Mary Holland
Mary Holland is a South African writer based in New York. She has written for Financial Times, WSJ Magazine, and is Monocle Magazine’s New York correspondent.
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Mlilo
Mlilo, a spot in the Time Out Market at the V&A Waterfront, serves regional comfort dishes that you won’t find on most restaurant menus around the city.
Seven Colours Eatery
Seven Colours Eatery highlights local dishes Capetonians still cook at home, like boerewors, a type of spicy sausage, served here with relish and maize porridge.
Bao Down
Bao Down in Greenpoint is perfect for digging into plates of pillowy steamed buns stuffed with spicy Korean fried chicken.
Vadivelu
Vadivelu in Tamboerskloof serves South African Indian food in a fun, buzzy space, with a terrace that spills onto the street.
Ouzeri
Ouzeri in City Centre does incredible Greek food, and is a lovely spot for a date or nice dinner with friends.
Chef’s Warehouse at Tintswalo
Chef’s Warehouse at Tintswalo in Houtbay has incredible views, and is great for ordering a bunch of tapas and some wine on their outdoor deck.
Arthur’s Mini Super
This sunny cafe in Sea Point is the perfect spot for a morning coffee or a glass of wine after a walk along the water.
Tapi Tapi
There are plenty of spots around the city with great ice cream, but Tapi Tapi, a small gelateria tucked down an alley in a less touristy part of town, is by far the most interesting.
The General Store
The General Store in City Centre is popular among Cape Town’s business crowd, so get there early for lunch to snag one of their daily specials before they sell out.
Potluck Club
Sometimes, you book a restaurant partially for the view, and Pot Luck Club in Woodstock is one those restaurants.
La Colombe at Silvermist
La Colombe at Silvermist is a fine dining restaurant in Constantia that’s loved by tourists and locals equally.
Hemelhuijs
Hemelhuijs is a bright, cherry cafe that’s perfect for a fancy breakfast or a relaxed lunch with friends.