A Local’s Guide From Annika
Certain countries are known for their incredible food, but oddly enough South Africa doesn’t seem to be one of them for many travellers. Only upon eating their first South African meal do most people realise that they have come to food(ie) heaven.
Cape Town and the surrounding Wine lands offer cuisine that will have you diving for your knife and fork, while catering for all tastes and budgets – that’s what makes this city so great! I would be (biased) to say it’s really hard to eat a truly awful meal in Cape Town but obviously I want to treat you to the very best foody joints that I love to visit in my amazing city, Cape Town.
1.) YARD, better known as The Dog’s Bollocks – 6 Roodehek St, Gardens
My burgers bring all the boys to the YARD. And the girls too! Come here for the best burgers in town and come here early, because owner Nigel thinks 55 burgers per night are just enough. Don’t expect any frills, but an awesome range of sliders Brooklyn garage style.
2.) Babel at Babylonstoren – R45, Paarl
Babylonstoren is not only a wine farm of note but has the most beautiful (and yummy) gardens in the Western Cape. At their restaurant, Babel, everything is garden fresh and its produce is literally picked right in front of you, giving farm-to-table a whole new meaning here.
3.) La Perla – Beach Rd, Sea Point
Waiters dressed in white uniforms set the tone at this old school classic on the Sea Point promenade. Bubbly in hand and overlooking the ocean, La Perla is the place to enjoy local favourites like grilled calamari and baby beef.
4.) El Burro’s Taqueria – 1, New church St & Kloof Nek Rd, Tamboerskloof
El Burro is already an institution for fun and (almost) authentic Mexican food. Now they have expanded with their little Taqueria which truly serves the best tacos in town. I recommend the chilorio pork and, of course, ceviche!
5.) Massimo’s – Oakhurst Farm Park, Main Rd, Hout Bay
Massimo’s pizza is even worth the trip to Hout Bay: thin, crispy, and with amazing topping combinations. Watch out for their bottomless pizza nights and always order the chocolate liquor trio for dessert.
6.) Tjing Tjing Tori – 165 Longmarket Street, City Bowl
Tjing Tjing started out as one of the coolest bars in town and has now expanded to become the coolest place for Asian tapas. Sit down in a calm, blue oasis, unbutton your pants and order everything; or at least, the Agedashi Tofu and the deep-fried rare beef fillet.
7.) Kyoto Garden Sushi – 11 Lower Kloofnek Road, Tamboerskloof
Kyoto Garden is THE best place for authentic Japanese, seafood, and sushi. Pure, simple, and absolutely delicious. Definitely have the exotic grilled mushroom side with whatever else you are having and a Dirty Ninja Saketini.
8.) Lefty’s – 105 Harrington St, Zonnebloem
If there would be a picture of a dive bar in the dictionary it probably would show Lefty’s. However, they not only know that a slice of cucumber does wonders to a G&T, but also how to make awesomeness like waffles with chicken.
9.) Tamboerswinkel – 3 De Lorentz Street, Tamboerskloof
While chicken pie for lunch might not sound terribly exciting, it definitely is when it comes in deconstructed form from Tamboerswinkel. Add a grilled chicken and a bottle from their well-curated wine shelf and you are also set for dinner.
10.) La Colombe – Silvermist Wine Estate, Constantia Main Rd, Constantia
If you wanted to splurge on one meal this would be it: La Colombe. Here chef Scot Kirton puts pure magic on the plate or in a can or in an oyster shell. Take an Uber, chose the wine pairing, and call it a date night to remember!
More about Annika
I’m a girl with messy hair and a thirsty heart who likes to be anywhere but home.
After having lived in New York and South Africa for many years, I am currently back in Hamburg, working as a freelance photo producer and blogger so I have more time for the one thing that I love more than to drink wine and do yoga together – travel. Apparently I tell funny stories (at least for a German I was told) so that is what I do.
If I liked the word barefoot luxury, it would describe me well, but as it is, I hate it. I prefer to call my travel style something between dashing and daring. I believe that luxury has nothing to do with money, but rather with authentic experiences. I like adventures and street food, I want to travel as sustainable as possible and listen more than talk. However, I also drink champagne, love beautiful hotels with history, and artisan products with a story.
Apparently I am a truffle pig for places with a certain something and I like to share. And yes, I like real truffles too! The Midnight Blue Elephant is a collection of souvenirs whether that is a story, an actual souvenir or one of those truffles (aka travel tips). So here’s to seeing the world, let me take you away… 🙂
Annika’s beautiful Blog, The Midnight Blue Elephant can be found at:
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