Our love affair with Cape Town runs deep. Leora Rothschild, founder of Rothschild Safaris, was born and raised in South Africa. She’s watched this colorful city evolve over the years and loves sharing the hidden corners of the amazing city with travelers from around the world. We’re often asked about our top dining recommendations here, as many of our clients begin or end their African safari with a few nights in Cape Town. Here are some of our absolute favorite Cape Town restaurants.

Babylonstoren – Babel

Babylonstoren is one of our favorite properties in the stunning wine country near Cape Town, but even if you’re not staying there, Babel restaurant is worth a visit. Housed in an old cow shed, Babel is a wonderful mix of Cape Dutch architecture with contemporary glass walls that makes for a funky, modern setting. Here you’ll discover a “farm-to-fork” approach to menu design, so expect to taste plenty of seasonal and local ingredients.

Bombay Brasserie

Located in the Taj Hotel right in the city center, another one of our Cape Town favorites, Bombay Brasserie serves up some of the best Indian food in all of South Africa. We love their impressive selection of vegetarian dishes, including the cumin potato and black lentils. The chicken masala with pickled shallots is not to be missed!

Aubergine

Hidden on narrow Barnet Street in Gardens, Aubergine is housed in a classic old building said to date back to 1830, and the tall ceilings and thick, cool walls are evidence of this heritage. There’s a homespun elegance to the décor – it is comfortable yet refined. The man at the helm is a collector of contemporary fine art, so plenty of arresting paintings are positioned throughout the eatery.

Beluga

Situated in a one hundred-year-old building with solid wooden floors and ceilings, Beluga is a warm space with an Art Deco, New York loft feel. We love the open plan kitchen, sushi section, and designer bar. The intimate cobbled outside terrace completes the picture and makes this restaurant truly memorable.

Small Food Stands at Old Biscuit Mill

The Old Biscuit Mill (literally an old biscuit factory, recently renovated) is a vibrant little community in the heart of the Woodstock neighborhood of Cape Town where talented people come together to share, collaborate and well… show off the heartfelt passion. The Mill is home to day and night markets, dynamic office space, a range of workshops and designer stores, delicious farm stalls, decadent restaurants as well as an inspiring line-up of festivals and productions.

Test Kitchen

Located in the Old Biscuit Mill, Test Kitchen was opened in November 2010 by Luke Dale-Roberts. We love the bare-brick industrial look and open kitchen, and of course, the menu is amazing. Enjoy the tasting menu, including a vegetarian version, and the staff will happily adjust for dietary preferences.

Thinking about planning a safari in South Africa? Contact us today to get started!