Cape Town has an array of trendy and classy restaurants for both locals and tourists to enjoy. In case you feel overwhelmed with the sheer number of establishments to choose from, Home Food and Travel magazine has selected some of the Top Restaurants in the City Bowl for you.
The Cape Town City Bowl is named after a naturally forming amphitheater shape that is formed due to the landscape. The area is comprised of a grouping of a number of smaller suburbs, such as De Waterkant, Gardens and Woodstock, to name but a few.
This area of Cape Town is renowned for being a hub for businessmen and creatives alike. With such a large number of people attracted to the City Centre and all of its offerings, it comes as no surprise that the City Bowl is home to some of the best restaurants in the country.
The City Bowl is where you would find the famous Long Street as well as the bohemian Kloof and Bree Streets. These restaurant strips contain a great variety when it comes to their offerings and thus allows for those looking for a bite to eat, to choose what they feel like.
The variety that is found includes fine dining restaurants, Italian, Japanese, Mexican as well as many other specialty restaurants as well as numerous take-away restaurants and coffee shops.
The owners of each restaurant go to great lengths to create a distinctive brand for their restaurant, whilst at the same time combining that to the food and experience that is offered to their visitors.
It comes as no surprise that Cape Town has become a city that attracts foodies from around the world, in addition to the numerous activities and luxury stays found in the Mother City.
The Test Kitchen – Woodstock- Fine Dining Restaurant
The Test Kitchen’s inclusion as one of the Top Restaurants in the City Bowl comes as no surprise. This is one of Luke Dale Robert’s creations and this establishment has earned its fair share of awards of the years. This British-born maestro of the kitchen has worked at a number of elite restaurants in Europe and Asia, but it is in Cape Town where he is trying to do something different.
The Test Kitchen has collected a long list of awardsover the years, but possibly the most notable was their highly impressive 22nd place at the World’s Best Restaurant Awards in 2016.
It takes a lot of hard work and innovation to maintain a standard of being a truly elite restaurant, this is something that the team are fully aware of. This fine dining establishment knows the importance of using quality ingredients and combining them to create something memorable.
Their wine list comprises of many top wines from throughout the Cape. A visit to the Test Kitchen should be on the bucket list for any foodie out there.
Call: 021 447 2337. Make a reservation, click HERE. Get there, click HERE. Find out more, clickHERE.
FYN – Parliament Street- Contemporary Restaurant
FYN is a contemporary 60 seater restaurant found on Parliament Street in the heart of the City Centre. The chic appearance of this restaurant is an instant attention-grabber for anyone. This sleek design gives visitors a real sense of fine dining. Stunning views of Cape Town and the famous Table Mountain can be observed whilst enjoying some of their top quality food on offer.
This Top Restaurant in the City Bowl is headed up by Peter Tempelhoff, Jennifer Hugé and Ashley Moss. The team is determined to innovate, whilst not losing the importance of simplicity.
The menu at FYN is largely African-inspired. This establishment challenges the conventional separation of kitchen and dining area and the result is a great all-round experience.
Call: 021 286 2736. Make a reservation, click HERE. Get there, click HERE. Find out more, clickHERE.
Thali– Gardens- Indian Restaurant
Thali is a fine dining Indian restaurant found in the suburb of Gardens of Cape Town. They incorporate dishes from all across India, rather than settling on a specific region for inspiration. Visitors can expect their twist on what many would consider to be traditional Indian-styled food.
Their three course menu begins with milder flavours before the spicier curries towards the end of the course.
This restaurant’s tapas are particularly popular for those who visit. Their outside dining area is adorned with lots of greenery, thus perfectly befitting its location. The mixologists are at work at their cocktail bar and make for a great setting to enjoy some drinks with loved ones.
Thali is part of the larger Chef’s Warehouse Group which has restaurants throughout the Cape as well as one in Barcelona. Liam Tomlin and Dimo Papachristodoulou joined forces to launch Thali in 2016.
Call: 021 286 2110. Make a reservation, click HERE. Get there, click HERE. Find out more, clickHERE.
Kyoto Garden– Gardens- Japanese Restaurant
The Kyoto Garden Japanese Restaurant is a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a quality dining experience in the heart of Cape Town. Being a speciality Japanese restaurant means combining the freshest ingredients and creating something bursting with flavour.
Located on the bustling Kloof Nek Road, Kyoto Garden is heading up by Scott Wood. It comes as no surprise that their sushi is certainly a must for anyone who chooses to visit this restaurant.
The setting allows for a relaxing retreat thanks to their tranquil setting. The minimalist décor found at this restaurant further adds to their ambience.
Call: 021 422 2001. Make a reservation, click HERE. Get there, click HERE. Find out more, clickHERE.
The Pot Luck Club– Woodstock- Fine Dining Restaurant
ThePot Luck Club is another one of Luke Dale Robert’s creations. The open plan kitchen that is found at this restaurant allows for no separation between those preparing and those eating their food. Visitors can thus enjoy the spectacle of watching great chefs do what they do best, and that is prepare top quality food.
The Pot Luck Club is situated on the top floor of the Old Biscuit Mill and it is fair to say that their food matches the stunning scenery that awaits those who visit.
This restaurant makes use of sharing-plates, which divides their offerings by the five flavour profiles, namely salty, sour, bitter, sweet, and umami. Just like the Test Kitchen, this fine dining restaurant has received a number of awards over the years.
Call: 021 447 1505. Make a reservation, click HERE. Get there, click HERE. Find out more, clickHERE.
Bombay Brasserie– Wale Street- Indian Restaurant
The Bombay Brasserie is one of the premiere restaurants found at the Taj Hotel. This fine dining Indian Restaurant is certainly one that attracts the discerning traveller. Visitors are able to enjoy top quality Indian Food at this luxury restaurant.
Visitors to this restaurant can enjoy from their set menus or wine pairings on offer. The knowledgeable staff will assist visitors wherever possible.
The food on offer is a combination of luxury and creativity. The chefs combine elements of authentic Indian cuisine whilst making use of Cape Town’s flair. Read more here…
Call: 021 819 2000. Make a reservation, click HERE. Get there, click HERE. Find out more, clickHERE.
Maaya– Loop Street- Japanese Peruvian Restaurant
Located on the highly popular Long Street, Maaya Cape Townmanages to create a unique experience. One instantly notices the abundance of trees and shrubs. This dash of colour compliments the overall quality of the restaurant.
The owners, Pierre Guillet and Shahryar Jaffer, have created a restaurant that combines both Peruvian and Japanese food. This fusion restaurant is more than a restaurant, it is an experience.
The relaxing setting is a great place to sit back and enjoy all that Maaya has to offer. Read more here…
Call: 062 526 2635. Make a reservation, click HERE. Get there, click HERE. Find out more, clickHERE.
