One of the best places in the world to fall in love is Cape Town. There is a breathtaking view around every corner because the city is surrounded by ocean, mountains, forests, and beaches on all sides. Cape Town is also home to some of the most exquisite dining establishments in the world. Here is a list of the most swoon-worthy restaurants for a special occasion, where the romance flows like good wine.
1. Cassia Restaurant, Durbanville
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The Nitida Wine Estate is where Cassia is located. With its big windows, the restaurant is bright and spacious. Pick a table near the windows for unimpeded views of the farm dam and vines. The food is seasonal, fresh, and served in generous portions. Their famous pork belly with litchi-infused passion fruit glaze is bold and filling, while the lionfish and Jamaican flatbread are interesting and flavorful options.
Romantic highlight: Located in a vineyard, this restaurant has majestic views of the vines and greenery all around. Location: Nitida Wine Farm Tygerberg Valley Road, M13, Durbanville, Cape Town Hours: Monday - Saturday : 9:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m | Sunday: 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m Good to know: If you fall in love with the wine being served to you, you can always purchase it from the shop located there as all the wines are made in the vineyard from home grown grapes. Contact: +27 21 976-0640 Website: Cassia Restaurant
2. Chef’s Warehouse, Constantia
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The contemporary boutique estate of Beau Constantia is home to Chef’s Warehouse. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a vantage point overlooking False Bay, the seating is in a sizable "glass box." Select a few dishes in the tapas style to share with your date and savour the exquisite flavours of the thoughtfully crafted menu.
Romantic highlight: This restaurant has glass panels for walls, so it literally feels like sitting in a beautiful glass box surrounded by a vast expanse of open grounds. Location: Beau Constantia Wine Farm, 1043 Constantia Main Road, Constantia Nek, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa Hours: Monday - Saturday : Lunch - 12:00 a.m to 2:30 p.m | Dinner: 6:00 p.m to 8:30 p.m Good to know: This place also conducts wine tasting sessions. You can make a booking through their website for both the restaurant and the wine tasting. Contact: +27 21 794 8632 Website: Beau Constantia
3. Bardelli’s, Kenilworth
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Locals in Cape Town have long frequented this cosy eatery in Kenilworth. The venue was formerly a historic house constructed in the 18th century, and there are passageways leading into unique, cosier rooms. Candlelight dimly illuminates the courtyard outside. The restaurant has an old-world, authentic Italian vibe, and the menu features delicious pizza and pasta in addition to some heartier options like oxtail and steak.
Romantic highlight: This place has a cosy suburban vibe to it. The dimly lit rooms and corridors give the place a very romantic and warm aura. Location: Cnr Kenilworth & Wessel Roads, 51 Kenilworth Rd, Kenilworth, Cape Town Hours: Sunday - Wednesday: 12:00 p.m to 9:30 p.m Thursday - Saturday: 12:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m Good to know: The chefs in this restaurant have been working in this establishment for over 10 years and maintain the exquisite Italian flavour of the dishes. Many travellers consider the pizza served here to be one of the best in the world! Contact: +27 21 683 1423 Website: Bardelli's
4. The Conservatory, Constantia
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The Conservatory at Cellars Hohenort is the place to go if you want your date to be a sensory experience filled with award-winning fine dining. Every dish is influenced by regional ingredients and showcases the diverse flavours of South Africa. The inventive dishes made in the kitchen are seasonal and depend on the availability of only the freshest ingredients, frequently from the Conservatory garden. The elegant setting and first-rate service create a wonderful atmosphere for the evening.
Romantic highlight: Guests may choose where they wish to enjoy their meal. All the options are enchanting and beautiful. The main dining section, with stunning views of the historical garden with its Camphor trees; the beautiful breakfast room; and the terrace overlooking the garden. Location: 93 Brommersvlei Rd, Constantia Heights, Cape Town Hours: Monday - Sunday : 7:00 a.m to 10 p.m Good to know: They have a vegan menu in addition to the normal menu and along with that if you want a different experience, you can also make a reservation for having a picnic in the scenic garden. Contact: +27 21 794 2137 Website: The Conservatory Restaurant
5. La Colombe & The Green Vine Eatery, Constantia Nek
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Two excellent restaurants can be found on the Silvermist Wine Estate. World-famous for its fine dining, La Colombe is a restaurant. Fantastic views come with magical theatrical touches that make the food come to life. The other stunning restaurant located in this venue is The Green Vine Eatery. It is much more reasonably priced and has a spacious atmosphere and views that perfectly complement the delicious food.
