Danielle, Johan and Jenifer from our Cape Town team would like to share some of their personal favourite places for 2026 in Cape Town. From sushi to steak, and of course plenty of wine, these are the places they love for great food, good atmosphere and memorable experiences.
This is a collection of the places our team loves and thinks are worth knowing about. Each one has something different to offer, but all are places our team enjoy and would happily recommend.
Mantra Café
“Mantra Café is one of those places I keep coming back to, not only for the incredible Camps Bay view and setting, but because the food is fantastic too. Sitting on the open wooden deck with the ocean stretching out in front of you is hard to beat, especially around sunset. My personal recommendation is the Grilled Prawns paired with Angus Paul Fantamtango Chenin Blanc. The freshness and texture of the Chenin work beautifully with the prawns, making it one of those pairings that just feels right. For me, Mantra Café is the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or early dinner where the view, atmosphere, food and wine all come together.” By Danielle.
OBI
“I got introduced to OBI through working at RWC and – oh my – what a great spot! Not only do they have exceptionally good Japanese-style food, but they also have a great overall vibe, both in the restaurant and on their socials
They have this great sushi and sashimi combo, and I love getting the mushroom maki and the ramen of the day. I usually go with my wife, and we share the combo – believe me, their sushi is generously sized.
They also have a fantastic curated wine menu that makes it almost difficult to choose a favourite. But a must-have for us is always Sakkie Mouton’s Revenge of the Crayfish or Angus Paul’s Transient Lands Pinotage. Angus’s Pinotage is a versatile red that works incredibly well with the food at OBI.” By Johan.
Foxcroft
“Foxcroft has become one of my favourite restaurants because it manages to strike the perfect balance between refined dining and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The food is always beautifully prepared, the service is consistently excellent, and every visit feels like a special occasion without being overly formal. Their wine selection is exceptional, and I would highly recommend the Porseleinberg Syrah, a remarkable wine that pairs beautifully with the richer dishes on the menu, particularly the lamb. From the thoughtfully curated menu to the attention to detail throughout the experience, it’s a restaurant I find myself returning to again and again.” By Jenifer.
Fat Butcher
“Fat Butcher is, without a doubt, one of my favourite places for a really good steak in the Western Cape. There’s something wonderfully unpretentious about the restaurant – it is all about great meat, good wine and enjoying the experience. I love the atmosphere at Fat Butcher; it has that lively Stellenbosch energy while still feeling like the kind of place where you can settle in and take your time over dinner. My favourite pairing is the Côte de Boeuf with Angus Paul Transient Lands Pinotage. I love the way the wine’s lighter, elegant style and vibrant freshness cut through the richness of the Côte de Boeuf, while its juicy fruit complements the charred, savoury flavours of the meat. For me, this is exactly what a great Stellenbosch dinner should be about: exceptional steak, a bottle of South African wine and good company.” By Danielle.
Publik
“Publik is more a wine bar than a restaurant, but they offer some really good artisanal cheese and meat platters. They always have an awesome playlist in the background, along with some of the most interesting, fun, and downright good wines you can find. Their wines by the glass are up on a blackboard and are constantly changing, which is perfect if you love trying something new.
If you’re with a group of winos, I’d definitely suggest grabbing a bottle of something international. I got introduced to Stéphane Tissot’s wines from the Jura here, and the Patchwork Chardonnay is an absolute pleasure to drink and talk about over a few snacks.
If you don’t get stuck at Publik and still feel a bit peckish, VadiVelu is not far away on Kloof Street. They have some of the best Indian cuisine in town, and that, with a nice bottle of Swartland Syrah (Tim Hillock and/or Porseleinberg), is a go-to for us.” By Johan.
The Pot Luck Club
“The Pot Luck Club is a place I never hesitate to recommend when friends ask for a memorable meal in Cape Town. I love the lively atmosphere, the incredible views, and the way the menu encourages everyone to share and try something different. Every dish feels thoughtful, creative and full of flavour, and there’s always something new to discover. The service is warm and knowledgeable, making the whole experience feel effortless. I particularly enjoy sharing a bottle of Thamnus Chardonnay, which pairs beautifully with many of the dishes and always seems to bring the meal together. For me, it’s the perfect spot for a long lunch or a fun dinner with friends relaxed, exciting and consistently excellent.” By Jenifer.
Post & Pepper
“Post & Pepper is one of those Stellenbosch restaurants that manages to feel both refined and relaxed, with a fun, vibrant atmosphere that makes you want to linger over dinner. I love the playful approach to the food, with bold flavours and plenty of interesting combinations. My personal pick would be the Crispy & Sticky Pork Lollipops paired with Rebel Rebel Syrah or the Minimalist Stars in The Dark Syrah – the savoury, sticky flavours of the pork work beautifully with the wine’s juicy fruit and savoury character. Post & Pepper is also taking part in Restaurant Week from Friday, 25 September, with a fabulous 4-course sharing lunch for R345 per person or a 3-course dinner for R850 per person – definitely a good excuse to make a trip to Stellenbosch.” By Danielle.
