One Perfect Day in Cape Town
What if you only had one day in Cape Town? One long, summer’s day. To make the most of it without exhausting yourself, you need local insight. We asked 3 born ‘n bred Capetonians to craft their perfect Cape Town Day.
Cape Town beckons you home…
GILL: WRITER
“What I love best about Cape Town is that there are two oceans, so I would bookend my one perfect day by watching the sun rise over False Bay and the sun set over the Atlantic. Here’s my curated itinerary for you.”
Theme: Follow the Sun
Start time: 5am
Dress code: Beachy casual
Sunrise start
The sun rises early in Cape Town in summer, so get out the door by 5 am. Head for Dalebrook Tidal Pool in Kalk Bay. You need to duck under the railway line and through the subway (look for the Be Happy sign) and you will find the pool right there. A colony of like-minded regulars will be bobbing up and down in a tidal pool that shines golden with early morning light. Brace yourself and dive right into the dawn. You may even be fortunate enough to share your morning dip with a Cape Cormorant bird, with its fish-shaped body and sea-green eyes.
There are so many excellent early-morning breakfast places in Kalk Bay that you’ll be spoiled for choice. One of the most interesting is Bo-ho Ohana where you’ll find a vast variety of cooked breakfasts, pastries and fantastic coffee on offer. Whether it’s surfers or dolphin pods, there’s always something thrilling to spot from Ohana’s seaside tables.
Swim with penguins
The False Bay beaches are best enjoyed in the morning, when the sun is bright but not scorching and the notorious South-Easter wind has not picked up yet. After a leisurely breakfast, follow the Main Road through Fish Hoek, Glencairn and Simon’s Town until you reach Boulders Beach – a beautifully scenic drive. Boulders Beach is a sheltered spot made up of inlets nestled between granite boulders. It is probably one of the most perfect beaches in the world, yet is surprisingly uncrowded, especially on weekdays. Just a four-minute walk away is a natural African Penguin colony, making this the only place in the world where you can get up-close and personal with this breed. Swim, soak up the sun and relax. Lots of people do shore diving and snorkelling amongst the kelp forests of Boulders Beach. If that is the way you like it, this is the perfect spot to enjoy it.
Swim amongst the African Penguins
High noon
You will want to be out of the sun by lunchtime. You have several options of how to spend your afternoon in this part of Cape Town. You could travel on a little further (watch out for baboons) and visit the Cape Point Nature reserve, really, you should, because this is where you’ll be immersed in the incredible biodiversity of the Cape, surrounded by the subtle fragrance of the world’s richest, but smallest, floral kingdom – the Fynbos Kingdom. You’ll also encounter a variety of local wild animals, like buck and ostrich – as well as the dramatic Cape Point itself. This is bucket-list stuff.
Or, if you are looking for something less energetic, you could simply browse the quaint and artsy shops of Simon’s Town and select some unique keepsakes and gifts.
Either way, lunchtime will surely beckon. Set above the white sands of Seaforth Beach, with gorgeous views of mountains- the sea and African Penguins to entertain you- Seaforth Restaurant is a spectacular venue on the water’s edge and makes for a relaxing lunch spot where you can catch your breath and while away a few hours in conversation.
Amerce yourself in the beauty of Cape Town Fynbos…
Picnic at sunset
Cape Town is the foodie capital of South Africa so there are loads of Deli’s you can stop off at to curate a beautiful picnic – then head for Llandudno Beach to watch the sunset and bring your one perfect day in Cape Town to a relaxed close.
Notice how all that ozone is coaxing you into the best sleep you’ve ever had? Good night.
NATHAN: IT SUPPORT AND PHOTOGRAPHER
“I will be dog-tired at the end of it, but my one perfect day would take in all the adventure I love about Cape Town. I’m a photographer so I will certainly want photo ops along the way. Here’s my suggestions for you.”
Theme: Adrenaline rush
Start time: 7 am
Dress code: Comfortable adventure gear
Elevated view
Take a stroll through the city to Truth Café in Buitenkant Street (voted best coffee shop in the World). It is a unique steam-punk emporium that also happens to offer the most wonderful breakfasts and coffee strong enough to get you going for what comes next – a helicopter ride! Hurry back to the V & A Waterfront to catch your open-door Huey helicopter ride. This is a wave-skimming rush of a ride up the West Coast of the city with plenty of photo ops for those daring enough to hang out of the door.
Aerial view of Cape Town Atlantic Seaboard
Keep moving
Once you’ve regained terra firma, a ten-minute car drive will bring you to Century Karting, which is just plain silly-thrill fun and will get you laughing, shrieking and feeling even more alive than you did after your Truth coffee. Once you’ve recovered from channelling your inner Sir Lewis Hamilton, head back to the city via Woodstock, an intriguing and colourful suburb adjacent to the CBD. Grab lunch at Woodstock Beerhall, Cape Town’s answer to a Bavarian Beerhall fused with a South African dude-food menu.
Flying at Sunset
You need to be at the parking area at the top of Signal Hill at least 30 minutes before take-off – because yes, you’re going to be paragliding off this iconic hill and landing on the Sea Point beachfront. At sunset. No words. Just do it.
