Richard Holmes

With its unrivalled coastal scenery, it’d be easy to believe that Cape Town’s cocktail offering is about little more than seaside sundowners. But come nightfall, the city’s bars spring to life, with world-class mixologists tapping into a burgeoning craft spirits scene to create authentic experiences rooted in South Africa’s ‘Mother City’. If you’re exploring Cape Town and find yourself thirsty, these are the watering holes to check out. RECOMMENDED: 🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🛏 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

The chefs at Time Out Market Cape Town have launched a collection of delicious new dishes in step with warm days that demand bright flavours, fresh produce and lighter bites. ‘We’re excited to usher in the energy of summer with fresh, bold flavours that capture the spirit of the season,’ says Russ Meyer, General Manager of Time Out Market Cape Town. ‘Our chefs have truly outdone themselves, creating dishes that not only highlight local favourites but also surprise and delight with every bite. It’s a summer experience you don’t want to miss.’  Set in the heart of Cape Town’s ever-popular V&A Waterfront, Time Out Market Cape Town brings together a dozen of the city’s best chefs under a single roof, offering a snapshot of the best flavours from South Africa’s ‘Mother City.   And seeing as Cape Town was voted the best city in the world for food in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards – beating out the likes of Milan, Bangkok and Sydney – you could say this is some of the best food on the planet! 'Cape Town really comes to life in the summer, and our Market is at the heart of it all,' adds Meyer. 'We’re not just a food destination – we’re a place where the city’s creativity and culture come alive. Whether you’re here for a meal, a cocktail, or just to soak in the atmosphere, there’s always something new to discover.' Here’s a look at the best new plates to order this summer…

The secret is out... there’s a brand-new reason to visit Time Out Market Cape Town, the food and cultural market that brings the best of the city together under one roof, as Una Más Taqueria joins the menu of delicious bites on offer in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. Founded by three restaurateurs – brothers Gavin and Sean Binder, and Ricky Simon from Three Wise Monkeys – with a shared passion for the spirit and flavours of Mexico, Una Más opened in Sea Point’s buzzy Main Road in 2022 and fast became the go-to spot for locals in search of Mexican street food and premium mezcal. And now they’re bringing the tastes of Mexico to Time Out Market Cape Town, with a menu that celebrates the flavours of Mexico across a choice of Bites, Nachos and Tacos. "The menu for Una Más Taqueria at Time Out Market offers some of our most popular plates, with a few dishes refined and reimagined for the Market setting," says Gavin Binder. "We wanted to offer a snapshot of the food  that has made Una Más so popular with locals and visitors to the city." Start with a plate of totopos – house-made tortilla chips served with guacamole, lime, salsa macha and salsa verde – as you peruse the choice of Bites. Empanadas – filled with beef ragout, or vegetarian with black bean and corn – are superb, while the ‘Mielie Mexicana’ of char-grilled corn on the cob topped with the Una Más ‘secret sauce’ is an unforgettable local take on traditional Mexican street snacks. Photograph: Una Mas Taqueria But leave

Cape Town has no shortage of chic malls and glitzy boutiques if you’re looking to shop up a storm, but the heart of the city is found in its vibrant markets, hosted anywhere from open lots to cavernous hangars, from wine estates to suburban gardens. Do as locals do and use these markets for fresh produce, artisan goods, clothing and so much more. Here’s our selection of the best in and around town, picked by three local writers. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🍽 The best restaurants in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town🏖 The best beaches in Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town Ishay Govender, Alison Budge and Richard Holmes are travel writers 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.

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. 

Cape Town’s menu of Mexican eateries has never been hotter, offering everything from laid-back taquerias to trendy cocktail spots. It’s a cuisine that’s flown under the radar for far too long and still has room to grow, but Mexican food is on the up as a handful of memorable eateries and passionate chefs raise the bar with menus filled with authentic flavours, quality ingredients and a dedication to traditional flavours. Of course, you can still find cheesy Tex-Mex if that’s your flavour, but it’s no longer the only taco in town. And what goes better with a tasty taco than an icy margarita or copita of premium mezcal? Well, a paloma perhaps, but you get the idea. Happily, in step with the growing interest in Mexican cooking is the explosion of premium tequilas and mezcals on offer behind the bar. Shoot them or sip them, it’s your call. So whether you’re bustin' for burritos or enjoying an enchilada, dive into our pick of the best Mexican restaurants in Cape Town. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town This article was written 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 and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.  

