Tomlin, of Chef Warehouse fame, and Dimo Papachristodoulou from The Fat Cactus and Long Street Cafe, joined forces to open Thali in 2016.

The restaurant is best described as “Indian fine dining“.

Yet, it is so much more.

It is an interpretation of Indian food that features dishes from across the Indian country, maximising flavour and enhancing presentation and the fine dining aspect.

On the menu, you’ll find a three-course tasting menu that takes you from mild to hot dishes, a vegetarian tapas menu designed for two, as well as a vegan menu designed for one or two people.

Pescetarian options are also available.

Visit Thali: 3 Park Road, Gardens

Contact Thali: +27 21 286 2110 | info@thalitapas.co.za

The Pot Luck Club

One of the last remaining strongholds in the Luke Dale-Roberts restaurant portfolio after the closing of The Test Kitchen and The Shortmarket Club, The Pot Luck Club is a must-visit tapas venue at the Old Biscuit Mill.

The restaurant has been serving an exceptional small plates menu since 2012, offering contemporary and Asian-inspired tapas dishes to enjoy alone or share with friends and family.

Visit The Pot Luck Club: Silo Top Floor, Old Biscuit Mill, 373 – 375 Albert Road, Woodstock

Contact The Pot Luck Club: +27 21 447 0804 | reservations@thepotluckclub.co.za

Tryn

Tryn is the Steenberg Wine Estate’s signature restaurant, offering an elegantly designed dining area, a modern cocktail bar, and a tranquil vineyard terrace overlooking the idyllic Constantia Valley Winelands.

It is a marriage between classic charm and modern confidence, featuring a menu of traditional dishes with touches of contemporary flair, expertly created by Chef Kerry Kilpin.

Be prepared to be wowed with every course, from amuse-bouche right through to desserts.

We also love the focus on ethically sourced and sustainable products.

Visit Tryn: Steenberg Estate, Steenberg Road, Constantia Valley

Contact Tryn: +27 21 713 7178 | info@tryn.co.za

READ OUR TRYN RESTAURANT REVIEW

Waterside Restaurant

This harbour-side eatery, situated underneath the Pier Restaurant in the iconic Pierside Building at the V&A Waterfront, offers guests a casual fine dining experience.

Diners can enjoy the elaborate five-course Chef’s Menu or indulge in the slightly cheaper Reduced Menu.

But both will leave you impressed.

The Waterside Restaurant has seating indoors and on the outdoor deck, making this the perfect location for delicious summer lunches with mesmerising waterfront views.

Visit Waterside: Pierhead Building, V&A Waterfront

Contact Waterside: +27 21 879 6328 | reservations@thewaterside.restaurant

Cape Town Fine Dining Notable Mentions

We wanted to keep our best restaurants list short, but there are many more top places to visit in Cape Town.

So, we’ve had to include a few more fancy restaurants in Cape Town in a special mentions section.

The below few also rank among the best Cape Town fine dining restaurants worth visiting:

• Arkeste: Arkeste by Richard Carstens on the Chamonix Wine Estate offers delightful menus drawing from a range of influences.
• Belly of the Beast: If you’re after exquisite nose-to-tail dining, Belly of the Beast is an excellent choice with a tasting menu for lunch and dinner.
• Cafe Charles: The casual Cafe Charles in De Waterkant stands out as an establishment well worth the visit, with exceptional breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
• Codfather: This Camps Bay seafood restaurant may not look like much, but the Codfather has some of the freshest fish in town with a unique deli-style approach and world-class sushi.
• Elgr: Inspired by Chef Jasper Nilsson’s Nordic background, Elgr restaurant on Kloof Street combines a world of flavours to create unique dishes.
• Haute Cabriere: While offering fantastic views of the Franschhoek Valley, Haute Cabriere aims to keep your eyes on the food with excellent dishes and fine wine.
• Hemelhuijs: Hemelhuijs is the inner-city casual fine dining spot that’s got you covered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Kyoto Garden: Kyoto Garden is a not-to-be-missed award-winning Japanese restaurant in the city.
• La Petite Ferme: A Franschhoek gem, La Petite Ferme offers a seasonal set menu at exceptional prices, phenomenal views, and fantastic service.
• Ouzeri: Ouzeri celebrates Greek regional dishes with a small but well-crafted menu.
• Sea Breeze: This Bree Street seafood restaurant may have a small menu, but Sea Breeze consistently manages to astound with every dish.
• Werf Restaurant at Boschendal: The exquisite Werf Restaurant on the Boschendal Wine Estate epitomises soil-to-fork dining.

Of course, this list of 5-star restaurants in Cape Town is by no means exhaustive either.

Cape Town truly is a culinary hotspot that’s worth exploring time and time again.

Last updated: March 2023