After that it is definitely time to simply chill with a sundowner and a beautiful meal to absorb all your memories. The Atlantic Seaboard – Sea Point, Clifton, Camps Bay – is lined with superb restaurants and fashionable cocktail spots. But if you want to keep it traditional, return to Signal Hill and search out Bo-Kaap Kombuis for a fantastic Cape Malay cultural experience and the most delicious, lightly spicy, home cooked cuisine. Bo-Kaap Kombuis is high up on Signal Hill with spectacular views over the harbour, the V & A Waterfront and the City Bowl.
Experience the culture of Cape Town’s iconic Bo-Kaap neighbourhood
Watch the moon and stars rise above a city that you have fallen in love with. In just one day.
SUZANNE: BUSINESS OWNER
“It’s the vineyards and the fynbos-studded mountains of Cape Town that captivate me, so my one perfect day would incorporate both. Follow my lead if you’re looking for a gracious, gentle day in Nature.”
Theme: Wander and Wine
Start time: 8 am
Dress code: Walking clothes; Casual elegance
Forest walk
Find your way to the Cecilia Forest car park where a leisurely 1 to 2 hour forest walk begins. It’s a safe and shaded path, with little streams offering refreshing stops along the way, and magnificent views rewarding you around every corner.
You will have built up an appetite on your walk. Fortunately, just around the corner is The Chardonnay Deli, where you can enjoy a rustic, yet refined dining experience. After breakfast, you can browse through their artisanal bakery and deli where you can buy everything from bread, milk, cheese, yogurt, granolas, preserves, coffee, gifts, olive oils and prepared meals.
Stroll through the Chardonnay Deli and choose from their organic and local products Photo Credit: Chardonnay Deli Website
Spa break
You will not miss any of the spectacular Constantia scenery when you book your massage or beauty treatment at the Beau Constance spa. It is a 2-minute drive from your breakfast venue, located high above the Constantia wine route with panoramic views over the Constantia Valley.
Sweet reward
Your spa treatment will have prepared you for the slow-down immersive experience that is the Constantia Wine Route. The spa is located on the Beau Constantia wine farm, so stroll across to their tasting room before making your way down into the valley to historic Groot Constantia, the first wine-farm in the Cape. Here you’ll get carried away by hundreds of years of heritage as you wander under enormous Cape Dutch-gabled doorways, past antiques, carriages and through pristine vineyards. Right next door is Klein Constantia wine estate, dating back to 1685. You will want to pop in here to try Napoleon’s favourite wine – Vin de Constance. Best of all? No-one will bother you if you decide to stretch out under an ancient oak tree for a doze before slowly winding your way to your late-lunch venue.
Stroll through Groot Constantia.
Beyond expectation
The name of the wine estate where you will be ending your one perfect day is Buitenverwachting. It means beyond expectation and is an accurate description of what you will experience there. Stroll the paradisaical grounds before being seated at Beyond Restaurant for fine dining that is centred around the highest quality local ingredients.
Raise a glass to Cape Town, one of the most poignantly beautiful cities in the world and one that you will definitely want to visit again.
By Gill D’achda
February 17, 2020.
Summer Harvest Festivals in the Cape
February is a magical month in Cape Town. The wind dies down, the intensity of January heat mellows out into warmth, and all around, people soak up the summer swansong.
It is also during this time of year that our grapes ripen to their sweetest and wine farms everywhere host fabulous harvest festivals to celebrate their bounties. Join in these family-friendly soirees and take part in everything from stomping contests to tractor rides, picnics and of course, plenty of vino.
1. Grand Provence Harvest Festival 2020
Celebrate the 2020 grape harvest with Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate in Franschhoek on Saturday, 22 February, when barrels of fun will be the order of the day.
The annual harvest day festival promises a full day of entertainment, kicking off with a tractor ride, followed by grape picking, stomping, wine tasting and a cellar tour. There will be plenty of action for the little ones and a harvest table heavily laden with delicious fare in the vineyards to end off a day of festivities.
When: 22 February 2020
Where: Grand Provence, Franschhoek
Cost: R1000 per couple which includes a bottle of wine and water and R400 for children under 10.
Email events@grandeprovence.co.za or call Tel: + 27 21 876 8600 for tickets.
2. Constantia Fresh Wine Festival 2020
Set in the heart of Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine region, the Constantia Fresh Wine Festival showcases the finest local and international wines with the freshest and most creative food our most celebrated local chefs can offer. A jamboree of flavour and set in the peaceful and uncluttered grounds of Buitenverwachting, the day is one of relaxation and a taste sensation that will leave body, mind, and spirit invigorated.
When: 23 February 2020
Where: Buitenverwachting Wine Farm, Constantia
Costs: R600 per person (inclusive of food, wine, live music, and fun)
3. Robertson Hands-On Harvest Festival 2020
With more than 20 wineries, estates and other establishments taking part, this food and wine affair spoils visitors for choice with a wide variety of tailor-made activities. Explore a full range of fun experiences, from tasting fine wine and delicious deli products at the various wine estates in the Robertson Valley as well as harvest and blending experiences with some of the country’s best cellar masters. Along with open-air concerts, picnics, nature walks, kids entertainment and even a fun ‘amazing race’.
When: From 28 February 2020 – 1 March 2020
Where: Robertson Wine Valley, Robertson
Costs: Vary depending on the chosen event.
Explore the full programme and purchase tickets online.