Romantic highlight: La Colombe has a beautiful interior and stunning exteriors of trees and mountains. Location: Silvermist Organic Wine Estate, Main Rd, Constantia Nek, Cape Town Hours: Monday - Sunday: Lunch - 12:00 p.m to 1:00 p.m | Dinner: 5:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m Good to know: The menu is seasonal and changes according to the availability of produce that is grown on the property. Contact: +27 21 110 5420 Website: Silver Mist Estate
6. The Potluck Club, Woodstock
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Luke Dale-Roberts, formerly of La Colombe, founded the tapas-style restaurant The Potluck Club. The fine dining set menu for their Sunday brunch starts at 11 a.m. The restaurant overlooks Woodstock and offers tapas platters along with a variety of mouthwatering treats.
Romantic highlight: The wooden interior and dim lighting gives this location an amazing aura along with the big windows that overlook lushious mountains speckled with dense romantic clouds. Location: The Silo, The Old Biscuit Mill, 373-375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town Hours: Monday - Saturday: Lunch - 12:30 p.m to 2:00 p.m | Dinner - 6:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m Sunday: Brunch - 11:00 a.m to 12:30 p.m Good to know: This venue has live music programs during brunch on every Sunday. Contact: + 27 21 447 0804 Website: The Potluck Club
7. Azure Restaurant, Camp’s Bay
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The fine dining at Azure Restaurant at The Twelve Apostles Hotel is sure to blow you away with a veranda set on the slopes of Table Mountain National Park, the rumbling Atlantic in a thousand shades of blue sweeping the horizon for miles around, and sunsets to stir the soul. Both the delectable roast duck or the biltong and peppadew tart served with cucumber ribbon salad are highly recommended. With the deck and floor-to-ceiling windows, you won't miss a second of the sunset. The restaurant is open daily for high tea, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Romantic highlight: The stunning views include the enormous Table Mountain and beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Location: Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town Hours: Monday - Sunday: 7:00 a.m to 10:00 p.m Good to know: The menu combines international inspiration with home-grown flavours that celebrate seasonality, sustainability and the bountiful fresh produce of the Cape. Contact: +27 21 437 9029 Website: 12 Apostles Hotel
8. Aubergine, Gardens
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The setting for Aubergine is a historic structure assumed to have been constructed in the 1980s. It is an acclaimed fine dining establishment renowned for the inventiveness of its flavours as well as the lightness and balance of its cuisine. Perfect for whispering tender words, the environment is quiet and intimate.
Romantic highlight: The historic structure paired with the ambient environment makes the perfect combination for a romantic meal. Location: 39 Barnet Street, Gardens, Cape Town Hours: Monday - Wednesday: Dinner - 6:00 p.m to 8:30 p.m Thursday - Friday: Lunch - 12:00 p.m to 01:00 p.m | Dinner - 6:00 p.m to 8:30 p.m Good to know: The Aubergine Restaurant remains closed on Sundays. Contact: +27 21 465 0000 Website: Aubergine
9. Bistro 1682, Steenburg
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In a beautiful setting, Bistro 1682 is situated on the Steenberg Estate. With a fine-dining flair, the dinner menu features tapas-style cuisine. The wines made right on the estate are fantastic, and there are few better ways to spend an evening than by washing down fresh oysters with a glass of Steenberg MCC.
Romantic highlight: You can unfurl into views of the magnificent stone mountains and expansive winelands. Location: Steenberg Estate, Steenberg Road, Constantia Valley, 7945, Cape Town Hours: Monday - Sunday: 9:00 a.m to 10:00 p.m Good to know: Events are organised and held, check their website to see if you can catch any fun events organised by them. Contact: +27 21 205 3866 Website: Steenberg Farm
10. Pigalle, Greenpoint
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Pigalle is one of Cape Town's best seafood establishments, and while it caters to most tastes and price ranges, it also has a fine-dining flair. Every night there is live music, making it a great place to eat dinner. The menu offers traditional dishes with a light Portuguese influence. Try the decadent and mouth-watering scallop starter. Additionally, you can find perfectly cooked lobster and langoustines here. The extensive wine menu includes everything from Dom Pérignon to well-known regional wines.
