Do & Eat
For ease of exploring, we’ve separated our recommendations into two areas: Cape Town and the Cape Winelands. While both are close enough to visit during your trip, they are in different regions, so we recommend enjoying Cape Town activities while staying in the city and saving Winelands experiences for when you’re in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek.
Our recommendation
cape town
SEE & DO
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site and former prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in captivity. Ferries depart from the Waterfront, with tours led by former political prisoners.
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Cape Town’s crown jewel! You can either hike one of the scenic trails or take the revolving cable car to the summit. The views stretch across the city, Robben Island, and the Cape Peninsula - unforgettable, especially at sunset.
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Home to a colony of African penguins who happily waddle around the sandy shores. You can swim in the sheltered coves or watch them from wooden boardwalks.
Tip: Tintswalo is located between Cape Town and Simon’s Town, home of Cape Town’s penguins. For those planning to visit the penguins, consider doing so on the 26th prior to the Sundowners event.
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A full-day coastal trip with dramatic cliffs, lighthouses, and photo stops. The drive winds through quaint villages and ends at the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
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Nestled against Table Mountain, this garden showcases South Africa’s rich plant life. Stroll along the “Boomslang” canopy walkway or, if you’re lucky, catch a live outdoor concert.
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A winding coastal road between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. Stop at viewpoints for epic photos.
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White sands and turquoise waters, perfect for sunbathing or enjoying cocktails at beachfront cafés. Clifton is quieter, Camps Bay more glamorous.
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A moderately challenging hike (90 minutes up) that rewards you with panoramic views of Table Mountain, the city, and the Atlantic Ocean. Best done at sunrise or sunset.
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For the adventurous! Get up close to great white sharks in their natural habitat. Reputable operators ensure safety and conservation.
Eat
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An iconic, award-winning South African fine-dining restaurant located on the Silvermist Wine Estate in Constantia, Cape Town. Known for its fusion of French and Asian techniques, Chef James Gaag creates elegant tasting menus that are a "culinary theatre" with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce. The restaurant offers an impeccable service, an award-winning wine list, and an unforgettable experience, featuring signature dishes like the famous "tuna in a tin.
Lunch & Dinner
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Situated on the Pierhead, with the iconic views that have made this attraction so famous worldwide, PIER restaurant offers an intimate, multi-course fine-dining experience to one of the world's most-loved destinations.
Lunch & Dinner
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Ouzeri is a contemporary Greek-Cypriot restaurant in Cape Town’s city centre, known for its vibrant small-plate dining inspired by the regional flavours of Cyprus and Greece. The menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and dishes designed to share, paired with carefully selected wines in a relaxed, lively setting.
Lunch & Dinner
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Salsify at the Roundhouse is an award-winning fine dining restaurant set within a historic building on the slopes of Table Mountain above Camps Bay. Known for its creative tasting menus and beautifully plated dishes, the restaurant combines contemporary South African cuisine with sweeping views over the Atlantic.
Lunch & Dinner
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The Pot Luck Club is a vibrant, contemporary restaurant located in the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, known for its inventive small plates designed for sharing. Led by acclaimed chef Luke Dale Roberts, the menu blends global flavours with bold creativity, making it one of Cape Town’s most popular dining experiences.
Lunch & Dinner
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Tucked away in Gardens, Cape Town, Club Kloof is a stylish, lively spot known for its modern Mediterranean flavours, chic interiors, and relaxed, buzzing atmosphere - perfect for drinks or a fun night out.
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner & Drinks
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ëlgr is a contemporary bistro known for its bold, seasonal dishes, natural wines, and effortlessly cool, laid-back atmosphere.
Dinner
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Italian Fish Restaurant
Two chef friends from Italy, open up a seafood spot in the Mother City.Dinner
Book via email: rivacapetown@gmail.com
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Neighbourhood deli by day and laid-back wine bar by night, known for its great coffee, toasties, and relaxed, effortlessly cool vibe.
