Travelogue: Cape Town

OUR CAPE TOWN ESSENTIALS

We've done our share of eating and exploring in and around Cape Town. While we haven’t been home recently, these are some of our not-to-be-missed experiences. Let us know if you’re heading to the area, we’d love to chat!

Cape Town:
EATS

- Beluga. Inside The Foundry. You can eat outside on the inner square or indoors. Happening scene. Menu is the restaurant's cookbook. You can spend the eve perusing recipes if you need some conversation starters.

- Bread. The European style bistro inside the Bromwell; and note the Bromwell below under shopping. It’s totally unique, highly curated.

- Bukhara. Just off Green Market Square, upstairs. Amazing Indian. Their Kingclip tandori or tikka are amazing, very paneer saag paneer!

- Col Cacchio Pizzeria. Camps Bay location faces the ocean. Simply, one of the best places for gluten free pizza we've come across. Delicious composed salads and crafted pizzas.

- Fork. On Long Street. The upstairs has a cozy vibe and a balcony when the weather permits. Tapas. Some very interesting small plate creations from Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. 

- Grand Cafe and Beach. It's along the waterfront, passed the Radison Hotel and Old Yacht club and if I'm remembering it's the 2nd left onto a dirt road. When the weather permits, make a resi for a table on the beach. Check out the curated items in the retail store. Enjoyed the Avocado Ritz salad, Sugar Salmon, Grilled Kingclip and the long rectangular pizza.

- Greens. Around the corner from the Wellness Warehouse. Simple, fresh menu.

- Groot Constantia. Constantia winelands. Lovely tea and scones for a lazy afternoon. We ate outside in the courtyard at Jonkershuis Restaurant.

- Mount Nelson Hotel for High Tea. This is an institution and no trip to Cape Town is complete with this traditional experience.

- The Neighbourgoods Market. Woodstock area. Saturdays only. Local vendors create delicious breakfast and brunch fare.

- Newport. On the waterfront, passed the lighthouse. After a power walk or bike ride, there's nothing like their muesli or Bircher breakfasts with fragrant honey and julienned apples and a fresh carrot juice. 

- The Test Kitchen. Inventive food. Bold flavors. Creativity. Advance reservations required.

- Wellness Warehouse's WellCafe. Where Long Street turns into Kloof Street. Very casual, bring your laptop or read the paper. Great vegetarian options, including Gluten Free bread. We enjoyed the grilled mushroom sandwich with rocket and Eden cheese.

SHOP

- The Biscuit Mill. This converted old biscuit factory is home to day and night markets and retail venues full of inspiring makers and collaborators.

- BlueCollarWhiteCollar. Fabulous garments mix patterns with details like a surprise on the underside of a collar or a coordinating cuff.

- The Bromwell. This is not your conventional shopping mall. A unique place to discover art, décor, accessories and other finds. Located in Woodstock.

- Melissa's. Food, table top and healthy fare from a couple who have stayed true to their values for over 20 years.

- Wellness Warehouse. A 360⁰ approach to wellness to meet your every need while vacationing in Cape Town. Natural skincare and beauty, wide range of food, beverages, biodynamic wines, local spices and jams.

PLAY

- Kirstenbosch. One of the great botanic gardens of the world has an incredible amphitheater and live music program, especially their summer series. If Goldfish is playing, you’re in for a groovy house beats meets soulful world music.

- Lion’s Head Hike. This distinctively shaped mountain slope can be hiked in around 90 minutes to the summit. Chains and ladders will get you to the top. Spend time once you arrive. Magnificent views.

- Table Mountain Hike. Spectacular views, flora and fauna. Moderate to extreme difficulty trails. Plan at least 3-5 hours and a meal at the top. Cable Cars for those who might need a lift.

Near Cape Town:

EATS

Hout Bay:

- Chapman's Peak Hotel Restaurant. Classy, great vibe, amazing Kingclip (where my love of Kingclip was born in 2008).

- Kitima. Main road towards Chapman's Peak. Trendy, inside fancy, outdoor more casual (yet in a hip lounge-y way). Delicately prepared Asian fusion cuisine.

Franschhoek:

- Le Bon Vivant. A block off the main road in town. Sophisticated dining. Each bite a work of art. Portions are just right.

- Le Petit Ferme. In the winelands. Very lovely views, great food. Don't feed the baboons on your way over, nor roll down your window to take pix!

- Reuben's. On the main road in town. Inventive fusion food, hip crowd.

Have a lekker time!

~ Bonnie & Jeffrey

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