Where to eat African food in Cape Town Central: The Best Restaurants and Bars

February 3, 2020 Timmy Ribble

Best African restaurants nearby. Discover the best African food in Cape Town Central. View Menus, Photos and Reviews for African restaurants near you.. Cape Town glistens at the southern toe of the African continent. Tourist brochure-views at Blaauwberg Beach and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are within easy driving distance of "The Mother City." The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve provides sweeping sea vistas, hiking trails and wildlife encounters. On a more somber note, travelers can visit Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years.
Things to do in Cape Town Central

10. Arnold's Restaurant

60 Kloof Street Gardens, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa African, European, International Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Outdoor Seating, Seating, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Highchairs Available, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +27 21 424 4344 http://www.arnolds.co.za
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4 based on 820 reviews

Open from 06:45 till late Mon to Fri and 08:00 till late Sat & Sun, open every day.

Reviewed By vinfan

Our guide on a small group tour/safari suggested this restaurant near our hotel, saying they specialized in game. Eight of us went and no one was disappointed. We shared the game platter -- as it appears, everyone does -- and it was delicious, dispelling any reluctance I initially had in dining on the critters we'd soon see on safari.The warthog consisted of tender, barbecued ribs and the crocodile served in a mild curry sauce. The grilled kudu was similar to beef and the ostrich was served with a mushroom cream sauce. Game is not something every restaurant serves, so this is a good chance to try a well-prepared version. The malva pudding -- a South African specialty -- is not to be missed for dessert. End the evening with a springbok: green creme de menthe topped with the iconic Amarula liqueur, and meant to be drunk as a shooter. It's good!

9. The Africa Cafe' Restaurant

108 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa African Dinner Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music [email protected] +27 21 422 0221 https://www.africacafe.co.za/
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4 based on 993 reviews

The Africa Cafe' Restaurant

The Africa Café offers a multi-cultural dining experience. Since 1992, chef Portia has been creating food infused with African soul and passion. Experience an exotic tapestry of flavours that will take you on a journey from North to South. Housed in an hi

Reviewed By 766ronaldb

One of the neatest places we ate was at the Africa Café located about two blocks from the Hilton Hotel. We arrived, then led upstairs to a very colorful decorated dining area and seated. The menus were attached to table lights. We picked the following for dinner: Africa Café cassava bread, Mauritian pineapple pickles, Congo salad with jungle dressing, Malagasy calamari, Moroccan broccoli salsa, Tanzanian sesame chicken kebabs, Zanzibar spice lentils, Madagascan Steamy Stew, Kenyan Channa Fish, Botswana Seswaa Masala, Basmati Rice, Liberian vegetables, and dessert. At the end of the dinner, the restaurant staff came up to our dining area and sang several songs. A nice ending to a wonderful evening.

8. Addis in Cape Ethiopian Restaurant

Corner Long & Church Streets, Cape Town Central South Africa African, Ethiopian Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Parking Available, Free Wifi, Reservations, Seating, Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +27 21 424 5722 http://www.addisincape.co.za/
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4 based on 831 reviews

Addis in Cape Ethiopian Restaurant

Addis in Cape! Voted best African Eatery in Cape Town, an authentic Ethiopian restaurant that caters for Non-vegetarian, Vegan and Vegetarian clients. We provide a unique communal dining experience you, your family and friends will remember. From traditio

Reviewed By David J

Interesting dining experience. Staff helpful in explaining dishes which, in the end, turned out to be very similar to Indian dishes, but served with a rather unusual bread a bit like thin foam rubber. You East with your fingers. Best to go in company as it’s a sharing experience. There was live music when we were thereDear J,Thanks for the review. We are glad you enjoyed it.Kind RegardsAddis team

7. Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant

281 Long Street, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa African, Ethiopian Dinner, Lunch Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Table Service [email protected] +27 21 422 1797 http://www.lucyrestaurant.co.za
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5 based on 64 reviews

Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant

Lucy Ethiopia Restaurant opened its doors July 2017 , located in the bustling food hub of cape town inner city 281 long street .Our vision is to introduce Ethiopian and African cuisine to Cape Town. Lucy Restaurant imports original Ethiopian spices to hel

Reviewed By AmbiSK

We had a fulfilling and fabulous meal at Lucy's. Nice decor from the other Ethiopian restaurants we have been to - food was also very flavourful with lots of options on the menu. AmbiSK Thanking you for the excellent review , we aim to please and we hope to see you soon again.

6. Cafe Charles

137 Waterkant Street De Waterkant, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa African, European, Cafe, Mediterranean Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol [email protected] +27 87 743 2359 http://www.thecharles.cafe/
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4 based on 112 reviews

Cafe Charles

A quaint and cosy café situated in the heart of De Waterkant. Café Charles serves up a tasty breakfast fare, light lunch options, weeknight dinner menu, artisan coffee from Houtbay Coffee Roastery, organic tea, local Cape Malay specialities and other swee

Reviewed By seanw090

Great outdoor seating under wonderful old tree. Excellent coffee and Turmeric Latte went well with very filling trout eggs Benedict. Hollandaise sauce could have done with more lemon juice to break up the richness of the potato spirals that were fried and very rich with oil. The views of the neighbourhood were splendid. A good start to the day.Thank you so much for the valuable feedback, and for choosing us as your breakfast spot! Your points regarding the hollandaise were noted and forwarded on to the head chef to look into. Wishing you a good start to every day!