4. Cape Point Vineyards Harvest Festival and Seafood Braai
Cape Point Vineyards is known for their beautiful 360-degree vistas of sea, mountains, vineyards, and fynbos – particularly stunning at sunset when the sun dips into the Atlantic Ocean.
This March, they invite all to join them as they celebrate their 20th harvest on their unique seaside soils, celebrating their heritage with a traditional South African Fish Braai (barbeque).
Join winemaker Riandri – recently named the “Siren of Sauvignon” by Wine Magazine – in the vineyards surrounding their restaurant to experience the hands-on harvest. Thereafter, make your way down to the Courtyard and join their traditional long table for fresh seafood and all the accompaniments cooked on an open fire.
When? 1 March 2020
Where? Cape Point Vineyards, Noordhoek
Cost: R550 per person including the harvest feast
5. Jordan Wine Farm 2020 Harvest Celebration
Join in for a picnic under the Stellenbosch night sky at the full moon and celebrate the 2020 harvest! Enjoy a picnic basket filled to the brim with freshly baked bread, snacks and more with a full range of Jordan wines available to purchase all night. As the sun sets, a fire show courtesy of The Psychedelic Theatre will keep you entertained.
When: 8th March 2020
Where: Jordan Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Price: R 425 per person, based on 2 people sharing
6. Ambeloui Harvest Festival
For the last 20 years, the Christodoulou family, tucked away deep in the Hout Bay valley of Cape Town have been producing a boutique, hand-made and highly sought after Methode Cap Classique sparkling wine. This year, they’re celebrating their harvest with cold bubbly by the bottle and by the glass, hot Greek food straight off the coals and delicious Greek delicacies to enjoy at the festival or take home ready for your dinner party.
When: 14 March 2020
Where: Ambeloui Wine Farm, Hout Bay
7. Spier Harvest of the Arts
Spier Hotel & Wine Farm will be hosting a magical evening of music, song and dance in celebration of their annual grape harvest. Showcasing a wide range of the Cape’s top talents. The family-friendly celebration will take place on the lawns of the Spier Werf at the historic Stellenbosch farm from the late afternoon into the evening. Guests are invited to arrive early to enjoy a wine tasting and a picnic on the lawns before the diverse array of performances start.
When: 27 March 2020
Where: Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
Price: R650 Admission & picnic for two, R220 Admission & Farm Cafe burger, R140 General Admission, Free for Children under 12.
Best of the Best at Cape Grace
Harvest Festivals, Sports Events, Music, Culture, and everything in between. Cape Town plays host to some of the greatest events in the world.
Celebrate historic events with a stay at Cape Grace, receive a 15% discount off the nightly room rate and we will treat you to a complimentary 50-minute massage.
To complete the perfect experience, enjoy tapas on us at our iconic Bascule Bar poised on the edge of Cape Town’s most glamorous marina at the V&A Waterfront as well as a 50 minute Spa Massage.
Leap into the month of love
Catch the Greatest Cape Town Events with our New Best of the Best Promotion
Eager to participate in some of the world’s largest and most iconic events, while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Cape Town? Our exciting new Best of the Best promotion is here, and with it, your opportunity to plan the trip of a lifetime.
Voted as the world’s best city in 2018, Cape Town plays host to some of the greatest events across the land, sea and sky. Here at Cape Grace, we are uniquely positioned to help you combine the best African holiday with the epic thrills of your favourite Cape Town events.
Stay with us over the date of any of these historic events and receive a 15% discount off the nightly room rate.
The Best of the Best promotion also includes a 50-minute massage per person (based on two people sharing). So once you are done competing (or viewing because we know that can be just as stressful), you are able to relax, unwind, and ease tense muscles at the Spa at Cape Grace.
Indulge in our Bascule Bar tapas selection pre or post-competition with your complimentary tapas voucher. Of course, if it post-event, we could think of no better spot to cheers to yourself or those you support, than our vibrant whiskey bar, poised on the edge of Cape Town’s most glamorous marina at the V&A Waterfront.
We have listed some of the biggest Cape Town events from December 2019 to December 2020. With your luxury accommodation and comforts covered by Cape Grace, all you need to do is book tickets to your dream event of choice.
1. Cape to Rio – Yachting
4 January
The Cape to Rio is an Ocean Race across the South Atlantic between Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro, linking two of the world’s most beautiful sea ports. The first edition of the race dates back to 1971, and many legends of international yachting have competed in the event. Watch the start right here from the V&A.
2. L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate – Horseracing
10 – 11 January 2020
Steeped in tradition and prestige, the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate is the oldest horse racing event in South Africa bearing international significance. The event was first raced in 1861 in honour of Queen Victoria. To this day, Queen Elizabeth retains a keen interest in the race and its outcome. The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate not only hosts courageous and determined champion racehorses, but its stylish theme of blue and white also brings elegance and beauty into the mix.
3. Red Bull King of the Air 2020 – Kiting
24 January – 16 February 2020
The Red Bull King of the Air competition is the highlight of the kitesurfing calendar in Cape Town. It sees the very best board-riders from all over the world coming together for a day of adrenaline and a lot of wind. Dress warmly and admire the brave sportsmen compete for the title.
4. Sun Met Horse Racing Event 2020 – Horseracing
1 February 2020
Under the theme African Luxury: Visionaries, Cape Town’s most prestigious horse-racing event combines high-end fashion with world-class entertainment – both on and off the race track. Inspired by forward-thinkers and creativity, the theme for the 2020 edition of The Sun Met is a celebration of luxury with racing enthusiasts and fashionistas expected to evolve imagination on Race Day.
