Where to Eat in Western Cape: The Best Restaurants and Bars

March 8, 2018 Chanda Heide

South Africa’s most popular tourist destination offers the urban thrills of Cape Town, its adjacent wine country and an aura of the rich political history of South Africa. The Overberg's perfect whale-watching perches provide excitement of a different nature. The Garden Route's lakes and forests and the Klein Karoo's ostrich-farming towns and vineyards present another take on the Cape. For extra kicks, try bungee jumping or cage-diving among Great Whites.
Things to do in Western Cape

1. La Colombe

Constantia Main Rd | Silvermist Wine Estate, Constantia 7806, South Africa Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar French, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +27 21 794 2390
Excellent
84%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

La Colombe

La Colombe, one of Cape Town's most well-loved and awarded restaurants. Contemporary French-meets-Asian fine dining.

Reviewed By twogardeners - Bridport, United Kingdom

Not surprising La Colombe features in lists of the world's top restaurants. The set lunch menu is indeed a performance: as the chef says:"food is our theatre". And all this in a lovely setting overlooking the wooded hillside and vines. Predictably excellent staff, exquisite tastes in each of the numerous courses, delicious wines.

2. La Sosta Restaurant

145 Voortrek Street, Swellendam 6740, South Africa Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner HK$306 - HK$377 +27 28 514 1470
Excellent
89%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 521 reviews

La Sosta Restaurant

La Sosta is a FINE DINING Restaurant. A modern and contemporary Italian Restaurant working with 3 Different Tasting Menu . EatOut Award 2014 BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN SOUTH AFRICA Reservations are recommended.

Reviewed By JaniLondon - London

We were collected from our B and B and taken to the restaurant. Outstanding 7 course menu, of which you could mix and match from land, sea and garden sections. The chefs’ skills and presentation were exemplary and definitely best meal we have eaten in S. Africa.

3. Marianas

12 Du Toit Street | Stanford, Stanford, Overstrand 7210, South Africa Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Digital Payments, Accepts Credit Cards Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch +27 28 341 0272
Excellent
88%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 192 reviews

Marianas

Reviewed By Dale W - Cape Town Central, South Africa

Seasonal, local and beautifully crafted dishes from the one and only Marianas country kitchen.
This visit Mariana elevated a humble Angel fish fillet, lightly smoked, into a flavour burst starter dish with marinated red onion in white balsamic, home baked ciabatta, fennel floret anis bombs of intense flavour and finely sliced apple. Inspired, clever cooking.
Confit duck never fails to satisfy with her own enviable preserved clementines.
Lunch ended with 4 tables of guests switching chairs and interacting with each other. Like minded in so many ways. More than just a meal. Food, an inspiration and a catalyst for bringing so much pleasure.

4. Serendipity Restaurant

Freesia Avenue, Wilderness 6560, South Africa Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi African, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night +27 44 877 0433
Excellent
87%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 636 reviews

Serendipity Restaurant

Reviewed By NW2FOODIE - NORTH WEST LONDON

We thoroughly enjoyed our entire dining experience at Serendipity.
The food was unusual with combinations of flavours that we are not familiar with in the UK. The balance of the dishes was excellent.
We went for the suggested wine pairings and the descriptions of the provenance of these was a delight as well as the quality.
There are apparently no Michelin stars in South Africa, otherwise Serendipity would definitely have one or two.
The prices for this quality of cuisine are very reasonable.
A dining highlight of our trip so far

5. Karoux Restaurant

42 Voortrekker Road, McGregor 6708, South Africa Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner +27 23 625 1421
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 408 reviews

Karoux Restaurant

Reviewed By ekholland27 - Amersfoort, The Netherlands

Intimate restaurant with just 24 covers. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Quite large portions, limited but adequate wine selection. You can expect good country cuisine from local ingredients and menu varies with availble local produce.

