Cape Town is famous for its endless sun-kissed summer days filled with beach visits, braais, and al fresco dining, so it’s often with some reluctance that locals and travellers alike face the Mother City’s colder months. When the weather turns cold and the evenings get icy and uninviting, we tend to put off our usual dinner plans and stay home with the heating up high.
…BUT, we’re going to let you in on a little secret – are you ready? Did you know that some of the best dining is to be had during Cape Town’s winter months?
This means that there is absolutely no reason for your social life to grind to a halt during the Mother’s City’s winter season, especially when the city and its surrounds are full of intimate and cosy dining spots boasting a vast array of delicious food and drink options that cater to everyone – complete with the ambience only a flickering fire can deliver. How could you possibly resist?
So, when you’re ready to brave the cold, here are some incredibly cosy restaurants in Cape Town to visit this winter.
#1 On The Rocks | Bloubergstrand
If you’re looking for the Cape Town view trifecta, On the Rocks in Bloubergstrand should be at the top of your list. Positioned right on the rocks of Blouberg Beach, this west coast restaurant boasts a spectacular view of Table Mountain, Atlantic Ocean, and Robben Island. Perfectly complimented by a wide selection of menu options, ranging from fresh seafood and traditional west coast favorites, to Cape Malay curry, dry-aged beef fillet, and freshly baked crème brûlée – there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Get all your friends and family together and head over to On the Rocks in Bloubergstrand and feast on fresh sushi, oysters, and seafood platters, paired with an exceptional glass of vino or delightful cocktail from their excellent wine and cocktail list. When it’s too nippy to enjoy the sea spray (which you can literally touch from the terrace) retire inside to enjoy the beautiful Venetian fireplace.
- Location: On The Rocks, 45 Stadler Rd, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town
- Contact details: 021 554 1988 | [email protected] | www.ontherocks.co.za
#2 Aubergine Restaurant | Gardens
Located in the trendy inner-city suburb of Gardens, Aubergine is one of Cape Town’s top restaurants and fine-dining experiences. Celebrated for its world-class fine dining, extraordinary seasonal menu – offering diners a sensational selection of both Eastern and Western flavor-inspired dishes made from only the freshest local ingredients as well as a wide range of vegetarian alternatives for both lunch and dinner – and a wine list that’s second to none, the iconic Aubergine Restaurant is a must when visiting Cape Town. In winter, the space, which is decorated to absolute perfection, is kept nice and cosy by the wood log stove burning in the corner, making for the perfect inner-city winter dining experience.
- Location: 39 Barnet Street, Gardens, Cape Town
- Contact details: 021 465 0000 | [email protected] | www.aubergine.co.za
- **Click here to make a booking directly through Aubergine’s online booking system.
#3 Chefs Warehouse
Loved by locals and tourists alike, the Chefs Warehouse restaurants put a lot of effort into their seasonal, produce-driven set menus. In fact, all Chefs Warehouse restaurants pride themselves on only making use of local, fresh, seasonal ingredients and unique and exciting flavour combinations to emphasize, elevate, and create each and every one of their sensational dishes. Diners can therefore expect to be blown away, with their taste buds completely captivated and tantalized, undoubtedly leaving you wanting more! Well, you’re in luck – As their dishes change with the seasons, it’s a great excuse to pay them multiple visits right throughout the year!
Boasting some of the best views in Cape Town and the Winelands, all the Chefs Warehouse locations are beyond incredible destinations during summer but, in winter, a cosy fire burns at Beau Constantia, Tintswalo, and Maison – creating an intimate atmosphere and warm and inviting ambiance that just draws you in.
Find a spot close to the hearth, and enjoy a hearty, multi-course lunch or dinner paired with fine red wines from some of South Africa’s best producers. Their signature risotto is comfort food at its finest and will be the highlight of your meal.
Dining at any of Chefs Warehouse’s incredible locations truly is an unbelievable culinary adventure unlike any other, and, as such, absolutely has to be tasted to be truly & fully experienced and appreciated. And trust us, it is ‘Oooh sooo’ worth it!!
#4 Jonkershuis | Constantia
Nothing says long leisurely lunches like ancient trees, sprawling vineyards and delicious, comforting Cape Malay food. Jonkershuis is an ideal location for outings like this, and is set in the scenic, historic Groot Constantia Wine Estate. You’ll have a choice of world-class wines as well as delectable options like charcuterie boards, fragrant curries, and gourmet sandwiches. You’ll be pleased to note that on icy days the double-sided fireplace roars to life, inviting you to stay a little longer.
