Cape Town, and the greater Western Cape has been inching its way up in the world rankings as a haven for diners. So much so, that over the years its culinary reputation has grown to almost rival its renown as a nature and adventure destination.
Incredible variety, superb chefs, unreal settings and a thriving wine culture all converge in a culinary scene that alone is worth travelling to. We dip into some of the ways the food scene in the Cape stands head and shoulders above so many other destinations across the globe.
Settings to dine for
A truly great meal is about so much more than the food on your plate. It’s the alchemy of great ambience, good company, and very importantly – a memorable setting. The Western Cape is known for its spectacular natural beauty, as well as its quality cuisine. And when the scenery is as good as the food, that’s where the magic happens.
Picture enjoying a feast of fresh seafood and foraged greens at Oep Ve Koep on the West Coast with the sound of waves and a crisp ocean breeze in the background, before heading back to your beach cottage. Or wine tasting in the sunshine in Franschhoek for the afternoon and eventually retreating to your private villa in the vineyards.
A multicultural melting pot
Cape Town’s rich history and varied cultural heritage mean that over the centuries its food has evolved and developed in many different directions. Influences span Cape Malay and Indian flavours, to traditional Afrikaans and African dishes and French and English techniques, and chefs in the province’s many restaurants explore traditional ingredients as effortlessly as they fuse ancient and modern styles.
The result is a food scene that’s as flavourful as it is colourful and eclectic. Whether it’s modern chefs honouring ancient ingredients, or traditional chefs reinventing a classic, everything is on the menu. From Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen (of Michelin-starred JAN in Nice), and his elevated take on Afrikaans nostalgia or Peter Templehoff’s stylish Japanese drama, to Ryan Cole’s forage-forward ethos at Salsify and Coy, and Vusi Ndlovu’s celebration of Africa.
A winning recipe – world-class hospitality & abundant goodness
The Western Cape’s popularity as a tourist destination means that in order to stay busy and booked, restaurants and bars in the province have to continuously remain at the top of their game. This healthy level of competition raises the bar still further on an already high standard of dining.
Add to that the superb fresh ingredients grown, reared and produced in the region, and you have a formula for remarkable food experiences, where the quality of the meal is matched by the service and execution and complemented by a perfect setting. You’ll find this impressive trifecta in venues like La Petite Colombe, Pier and Chefs Warehouse – where every detail is just so.
Securing your spot
Naturally, the best restaurants are in hot demand. Luckily for our clients, Steadfast has the inside track to the best tables in town. So if you’re travelling with us to South Africa soon, be sure to let us know where you’d like to dine and we’ll make the magic happen.
