South Africa’s ‘Mother City’ offers incredible views, restaurants and bars, says Gary Jordan – not to mention all the wine regions just a short drive away…
Cape Town restaurants and wine bars
Sundowners on top of Lion’s Head
A moderate hike to the peak (669m above sea level) gives you a 360° view from Camps Bay to the 12 Apostles, up the West Coast, all the way around to Stellenbosch and into the centre of Cape Town. Hiking shoes and BYO wine necessary for one of South Africa’s best sunset drinking spots.
Image: Credit: Maggie Nelson/Decanter
Publik Wine Bar
The wine list changes daily, showcasing new and interesting wines from South Africa, all served by the glass. Space is shared with Frankie Fenner butchery but don’t be put off by large animals hanging in the window chill room! www.publik.co.za/publik-wine-bar
Decanter travel guide: Stellenbosch, South Africa
The Butcher Shop and Grill
The place to go for the best mature 21 – to 40-day aged local beef and lamb. Also a great selection of wine, including the rare Cape Winemakers Guild Auction bottlings. www.thebutchershop.co.za
The Butcher Shop and Grill
Den Anker
At the heart of the V&A Waterfront, offering postcard views, enjoy great local seafood in a Belgian style. Cape wines are on offer by the glass and bottle, but the beer tastings and pairings from the Belgian Beer Company are exceptional. www.denanker.co.za
Chalk & Cork
Owned and run by a husband and wife with Michelin-star wine and management backgrounds. Light, fresh wines and tapas changing by the seasons, and at very reasonable prices. www.chalkandcork.co.za
Decanter travel guide: Franschhoek, South Africa
Chefs Warehouse & Canteen
Liam Tomlin changes his tapas menu weekly. You have to get there early to grab a spot though, as no bookings are taken. Enjoy great food, interesting craft beers and carefully selected estate wines. The Chefs Warehouse shop has one of the best collections of interesting recipe books you could ask for – including three by Tomlin himself. www.chefswarehouse.co.za
Truth Coffee Roasting
Truth Coffee Roasting
If you need a caffeine hit to start your day, head to this steampunk inspired venue, recently named by the UK’s Telegraph as the best coffee shop in the world. The beans are hand roasted in a steel drum, and you can even attend Barista School to hone your skills. www.truthcoffee.com
Hallelujah
Seasonal, Asian-inspired food (tapas-style servings), and a focus on Méthode Cap Classique fizz. Bookings only for tables of four to six. Get there early. www.hallelujahhallelujah.co.za
Tuning the Vine
Tuning the Vine #InnerCityWineRoute
One Wednesday a month, Tuning the Vine takes to the hippest streets in Cape Town for #InnerCityWineRoute, linking some of the city’s most exciting venues through a ‘wine adventure’. There are sommelier guided tasting tours, food and wine pairings, cellar talks, live music, wineinspired ‘tattoos’ and more. www.tuningthevine.co.za
First Thursdays
The first Thursday each month is a free cultural experience where all the galleries and a number of boutiques in the city stay open late. Food trucks line the streets and restaurants and bars offer something different to their normal menu. www.first-thursdays.co.za
By Will Hersey
***Grabbed from: http://www.decanter.com/wine-travel/south-africa/cape-town-restaurants-wine-bars-305246/