- Location: Groot Constantia, Groot Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town
- Contact details: 021 794 6255 | [email protected]
#5 Asoka | Gardens
Situated under an ancient olive tree, Asoka on Kloof Street is where the spirit of Cape Town’s culinary scene is alive. For over a decade, this gem has been the cornerstone of the city bowl’s dining scene, offering an experience that’s as much about the vibe as it is the food.
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of vibrancy and intimacy, then the atmosphere at Asoka is what you need. The restaurant has a skylight that gives diners one of the best views of the stars. Here, each course is a sort of prelude to the next. The cocktail menu is also very inventive. The music, a curated selection that complements the buzz of conversation, adds to the dining experience.
In addition to Asoka’s cosy fireplace, the decor and ambience ensures a memorable outing filled with live jazz, sipping and snacking.
- Location: 68 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town
- Contact details: 021 422 0909 | [email protected]
- Unique selling points: Candlelit courtyard | A skylight that invites the night inside | The legendary olive tree that stands as a centrepiece
#6 Upper Union Restaurant | Gardens
Upper Union is a firm favourite amongst Capetonians. In summer, the shaded courtyard and conservatory offer a welcome oasis from bustling Kloof Street but, in winter, head on inside and find a cosy spot by the roaring fire. They also run some wonderful winter specials, so reserve your table next to the fire and enjoy a couple of plates of Chef Amori Burger’s famous cooking – they’re perfect to share!
- Location: Cape Cadogan Hotel, 3 Upper Union Street, Gardens, Cape Town
- Contact details: 021 891 0360 | [email protected]
# 7 Rick’s Café Americain | Gardens
For many a Capetonian, Rick’s is a home away from home. This iconic three-storey building, at the heart of Kloof Street, is buzzing with happy diners – no matter the season. In summer, people spill out on the rooftop deck under the umbrellas and, during winter, they find comfort from the cold next to the roaring fireplace inside.
Not only is the space cosy with heaps of homely charm, the menu offers tasty classics guaranteed to warm you up from the inside. Order one of their Morrocan tajines with cous cous or take a look at their list of hard-to-beat lunch specials.
- Location: 103 Kloof Street, Gardens
- Contact details: 021 424 1100 | [email protected]
#8 Beluga | Waterfront
Beluga has been revived and is thriving! They are technically in the Waterfront but make sure you head to the Maker’s Landing section of the V&A Waterfront. Guests can look forward to enjoying the vibrant views of the Cape Town Cruise Terminal harbour from their new balcony. Their new Waterfront restaurant has a refined whisky bar, wine-tasting section, sushi conveyer belt, outdoor covered smoker’s section and private dining area. You will find more than enough heaters at Beluga for winter.
- Location: 1st Floor, Cruise Terminal, Duncan Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
- Contact details: 021 418 2948
#9 The 41 | Camps Bay
The 41, a premium restaurant based on the ever-vibrant Camps Bay strip, offers unsurpassed views of the beautiful white sandy Camps Bay beach, Atlantic Ocean, and Lions Head. With an extensive, multifaceted menu, the restaurant offers a diverse culinary experience. The chic, minimalist setting with dark hues and illustrious Mumm Champagne bar fountain creates an atmosphere of understated opulence.
Sit back, relax, and delight in your favourite cocktail made by one of their in-house mixologists, all while feasting on one of their down-right delicious locally sourced, seasonal dishes. That’s definitely not all this must-visit Cape Town restaurant has to offer, oh no! In addition to savouring The 41’s sensational beach-front views, sipping on one of their amazing cocktails, and relishing in every bite of one of their incredible dishes, you can also enjoy the lively sounds of their resident DJs every Saturday and Sunday. This 41 also hosts a variety of exciting monthly events – From Drag Queens, live musicians, and wine tasting to snazzy jazz sessions and so much more!
To keep you warm in the winter months, our fire place is lit, creating a cosy atmosphere to shelter you from Cape Town’s bleaker months.
#10 Ëlgr Restaurant | Gardens
Fire. Food. Wine. The good people over at Ëlgr on Kloof Street have got the winning recipe for a winter evening. Ëlgr is a modern eatery that brings a fresh twist to the classic Kloof Street dining scene. It’s a restaurant where simplicity and sophistication meet. With its minimalist decor and a menu that makes the most out of local ingredients, ëlgr offers a dining experience that’s both grounded and innovative. One of its standout features is the open kitchen, where you can witness the culinary magic happen.
The fireplace is in the belly of the restaurant, so you’re guaranteed to be nice and cosy for as long as you stay. And, if you fancy a little fresh air while you dine, their courtyard is well-heated too! The ambience is a blend of casual & chic and warm & welcoming, making it one of the go-to restaurants in Cape Town for anyone in search of a meal in a relaxed setting – and not to mention the extensive wine list.