Romantic highlight: This venue has a truly ambient environment and amazing interior that perfectly sets the mood for a romantic experience. Location: 57A Somerset Rd, Green Point, Cape Town Hours: Monday - Friday: Dinner - 5:00 p.m to 11:00 p.m Saturday: Lunch - 12:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m | Dinner - 5:00 p.m to 11:00 p.m Good to know: A stylish place for an evening out, the restaurant offers guests live entertainment alongside superb dinner courses. Contact: +27 21 421 4848 Website: Pigalle Restaurants
11. Asoka, City Bowl
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This place truly is the ideal destination for a romantic ambience that lasts well into the night, killer cocktails, and a place where music and food come together to create one of the most pleasurable environments. Each Tuesday night, live jazz performances are held at Asoka. It’s a trendy lounge, bar, and restaurant that's a favourite among the city’s "in" crowd, especially on a warm summer’s evening. Add to that some warm lighting and cocktails, and you will surely have a memorable evening out.
Romantic highlight: The stunning interior and awesome tunes set the stage for an amusing and lighthearted time. Location: 68 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town Hours: Monday - Saturday: 5:30 p.m to 2:00 a.m Sunday: 5:30 p.m to 12:00 a.m Good to know: They have live music evenings, check their social pages to see the schedule. Also, their tuna tacos are famous for being excellent. Contact: +27 21 422 0909 Website: Asoka
12. One Park Road, Gardens
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The eagerly awaited One Park Road, the first of its kind in Cape Town, recently made its debut in Gardens. It has a restaurant, a listening bar, an art gallery, and The Other Records record store. It's a lovely venue that has been exquisitely designed. It's the perfect place to take someone out for a drink or dinner.
Romantic highlight: The restaurant offers an intimate seating style. Location: 1 Park Road, Gardens, Cape Town Hours: Wednesday - Friday: 4:30 p.m to 10:00 p.m Saturday: 4:30 p.m to 10:30 p.m Sun 1:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m Good to know: If you’re into records, The Other Records store has an area where you can listen to a record before you purchase it. Contact: +27 81 047 1248 Website: One Park Road
13. FYN, City Centre
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The setting inside FYN Restaurant, which is on the fifth floor of the Speakers' Corner building, is like something out of a fairytale. The room has stunning ceiling decorations, a moody aesthetic, and modern furnishings. This is the perfect place to bring a loved one, sweep them off their feet, and treat them to some elegant Japanese cuisine.
Romantic highlight: The place has beautiful interior and decor. Location: 5th Floor, Speakers Corner, 37 Parliament St, Cape Town Hours: Monday - Saturday: Lunch - 12:00 p.m to 2:00 p.m | Dinner 6:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m Good to know: The entrance to the building is through Gallery MOMO Contact: +27 21 286 2733 Website: fynrestaurant
14. Gate at Quoin Estate, Stellenbosch
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If romance translates to 16 courses of food (it most certainly does), then this experimental dining experience is the perfect place to wow your date. Located at Quoin Rock Estate, this magical restaurant aims to take you out of your culinary comfort zone and allow you to experience food a little differently. For an invigorating romantic experience, Gåte Restaurant will not disappoint.
Romantic highlight: Along with an extraordinary dining experience, you will also have to decode a delightful puzzle. This place is where mystery and food meet. Location: Quoin Rock Wine Estate, 7600, Knorhoek Road, Knorhoek Valley Stellenbosch Hours: Wednesday: Lunch - 12:00 p.m to 2:00 p.m Thursday - Saturday: Lunch - 12:00 p.m to 2:00 p.m | Dinner - 6:00 p.m to 7:30 p.m Sunday: Lunch - 12:00 p.m to 2:00 p.m Good to know: Making a booking advance is essential. Contact: +27 21 888 4750 Website: gaterestaurant.co.za
15. The Black Sheep, Gardens
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Unsurprisingly, The Black Sheep is one of Kloof Street's remarkable restaurants and a favourite of many people with its delectable seasonal menu, gorgeous interior and bar area, and expertly made cocktails. It's a great location for an intimate date because of its moody lighting, music, and spectacular mountain views.
