Alicia Erickson

Cape Town is the culinary capital of Africa, and has long been hailed as one of the world's most exciting destinations for foodies. Whether you're searching for a restaurant with a view of the winelands – hello Chef's Warehouse – or a contemporary fine-dining destination in the heart of the popular V&A Waterfront, we've got you covered in this authoritative list of the best restaurants in Cape Town. And because the landscape keeps changing, so does this list, with new additions including Chefs Warehouse & Canteen, The Red Room, Ouzeri and The Happy Uncles!  Cape Town is a cosmopolitan culinary landscape and one that is increasingly aware of the need for diversity both on the plate and in the kitchens. In selecting our favourite spots (and we know there will be those who disagree) we’ve highlighted a cross-section of the city’s kitchens. They are each memorable in their own way, and while they differ in approach and price they are all worth a visit. So, our advice? Come hungry, and get stuck into our (ever-changing) selection of Cape Town’s best restaurants.  RECOMMENDED: 🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🛍 The best markets in Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town This guide was recently updated by Richard Holmes, a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Of all the things to see and do in Cape Town, submitting to beach life has to be one of the city’s most essential experiences. Despite water temperatures often ranging from chilly to frigid, you’ll see plenty of surfers riding waves, divers exploring underwater wonders and curious snorkellers. And then there’s all the sand-based stuff, too. From beaches within easy distance of restaurants, hotels and markets to those that are a bit more isolated and better-preserved, Cape Town has a stretch of sea and sand for every kind of beachgoer. No matter where you throw down your towel, prepare to be dazzled with spectacular mountain views, picture-worthy turquoise waters and dramatic beachfronts boasting tide pools, marble boulders, insane sunsets and much, much more.  And, did you know that Cape Town is home to a host of Blue Flag-accredited beaches? In 2024 48 beaches around South Africa’s coastline made the cut, including eight in the city of Cape Town! Most of them cracked the nod for our list of local favourites... RECOMMENDED: 🇿🇦 Where to stay in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🛏 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

Choosing the world’s most beautiful places is no easy task. After all, how can you compare a thundering waterfall to a lantern-lit city? Or a rainbow-coloured hill to a gleaming white mosque? The good news is that the planet isn’t held to the same rigid beauty standards as humans are. Whether it’s a tiny island, an entire country or a Buddhist temple, anything goes on our list of the most beautiful places on earth. Spanning every continent, you’ll find some of the usual suspects (what’s a list of beautiful places without Bolivia’s salt flats, after all?) alongside some of the world’s lesser-known beauty spots – all chosen by our network of globetrotting travel writers, who've personally experienced the beauty of every place on this list IRL.  Grace Beard is Time Out’s deputy travel editor, based in London. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.RECOMMENDED:⛰️ The most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites🗺 The most underrated travel destinations🧭 The best places to travel solo🏝 The best beaches in the world

Can you go on a safari from Cape Town? It’s a question often asked by travellers planning a trip to the Mother City. Happily, the answer is 'Yes indeed', and while the Western Cape isn't quite in the same league as a bushveld escape to the Kruger National Park, you can certainly enjoy a taste of safari close to Cape Town.  Just a short drive from Cape Town you can spot the 'Big Five' (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo) roaming the veld, learn about conservation efforts and spot whales breaching offshore. For those wanting to take a walk on the wild side, here are the best lodges and reserves for a safari day trip from Cape Town. RECOMMENDED:🏄‍♀️ The best beaches in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town🍽 The best restaurants in the Cape Winelands Alicia Erickson is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

Breakfast: a meal so revered it can be enjoyed at any hour. As Cape Town’s dining scene grows more impressive by the day, so does its ability to whip up quality breakfasts. The vibrant streets of the Mother City are dotted with vibey breakfast spots and brunch places to help you start your day right – whether it’s 6am or well past noon. Amble through Cape Town’s seaside and central neighbourhoods alike and you’ll come across an enormous range of essential breakfasts and brunches. This place has it all: from whitewashed coffee shops brewing artisanal blends to eclectic, art-filled spaces where you can linger over a boozy brunch; bagel joints serving up cream cheese-stuffed goodness to bakeries dishing out South African baked delicacies; and nourishing, plant-based spots for all the yogis and health food junkies out there. Whether you’re looking to linger awhile in one of Cape Town’s favourite brunch establishments or get your breakfast to go and start your day with a picnic on the beach, soaking up the endless ocean and mountain views, here are this city’s finest places for breakfast and brunch. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍣 The best sushi in Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🛏 Where to stay in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

