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SteakhouseV&a Waterfront
Belthazar at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town pairs dry-aged steak and seafood with more than 250 wines by the glass, on a terrace facing Table Mountain.
OrderAged steak, paired with a glass from the by-the-glass wine list
TipBook a terrace table for the Table Mountain and Cape Wheel view, and let the wine staff pick from the 250-plus wines poured by the glass.
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South AfricanCity Bowl
The Peach Tree Restaurant at Southern Sun The Cullinan in Cape Town runs a nightly Cape Malay inspired dinner buffet served from live chef stations.
OrderThe dinner buffet, a South African spread served from live chef stations every night.
TipBook the dinner buffet ahead on weekends, since birthday parties and hotel guests fill the room fast.
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TurkishDe Waterkant
Ala Turkish grills Adana kebabs, lamb chops and mix grill platters on Napier Street in De Waterkant, Cape Town, billed as the first modern Turkish room.
OrderA signature mix grill platter, topped up with extra lamb chops or an Adana kebab.
TipBook through Dineplan, ask for the outdoor seating, and save room: the menu runs to more than 50 desserts, baklava platter included.
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MediterraneanGardens
Kloof Street House fills a candlelit Victorian home in Gardens, Cape Town, with Mediterranean plates carrying a Cape twist and live jazz over Sunday lunch.
OrderMoroccan-spiced lamb rump with tahini dressing
TipIn winter ask for the chesterfields of the library lounge or a table by the dining room fireplace, and book ahead for Sunday lunch with live jazz.
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South AfricanCity Bowl
Mama Africa on Long Street in Cape Town serves plates from Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia and the DRC, with a live marimba band and drummers most nights.
OrderSmoky skewered goat layered with peppers, with pap and spinach on the side
TipGo on a night with the marimba band and drummers, and book ahead, the room fills fast on weekends.
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IndianCity Bowl
Bukhara on Church Street in Cape Town has run a North Indian tandoor kitchen since 1995, best known for its butter chicken and its lamb rogan josh.
OrderButter chicken with tandoor-baked naan
TipAdd the dal makhani, black lentils cooked overnight in the tandoor, and a naan hot from the clay oven.