- Location: 75 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town
- Contact details: 021 422 0384 | [email protected]
#11 The Lighthouse Café | Simonstown
If you find yourself peckish after a blustery beach stroll in Simonstown, you’ll want to head straight to the Lighthouse Café on St George’s Street. Light and airy, the space is as welcoming as it is relaxed, giving diners the feeling that they can connect with friends or bury themselves in a book to while away an afternoon.
The menu is efficiently short, allowing for easy decisions between choices like mussels, fish and chips, burgers, mezze platters, pizzas, and pastas. It is the perfect choice for a grey winter’s day, the Lighthouse Café will lift the spirits with its cheerful and cosy ambience.
- Location: 90 St George’s St, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
- Contact details: 087 700 6421
#12 Forrester’s Arms | Newlands
Winter might put us off leaving the house, but it’s also a big sporting season for South Africans. If you’re looking for a great spot to catch the game, with family and friends, you will be hard-pressed to top Forrester’s Arms. ‘Forries’ as it is affectionately known is nestled beneath the mountain in moody Newlands and is an institution for locals, sports-lovers and students. Easy eating options like burgers and pizzas will keep energy up and kids can run riot in the playground while parents keep an eye on the TVs. You won’t feel the cold either, with a broad, central fireplace to emphasis that British pub feeling.
- Location: 52 Newlands Ave, Newlands, Cape Town
- Contact details: 021 689 5949
#13 A Touch of Madness | Observatory
A Touch of Madness – a name that hints at the eclectic vibes you’ll find within its Victorian walls. This restaurant, located in the bohemian suburb of Observatory, is the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of local craft beer or the house-brewed Summer Ale, Drunken Donkey.
The menu pays homage to street food from around the globe, with standout vegetarian options that even the most committed meat-eaters would pause to admire.
Plus, the restaurant’s various rooms and outdoor spaces offer a unique atmosphere for every occasion, from lively house parties to intimate dinners.
It’s undeniable that restaurants with fireplaces like this one have a special allure, especially when the Cape chill sets in. It’s a place where you can feel at home with the warmth of good company and great food.
- Location: 12 Nuttall Rd, Observatory, Cape Town
- Contact details: 021 447 4650
#14 Kloof Street House | Gardens
Rated as one of the most highly sought-after and top restaurants in Cape Town, the spectacular Kloof Street House requires no real introduction – it simply speaks for itself – but that doesn’t mean we’re not going to sing its praises anyway.
Beyond its rising dining and culinary status, Kloof Street House has a certain magical and mysterious appeal that can’t be denied. Nor should it be! Set in a glorious Victorian house at the heart of Kloof Street, this culinary gem lights up the city with its charm, character, and charisma.
Dining at the renowned Kloof Street House is an experience that is every bit as enigmatic as it is intimate. Featuring a brasserie-style menu, Kloof Street House is incredibly passionate about the vast and varied ingredients used to create their sensational dishes and take great pride in highlighting each ingredient, essentially making them the hero of the dish. All meat is free-range, grass-fed, and responsibly sourced, ensuring you get top quality food that is filled with flavor. Diners can also choose to indulge in their incredible selection of sharing dishes.
Beyond the stunning setting and sensational food, dining at Kloof Street House is truly all about the experience. Boasting a collection of interesting rooms and spaces, each with its own unique character, Kloof Street House puts forth the idea that it is whatever you want it to be. Plus, the fireplace makes it the perfect dining destination during Cape Town’s colder months.
In addition to being one of the top local fine dining restaurants as chosen by the people of Cape Town – which we champion and support all the way – dining at the iconic Kloof Street House should undoubtedly be on every food enthusiast’s Cape Town foodie bucket-list!
- Location: Kloof Street House | 30 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town
- Contact details: 021 423 4413 | [email protected]
- Website: Click here to visit the Kloof Street House website
#15 Vadivelu | Gardens
Is there anything better than Indian food in winter?! Tucked away from the busy streets of Cape Town, Vadivelu offers a culinary journey that’s vibrant like the city. Their slogan is ‘Indian with Attitude’, so they basically offer you a fusion of traditional Indian cuisine and modern design, creating an atmosphere that’s both warm and inviting.
On the menu, you’ll find various spicy dishes that cater to both the adventurous and the comfort-seekers. From the succulent lamb rogan josh to the perfectly charred paneer tikka, each bite is a reminder of the diverse regions of India.
And the experience is not just about the food, it’s about the culture. Enjoy a glass of lassi or a strong cup of chai to round off your meal, as you soak in the sounds of the sitar.
- Location: 151 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town
- Contact details: 021 423 4413 | [email protected]
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