Brian Kelly knows a good deal when he sees one. As founder of the global travel media platform The Points Guy, Kelly has revolutionised the way consumers use loyalty points and credit card spending to fund their travels. What began in 2010 as a personal blog—a side hustle from his career in finance—has rapidly evolved into a global juggernaut. Today, more than 11 million travellers turn to his website each month for help in how to travel smarter. His first book, ‘How to Win at Travel’, was released in February 2025 and soared straight onto the New York Times’ bestseller list, leading the way for travellers to leverage airline and credit card points for planning their dream holiday. And where does the man himself like to go on holiday? It turns out that Kelly's dream holiday is to book a flight straight to the Mother City! In a recent interview with the New York Times, he named Cape Town his favourite city in the world. So, of course, Time Out Cape Town had to track him down and find out why!  RECOMMENDED:☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best day hikes in Cape Town🥣 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town This article was written 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 and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

As if the mountain, oceans, vibrant city and dynamic culinary scene weren’t enough to keep you busy, Cape Town also brings the goods when it comes to a jam-packed schedule of concerts and events. We're tapping into all the vibes with our updated and expanded Events Guide to Cape Town. Across the city, you’ll find live music, vibey markets, special shows and fun events that are a total jol (that’s a ‘party’, in local lingo). Here's our hand-picked selection of the hottest events to head for in the Mother City. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🍝 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏖 The best beaches in Cape Town🛍 The best shops in Cape Town🏠 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town 🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town Richard Holmes 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. 

Ryan Sandes isn’t your average runner. In a career that he stumbled upon almost by accident, the South African ultra-trail superstar has made a habit of running – and often winning – races that we mere mortals wouldn’t dream of. In 2008, just two years after running his first marathon, he won the punishing 155-mile Gobi March in Central Mongolia. He quickly added victories in Antarctica, Namibia and Chile, becoming the first person to win all four outings in the ‘Desert Races’ series. Next, he became the first person to win an ultra-marathon on each of the seven continents. He’s run record times through the Himalayas, and on the fabled Drakensberg Grand Traverse, and has claimed victory at the legendary Western States 100-miler. But it’s not all about competition. Closer to home, Sandes has ignited new interest in the trails of Table Mountain through his 13 Peaks Challenge: an epic self-navigated route linking 13 summits across Table Mountain. It’s a project that he thought would be, simply, “a cool day in the mountains. A micro-adventure. An epic day out”. Because while his profile is global, it’s on the trails of Table Mountain that he trains. From his home in the southern peninsula, the fynbos-covered slopes are his backyard playground, and there are few corners of the mountain he doesn’t know well. So, who better to tap for the very best trail-running routes in Table Mountain National Park? Whether you’re just starting out on trail, or looking to up your mileage, Sande

Everyone knows what great pizza means to them. It could have a paper-thin, crispy base or one so doughy it’s comparable to a pillow; it could be an abundance of vegetables and cured meats or simply a great, classic margherita (for the purists). Some of us even crave a bit of pizza-induced controversy (fans of a white base or those who opt for a pineapple topping, we’re looking at you).  But no matter your preference, whether it’s socially acceptable or totally unhinged to everybody else, you’ll find your perfect pizza pie somewhere in the world, and somewhere on this list, too. That’s because we’ve asked our travel writers and international editorial staff about their absolute favourite spots for when they’re craving a pizza, from Cape Town to Lisbon, Buenos Aires to Miami. We hope you’re hungry – don your napkin and read on for the world’s very best pizzas.  RECOMMENDED:🥪The best sandwiches in the world🥩The best steaks in the world🍝The best cities in the world for food This list was edited by Liv Kelly, a writer for Time Out Travel. 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.

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. if your budget won't stretch to a fully-inclusive safari escape, our updated guide to the best wild escapes close to Cape Town now includes a selection of national parks and nature reserves where you can enjoy a self-drive 'safari-lite' adventure at seriously affordable rates!   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 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.

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 only 38 years old, but Geordin Hill-Lewis is a busy man. In between dealing with concerns about digital nomads driving up rent in the inner city, or negotiating to take control of the trains to get commuters back on the rails, he has everything from load-shedding to urban upliftment to contend with. But then, that’s all in a day’s work for the Mayor of Cape Town. After growing up in the suburb of Edgemead, Geordin Hill-Lewis – pronounced ‘Jordan’, not ‘Gordon’ – went on to obtain an Honours degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Cape Town, followed by a Masters in Finance specialising in Economic Policy from London University. Sounds like a good CV for a Mayor, if you ask me!  But first, Hill-Lewis did a spell in the National Assembly, and in 2011 became the youngest Member of Parliament at just 24 years old. Happily, a decade later he traded national politics for local, and in November 2021 was inaugurated as the youngest-ever Mayor of the City of Cape Town. While he has a full in-tray, Hill-Lewis does manage to carve out time for exploring the city with his wife and daughter. So where does the Mayor of Cape Town like to hang out when he’s hung up the mayoral chain on a Friday afternoon? Geordin Hill-Lewis shared his fav

