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BrasserieNoordhoek
The Foodbarn in Noordhoek, Cape Town, is French chef Franck Dangereux's cafe by day and tapas bar by night, with tapas dinners Tuesday to Saturday.
OrderTapas dinner sharing plates, order enough to cover the table
TipThe tapas dinner only runs Tuesday to Saturday, so come for breakfast or lunch on a Sunday or Monday; the deli shop next door opens daily until 20:00.
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SeafoodKalk Bay
Harbour House has sat over the water at Kalk Bay harbour, Cape Town, since 1996, plating seafood platters and grilled linefish with a False Bay view.
OrderSeafood platter for two, split between grilled and fried
TipAsk for a window table when booking, the harbour view is the reason regulars keep coming back.
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South AfricanBo Kaap
Marco's African Place in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, plates springbok, kudu and crocodile alongside traditional Xhosa dishes, with live local music most nights.
OrderPan-African platter of springbok, kudu and ostrich
TipThis is a 220-seat room built for groups; book ahead, and note a cover charge applies on nights with live marimba bands.
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Modern IndianCity Bowl
Bombay Brasserie at the Taj Cape Town on St George's Mall blends Indian and Cape Malay cooking into a formal dinner room, best known for its lamb chops.
OrderAdraki lamb chops, with chicken tikka masala for the table
TipBooking is essential, and the bar opens an hour before the kitchen if you want a drink first.
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ItalianSea Point
Posticino has fed Sea Point from Albany Mews on Main Road since two childhood friends took it over in 1998, with thin-based wood-fired pizza.
OrderFresh pasta of the day, with a wood-fired pizza to share
TipPortions run large in true Italian style, share a starter and a pizza before ordering pasta each.
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SteakhouseCamps Bay
The Hussar Grill in Camps Bay, Cape Town, is a branch of the steakhouse group founded in 1964, serving aged fillet and ribeye in a dark-wood room.
OrderRibeye on the bone with a side of peppercorn sauce
TipIn winter a fireplace warms the old-world dining room, and the wine list carries a Diners Club Diamond award, so ask about the select vintages.