5. GOLD Restaurant

15 Bennett Street Green Point, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa African, Tunisian Dinner, Late Night Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music [email protected] +27 21 421 4653 http://www.goldrestaurant.co.za/
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4 based on 1896 reviews

GOLD Restaurant

Tuck in to a 14-dish set tasting menu inspired by dishes from all over the African continent. Learn to play the djembe drums with one of our patient, friendly facilitators. Enjoy live African entertainment with stories told through music and dance.

Reviewed By 1947hereford

Ignore the reviews that moan about dancers begging for tips and so on - that's just absolute rubbish! Just accept the fact that this is an experience meant for tourists and NOT a quiet night out and you will have a blast. The drumming experience is such good fun, the puppets and dancers like nothing you will have seen - and the food delicious - all fifteen courses of it. I was part of a tour group and we all enjoyed it enormously.Thank you for an awesome review! We are absolutely delighted that you enjoyed your evening at GOLD and hope you will visit us again one day.

4. Karibu

Shop 156, The Wharf Centre Victoria Wharf, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa African Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront [email protected] +27 21 421 7005 http://www.kariburestaurant.co.za/
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4 based on 3133 reviews

Karibu

We are a Truly South African Restaurant situated in the World Class V & A Waterfront. We serve traditional unpretentious good South African cuisine to international guests and locals alike.

Reviewed By Jon R

Was here 2 years ago. With great experiense.Thats why I brougth with me 12 friends this time. With a set menu ordered in front.Table was ready. But no info has got thru regarding the set menu.But after a while the courses came tru. Very good taste. But the service was layed back. - Had to tell them to come out with the wines, after the courses was on the table. Not ones, but every time. The wineservant looked like he better like to go home. Layed back.No next time - sorry!Thank you for the review and booking with us again with your 12 friends this time ,i will look into the following . Glad the food had a very good taste. Thank you for the feedback

3. madam taitou

77 Long Street, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa African, Ethiopian Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +27 21 426 6969 https://www.facebook.com/Madam-taitou-ethiopean-restaurant-273508789474416/
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4 based on 320 reviews

madam taitou

Authentic Ethiopian cousin restaurant and art gallery combined concept very carefully selected old and new art works from allover Africa including interesting vintage items in display for sale . Madam taitou offer green and very natural environment in a b

Reviewed By Dumz

The restaurant is like an African jungle! Each of the seats are really cosy and makes for fantastic photos and food. Tibs: This is the local speciality Ethiopian dish here. I tried the beef option and while the meat was not cooked to my perfect liking, the gravy was great with the Injera (dosa like) on the sideVeggie sampler: Just the perfect dish for a vegetarian as it comes with five small dishes and Injera on the side. All of them taste great, especially the one with lentils Moto chicken: Chicken cooked to perfection with spinach. Again goes great with InjeraCamille and Debbie served us and they were simply fantastic. Super friendly and helpful.

2. Mzansi

45 Harlem Avenue Langa, Cape Town Central 7455 South Africa African Lunch, Dinner Reservations, Buffet, Seating, Cash Only, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Live Music, Jazz Bar [email protected] +27 73 754 8502 http://mzansi45.co.za/
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5 based on 1555 reviews

Mzansi

Experience the Township of Langa at this traditional African restaurant. We cater to tourist and locals alike wishing to have a positive experience in Cape Town’s oldest township. Our kitchen is run by longtime Langa residents that have worked to put a mo

Reviewed By sophievandy

I went to Mzansi with a massive group of fellow-students after doing a walking tour of the area. The food was AMAZING! Nothing like what I've tried before, but I'm so glad I did. Also, the story behind the place is amazing (but you'll have to go to hear it)!

Top 6 Things to do in Cape Town Central, South Africa

1. Cafe Charles

137 Waterkant Street De Waterkant, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa African, European, Cafe, Mediterranean Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol [email protected] +27 87 743 2359 http://www.thecharles.cafe/
Food
Service
Value
Overall Ratings

4 based on 112 reviews

Cafe Charles

A quaint and cosy café situated in the heart of De Waterkant. Café Charles serves up a tasty breakfast fare, light lunch options, weeknight dinner menu, artisan coffee from Houtbay Coffee Roastery, organic tea, local Cape Malay specialities and other swee

Reviewed By seanw090

Great outdoor seating under wonderful old tree. Excellent coffee and Turmeric Latte went well with very filling trout eggs Benedict. Hollandaise sauce could have done with more lemon juice to break up the richness of the potato spirals that were fried and very rich with oil. The views of the neighbourhood were splendid. A good start to the day.Thank you so much for the valuable feedback, and for choosing us as your breakfast spot! Your points regarding the hollandaise were noted and forwarded on to the head chef to look into. Wishing you a good start to every day!

Top 10 restaurants in Cape Town Central, South Africa

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