5. Cape Town 10s 2020 – Sports festival and lifestyle event
31 January – 1 February 2020
South Africa’s biggest social sports festival and lifestyle event includes nine sports and the biggest ten-a-side rugby tournament in the world! In 2020, the event will host 350 local and international sports teams.
6. Cape Town – South Africa vs England T20 – Cricket
4 February 2020
See England do battle against South Africa at one of the world’s most iconic grounds in Cape Town. Twenty20 cricket or Twenty-20 (often abbreviated to T20), is a shortened format of cricket, designed to be faster than traditional cricket. Watch the national teams take to the pitch for some explosive T20 action.
7. The Match In Africa 6 – Tennis Match – Federer vs Nadal
7 February 2020
Witness history in Africa. 20-time Grand Slam Champion, Roger Federer, will play his first-ever match in Sub Saharan Africa in Cape Town on Friday, 7 February 2020 at 8 p.m. Federer’s opponent will be 18-time Grand Slam Champion and rival Rafael Nadal. The match will be played to support children’s education in Africa.
8. Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2020 – Art Fair
14 February 2020
The annual Investec Cape Town Art Fair at the Cape Town International Convention Centre is renowned as a leading destination in Africa to buy local and international art. It is also the place where buyers from around the world interact with galleries and exciting emerging and established artists, creating important global networks.
9. The Cape Peninsula Marathon – Road running
16 February 2020
This is Africa’s fastest point-to-point marathon. If the excitement of Eliud Kipchoge’s massive achievement has you lacing up your running shoes and hitting the road, put your grit to the test in this beautiful half or full marathon that finishes in the historic Simon’s Town.
10. Cape Town – South Africa vs Australia T20 – Cricket
26 and 29 February 2020
The Aussies are back in 2020 and they will be looking to redeem themselves as they left SA in disgrace last time out!
11. Cape Town Cycle Tour – Cycling
08 March 2020
The world’s largest timed cycle race is an iconic fixture in the international cycling calendar. With the 42nd running of its world-famous cycling tour as its crescendo, the Cape Town Cycle Tour Lifecycle Week is an eight-day celebration of all things cycling, where a world-famous city embraces human power and celebrates the healthy lifestyle and freedom of movement the humble bicycle offers all its inhabitants and visitors.
12. Absa Cape Town Epic – Cycling
15 – 22 March 2020
The Absa Cape Epic – staged towards the end of March every year – is also considered one of the toughest races of its kind.
An eight-day, 700-kilometre mountain bike race through the Western Cape, it is the pinnacle event for both professional and amateur riders. The Epic is the most televised mountain bike stage race in the world and the only eight-day mountain bike stage race classed as hors catégorie by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). It is long, it is brutal, but it is also a sought after ticket.
13. Cape Town International Jazz Festival – Music
27 – 28 March 2020
Affectionately referred to as “Africa’s Grandest Gathering”, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is the largest music event in sub-Saharan Africa. The festival is famous for its star-studded line up of local and international artists, and in 2020, will be celebrating its 21st birthday!
14. Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon – Running
11 April 2020
Known as the world’s most beautiful marathon; Africa’s biggest running event is something you have to participate in, even if it is just once in a lifetime. Choose from the Ultra Marathon (56km), the Half Marathon (a favourite with everyone) or the Trail Run and join in the Easter weekend fun!
15. Boatica – Boat Show
23 – 25 October 2020
Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Mother City, the annual boat show features 120 exhibiting companies, over 12 live on-water activities, a once in a lifetime VIP boat cruise experience on the 60-foot Luxury Ocean Princess, a display of the world’s finest yachts, catamarans and exotic boats; family fun and water activities over 3-days.
16. Sanlam Cape Town Marathon – Running
18 October 2020
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon (42.2km) is a prestigious global city race open to a range of running enthusiasts from elite athletes to social runners. Along the spectacular route, you will take in the famous natural beauty of Cape Town’s mountains and sea, as well as many of the city’s great attractions. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is home to ASA Marathon Championships.
17. Cape Town Sevens 2020 – Rugby
Date TBC
We are wrapping up the year with a round of Sevens Rugby, so if you are planning on spending December in Cape Town in 2020, look into booking your ticket now.
Best of the Best Promotion Terms and Conditions:
- Stay 2 consecutive nights or more, and receive a 15% discount off the nightly room rate. Booking restrictions apply to this promotion, stay within the event dates as per calendar below.
- 50-minute massage per person based on two sharing per room.
- Tapas voucher to the value of R500 excluding beverages.
- Applicable on all room types.
- Promotions are mutually exclusive and cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other special rates or promotions unless specified.
- Tickets for the events mentioned are not included in this promotion.
- The offer must be requested at the time of booking and cannot be applied retrospectively. Subject to availability.
- Offer is restricted and Cape Grace reserves the right to limit the number of rooms available and to discontinue the promotion at any time.
