A Chef’s Guide To Cape Town
Image: Ramenhead
Travel
/

A Chef’s Guide To Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the world’s great food cities. From tucked-away ramen joints in downtown to world-class tasting menus in the Winelands, it’s a place that rewards culinary curiosity. To awaken your appetite, we asked Ryan Cole – chef-owner of the brilliant Salsify at the Roundhouse – where he eats in the Mother City…
Image: Ramenhead
Tomson
Tomson
@tomson_cpt

CASUAL DINING

Tomson

Tomson on Bree Street might have a small menu, but it’s absolutely packed with flavour. It’s all about Cantonese street food done with precision – think crispy pork belly, wok-charred greens and sauces that hit every note. The space is tight, the energy is high, and the food is consistently excellent.

Follow @Tomson.Cpt

Arthur’s Mini Superett

Hidden on a Sea Point sideroad, Arthur’s serves the best toasties and sandwiches in town, hands down. It’s got that nostalgic deli feel, but with a modern edge. The team knows how to layer flavour, and they’re not afraid to be generous with the good stuff: melted cheese, pickles, pastrami. It’s the kind of place you pop into once and end up returning to weekly.

Visit ArthursMiniSuper.co.za

Strangers Club

Now this is a great spot for a relaxed brunch. Over in Green Point, the food is fresh and simple – think avocado on toast, good coffee and light cocktails (mimosas are allowed at breakfast). I love to sit under the trees in the al fresco courtyard and let the morning stretch out.

Visit TheStrangersClub.co.za

Arthur’s Mini Superette
Arthur’s Mini Superette

SPECIAL OCCASION

Pier

The V&A Waterfront is Cape Town’s iconic harbour district where heritage meets high-end. Pier’s beautiful view over the V&A harbour makes a meal here even better. It’s refined without being stiff – the kind of place where the plating is elegant, the service is seamless and the seafood sings. It is a proper celebration spot.

Visit LaColombe.Restaurant

Salon

Salon offers an incredible 13-course meal experience. The concept and menu are inspired by owner Luke’s travels and cooking around the globe, so it’s an experience that taps into all of that. Each dish tells a story, and the progression is thoughtful. It’s theatrical but grounded in technique. You must opt for the wine pairing – it’s well worth it.

Visit SalonCT.co.za

Wolfgat

This is a 20-seater culinary retreat in Paternoster, where chef Kobus transforms foraged Strandveld botanicals and coastal seafood into a hyperlocal tasting journey inspired by ancient landscapes and seasonal rhythms. He’s done an incredible job across the board, from the service to the food, wine and location. Everything is first class. It’s intimate, elemental and deeply connected to the land. Foraging, fermentation and storytelling come together in a way that feels both old and new.

Visit Wolfgat.co.za

Pier
Pier

GLOBAL CUISINE

Hesheng

Great for dumplings and a Chinese Tsingtao beer. In Green Point, the restaurant is unfussy, flavour forward and always satisfying. It’s the kind of place where the steam rises from bamboo baskets and the chilli oil is made in house. You can find me there most weekends.

Visit Hesheng.co.za

Curry Club

Curry Club is right in Cape Town’s city centre, making it an accessible spot to dine. The kitchen’s lamb curry is epic and my go-to order. It’s rich, layered and unapologetically spicy. The menu is tight, the flavours are bold, and the team knows how to balance heat with depth.

Visit CurryClub.co.za

Ramenhead

Chefs Ash and Julia make authentic Japanese ramen. Everything is handmade, from the noodles to the broth, and it’s just simple and tasty. There’s a quiet confidence to the food here. No gimmicks, just depth of flavour and respect for the craft.

Visit Ramenhead.co.za

Salsify
Salsify
JAN RAS PHOTOGRAPHY
Ramenhead
Ramenhead

EATING IN THE WINELANDS

Faber

The team’s respect for the ingredients aligns with my approach to food, and the backdrop of the Klein Drakenstein range makes it a great experience. It’s seasonal, thoughtful, and rooted in the farm. You taste the soil, the sun and the care in every dish.

Visit AvondaleWine.co.za

Rust En Vrede

Chef Fabio delivers one of the best fine dining experiences in the Winelands. Every dish is perfectly paired and beautifully executed. It’s classic in the best way: white tablecloths, polished service, and a wine cellar that’s hard to beat.

Visit RustEnVrede.com

Rust en Vrede
Rust en Vrede

COCKTAIL BARS

The Drinkery on Shortmarket Street

This is something of a hidden gem – it’s intimate, creative and always has a good vibe. The bartenders really know their stuff, and the space has that low-lit charm that always makes you want to stay longer.

Visit TheDrinkery.co.za

MARKETS

Oranjezicht City & Farm Market

Just next to the V&A is Granger Bay, and the Oranjezicht City & Farm Market. It’s a lovely pitstop for shopping and snacking on weekends where you can try local produce and great coffee. From biltong to bagels, there’s so much to try. It’s where you go to stock up on heirloom tomatoes, grab a croissant and bump into half the city. Plus, it’s dog friendly.

Visit OZCF.co.za

Blue Bird Garage Food & Goods Market

This is Muizenberg’s Friday-night market hangout. There’s good food, live music and a proper community feel. It’s casual, coastal and full of character – it’s the kind of place where kids run around and the pizza oven never stops.

Visit BlueBirdGarage.co.za

The Drinkery on Shortmarket Street
The Drinkery on Shortmarket Street
Salsify
Salsify

ESCAPING TO NATURE

Newlands Forest

This is just minutes from the city, but it feels like another world. There’s a couple of trails to choose from depending on your ability and fitness level. Or you can just wander the paths for some fresh forest air. It’s where I go to reset – no phone, no noise, just trees, time and my dogs, Truffle and Rhino.

False Bay Harbour

This place is a proper escape for me, and it’s where my boat is anchored. The sea spray, mountain views and salty breeze always remind me to slow down and breathe. There’s something grounding about being near the working boats and watching the tide roll in. I go out as often as I can to catch the fish for my restaurants.

Hiking Up Lion’s Head

The climb at Lion’s Head is steep but it is worth it for both sunrise and sunset. It’s about a two-hour walk up, and then about 45 minutes down. The views over Cape Town are absolutely unreal – you can see the city, sea and sky all in one frame. It’s a reminder of how lucky I am to live here, and how Cape Town really is the best city in the world.

For more from Ryan, try Salsify.co.za & CoyRestaurant.com

DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at [email protected].