The Time Out Market is a unique global concept that aims to celebrate the authentic flavours, foods and chefs of a city under a single roof. What began in 2014 with Time Out Market Lisbon has become a global phenomenon, and in 2023 Cape Town became the first city in Africa to host a Time Out Market. Located in a renovated historic building in Cape Town’s popular V&A Waterfront precinct, Time Out Market Cape Town brings together more than a dozen of the city’s top chefs, serving up a diverse menu of dishes that find inspiration both in Africa and beyond. Alongside the food, a dedicated wine bar showcases the acclaimed New World wines of South Africa, while a trio of bars serves up everything from local craft beers and artisan spirits to signature Time Out Market cocktails. It’s a vibrant space of communal tables – with plenty of outdoor seating dishing up amazing mountain and harbour views – with an easy ordering and collection system. Our How To Order guide and FAQs will answer all your questions about a visit to Time Out Market Cape Town. 📍 For everything you need to know about Time Out Market Cape Town, visit our homepage.   

The Time Out Market is a unique global concept that aims to celebrate the authentic flavours, foods and chefs of a city under a single roof. What began in 2014 with Time Out Market Lisbon has become a global phenomenon, and in 2023 Cape Town became the first city in Africa to host a Time Out Market. Located in a renovated historic building in Cape Town’s popular V&A Waterfront precinct, Time Out Market Cape Town brings together more than a dozen of the city’s top chefs, serving up a diverse menu of dishes that find inspiration both in Africa and beyond. Alongside the food, a dedicated wine bar showcases the acclaimed New World wines of South Africa, while a trio of bars serves up everything from local craft beers and artisan spirits to signature Time Out Market cocktails. It’s a vibrant space of communal tables – with plenty of outdoor seating dishing up amazing mountain and harbour views – with an easy ordering and collection system. Our How To Order guide and FAQs will answer all your questions about a visit to Time Out Market Cape Town. 📍 For everything you need to know about Time Out Market Cape Town, visit our homepage.   

While her eponymous restaurant in the V&A Waterfront is already hugely popular for its elevated take on South African cuisine, The Siba Deli dishes up a more relaxed culinary experience, all while retaining Siba’s focus on freshness. Look out for a subtle infusion of local flavours in everything from her wholesome salads and delicious dips, to traditional sticky wings and spicy chakalaka sauce.   THE SIBA DELI MENU Starters Sticky chicken winglets and salsa mayo R135 Charred corn ribs in creamy coconut sauce R80 Siba’s famous chakalaka with a chimichurri dressing R80 (a side for mains and starters)  Siba’s signature quiche R95  Mains Our Salads Tuscan artichoke, chickpea, sundried tomato, crispy capers, parmesan salad with a tangy vinaigrette R165 Maple glazed baby rainbow carrots, roasted beetroot, wild rocket feta salad on a bed of hummus with a chimichurri dressing R130 Miso-glazed roasted sweet potato bowl with sautéed courgetti spirals, mixed cabbage, tahini-dressed broccoli R175 Spicy and zesty Asian pickled spiral cucumbers with edamame, sugar snap peas, salad on a bed of baby spinach leaves R110 Roasted butternut, couscous, red pepper and feta salad with pickled red onion and creamy dressing R165 Our toppers Lemon, garlic and parmesan chicken kebabs R60 Teriyaki trout R70 Braised beef short rib R80 Roasted miso mushrooms and aubergine kebab R60 Soy and chimichurri tofu kebab R50 Dessert Granadilla and lemon curd baked cheesecake R95  (vegan option available)  Water

Want the scoop on the most creative ice cream in the Mother City? You’ll find it at Unframed, thanks to the innovative flavour creations dreamt up by founder Yann Rey. Ever wondered what lemon-infused olive oil and white chocolate ice cream might taste like? Here’s your chance to find out. Every flavour combination is crafted from scratch, in small batches and from quality ingredients, drawing heavily on what’s fresh and in season in the Cape. No surprise then that Unframed has been rated amongst the world’s greatest ice-cream parlours. UNFRAMED MENU   Scoops 1 Scoop R49 2 Scoops R79 3 Scoops R89   Indulge Tasting Flight R99 (5 flavours) Sundaes R109 (3 scoops, toppings, whipped cream)   Waffles Waffle R59 (Icing sugar, whipped cream) + Extra Scoop R25 + Extra topping R10  

South Africa may fall into the so-called ‘New World’, but the country’s winemaking heritage dates back more than three centuries, with the first wines pressed here as far back as 1659. All of which means there’s a long and complex history to South African wine, and though you may be familiar with white Burgundy, or Left Bank Bordeaux, understanding the strengths and stars of the Cape’s diverse vineyards requires expert insight. That’s where chef Matt Manning comes in, bringing Bree Street’s hugely popular Culture Wine Bar to Time Out Market Cape Town. The extensive wine list includes an impressive range offered by the glass, allowing you to sip your way from the cool-climate vineyards of Elgin and big-hitters of Stellenbosch to the pioneers breaking new ground in the Swartland. Culture Wine Bar captures the best of the Cape in the glass.