6. Kilzer's Kitchen

No 3 Roos Bolton Crescent | Knysna Heights, Knysna 6571, South Africa Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Outdoor Seating, Accepts Credit Cards Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night HK$2,315 +27 82 572 7986
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 152 reviews

Kilzer's Kitchen

Type of Cuisine - South African Part of Kilzers Kitchen Cookery School - this restaurant operates on Wednesday evenings only for the public. The format is basically as follows : Our guests 19:00 in the evening - bringing along their own wife and their own wine ....no corkage charges at all ( for the wife or the wine ). These dinners are hosted weekly ( Wednesdays) from the beginning of November - end of April annually. Upon arrival guests are welcomed by our waiters ( as we are frantically busy in the kitchen )--- and given appetizers to nibble on, as well as a "welcome drink" - at present our flavour of the Month - a home made Limoncello - to warm them up on a cold Winter's evening, or cool them down on a hot summer's evening. At approximately 7:30 for 7:45 we welcome all our guests to the open-plan kitchen, where we give them a complete run-down re: the dinner for the evening. Starters & main courses are prepared in full view of the guests as they congregate around the kitchen area, along with our famous joke telling - a bit of "Kitchen Theatre". After this guests return to their individual tables, ( laid up as per customer reservation ), and the meal commences with a starter, followed by main course ,dessert, coffee/ tea and biscuits to end the meal. Everything edible is prepared in our kitchen - including the apperitif, as already mentioned. All in all, it is an evening celebrating food, more food, fun, and of course, the guest's own choice of wines - which are sometimes dodgy, other times magnificent - all depending on individual taste. The atmosphere is a party atmosphere, and the noise level is generally high and festive.........Enjoyment of the evening is up to you. We would love to welcome you and look forward to a visit from you and whoever you wish to bring along.............wife, lover, mother- in- law............. We cater for any special requests, e.g vegetarians, gluten intolerant or any other food allergies. Please advise beforehand.

Reviewed By malcandkaren - Bucks uk

Once again a stunning display of culinary excellence from Jenny and Albin. They are masters of their craft. Everything is %. Stunning food. These guys have endured personal problems following the tragic fire that destroyed their house last year. But they are indomitable!!! Last night the “no shows” should have been ashamed of themselves- there would be a queue!!!! Nearly everyone there had been before and the reviews say it all. If this was a full restaurant there is no doubt it would be #1 on TA. Keep recycling those jokes Jen!

7. Havercrofts

R43 Main Road, Stanford, Overstrand 7210, South Africa Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol International, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch +27 28 341 0603
Excellent
92%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 381 reviews

Havercrofts

Reviewed By AndyCPT - Cape Town Central, South Africa

Had the pleasure of celebrating my recent birthday at the ever wonderful Havercrofts. Innes and Brydon have created a truly special restaurant which is by far my favorite in the Overberg. That Kerelan Fish Curry makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Thanks for a great birthday lunch and for that extra special birthday cake - you are just the best.

8. Mez Karoo Kitchen

24 Van Riebeeck Street | Main Road in Village, Barrydale 6750, South Africa Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol Mediterranean, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner +27 82 077 5980
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 142 reviews

Mez Karoo Kitchen

NOTE TO CUSTOMERS: THIS BUSINESS IS CLOSED DURING THE MONTHS OF JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST.

Reviewed By eleneb2017 - Stellenbosch, South Africa

Be sure to book at this very popular spot in the heart of Barrydale. Inspired food and a cosy kitchen setting - always worth a stop!

9. Mzansi

45 Harlem Avenue | Langa, Cape Town Central 7455, South Africa Reservations, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol African, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +27 73 754 8502
Excellent
94%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 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 modern twist on recipes that have been passed down through the generations. As you enjoy your locally sourced meal, a live Marimba band will entertain you with traditional African music (tipping is encouraged). Your support helps us to provide jobs and to empower our community. We kindly ask that you make a reservation/booking in advance for, we cook to order and are not a walk-in restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner, we request that you call 24 hours in advance or early in the morning.<br><br>PLEASE NOTE: Our Restaurant will be closed September 19th-October 3rd, 2017 for holiday. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Reviewed By Chris C

Lunch with Mama was the highlight of our 2+ weeks in South Africa. The food was incredible (easily the best creamed spinach I've ever had), but was outshined by Mama's story and infectious positivity. Don't let the location deter you, our group felt extremely welcomed by the community. Mzansi is an absolute must for any visit to Cape Town.

10. Betty Blue Bistro

126 Main Rd, Hermanus, Overstrand 7200, South Africa Serves Alcohol, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch HK$24 - HK$78 +27 28 125 0037
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 438 reviews

Betty Blue Bistro

Reviewed By Celtic-Wanderer - Scotland

Popped in for breakfast and found this to be a delightful eatery.....light and airy, good service, friendly and helpful staff and a great selection on the menu. Pity I had to ‘discover’ this place the day before leaving Hermanus...However will be back next visit!
Good job all round.......

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