- Bookings made using promo code: CGEVENTS will only be applicable on any new bookings from 13 December 2019 – 15 December 2020.
| CALENDAR DATES: | EVENT: |
| 4 January 2020 | Cape to Rio 2020 – Yachting |
| 10 – 11 January 2020 | L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate – Horseracing |
| 24 January – 16 February 2020 | Red Bull King of the Air 2020 – Kiting |
| 31 January – 1 February 2020 | Cape Town 10s 2020 – Sports festival and lifestyle event |
| 01 February 2020 | Sun Met Horseracing Event 2020 – Horseracing |
| 04 February 2020 | Cape Town – South Africa vs England T20 – Cricket |
| 07 February 2020 | The Match in Africa 6 – Tennis Match – Federer and Nadal |
| 14 February 2020 | Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2020 – Art Fair |
| 16 February 2020 | The Cape Peninsula Marathon – Road running |
| 26 and 29 February 2020 | Cape Town – South Africa vs Australia T20 – Cricket |
| 08 March 2020 | Cape Town Cycle Tour – Cycling |
| 15 – 22 March 2020 | Absa Cape Town Epic – Cycling |
| 27 – 28 March 2020 | Cape Town International Jazz Festival – Music |
| 11 April 2020 | Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon – Running |
| 18 October 2020 | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon – Running |
| 23 – 25 October 2020 | Boatica Cape Town – Boat Show |
| 11 – 13 December 2020 | Cape Town Sevens 2020 – Rugby [Date to be confirmed] |
Cape Town’s Culinary Talents Shine: Eat Out Awards 2019
The Eat Out Mercedes Benz Restaurant Awards are the Oscars of South Africa’s culinary accolades. Launched in 1998 and presented at an awards celebration held in November, the annual Eat Out Restaurant Awards celebrate the South African restaurant industry, with accolades including the Top 10 Restaurants, Chef of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and more.
The winning restaurants were determined by the scores of a panel of anonymous judges, headed up by accolated Chief Judge Margot Janse, who dined around the country unannounced and scored the restaurants against the rigorous judging criteria in line with international standards.
This year, Cape Town and the Western Cape scooped up most of the awards, taking nine out of the top 10 spots, including the number one place! So without further ado, make sure to add these hot spots to your Cape Town culinary bucket list.
1. La Colombe (Constantia, Cape Town)
Up from third place last year, La Colombe’s menu of delightfully quirky dishes inspired by local flavours skyrocketed them to the number one spot this year. They also rank in the World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards earlier this year. Chef James Gaag and his team have mastered a French flair but unique style of cuisine and impeccable service. We love sister restaurant La Petite Colombe in Franschhoek, which ranked at sixth place this year.
2. The Test Kitchen (Woodstock, Cape Town)
Holding steady at position number two for two years in a row, The Test Kitchen, steered by Chef Luke Dale Roberts, remains a firm favourite with the judges and public. Precise attention to detail, and a dining experience that is adventurous in every way are just two of the reasons why our Golden Keys concierge loves recommending TTK to our guests. Innovation is at the heart of their continued success, and this is evident in Luke Dale Robert’s ever-expanding array of dining establishments, including the new Salsify, which we dined at and wrote more about here. Salsify nabbed eighth place, so you can be sure that it is a winning experience
3. The Restaurant at Waterkloof (Somerset West)
Last year’s winning restaurant is still a shining star. The wine pairings, exquisite setting with vineyard as well as sea views, and freshly interpreted French cuisine make for an unforgettable experience. Chef Gregory Czarnecki tells a nostalgic tale in four or eight-course menus, infusing his dishes with a lot of personality and love.
4. Wolfgat (Paternoster)
This pocket-sized restaurant on the West Coast packs a punch! Named Best Restaurant in the World at the World Restaurant Awards (held earlier this year in Paris), this Paternoster gem, captained by Chef Kobus van der Merwe, reflects the beachy surroundings in their dishes, which are pared down, pure and rather perfect.
5. FYN (City Bowl)
A brand new entry, FYN, opened this year by Ashley Moss and Peter Tempelhoff, quickly rose to fame for its theatrical interplay of Japanese and South African flavours. We love this moody inner-city dining experience that’s all marble, exposed cement and impressive lighting, where bento boxes contain unexpected morsels like samoosas. Read our five-star full review here and then hurry off and book a seat.
The Full Top 10 restaurants:
- La Colombe (Constantia, Cape Town)
- The Test Kitchen (Woodstock, Cape Town)
- The Restaurant at Waterkloof (Somerset West)
- Wolfgat (Paternoster)
- FYN Restaurant (City Bowl, Cape Town)
- La Petite Colombe (Franschhoek)
- Eike (Stellenbosch)
- Salsify (Camps Bay, Cape Town)
- Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient (Elandsfontein, Pretoria)
- Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia (Constantia, Cape Town)
The Eat Out Awards are a reflection of the ongoing excellence of the restaurants we are lucky to be surrounded by in South Africa. If you would like to make the most of them while staying with us, speak to our Cape Grace Concierge Team – they are passionate foodies who love booking their best-loved dining spots in the Cape and beyond for visiting guests.
Explore and Experience, Featured – 10 of Cape Town’s Top Restaurants with Fireplaces
‘Tis the season to get toasty! Bring out the red wine, hearty dishes and cozy up to our top restaurants with fireplaces this winter. From roaring hearths to sleek gas features, we have rounded up the most memorable of the crackling lot. Choose your ideal nook and nestle in. 1. Aubergine Best for: Fusion…
1. AubergineBest for: Fusion flair
Consistently rated as one of Cape Town’s best restaurants, Aubergine combines rich history with contemporary flair, not to mention their world-class wine list! In winter, they light up their charcoal fireplace, which warms up the interior of their sophisticated and historic spot in Gardens (the former home of the first Chief Justice of the Cape). We recommend taking advantage of their excellent Winter Bistro Menu, and selecting a hearty red to savour while the fire crackles.