Breakfast, lunch & drinks
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Vibrant, retro-inspired eatery known for its playful Asian flavours, colourful interiors, and lively, upbeat atmosphere.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
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Between Us is a cosy café known for its excellent coffee, fresh, seasonal dishes, and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
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A stylish all-day café known for its fresh, Mediterranean-inspired menu, beautiful interiors, and relaxed, elegant atmosphere.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
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Leo's Wine Bar
Aperitif
Blondie
Gin Bar
The Power and the Glory
Publik
Arthur's
Maggie Lou's
Tannin
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New York-style diner known for its great coffee, all-day breakfasts, and effortlessly cool, casual vibe.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
WINELANDS
SEE & DO
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Unwind with a treatment overlooking vineyards and mountains. Many estates offer luxurious spa experiences.
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One of the most famous estates in the Winelands, known for its beautiful gardens, contemporary farm shop, and excellent wine tastings in a stunning mountain setting.
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A hop-on hop-off tram that travels between some of the valley’s most famous wine estates, allowing visitors to explore multiple vineyards while enjoying the scenery.
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A scenic hiking area above Franschhoek with trails that offer incredible views over the valley and surrounding vineyards.
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Boutique shops selling art, antiques, and fine wines.
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The town is dotted with small galleries and art shops.
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Nestled in the Cape Winelands between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, Boschendal Estate is one of South Africa’s oldest and most iconic wine farms, dating back to 1685. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, vineyards, and gardens, the estate offers a relaxed farm atmosphere with award-winning wines, delicious farm-to-table food, and beautiful outdoor spaces to explore.
Eat
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Named after owner and founder Marais Kirsten-Uys’ grandmother, she taught him that anything worth doing is worth doing well. Masterminding the seasonal, set menu is Chef Matt van den Berg, whose flair for elevated dining is informed by fresh, local ingredients. Together, Marais and Matt are realising their shared dream of inviting you into an intimate space – right in the heart of Stellenbosch – where there is an open dialogue between guests and the kitchen, and where the experience evolves with you through every course and every detail, right down to the wine pairing.
Lunch & dinner
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A tiny farm to table restaurant serving seasonally inspired lunches on Saturdays and Sundays.
It has been a long held belief of ours that good things take time, and Good to Gather is no exception. It all began back in 2020 when we found ourselves through what felt like fate at Rozendal Farm. Between waves of lockdowns we set up a pop-up restaurant serving lunch exclusively on weekends, and so Good to Gather was borne. The courtyard with shade from the cork oaks serves as the perfect outdoor summer dining area, and the tasting room with high ceilings and open views of the courtyard and vinegar cellar serves as a cosy indoor space through winter.
We see Good to Gather weekend lunches as the perfect opportunity to share the lovingly sourced ingredients from our network of organic growers and small producers. We have always had a passion in connecting people back to the earth, through growing and cooking honest food with real ingredients. Just a few metres from our kitchen you will discover a vegetable and flower garden. A space for creativity and inspiration.
Lunch & dinner
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In 1902 Sir Herbert Baker established labourers cottages constructed on the old farm formerly known as Vredenburg. In 1968 the property was acquired by Historical Homes to be restored and later leased as a restaurant. More recently, the building stood vacant and quite derelict for an extended period of time. During 2016 the Rupert family initiated a full restoration and today, De Volkskombuis operates once again as a restaurant serving patrons in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
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A relaxed farm-to-table restaurant set on a working farm outside Stellenbosch, serving seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
Lunch
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A popular steakhouse in the centre of Stellenbosch known for excellent cuts of meat and a lively atmosphere.
Lunch & dinner
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A countryside version of the well-known Chefs Warehouse group, offering inventive shared plates in a vineyard setting.
Lunch & dinner
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The Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café offers freshly baked breads, seasonal dishes, and a relaxed, countryside atmosphere surrounded by gardens and mountain views.
Breakfast & lunch
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One of the most iconic estates, known for farm-fresh, garden-to-table breakfasts.