The menu of Asian restaurants in Cape Town may be small, but if you know where to look you’ll find some real gems, with talented chefs putting their own spin on the classics. How Bao Now is a great example, with two of the city’s top chefs – Matt van den Berg and Carla Schulze – bringing authentic Cape flavours to a concise menu of Asian plates at their Woodstock outpost of How Bao Now. Fluffy bao buns are, as you might have guessed, the star of the show, and at Time Out Market Cape Town this creative duo brings a local perspective as they plate up exclusive flavour combos such as crayfish bao infused with Cape Malay flavours and a coconut and curry furikake, or wagyu sando-bao with a chilli crunch mayo, tonkatsu and pickled cucumber.   HOW BAO NOW MENU Baos Wagyu Sando (2 in a portion) R170 (Panko bao, wagyu, tonkatsu sauce, chilli-crisp kewpie) Flaming Chicken R105 (Fried thigh, XO, peanut crumb, Szechuan dressing) Fried Fish R100 (Hake, pickled red onion, Thai red curry dressing, nuac cham) Kimchi Pork R105 (Sous-vide pork belly, kimchi, miso mayo, Asian dressing) Banana Blossom (Vegetarian) R100 (Pickled red onion, Asian dressing, XO, herbs Kiddies Chicken Bao R65   Bao Special Cape Malay Crayfish R200 (Curry aioli, coconut furikake, vadouvan XO, lime)   Bites Crack Peanuts R45 Andry Edamame

YARD began as a cult classic in the inner-city, as famous for its idiosyncratic service as the delicious fare. And now Eugene Smith brings his inimitable approach to pizza to Time Out Market Cape Town. Atop their signature hand-stretched dough you’ll find four classic YARD flavours flying out of the ovens. Whether your poison is New York pepperoni, barbecue chicken, spicy Italian salami or the heady mix of blue cheese and caramelised onions, expect the generous pizzas from YARD to come standard with a side order of their (in)famously cheeky service. YARD MENU Select your: Dough Style N = Neopolitan R = Romano NY = New York (45cm) C = Californian Please note: Neapolitan & Romano-base pizzas come with Fior de late cheese. New Yorker and California-style bases come with grated mozzarella cheese Sauce White Alfredo Italian Tomato Pesto Signatures Juicy Chick N245/R275/C225/NY465 (Choose Sauce, Pizza Warehouse BBQ Sauce, Mozzarella, Slow Roasted shredded Chicken, Feta and Peppadews) Sweet Baby Blue (Vegetarian) N190/R230/C180/NY375 (Choose sauce, Mozzarella, Blue cheese crumbled, Caramelised onions and fresh wild rocket) Italian Favourites Autumno (Vegetarian) N180/R185/C175/NY314 (Choose Sauce, Mozzarella, Italian herbs, Mushrooms, red onions, Baby Spinach finished with a crack of black pepper) Artigiano N210/R220/C205/NY400 (Choose sauce, Mozzarella, Artichokes, Roasted red peppers & Pepperoni) Capricciosa N180/R190/C175/NY340 (Choose sauce, Mozzarella, Salami, Kalamat

South Africa was a late-bloomer when it comes to picking up on the artisan coffee trend, but in 2006 that began to change. That was thanks to the founders of Origin Roasting, who slowly introduced a curious Cape Town to the concept of hand-roasted beans, single-origin coffee and the fact that, no, milk didn’t need to be super-heated. Origin kick-started a juggernaut, and today the city is brimming with adventurous micro-roasters, hipster baristas and seriously good coffee. Honestly, if you’re drinking a bad cup in Cape Town you have only yourself to blame. But if you don’t know where to start in the search for a good brew, make it Nøsh Café. Created by Origin co-founder Joel Singer, Nøsh Café offers a unique coffee experience, brewing up three of the city’s finest artisan roasters – Origin, Truth and Tribe – in a single location. At Nøsh Café Singer brings his signature passion to the Time Out Market Cape Town, showcasing the Mother City’s vibrant coffee culture in all its guises.  And to accompany that cortado? Alongside the coffee, at Nøsh Café you’ll find a menu of all-day breakfasts and an eclectic collection of light meals and baked goods that take global inspiration and serve it up with a friendly neighbourhood feel. NØSH CAFÉ MENU Breakfast Bialy Breakfast Bun R115 (Bialy, aromatic beef patty, fried egg, house-made tomato jam, fresh tomato, hot sauces for the brave (jalapeño or habanero) Shakshuka - Merguez|halloumi R135 (Two free-range poached eggs, fragrant tomato s