See more: https://www.aubergine.co.za/
2. Kloof Street House
Best for: Date night
This Kloof Street must boasts three fireplaces, so your chances of nabbing a seat next to one of them is fairly high. It is also one of the most well-loved and iconic places to dine in Cape Town, a collection of different rooms and spaces each bursting with an assortment of eclectic decor and character. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner and tuck into the likes of the roasted beets and fried goat’s cheese salad, pan-fried calamari, Norwegian salmon, bouillabaisse or ostrich fillet. To end, always have the baked cheesecake, served with caramelised popcorn.
See more: http://www.kloofstreethouse.co.za/
3. Asoka
Best for: Jazz, cocktails and tapas
The sister restaurant of Kloof Street House, this petite palace on upper Kloof unfolds from a living olive tree in the centre of the sultry spot. The open fireplace warms the dimly-lit interior where Cape Town’s glamorous set enjoy cocktails and tapas to the sounds of the live jazz bands they play host to. Sip on one of their legendary cocktails (the Orchard Breeze is recommended), and snack on their sharing plates and tapas while you huddle around intimate tables and while away the evening in swinging style.
See more: http://asoka.za.com/
4. Cape Grace Library
Best for: Afternoon tea
Heavy curtains sweep the soft carpets of the hushed library of Cape Grace, where we serve our delectable Afternoon tea – a time-honoured tradition. Pause next to the elegant fireplace and nibble on fresh, crumbly scones piled high with jam, lemon curd and cream, cucumber and salmon sandwiches, irresistible macaroons and artisanal pastries, while you sip on a selection of loose-leaf teas, served in delicate glass teapots. If you’re feeling festive, or simply celebrating life, add a glass of bubbles to your order and toast to some of the best views in Cape Town.
See more: https://www.capegrace.com/culinary-delights/afternoon-tea
5. Bascule Bar
Best for: Whisky and tapas
Take refuge ‘below deck’ in the nautically-inspired Bascule Bar at Cape Grace. Pull up a leather chair while you browse the whisky menu – one of the most extensive collections in the southern hemisphere! Once you have selected a dram, snack on tasty morsels or go big with the Bascule Speciality – a Wagyu beef burger served with all the trimmings.
See more: https://www.capegrace.com/culinary-delights/bascule-bar
6. Societi Bistro
Best for: A comforting culinary journey
Cornerstone of the Cape Town culinary world, Societi Bistro has long been the favourite of locals and visitors alike. Must be something to do with their combo of fantastic (and ever-changing) menus, admirable red wine selection, and simple interior that is all about the wooden floors, exposed bricks, and multiple fireplaces of course. Grab a seat in the main restaurant and enjoy the exceptional staple, the mushroom risotto; or be bold and venture across the globe with Chef Robert Giljam, as he presents 21 menus featuring modest and traditional meals from around the world, each only available for 4 days, and paired with exceptional South African wine. Indulge in the chocolate nemesis to end – it is wickedly good.
See more: https://societi.co.za/
7. Beau Constantia’s Chefs Warehouse
Best for: The views and every little morsel
Bookings fill up fast for this Southern suburb gem that boasts arguably some of the best views in the Cape. In summer, it’s best to spend time outdoors, but winter means no deprivation as the floor to ceiling glass allows for panoramic views of the vineyards while you dine, huddled snugly nearby one of two warming fireplaces. Speaking of which, expect the same glorious set menu that made them famous – Chef Ivor Jones a master at tapas and small plates.
Read our full review here.
8. The Codfather
Best for: Seafood and sushi
The Codfather in Camps Bay is an unpretentious seafood-lovers dream. The model is simple, and the menu is non-existent. Instead, you are chaperoned to the seafood selection where you choose your favourite slices of the freshest shellfish and fish, which is then grilled to perfection and served to the table along with fat-cut fries, rice and greens. The large wood fireplace separates the main part of the restaurant from the equally as appealing sushi bar if that is more your scene. Whatever your choice, do not skip dessert – the brownie is one of the best around!
See more: https://www.codfather.co.za/
9. Cafe Paradiso
Best for: Hearty Italian fare
Cafe Paradiso on upper Kloof Street offers a beautiful setting and a menu that combines classic Meditteranean fare with some South African favourites. In summer, sit outside in the courtyard and soak in the mountain views, and in winter, snuggle up to the fireplace (a feature in all of the Madame Zingara restaurants). Choose a wood-fired pizza, risotto, or truffled pasta, bring along the family (they are very kiddie-friendly) and enjoy!
