Want to know where the locals love to go? In this exclusive series on Time Out Cape Town, ‘Local Intel’ taps into some of the city’s best-connected characters to unearth the corners you simply can’t miss in the Mother City.
Born and raised in Cape Town, Matthew Mole is a firm favourite with local fans. He burst onto the music scene in 2013 with his debut album release – ‘The Home We Built’ – which delivered much-loved singles including the earworm ‘Take Yours, I’ll Take Mine’. He followed up that smash with his chart-topping sophomore album ‘Run’ in 2016, which bagged him Record of The Year at the South African Music Awards. His intensely personal album ‘Ghost’ followed in 2019 – scooping up another SAMA – and in 2021, Mole took home Record of The Year for 'Keep It Together'. His fourth studio album dropped in October 2023, which earned another avalanche of award nominations in 2024.
Beyond the studio, he’s headlined South Africa’s biggest stages and music festivals, opening for the likes of Bastille and Of Monsters And Men, while tours have taken him across America and Europe.
But it’s the Mother City he calls home, and when he’s on the road you’ll find Matthew Mole indulging in his favourite corners of Cape Town.
This is such a gem in Tamboerskloof. Their food is amazing throughout the whole day. Either visit The Blue Café for a quick lunch outside on the quiet street, or book one of their basement tables for dinner with a group of mates.
13 Brownlow Rd, Tamboerskloof
My favourite spot for breakfast! To make it even sweeter, park at Muizenberg beach and take a jog along the water until you get to Dalebrook pool . Have a quick dip in the water and then head over to Chardonnay Deli at Dalebrook for a delicious breakfast!
[Dalebrook is also one of our top picks of Cape Town's best tidal pools!]
20 Main Rd, Kalk Bay
I was introduced to the amazing Zuney burger when I was playing a show in Kenton-on-Sea (in the Eastern Cape), only to discover that they opened a restaurant on Kloof Street. Best Wagyu burger you’ll ever have!
[How does Zuney stack up in our pick of the Best Burgers in Cape Town? Pretty well!]
69A Kloof St, Gardens
I got married at Babylonstoren, so it’s always got a special place in my heart. You can spend an entire day there enjoying all of the amazing food, taking walks in the gardens or even visiting the spa if you’re into fancy stuff like that (my wife definitely is).
Simondium Rd, Simondium
Absolutely my favourite Mexican place ever. The Fat Cactus food is insane and their frozen margaritas are a classic. Just a good vibe for you and your mates.
5 Park Rd, Gardens
I grew up in Fish Hoek, so this was my local mini-hike for 18 years! You can park on Mountain Road and walk up to the top of Elsie’s Peak in 30 minutes. The best time to do this is early morning to catch the sunrise! Bonus: it’s a super dog-friendly hike.
[Find more of Cape Town's best day hikes over here!]
Raoul Goetze, who started this tattoo show, gave me my first tattoo. I’m currently somewhere around 25 tattoos deep, but the guys at Palm Black Tattoo are literally the kings and queens of tattooing!
16B Kloof Nek Rd, Gardens
My wife and I take our little dogs for a walk in Newlands Forest and it is beautiful. Give yourself two hours so that you can climb up to the contour path!
Newlands Forest parking, Rhodes Avenue, Newlands
This is a great trail run, and I love trail running! This one is perfect if you don’t have crazy amounts of time to get lost in the mountains. Run a five-ish kilometre route around the base of Lion’s Head and you’ll have views for days!
[Ed: Find the route on AllTrails. Check out our guide to the Best Day Hikes in Cape Town]
Signal Hill Road, Cape Town
Kristen’s Kickass Ice Cream is too good! I’ve got a massive sweet tooth, so this is my vibe. They have seasonal flavours, so they change it up every month! If you can catch the Renbowblok flavour then you’re very lucky!
Various locations
I played my first ever live show at Café Roux when I was still in high school, so they are basically my family at this point. Very awesome family restaurant with the most delicious food. My favourite order is the Cheeseburger but I put my fries inside the burger. Try it!
Chapmans Peak Dr, Noordhoek
This is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset! You can take a walk along the path or just hang out on the rocks. The colours are amazing as the sun goes down.
Lighthouse Road, Kommetjie
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