Within days of Ramenhead opening in Cape Town in 2022 there were queues out the door, as hungry locals lined up for the best noodles in the city. That’s not surprising, as Peter Tempelhoff, Ashley Moss and Jennifer Hugé – the culinary creatives behind Ramenhead, and award-winning FYN restaurant – scoured Tokyo and Osaka for time-honoured ramen recipes, returning with the first (and only) Yamato noodle machine in Africa. The trio brings that same passion and focus to Time Out Market Cape Town, with Ramenhead’s seaside outpost offering a compact list of Asian plates and slurpable ramen bowls.   RAMENHEAD MENU   Tori Chintan R240 (Light broth of chicken with soya sauce) Tori Katsu Curry R250 (Rich creamy style chicken curry ramen) Kids Ponyo ramen R140 (Half-portion of chicken tori chintan) Sesame & Mushroom R240 (Double dashi style vegan)   Ramen add-ons Ajitamago egg R20 Extra noodles R30 Gluten-free noodles +R30 Nekomanma R40 (Bowl of Ishikawa rice for leftover soup)   Rice bowl Chashu Don R210 (Spring onion, BBQ-glazed pork burnt ends, sesame)   Snacks Karaage R145 (Tokyo-style friend chicken, miso mayonnaise) Pork gyoza R130 (Potstickers with green chili ponzu) Cabbage gyoza R120 (Potstickers with spicy ponzu peanut sauce)   Dessert Purin R95 (With seasonal fruit and fragrant shisho syrup)  

It’s a burger bar, but not as you know it – and that’s thanks to the creativity of prolific restaurateur, chef and TV personality Bertus Basson. With a brace of popular restaurants across the Cape, Basson is passionate about celebrating homegrown South African flavours and culinary traditions. At De Vrije Burger you can count on having your hands full with his next-level burgers made with free-range beef and homemade buns.    DE VRIJE BURGER MENU Burgers: De Vrije Burger R125/R155 with tjips (180g Free Range Beef, Double Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickles) De Jonge Burger R115/R145 with tjips (180g Free Range Beef, Double Cheese) Die Bennie Griessel R125/R155 with tjips (180g Free Range Beef, Double Cheese, mustard pickle) De Vrije Vegetarian R115/R145 with tjips (Bo-Kaap-inspired falafel burger, double cheese, all the trimmings) A complimentary De Vrije Roomys with every burger purchased.   Add on: Smoked chilli sauce: R12.50 Melrose and Biltong: R35 Bacon - 3 rashers: R30   Extras: Hand-cut Tjips: R45 Have it: BBQ spice dusted: +R7.50 Cheezy: +R25 Peri-Peri: +R17.50 Onion Rings: +R45 Basson and Son soft drinks: R40  

John Van Zyl is a chef who likes to fly under the radar. Don’t expect TV shows, branded cookware or product endorsement deals. Rather, he just quietly goes about his business serving up some of the best food South Africa has to offer. Until recently you had to drive for an hour from Cape Town to taste Van Zyl’s cooking, and the winelands setting in the Elgin Valley is certainly a wonderful way to take a deep dive into the small plates he’s cooking up at The Melting Pot. And while his Elgin restaurant remains worth the trip for its concise menu of globally-inspired small plates, at Time Out Market Cape Town he brings a whole new take on the Melting Pot experience. Here, Van Zyl turns his focus to the Cape’s bountiful seafood while drawing plenty of inspiration from his own travels abroad. That could mean tuna sashimi with fermented black bean dressing, coconut and mint, through to beer-battered hake sliders with smoked potato purée and (of course) a best-in-class tartar sauce. In a city famous for its seafood, Van Zyl sets the bar high with his concise menu of superb small plates.  THE MELTING POT SEAFOOD MENU Linefish Sashimi R140 (Fermented black bean dressing, coconut, mint) Peruvian Mixed Seafood ceviche R145 (Butternut purée, tortilla chips) Beetroot-cured Salmon R140 (Mint & dill yoghurt dressing, dill pickled cucumber) Chargrilled Octopus R135 (Cauliflower purée, bacon shrimp XO dressing) Fried Fish Tacos R120 (Smoked potato aioli, tartar sauce, house pickles, shredded

If you’re a golfer, then you’ll know. This month work takes a back seat, and all eyes are on Augusta National as The Masters tees off at Augusta National Golf Club in the US state of Georgia. If you’re not a golfer, here’s the basics: The Masters is a tournament steeped in tradition and forms one of golf's four hallowed ‘Major’ championships. For professional golfers, it’s a lifetime goal to don the winner’s green jacket, and this year nearly 100 players will tee up from April 10-13 for 72 holes of competition. It’s no easy feat: this year, defending champion Scottie Scheffler and past winner Rory McIlroy will look to claim the title. But as important as the main competition is the traditional Par 3 Contest, held on the Wednesday of Masters Week as a light-hearted warmup to the contest.  Did you know that of the 88 times The Masters has been played, it has been won by South African golfers an impressive five times? Gary Player claimed it in 1961, 1974 and 1978. Trevor Immelman raised the trophy in 2008, and Charl Schwartzel was the last local boy to claim the jacket in 2011. Here’s hoping Schwartzel brings his A-game again when he stands on the first tee! But while Georgia might be a world away, Hazendal Estate is letting local golfers in on the act with their own Masters Week celebrations on the Stellenbosch estate and golf course. The estate’s immaculate 18-hole par-3 ‘mashie’ course is the heart of the fun, with the Hazendal Par 3 Challenge teeing up on Friday, 11 April 20