See more: https://www.cafeparadiso.co.za/
10. The Village Idiot
Best for: Fun and frivolity
The Village Idiot is one of Cape Town’s favourite watering holes. The charming colonial fireplace, booths and leather seats are ideal for chillier nights, where you are invited to dive into a beer and enjoy traditional South African cuisine, inspired by ‘braai’ culture. Do not forget to wave at Oskar – the resident ostrich and ‘village idiot’
See more: https://thefirmct.co.za/the-village-idiot
Sharing the History of the Cape Town… One Room at a Time
Poised between land and sea, between the ancient Table Mountain and bustle of the working historic harbour that is the V&A Waterfront. We are ideally positioned, not just to explore all the many delights that Cape Town offers, but to delve back into history. Indeed, it is the early formation of the Cape as a refueling station, that has inspired our decor and infused our identity. Antiques, murals, rare furniture and even our bedcovers tell the many tales of the Cape, the story woven throughout every floor and in each and every one of our totally unique 120 rooms. Let us peel back the layers of modernity and take a peek at the early years of the ‘Cape of Good Hope’, and how it marries into the sense of time and place we hope to impart to our guests and visitors with our ‘home away from home’.
The Company’s Gardens
While nomadic indigenous people have long populated the shores of the Cape, Dutch settlers arrived in 1652. They were sent by the Dutch East India Company (Dutch: Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, or simply VOC), with instructions to establish the Cape as a halfway refueling station for ships travelling to Asia. They quickly established the historic Company’s Gardens (still in existence today), to provide the fruit, meat, wine and vegetables, as well as the remarkable canals that channeled freshwater down from the mountain to the gardens below. These too, can be seen in certain parts of the CBD and form a part of the City Cycle Tour.
At Cape Grace, our second floor is home to the Company’s Gardens Two Bedroom Suite. The curtains in the lounge display is a reproduction of the VOC mandate given to the settlers to create a refreshment station for the company, dated 30 December 1651, while the tapestry in the lounge shows a bird’s eye view of the Company Gardens – a reproduction of an etching created in 1719 by Peter Kolbe.
Citrus was a key part of the VOC plantings, and this is captured in the Lemon Bedroom. Lastly, in another bedroom, the bedcover is a stylised layout of the Company’s Gardens, with the broad strip carrying the scientific names of many of the Cape’s flora.
Of Food and Fine China
The Dutch were quickly followed by the first wave of Asian immigrants, who were banished to the Cape by the Dutch Batavian High Court. The mix of skilled artisans, slaves and even royalty, formed the basis of our Cape Malay population, with many families settling in the much-photographed colourful Bo Kaap area. At Cape Grace, our style of cuisine is directly influenced by our Malayan heritage, Chef Malika van Reenen deft at weaving the heavenly spices, scents, and flavours into aromatic culinary delights inspired by over 300 years of Cape cooking.
Of course, as a port, ship life was and continues to be an important part of the Cape (if maritime history intrigues you, we strongly recommend that you visit the Chavonnes Battery Museum, where you can actually stand on Cape Town’s original shoreline).
Cape Town’s treacherous shores meant that ships often met a watery end (we have the rescued ship’s manifests and broken china to prove it). However, the ones that made it through, were often laden with treasures, sourced from Japan, China, Europe and Indonesia. Much of our decor pays homage to ships and popular finery that met our shores.
Imari was the name of the port in Japan that controlled the Japanese porcelain, most of it being sourced from a town called Arita. It was in the 1640’s that new techniques were introduced into the processes that enabled the ceramicists to work with colours, such as red and gold. Over the years the red, blue, white and gold porcelain became known as simply Imari, and often recorded in inventories of Cape Town homes – symbols of wealth for gentry and officials. In our Imari Three Bedroom Suite, the tapestry in the living room depicts reproductions of various Imari plates, combined with names of select VOC ships. The three bedrooms respectively showcase Imari porcelain, Japanese lace and the story of the voyages undertaken to bring these to the Cape.
Ironically, despite the fact that the Dutch East India Company (VOC) held the monopoly on the export of Japanese porcelain between 1656 and 1756, collectors at the Cape had to acquire these pieces surreptitiously as they did not form part of the official local imports.
The Castle of Good Hope
Image by Craig Howes
We could not speak about the history of the Cape without mentioning the castle! The Castle of Good Hope, the first permanent European fortification in the area, began in 1666. Finally completed in 1679, the castle is the oldest building in South Africa.
At Cape Grace, this vital piece of history is brought to life in the Castle of Good Hope Two Bedroom Suite. The tapestry in the lounge showcases the Castle layout surround by the names of the five bastions. The Castle layout is a reproduction of an etching published in 1719 by German astronomer Peter Kolbe, commissioned by the Dutch government to compile an all-round description of the Cape.
Finishing off with Furniture
The Cape Grace collection is one of the most important and comprehensive public collections of furniture and artifacts owned by and displayed in a hotel in South Africa. The collection consists of more than 300 pieces of original antiques that were all made or used locally.
The term Cape Furniture refers to all furniture made at the Cape between 1700 and 1900. Society in this far-away colony was highly stratified right from the beginning of the Colonial Period, and the furniture that was made locally reflects this social segregation. Three main categories can be identified: Patrician Furniture, Country Furniture and Folk Furniture.
Around the Governor and other top officials of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) a patrician society soon started to express its own standards and tastes. This resulted in the development of a Patrician Furniture, popularly referred to as “town” furniture. It was made for and used by the wealthy officials who lived in 18th and early 19th century Cape Town.
Cape Country Furniture forms the biggest part of the Cape Furniture heritage. Even though Country Furniture took its stylistic inspiration from the more sophisticated Patrician Furniture made in Cape Town, these pieces were anything but second-best or watered-down copies. Furniture with a robust character and made from a combination of light and dark timbers was popular. Most of the country pieces were made by qualified craftsmen who adapted the patrician fashions to suit their clients’ tastes and aesthetic sensibility.
