12 Best Restaurants in Cape Peninsula, South Africa

This tiny Kalk Bay institution with its mismatched tables and open kitchen is much beloved by locals as a super-casual destination for consistently excellent food and a great cup of coffee. The quality of the mostly Mediterranean fare is high, and the servers sassy (some might call it something else). The chalkboard menu changes regularly, but expect dishes like seared tuna with crushed potatoes and lemon mayo, or roast duck on egg noodles teriyaki-style. Great soups—think bacon and bean or tomato and lentil—are served with legendary ciabatta. There is always a great pasta dish on offer (linguine with tuna and cherry tomatoes, anyone?), as well as creative salads and numerous sweet temptations from the bakery. Lines are the norm at peak mealtimes and reservations are not accepted, so be prepared to wait.

Probably the best restaurant on the Cape Peninsula, the aptly named Foodbarn serves delicious, unpretentious French-influenced cuisine in the relaxed setting of a renovated barn near Noordhoek Beach. The chef makes a point of only using sustainable seafood, which he puts to great use in starters like fish tartar with miso cream and a sublime bouillabaisse. For mains, expect dishes like steak au poivre, risotto with celeriac, and slow stewed tripe & trotters, beautifully prepared and generously portioned. Stunning bespoke wallpaper that recalls a lush Flemish still life works with the high thatched ceiling, bare wooden tables, and modern light fixtures to create an ambiance of cool opulence. Excellent and reasonably priced wine pairings and stellar service complete the picture. Additionally, there is a full tapas menu for light bites and sharing plates.   Just a stone's throw away, the laid-back Foodbarn Deli serves fantastic and very reasonably priced breakfasts and lunches as well as an evening tapas menu from Tuesday to Saturday.

Arguably Simon's Town's best restaurant, regulars come here for good food and a charming host with a great story: A big-city Jo'burg boy met his girl and came to live by the sea. A friendly place to stop for breakfast (until 11), lunch, or dinner.

Easy eating in a family-friendly atmosphere doesn't get much better than this café, deservedly beloved by the outdoorsy crowd that populates the Cape Peninsula. Sit outside under the oak trees or in, where reed-covered ceilings and a wood-burning stove create a cozy ambience, and enjoy hearty and tasty breakfasts and lunches. Comfort options like fettuccine with chicken in creamy herb sauce or a variety of burgers and wraps are balanced by healthy choices like seared tuna with a wasabi dressing and coriander, as well as unusually plentiful vegetarian and even vegan options. Breakfast treats include everything from muesli to a grilled bacon croissant, carb-free options, and great smoothies. Kids have their own menu and a dedicated play area, and freshly baked cakes and desserts are delicious and huge.

Serving Pacific Rim cuisine from a funky and intimate location in Hout Bay, Cheyne's is the place to go for inventive, pan-Asian small plates. The menu changes entirely each season but is generally divided into the categories of sea, land, earth, poké bowls, and happy endings. Plates are appetizer-size, and some winners include the chili-salt squid with sesame mayo; pork belly chasu with 5-spice; and the oddly named but insanely good deep-fried milk flavored with red pepper and ponzu. Addictive tastes, friendly service, and the graffiti-artist-meets-magazine-stylist interior have ensured that this unique and vibey joint is fully booked most weekends.  For something more casual, check out Lucky Bao, the tiny neighboring sister-venue serving five types of bao and a few Asian sides.

This family-friendly cafe has an extensive menu of pizzas, salads, sandwiches, cake, and coffee, as well as an added surprise—paint your own ceramics. Enjoy a light meal while you paint anything from dishes, bowls, vases, or figurines. With a large grassy area outside and a playground, this is a dream cafe for kids.  

Built on the breakwater of a working harbor, this iconic seafood restaurant has an unbeatable location—waves are known to crash against the huge plate-glass windows at high tide and many tables literally feel perched over the sea. Large, light filled, and orchid adorned, this jaw-droppingly beautiful space of white wood and lots of decking makes the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood. The fish of the day is usually a reliable choice, with angelfish, kingklip, and tuna often available. Other dishes that rely more on the freshness of the seafood (oysters and calamari) than the brilliance of the chef will also surely satisfy. Accompaniments may be a disappointment, though, considering the prices, which are high by local standards (visitors enjoying good exchange rates might not even notice). However, the view really does make up for a lot. There's also a tempting dessert list.  If you're looking for something a bit more casual and affordable, try sister restaurant Live Bait, which is just downstairs, makes great fish & chips and other seafood combos, and is privy to the same great view.

Right on the harbor, this cash-only establishment is the first choice for a generous portion of fish and chips. It's a great setting, and watching the waves break over the harbor wall when the sea is pounding (and you are inside) is thrilling, just be aware that the seagulls will fight for your leftovers, as will Robby, the resident seal. 

A Noordhoek-born business that has started expanding across the Cape, this tiny ice-cream store is the original location. From classic to funky flavors, and colorful kid flavors, this cafe will delight people of all ages and eating preferences as they have a selection of vegan, dairy-free, and sugar-free ice creams. Their freshly made cones are exceptionally good. 

Having begun as a pizza joint, this casual Hout Bay eatery located in an old barn now serves a range of delightfully simple Italian fare from antipasti to pastas, as well as what is still arguably Cape Town's best pizza. The "spuntini" or antipasti include classics like Italian meatballs, Caprese salad, and panfried spinach with toasted pine nuts. Pastas are great, but pizza is why you are here. Gluten-free options, craft beers, and warm service and an uber-casual ambience all make this place a local favorite. A small play area in the front and a huge one in the back make this a super family-friendly venue.  For groups of six or more, book ahead for the great-value and super-fun "Italian Feast" sharing option.

Sister venue to the fabulous Food Barn Restaurant, this casual but excellent deli serves delicious and reasonably priced breakfasts, lunches, and snacks from a cozy book-lined space that invites lingering. Those stocking up for a picnic will also do well here.

The Sweetest Thing serves Simon's Town's best house-made cakes, pastries, and cookies, as well as breakfast until noon, and light lunch options like savory pies and quiches. It's a must-visit if you're hungry and in town during lunchtime, or looking for a good cup of coffee and treat.