In a revamped format that looked to spotlight the chefs over glitz and glamour, the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards 2025 were announced at the Baxter Theater Center in Cape Town on Monday, March 31, celebrating South Africa's talented chefs and restaurateurs. Claiming the biggest gong was Salsify at the Roundhouse in Camps Bay, which clinched the prestigious Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant of the Year Award. A restaurant that blends masterful storytelling and a commitment to sustainability in one of Cape Town's most memorable locations, Salsify also received the highest rating of Three Stars, joining six other restaurants at the pinnacle of South Africa's restaurant landscape. "Six years of sacrifice, six years of relentless pursuit of improvement - not to be better than anyone but to be the best versions of ourselves," said chef-patron Ryan Cole at the awards. Six years of empowerment and improvement and just trying to find our voice in the South African food scene... we stand for honesty, and we stand for flavour. But it takes an absolute village to pull it all together and put it on the plate.” In a significant evolution of the awards, Eat Out introduced a more comprehensive and transparent judging process this year. An independent panel of eight anonymous judges visited shortlisted restaurants over an eight-month period, assessing both peak season and off-peak experiences. "This year's winners represent the pinnacle of South African dining," says Abigail Donnelly, Eat

Hot on the (w)heels of the Cape Town Cycle Tour, this weekend sees the Two Oceans Marathon take to the streets of Cape Town, with thousands of runners set to pound the pavements of the Mother City on both Saturday (April 5) and Sunday (April 6). The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is one of South Africa's most famous road races, and is often dubbed 'The World's Most Beautiful Marathon'. It's not hard to agree with that! But in truth, the Two Oceans is far more than just one marathon. The weekend event features two main races: a grueling 56km Ultra Marathon and a 21.1km Half Marathon, both of which draw thousands of local and international runners. Both races start on Main Road, Newlands, outside Newlands Swimming Pool. The Ultra Marathon (Saturday, April 5) winds along Main Road through the southern suburbs and along the False Bay coast, then hooks a right into Noordhoek and over the legendary Chapman's Peak Drive before winding through Hout Bay and over Constantia Nek to end at the University of Cape Town. The Half Marathon is almost as scenic and incredibly popular. Its route runs through Constantia – including the dreaded climb up Southern Cross Drive – and Newlands to end at the UCT Upper Campus. In recent years, two popular trail runs have been added across the slopes of Table Mountain. But with plenty of runners on the road, that can only mean one thing: road closures. To allow the event to take place without a hitch, there will be extensive road closures across the cit

Whether you can't get enough of his soulful tunes or grind your teeth at what could be elevator muzak, there's no doubt that Kenny G has legions of loyal fans in South Africa. And there's good news for them with the announcement that this internationally acclaimed saxophonist returns to South Africa for a series of shows in October 2025. As famous for his flowing locks as his silicone smooth jazz compositions, Kenny G is one of the best-selling instrumental artists of all time. He's sold over 75 million albums globally, birthing earworm hits like 'Songbird' and 'Forever in Love', setting the scene for countless romantic dinners (and hotel lobbies) over a career spanning five decades. The upcoming tour will see Kenny G – did you know his name is Kenneth Bruce Gorelick, and he is also a qualified accountant and pilot? – performing a collection of his much-loved hits alongside new material from his latest album. "It's been way too long since our last visit to South Africa," said G. "We had an incredible time performing for such a warm and passionate audience. We are really looking forward to finally coming back to share our music with all of you again." Kenny G will perform at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town on October 2, 2025. Tickets – from R795 – are on sale now via webtickets.co.za. Icon! It's tears for Steve Hofmeyr as IKOON concerts are canned.

