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.
He’s played sold-out solo shows in New York and Los Angeles, and shared the bill of BST Hyde Park with the likes of Gwen Stefani and Sam Ryder. He’s clocked up more than 40 million global streams, and has built a loyal fanbase across the globe. But Cape Town is still the city that global star Will Linley calls home.
Raised in Cape Town as the youngest member of a musical family, this talented musician and songwriter grew up playing violin and viola before teaching himself piano and guitar. Inspired by pop singer-songwriters including Dean Lewis, Lewis Capaldi and Ed Sheeran, Linley’s breakthrough came via TikTok, starting an avalanche of interest that saw his music become radio fodder across South Africa and his debut EP kill all my feelings garner acclaim at home and abroad.
An electric live artist, Linley has gone on to perform at P!NK’s Summer Carnival, BST Hyde Park, the Barn on the Farm Festival in Gloucester, and his debut London headline show at The Courtyard Theatre. He also played Lollapalooza 2024 in Chicago, while keeping fans happy with the release of his Magic EP, a collection of what he calls ‘sad-pop’ songs, blending raw, emotional lyrics over cheery, dancey beats.
His music is the ideal soundtrack for any visit to the Mother City, so Time Out Cape Town tapped into this globe-trotting star to ask Will Linley for his favourite local corners of Cape Town.
I think for anyone wanting to have a stunning burger in Cape Town with an even better atmosphere I would send them straight to Brash Burger in Sea Point. This spot has quickly skyrocketed to my favourite burger in the city. It has a simple menu and vibrant atmosphere. I love this spot so much. I studied biology with one of the guys who started the spot so I might be a bit biased, but go check it out and see what all the hype is about!
90 Regent Rd, Sea Point
This is my favourite spot to go have a swim in Cape Town. It’s a bit secluded and not too crowded and is super protected from the winds that can often pump through Cape Town. If I’m not making music or playing a show, you’ll probably find me playing bat and ball or spike ball with some mates at Beta Beach.
Beta Close, Bakoven
This is the best coffee in Cape Town, if not the world, and I mean that. A good morning for me is one that is spent sitting on the bench outside Rosetta enjoying a flat white watching people pass by. I love this spot and it has quickly found its way into my heart.
101 Bree Street, Cape Town
With the summer days getting longer and nights becoming warmer, a new evening favourite for me is to go have a glass of wine and a plate of food at Publik Wine Bar. Anzio, who helps run the place, is the greatest human to ever exist and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed hanging there with friends late into the night. It really is a slice of the European wine bar scene and is one of a kind in Cape Town. Publik Wine Bar rocks!
11d Kloof Nek Rd, Tamboerskloof
The bagel debate is a massive thing in Cape Town, rightfully so. There are so many good spots to go to, but my best discovery has been Max Bagels. A little hole in the wall that draws you in with its smell of sizzling bacon on the grill. A lil’ tip… go there early, get a bagel to go, and head on to Beta Beach and enjoy a beach day with your bagel for lunch. You can thank me later!
Shop 28, de Oude Schuur, 120 Bree Street
Cape Town really does have such a bustling food scene and Bodega Ramen has been one of my go-to comfort meals for the past couple of years. I mean who doesn’t love ramen? For me, it’s the best ramen in town!
64A Wale Street, Cape Town
Many a late night has been spent at The Gin Bar on Wale Street. It’s always bustling with laughter and pure joy. I love this hidden gem. It’s home to some of the best nightcaps in all of Cape Town. It’s right below Bodega Ramen! So if you’re looking for your next date night, head to Bodega Ramen for dinner and then pop on down to the gin bar for a drink or two!
64A Wale Street, Cape Town
Now although a little dated, this spot has certainly stood the test of time. The Dogs Bollocks is usually known for its burgers, but I bring you a different perspective. I truly believe that The Dogs Bollocks has the best pizza in town. The guys literally travelled the world learning how to perfect different pizzas from around the world and then brought that expertise back to the Mother City. I could just eat the dough a million times over. They truly have the best pizzas and I’ll fight anyone that disagrees with me (not really, but I strongly back it, try for yourself!)
[Hot tip: you’ll also find those darn fine pizzas at YARD at Time Out Market Cape Town!]
6 Roodehek Street, Gardens
Don’t even get me started here. I love everything about Hacienda. The drinks, the food, the atmosphere. A triple threat! I first dined here with my family and I was instantly hooked. It was such a unique and real take on Mexican food done so well with such finesse. A truly wonderful spot to spend a summer evening!
92 Bree St, Cape Town
My go-to breakfast spot in the southern suburbs. Starlings Locale is a quiet little space to meet with a friend and have a lovely bite to eat. I first heard about it from my Mother and we all know you should listen to your parents. So shoutout Mom for putting me on to the best brekkie spot in town.
4 Mark Rd, Claremont
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