12 editor picks across South Africa.
12 south african restaurants worth the trip across South Africa, editor-ranked. All cuisines in South Africa.
Biesmiellah cooked Cape Malay food in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, for four decades under the Osman family; new owners now run it as a polished Muslim-owned eatery.
OrderA Cape Malay curry with roti, the cooking that built this corner's reputation.
TipNo alcohol is served here; it is a family room built around Cape Malay tradition, not a bar scene.
OneEighty dines inside the Edwardian mansion of Ellerman House above Bantry Bay in Cape Town, a seasonal lunch and dinner room looking over the Atlantic.
OrderThe seasonal menu, paired from a cellar of more than 9,000 bottles
TipThe kitchen closes at 21:00 though the room stays open to 22:00, and children aged 12 and older are welcome at the table.
Golden Dish is a halal takeaway in Gatesville, Athlone, opened in 1969 opposite Athlone Stadium and known across Cape Town for its giant gatsby sandwiches.
OrderThe masala steak gatsby, a French baguette of steak, twice fried chips and the signature masala gravy.
TipOrder the large to share or the mini on your own; it serves until 01:00 Monday to Thursday and 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Teez @ 115 grills braaied meat from its own butchery counter on the Gugulethu site once famous as Mzoli's, on Cape Town's Cape Flats side of the city.
OrderLamb chops bought at the butchery counter and braaied to order by the grill team.
TipBuy your meat at the butchery first, then hand it to the braai team; that is how the whole system works here.
Heirloom took over the main dining room at the Cape Grace hotel on the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, reworking heritage Cape recipes nightly.
OrderMozambiquan peri peri lobster or the Cape Malay chicken curry, finished with a traditional Cape dessert
TipThe marina view seats fill first at dinner, ask for a table by the window when you confirm the booking.
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.
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.
Rands is a Khayelitsha shisa nyama and lifestyle venue outside central Cape Town, known for braaied meat, cheap drinks and weekend afrobeat sets.
OrderThe ribs, which co-owner Mfundo Mbeki tells first-timers to try, with creamy spinach and Buffalo wings.
TipThe first Sunday of the month draws the biggest crowd; arrive early afternoon to get a table before the dancing starts.
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.
Karibu at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town plates bobotie, venison potjie and Cape bredies alongside game, steaks and seafood, every day of the week.
OrderBobotie of spiced beef mince and raisins under an egg topping, served with celebration rice
TipThe venison and game specials change with what the kitchen sources, ask before ordering.
Eziko in Langa, Cape Town, is a cooking school and restaurant whose trainees serve lamb or chicken with samp and pap, the name meaning hearth in Xhosa.
OrderLamb with samp, pap and seasonal vegetables
TipGroups can pre-book a full buffet, call ahead so the kitchen can plan for the size of the table.
Eziko Restaurant trains unemployed Langa residents for hospitality careers while serving township meals to visitors in Cape Town, Monday to Saturday.
OrderThe lamb or chicken plate with samp and pap, cooked to order for your group.
TipCall ahead before visiting; meals here are cooked fresh to order rather than kept warming.
Guided tour · 9 hours
Embark on a full-day safari from Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve. Spot the Big Five, enjoy a buffet breakfast and lunch. Enjoy stunning views of Dutoitskloof ...
Day trip · 8 hours
Start with a convenient Pickup from your Hotel Accommodation before Embarking on a Safari from Cape Town to Aquila Safari Game Reserve. Enjoy a buffet lunch, spot the ...
Day trip · 4h 30m
Explore Stellenbosch on horseback with a private guided ride through scenic vineyards, then unwind with local snacks and a bottle of wine. A perfect blend of adventure...