Get set for a splash of colour on stage in May, as the legendary musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opens at Theatre on the Bay. The latest production is brought to life by theatre heavyweights Pieter Toerien and the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA), offering a fresh take on the classic musical by acclaimed duo Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, who’s betrayed by his jealous brothers and sold into slavery. Rising from servant to Pharaoh’s advisor in Egypt, Joseph forgives his brothers during a famine, revealing his identity and reuniting the family. It’s a lively, feel-good tale about dreams, family and second chances that made its professional West End debut in 1973 and quickly became a crowd favourite. It opened on Broadway in 1982 and ran for 747 performances, earning six Tony Award nominations along the way! Though it never had the longevity of Webber’s other stage hits – Phantom of the Opera, or Cats – its blend of upbeat music, quirky storytelling and family-friendly appeal has sen it grow a cult following that has seen it performed in over 80 countries and become one of the most widely performed musicals worldwide. In this new local staging, theatre lovers can look forward to catchy pop hits and musical theatre classics like ‘Any Dream Will Do’ and ‘Close Every Door’ together with dazzling dance routines and a high-energy cast that brings n

Summer may be waning, but the arrival of cooler weather isn't going to stop the staunch swimmers in Cape Town's tidal pools. The rain could be coming sideways on a Friday morning, the mercury toying with single digits, and you'll still find Dalebrook tidal pool filled with hardy (or should that be foolhardy?) swimmers stripping down to their speedos for a few laps of the most popular tidal pool in False Bay. Come evening, there's rarely a spare piece of granite above Saunders Rock in Sea Point; the tidal pool with one of the best sunset views in town. Unless you're more of a fan of Camps Bay and Maiden's Cove, that is. Tidal pools have been a feature of Cape Town's coastline for more than a century, a rich history interwoven with the advent of public leisure facilities and the egregious racial division of apartheid. They have provided a swimming space for those without, a gathering place for communities, and an opportunity for us all to discover the world that lies beneath the waves. The many charms of Cape Town's tidal pools are beautifully celebrated in Serai Dowling's 'A Guide to Tidal Pools of the Western Cape', released in late 2024. Dowling has been immersing herself in the history and culture of Cape Town's tidal pools since 1999, and in her handy guide, she profiles 34 pools in and around Cape Town, and as far afield as Gansbaai.   Along with maps of the city, for each pool you'll find useful information on how to get there, accessibility, facilities on site, what to

Seaweed. Unless you're one of those freediving fans who spend their weekend mornings floating through the waters of False Bay, checking out nudibranchs and whelks and such, chances are you don't give much thought to seaweed.  And what a shame, because at one of Cape Town's most delightful new dining destinations, the leafy wonders of local waters are given the spotlight for the first time. Set in the heart of the buzzy East City precinct – check out our guide over here – the new restaurant is a collaboration between chef-restaurateurs Anouchka Horn and Neil Swart, together with chef Adél Hughes and artists Liebet Jooste. Horn and Swart are certainly no strangers to the area, with Belly of the Beast and GALJOEN already culinary standouts in the city. So when they were wondering how to fill the mezzanine space above GALJOEN, the stars aligned with this unique collaboration. With its own kitchen and décor setting it apart from the neutral tones of GALJOEN, the space was easily transformed into SEEBAMBOES. SEEBAMBOES is the Afrikaans name for Ecklonia maxima, the towering kelp that forms the heart of the Great African Seaforest visible around Cape Town. Seen 'My Octopus Teacher'? That's the forest. But kelp isn't the only seaweed to be found on the set menu served up for dinner Tuesday to Saturday. As you sip your West Coast margarita, you'll see why it's a perfect combo with the crispy klipbombers chips and marinated oysters that start the menu. The dishes change frequently, acc

If you were to stop in at one of the many excellent coffee shops in Cape Town and ask a coffee-lover for their favorite bean, chances are they'll wax lyrical about the nuances of Coffea arabica, the world's most popular premium bean. Some might swear by Robusta, but it's more commonly used in mass-market brands and instant coffee.  If they're a true coffee geek, they might know about  Coffea liberica or Coffea excelsea,  found in small pockets of West Africa and Asia.  In fact, around 130 species of Coffea are found worldwide. And now, one of the world's rarest varieties of coffee beans is being roasted to perfection right here in Cape Town. Coffea racemosa has been dubbed the 'world's rarest coffee bean', and with good reason. For starters, it only grows in a small sliver of coastline in Mozambique and northern Kwazulu-Natal. While the bean was once cultivated by the Portuguese during the colonial period of Mozambique, for decades plantations were left to wither and the tree grew only in the wild coastal sand forests along southern Mozambique and northern KwaZulu-Natal. That is beginning to change as a handful of dedicated farmers invest in small-scale cultivation of this remarkable member of the coffee family tree. But even when the tree is in full production, it yields a fraction of a fully-grown Arabica tree. Some growers suggest you need six Racemosa trees to match the yield of a single Arabica!  It's perhaps no surprise that Cape coffee pioneer David Donde is involved i

