Casual Dining

Chapter 3: Casual Dining

There’s a time and a place to splurge on fine dining. For every other meal, these casual pit stops will more than do the trick.

ëlgr

At ëlgr, the food, drinks, music, and hospitality all work holistically to create the perfect ambience in an inspiring setting. Subtle forest elements are reflected in calm sage green and charcoal tones with abundant indoor foliage. Menus are seasonal and change often, with exceptional, original, yet uncomplicated flavours.

Why go?

Fine food, great wine, and inspiring cocktails, all served in a relaxed environment. 

Black Sheep

The Black Sheep has been a labour of love for the Japha and Silva families. Every aspect of your experience, from the food to the décor, has been a journey very close to their hearts. It’s the culmination of 20 years of food, laughter, and excellent wine. The food is no-frills, no-fuss, fresh, and funky.

Why go?

There’s usually a small selection of comfort fare, but the real focus is the ever-changing array of adventurous blackboard specials.

Blockhouse Kitchen

Nestled on the historic Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, Blockhouse Kitchen is a modern, airy and beautifully dressed 250-seater space where you’ll find delicious, easy-to-eat comfort food and beautiful mountain views.

Why go?

The restaurant’s tagline is: “Social. Seasonal. Simple”, which very much echoes the dining sentiment.

Woodlands Eatery

This cosy neighbourhood bistro boasts decorations sourced from junk shops and scrap yards, creating a quirky, nostalgic feel that pairs perfectly with the authentic Italian cuisine on offer.

Why go?

Look forward to some of the best wood-fired pizza in town, as well as meals combining an Italian edge with the existing local flavours.

Beyond

From rare-breed meats and seasonal heirloom vegetables to artisanal cheeses, Beyond serves to showcase and celebrate the “weird and wonderful” and the beauty of unique strains and flavours beyond mass production. Embracing the feel of a working farm, the restaurant offers an elegant but unpretentious experience where comfort and enjoyment are the primary objectives.

Why go?

Beyond is steeped in history with heritage and family at its heart. 

Burger & Lobster

Situated on Cape Town’s bustling Bree Street, this trendy restaurant and cocktail bar flips the script by presenting the unpredictable combination of burgers and lobsters on the same menu.

Why go?

The juicy, gourmet burgers, the melt-in-your-mouth lobster meat, and the vibrant ambience make for the perfect night out.

Grub & Vine

This refined bistro-style restaurant believes that good food and wine cannot be separated, and that’s precisely what you’ll find on the menu. 

Why go?

The warm, inviting atmosphere, accompanied by Chef Matt Manning’s honest cooking and seasonal menu, makes for the ideal setting for every occasion.

Club Kloof

This self-proclaimed Italian-ish restaurant and bar on Cape Town’s iconic Kloof Street serves Italian-inspired dishes in style. It also makes for some beautiful photos with its iconic red interior.

Why go?

From famous sourdough pizzettes to signature pistachio and olive butter, you’ll be glad to share and taste all Club Kloof creates.

Ember & Oak

You’re invited to an unconventional experience as Tim and Judy Pick rewrite the rules of dining at this fantastic tapas restaurant. The combination of delicious, unpretentious food, spectacular views of Constantiaberg, and the chardonnay and Savanna slushies will have you rebooking the moment you ask for the cheque.

Why go?

A taste sensation with an emphasis on sharing good food around the table.

Quentin at Oakhurst Barn

Located on one of the oldest farms in Hout Bay, this restaurant and cellar mix traditional and modern cuisine to create a unique menu. Expect hearty, flavourful food made with passion.

Why go?

This restaurant is exactly what it claims to be: “Cape country cooking and hospitality at its grandest!”.

The Dark Horse

A laid-back local favourite on Kloof Street, The Dark Horse pairs inventive small plates with sharp cocktails and sweeping mountain views from its rooftop bar. Expect fresh, vegetarian-forward dishes alongside comfort classics and sometimes even local game. A neighbourhood bar that punches above its weight.

Why go?

With eclectic interiors, proudly South African wine list, and menu that caters to all dietary needs, this is where casual meets considered.

Seven Colours Eatery

Inspired by the beloved South African tradition of sharing vibrant, soul-filled Sunday meals, Seven Colours Eatery brings heritage to the plate. Expect generous helpings of rainbow-hued dishes served with warmth, nostalgia, and community at heart. Chef Nolu’s food is bold, beautiful, and offers an authentic dining experience that celebrates South African stories, flavours, and togetherness. 

Why go?

Visit for a true taste of homegrown comfort. 

SPYCED

Spyced is a bold celebration of modern African cuisine, Cape Malay heritage, and Cape Town’s jazz spirit. Expect immersive cooking classes by day, live jazz and multi-course dinners by night, and flavours influenced by the historic Spice Route. Spyced blends fine dining with hands-on fun, showcasing Cape Malay cuisine, rhythmic drum circles, and top local jazz talent.

Why go?

For a sensory experience where spices, stories, and sounds collide. 

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