Romantic highlight: Moody lighting and intimate seating. Location: 104 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town Hours: Monday: 5:00 p.m till lateTuesday - Saturday: 12:00 p.m till late Good to know: Visit their sister restaurant, The Dark Horse Bar, opposite the road for a pre-drink cocktail. Contact: +27 21 426 2661 Website: Black Sheep Restaurant
16. Den Anker, Waterfront
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While this might be in the heart of the bustling and touristy Waterfront, once you muscle past them and get to Den Anker, you’ll see why it’s worth coming here on date night. You have an unbeatable view of Table Mountain and the harbour during the day, and at night, the reflection of the sparkling lights on the water is breathtaking. The food is always good; particular favourites are mussels and seafood stew.
Romantic highlight: Get elbow deep over shared mussels with the person you are visiting and enjoy the view. Location: Pierhead, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town Hours: Monday - Sunday: 10:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m Good to know: When making a reservation, ask to be near the window on the mountain-side for the best views in the restaurant. Contact: +27 21 419 0249 Website: Den Anker
17. Duchess of Wisbeach, Sea Point
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At the Duchess, there is always love in the air thanks to the candle-lit tables, the chequered floors, and the Parisian atmosphere. Every dish is prepared with love and rich ingredients, as the cuisine embraces a carpe diem way of life. Additionally, there are a few tables outside where you can spend time with your date while taking in the sea air.
Romantic highlight: The Parisian vibe and decor. Location: 3 Wisbeach Road, Sea Point, Cape Town Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 6:30 p.m to 11:00 p.m Good to know: After dinner, there’s a very cool dance party that takes place every night. Don’t miss it. Contact: +27 21 434 1525 Website: Duchess of Wisbeach
18. Kloof Street House, Gardens
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The low-key cool of Kloof Street House means that it has the potential to be a weekly date night spot but is also stylish enough for a special celebration. The cosy and welcoming interior is complemented by a fairy-lit courtyard where you can spend the evening outside. The menu features consistently excellent French-inspired dishes that are always a hit. Because of its location, you can stroll up Kloof Street for drinks or ice cream after dinner.
Romantic highlight: Eclectic interior with cosy seating and a beautifully lit outdoor area. Location: 30 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town Hours: Monday: 12:00 p.m to 02:00 a.m Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 a.m to 2:00 a.m Good to know: If you want a particular table, make sure you ask for it when booking, the staff will happily oblige. Contact: +27 21 423 4413 Website: Kloof Street House
19. Mulberry and Prince, City Centre
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If your partner enjoys sharing food, then eating together can be very romantic. Mulberry and Prince excel at this kind of eating. The restaurant itself is very cosy, with metallic and pink accents found throughout and diamond artworks created by local artist Kurt Pio. You would love nestling up at the bar for a night of good wine and small plates.
Romantic highlight: The cosy, intimate venue is perfect for date night. Location: 12 Pepper St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town Hours: Tuesday - Friday: 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m Good to know: They offer stellar Sunday brunches, if daytime dates are more your thing. Contact: +27 21 422 3301 Website: Mulberry and Prince
20. Thali, Gardens
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No one is doing tapas-style food better than Liam Tomlin and his Indian-inspired Thali. Liam Tomlin is the master of tapas cuisine, and his Indian-inspired Thali is incredibly romantic. One of the most romantic restaurants in Cape Town may be due to the heady aroma that greets you as you enter or the intimate, small seating areas, but it's more than likely due to the extremely tactile and delicious food.
Romantic highlight: Incredibly delicious tapas-style cuisine and an intimate interior. Location: 3 Park Road, Gardens, Cape Town Hours: Monday - Saturday: 5:00 p.m to 9:30 p.m Good to know: They don’t take reservations, so if this is where you’re heading for date night, go early. Contact: +27 21 286 2110 Website: Thali
It is safe to say that the gorgeous views and breathtaking locations are not going to be the only things that will make you fall in love with the stunning destination. The food is equally tantalising, if not more so, to make you want to return sooner and stay longer. These restaurants will ensure that you have an amazing time with your loved one while enjoying great food and magnificent scenery.