Gaborone is, let's be honest, not really a hotspot for tourism in southern Africa. Sure, there are some safari lodges around, and the Gaborone Game Reserve nearby, but most holidaymakers head north to Maun or Kasane. But for business and government travelers, Gaborone remains a key destination in the region. And it is, from Cape Town, one heck of a drive: the 1450 kilometers will take you around 15 hours to complete, even if you don't stop en route.  So, happy news for anyone gaping it to 'Gabs' is the news that regional airline Airlink will launch direct flights from Cape Town to Gaborone from April 1, 2025. And no, that's no joke. "Gaborone and Cape Town are important destinations for business and leisure travel, and we have seen rising interest and demand from local and international long-haul customers for an Airlink direct service between the two cities," said Airlink CEO and Managing Director Rodger Foster. "With the introduction of this non-stop Airlink service, we're also able to provide seamless connections at Cape Town for those customers traveling between Gaborone and numerous long-haul destinations on our various international partner airlines' flights." Airlink flights will take off from Cape Town to Gaborone on  Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  Flights depart Cape Town International Airport at 10.50am and arrive at Gaborone's Sir Seretse Khama International Airport at 1.00pm. The return service leaves Gaborone at 1.45pm and lands in Cape Town at  4pm. Airlink

For centuries, Cape Town has been a lively port city, nicknamed the 'Tavern of the Seas' for its warm welcome (even if the seas are chilly). Although winter weather keeps cruise ships away for half the year, summer brings dozens of them to the modern Cape Town Cruise Terminal next to the V&A Waterfront. March is an especially busy month, with 24 cruise ships expected to dock: one-third of the 76 ships scheduled to stop by the Mother City over the summer season. While most vessels cruise Africa's west and east coasts, taking in the likes of Namibia, Durban and Mauritius, next year sees the return of a rather more adventurous trip for locals and international travelers: Antarctica! Cruise line Swan Hellenic has now opened bookings for its 2026/27 Antarctic cruise season. And while most cruises to Antarctica depart from southern Argentina or Chile, and sail across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, the most exciting offering from Swan Hellenic is a 20-night epic voyage from Cape Town clear across the South Atlantic! This adventurous voyage out of the Mother City sees guests step aboard the  SH Diana ; an intimate expedition-style ship that accommodates just 192 passengers. And while it's a far cry from the mega-ships sailing the Mediterranean or Caribbean, SH Diana still offers an onboard spa, jacuzzi, gym and heated outdoor pool to keep passengers busy on the long days at sea. After Cape Town, the SH Diana will call at the remote islands of Tristan da Cunha and South

For many visitors, Franschhoek is a place for at least two of the seven deadly sins: sloth, and gluttony. And, I mean, who can blame them? With endless restaurants promising gourmet adventures and a clutch of lovely hotels and guest houses to kick back on the sunlounger, it’s quite the spot for some indulgent R&R. But for people like Matthew Sterne, the valley begs to be explored on foot and with a sensible hat on your head. Sterne is a tour guide who has created a pair of immersive guided walking tours in and around Cape Town. He started with the Lion Trail – we rate it as one of the best things to do in Cape Town – before taking a sho’t left into Constantia with the popular Constantia Wine Walk. On both the blend of food, wine, history and colourful storytelling over a truly unique introduction to the Cape. Now, he’s stepped out into the Franschhoek Valley with the Franschhoek Wine Wander. And wander is a good word because this is no Hunger Games-style endurance event. Sterne knows that wine-travellers are coming in search of a good time, and so he’s cleverly fashioned the route into a gentle stroll that takes in three leading estates in the valley. “It took me nine months of exploring and interviewing to put the walk together, and I'm delighted with the route as it features some of the most spectacular views in the Franschhoek Valley,” says Sterne. “We've also unearthed the most interesting Huguenot stories and the details of how Franschhoek went from a small farming vil

Cycling is a wonderfully sustainable way to explore a city, and happily, Cape Town is filled with fantastic cycle routes. Whether you're tackling Chapman's Peak or taking a leisurely turn along the Sea Point Promenade, there are plenty of bike shops ready to rent you a ride. But one luxury Cape hotel is taking its eco-credentials even further. Cape Town's renowned Cape Grace hotel—set on a private quay in the V&A Waterfront, just steps from the vibrant Time Out Market Cape Town—is offering resident guests and locals the chance to pedal out on limited-edition Vélosophy RE:CYCLE bicycles. But these are no ordinary bikes! These custom-built bicycles are the result of a unique collaboration between Swedish lifestyle brand Vélosophy and Nespresso. Each bike is made from 95% recycled aluminum, with 20% sourced from repurposed Nespresso coffee capsules. Founded in 2016, Velosophy is also the only bicycle brand in the world with a one-for-one promise: donating a bicycle to young schoolgirls in developing countries for every Vélosophy sold. In this collaboration the striking eggshell-blue frame is inspired by Nespresso's Ice Leggero, while the bell—handy for alerting pedestrians on the bustling Promenade—is modeled after the iconic Vertuo capsule. The steam-bent oak carrier basket includes two cup holders, perfect for taking your coffee from Nøsh to go, and the Enviolo 8-speed gears make shifting up and down a breeze. The Cape Grace is the first partner hotel in South Africa to offer