What is Pike Place Market? Pike Place Market welcomed its first guests in 1907, making it one of the oldest continuously running public food markets in the United States. Today, the market has expanded well beyond its dozen or so original stands, now hosting hundreds of produce and seafood vendors, restaurants, craftsmen, and artisanal food makers. Is Pike Place Market worth visiting? While famed for its flying fish, Pike Place is home a whole lot more than salmon soaring through the air. From chocolate-covered cherries to Alaskan king crab, the market houses the best of the Pacific Northwest’s culinary finds, drawing tourists and locals alike. Treasure hunters should head downstairs, where funky stops like the Giant Shoe Museum and Old Seattle Paperworks—selling vintages posters and antique art—are tucked away. On the market's outskirts, make sure to admire the views over Elliot Bay, where you might see some ferries passing by. What’s the best way to visit Pike Place Market? The hours of stands and vendors vary slightly, but as a whole, Pike Place is open daily, from 10am to 5pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Each season brings fresh and varying flowers and produce to the market. Weekends see the most action. The additional street food vendors are a weekend bonus, but the crowds can be overwhelming. Come with some time to walk and get lost within the never-ending maze of vendors in the several sections of the market. What’s good to eat near Pike Place Market? Pike

What is the Space Needle? Built in 1962 for the Seattle World’s Fair, the Space Needle has since become an icon in the city. This 605-foot tall observation tower was inspired by abstract sculpture artist Don Lemon’s work of art titled “The Feminine One.” On top of the Space Needle’s tall body sits a saucer that is an ode to the Space Age theme of the 1962 World’s Fair. Today, the Space Needle can often be seen sporting seasonal attire, from the Seahawks “12” flag to a Christmas tree. Is the Space Needle worth visiting? A trip to Seattle doesn’t quite feel complete without at least a glimpse of the soaring space-inspired tower. The Space Needle is Seattle’s most visited site, after all. While locals typically admire it from afar, out-of-towners may want to see the Needle up close at Seattle Center, which is also home to several other favorite Seattle spots. If you splurge for tickets to the top, you’ll be greeted with 360 views of the city, a rotating glass floor, and the snow-capped peak of Mount Rainier if you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day. What’s the best way to see the Space Needle? You can see the Space Needle from many spots around the Emerald City, from Alki Beach to Gasworks Park. For a closer look, head to its location in Seattle Center. Walk around the grounds of Seattle Center and find your favorite angle of the tower, whether it’s peeking out from behind the abstract architecture of MoPOP or surrounded by the cartoon-like Sonic Bloom flowers. If you’re he

What is Chihuly Garden and Glass? Chihuly Garden and Glass is an exhibit dedicated to the work of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. There are three parts to the exhibit. In the garden, colorful glass flowers and playful works of art are interspersed with lush flora. The fantastical experience continues inside the glasshouse, where elaborate and vibrant glass displays are suspended from the ceiling. Finally, even more of Chihuly’s works of art are displayed in the interior exhibits. Is Chihuly Garden and Glass worth visiting? The brilliant hues and otherworldly glass structures open the imagination. Chihuly Glass and Garden invites you to explore your creativity in this relaxed museum that playfully blends art, nature, and the human experience. An outing to the museum is well worth it, for the creative minds and the less-artistically inclined alike. What’s the best way to see Chihuly Garden and Glass? Chihuly Glass and Garden is tucked within Seattle Center in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle. A short walk is required to reach the museum from the entrance of Seattle Center. Chihuly Glass and Garden is open daily, with varying operating hours ranging between 10am and 8pm and shorter weekday hours. Tickets are also necessary to visit the exhibits, which start at $30 for adults. Take your time wandering between the exhibits, as you get lost among the brilliant creations of Chihuly. What’s good to eat near Chihuly Garden and Glass? The Bar is Chihuly Garden and Glass