Finally, Folk Furniture was made in remote locations by craftsmen and women who often had little or no official training. This genre developed out of necessity; in this case, the needs of the farmers and pioneers who travelled to the deep country in search of opportunities. With limited access to professional furniture makers, these intrepid men and women had to make everything they needed, including their own furniture, often using nothing more than a pocketknife and the endemic timbers they found in the veld.
Iconic pieces from each distinct category are dotted throughout the hotel. We invite guests to ‘hunt’ them down, ticking them off the list available from concierge. For those invested in learning more about antiques and art in the Cape, we also offer an exclusive day-long tour. Speak to our concierge for more information and availability.
MAY 27, 2019
Top Accommodations in Cape Town
In our recurring “According to AAC’s Consultants,” Africa Adventure Company staff members will be surveyed about their favorite accommodations, experiences, guides, and destinations.
This installment features insights from Ian Flores, Kollin Buchholz, Kyle Witten, Szilvia Hegyi, Rhoda Barnett, Mark Nolting, and Alison Nolting about their favorite accommodations in Cape Town and its vicinity.
Ian Flores: Mosaic Private Sanctuary
“I’m a big fan of Mosaic Private Sanctuary in Hermanus.”
“When I’m on safari, I’m eager to do as many active experiences as possible, whether it’s trekking, walking safaris, canoes, or even climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. So if my trip ends in Cape Town, I want to go somewhere I can relax and sleep-in after many early mornings in the bush! That way, I’m also refreshed and recharged when I return home.”
Kollin Buchholz: Cape Grace Hotel
“The reason I like the Cape Grace Hotel so much is that it gives you the option to either relax or to actively explore the city of Cape Town; the waterfront and its numerous restaurants, bars, galleries and attractions are within walking distance.”
“However, if you’re more inclined to relax, you can enjoy stunning views of Table Mountain or the bay from the comfort of your hotel, and perhaps even your room! Put simply, you will have incredible service, meals, and spa treatments at your disposal at this ‘quintessentially African’ luxury hotel.”
Kyle Witten: Ellerman House
“I have two favorite accommodations, one in the city and the other in the Cape Winelands.”
“In Cape Town proper, I love the Ellerman House. If you love ocean views from the comfort and privacy of your own suite and world-class dining (they’ve just announced a new culinary director!), Ellerman is unbeatable. As an added bonus, they have the best gin selection ever: I call it the gin trolley to end all gin trolleys!
Kyle Witten: Babylonstoren
“My second favorite spot is Babylonstoren, which is a quick drive out from the city into the Cape Winelands.”
“Unassuming from the exterior, this small boutique hotel is truly a hidden gem, especially if you’re a foodie. Visitors essentially step into a full-fledged wine estate and farm.”
“A visit here is simply incomplete with a visit to Babylonstoren’s bakery and fresh market. This is where you can buy all the picnic essentials, like baguettes, cheese, charcuterie and wine, before heading out on a bicycle for an afternoon picnic. It will most likely be one of your most memorable gastronomic experiences!”
Szilvia Hegyi & Rhoda Barnett
Szilvia Hegyi:Welgelegen
“My favorite hotel in Cape Town is the Welgelegen Guest House. If I want to be in the heart of Cape Town close to restaurants, museums, galleries and other attractions, Welgelegen is hard to beat!
“Since there are only 13 rooms, staying here feels more like you’re a house guest! It’s also perfect for a half-day at leisure: a block away is Kloof Street, a gateway to contemporary, chic Capetonian and pan-African culture.”
Rhoda Barnett: Tintswalo Atlantic
“But if you would like some extraordinary ocean views and some respite from Cape Town’s hustle & bustle, you’re going to like Tintswalo Atlantic a lot.”
“After a fire left the property partially destroyed, the lodge will be rebuilt later this year and Tintswalo Atlantic will be open for new bookings once again.”
“Aside from Tintswalo’s stellar ocean views, guests are able to easily access numerous hiking trails and other attractions dotting the Cape Peninsula, like Chapman’s Peak. To top it off, the food is exquisite!”
Mark Nolting: Cape Grace Hotel
“After multiple visits to Cape Town over more than three decades, Alison and I both agree that the Cape Grace is our favorite hotel in Cape Town. It’s just one of those timeless classics where it feels like you’re visiting for the first time every time. Our last visit was in May 2018, but wish it was much more recent!”
“Alison and I also really want to emphasize the quality of the Cape Grace’s staff. There are several stellar hotels with both a prized location on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and a magnificent view of Table Mountain. Yet all fall short of the attention to detail and warmness of the this hotel’s staff. This wonderful service is on full display during the hotel’s immaculate breakfasts and pre-dinner drinks at the cozy, warm bar.”
Alison Nolting: Mosaic Private Sanctuary
“But I have one more suggestion, especially if you’re keen to explore South Africa’s Garden Route and stay outside of Cape Town: Mosaic Private Sanctuary.”
“This is the perfect place to ‘get away from it all.’ An added bonus is that the owner is very hands-on, not only with day-to-operations, but guest activities beyond the lodge, too. Whether its visiting Walker Bay for whale-watching, going to Stony Point to spot penguins, or a myriad of other activities, you are in great hands!”
