Guidebook for Cape Town
Parks & Nature
Internationally recognised botanical garden. A few restaurants - the pricey Moyo or the casual cafe at the top entrance. The entrance fee includes a walk on the canopy walkway which takes you above the tree canopy - lovely views.
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Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Rhodes DriveInternationally recognised botanical garden. A few restaurants - the pricey Moyo or the casual cafe at the top entrance. The entrance fee includes a walk on the canopy walkway which takes you above the tree canopy - lovely views.
Park just off the M3 (or walk up from my house: walk up Ravensberg Ave, turn right into Newlands Avenue then left into Cannon St. Walk to the end of the road and you'll see a trail on the right. Follow this trail which follows the M3 until you get to the underpass under the M3 which takes you to the Newlands Forest parking area. Walk through the parking and up the road that goes past the firestation and helicopters.) The best trail is to turn left just past the helicopters at the T junction. Follow any pathway, all beautiful, lots of streams and trees. This is strictly hiking area. Dogs welcome with permits. No mt biking allowed.
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Newlands Forest Hiking Trail
Park just off the M3 (or walk up from my house: walk up Ravensberg Ave, turn right into Newlands Avenue then left into Cannon St. Walk to the end of the road and you'll see a trail on the right. Follow this trail which follows the M3 until you get to the underpass under the M3 which takes you to the Newlands Forest parking area. Walk through the parking and up the road that goes past the firestation and helicopters.) The best trail is to turn left just past the helicopters at the T junction. Follow any pathway, all beautiful, lots of streams and trees. This is strictly hiking area. Dogs welcome with permits. No mt biking allowed.
My new favourite place! A gorgeous little town on the sea just beyond Bloubergstrand and Big Bay. It's a little out of the way, but if the sun is out and you want a stunning beach to walk on followed by yummy cappuccinos or a delicious breakfast or lunch, this is the spot! Choose either Damhuis or Orca to indulge in delicious food. Both are reasonably priced and excellent.
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Melkbosstrand
My new favourite place! A gorgeous little town on the sea just beyond Bloubergstrand and Big Bay. It's a little out of the way, but if the sun is out and you want a stunning beach to walk on followed by yummy cappuccinos or a delicious breakfast or lunch, this is the spot! Choose either Damhuis or Orca to indulge in delicious food. Both are reasonably priced and excellent.
A lovely quaint small town vibe. Great for a weekend away. West Coast magic.
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Yzerfontein Beach
22 Beach RoadA lovely quaint small town vibe. Great for a weekend away. West Coast magic.
Sightseeing
NOTE: Due to fires in 2021 this restaurant is closed at the moment. There is a small coffee kiosk at the moment.
Mountain biking heaven along the jeep tracks above Rhodes Memorial, or just have a coffee or bite to eat at the restaurant.
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Isiphiwo se-Rhodes
Rhodes AvenueNOTE: Due to fires in 2021 this restaurant is closed at the moment. There is a small coffee kiosk at the moment.
Mountain biking heaven along the jeep tracks above Rhodes Memorial, or just have a coffee or bite to eat at the restaurant.
University of Cape Town
Beautiful University, my alma mater.
A must see - book online and go up the cablecar for magnificent jaw dropping views. Online bookings are valid for a week or so once you book in case of inclement weather. Restaurant at the top. Can also walk up the mountain - check guidebooks.
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I-Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
5821 Tafelberg RdA must see - book online and go up the cablecar for magnificent jaw dropping views. Online bookings are valid for a week or so once you book in case of inclement weather. Restaurant at the top. Can also walk up the mountain - check guidebooks.
Kite surfing paradise here! Usually windy, great pubs, coffee shops, walking place. Very long beach. A bit further along is Eden on the Bay - hang out on a weekend day and people watch.
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Bloubergstrand
Kite surfing paradise here! Usually windy, great pubs, coffee shops, walking place. Very long beach. A bit further along is Eden on the Bay - hang out on a weekend day and people watch.
Shopping
Cavendish Square
1 Dreyer StShopping centre, local, easy parking, shops galore.
Easy parking, coffee shops, Woolworths, Pick n Pay, pharmacy, gift shops etc.
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Constantia Village
Easy parking, coffee shops, Woolworths, Pick n Pay, pharmacy, gift shops etc.
Everything Else
Surfing, swimming, walking the sea walk to Kalk Bay, fish and chips at Lucky Fish. Best restaurant: Tigers Milk for sundowners and pizzas/burgers/music.
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Muizenberg Beach Club
165 Main RdSurfing, swimming, walking the sea walk to Kalk Bay, fish and chips at Lucky Fish. Best restaurant: Tigers Milk for sundowners and pizzas/burgers/music.
Fish Hoek Beach
Safe swimming, sea walk path.
Seaside town for ambling around, coffee shops, restaurants, can kayak to Boulders and back from here.
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Simon's Town Police Station
136 St George's StSeaside town for ambling around, coffee shops, restaurants, can kayak to Boulders and back from here.
Beach village atmosphere, sidewalk bars, coffee shops, restaurants, stunning beach for sundowners.
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Camps Bay
Beach village atmosphere, sidewalk bars, coffee shops, restaurants, stunning beach for sundowners.
Clifton
Four beautiful secluded beaches, freezing water, sundowners.
Walk the promenade along the seafront of Mouille Point to Sea Point and back. Restaurants, coffee shops, etc.
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Mouille Point
Walk the promenade along the seafront of Mouille Point to Sea Point and back. Restaurants, coffee shops, etc.
Food Scene
V&A Waterfront
19 Dock RdA must see.
Best sushi in town. This tiny place is tucked behind (to the right) of the Newlands Village wine shop and Cassis coffee shop. Easy to miss. I love their Fusion box with mixture of salmon roses, crispy (tempura) salmon rolls, and loaded rainbow rolls. Yum! No liquor licence or coffees but you can order from next door and they will bring it to you. They are open from 11:30am-9pm. Because of their uncomfortable seats, I prefer takeaways.
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Sushi Box Newlands
Main StreetBest sushi in town. This tiny place is tucked behind (to the right) of the Newlands Village wine shop and Cassis coffee shop. Easy to miss. I love their Fusion box with mixture of salmon roses, crispy (tempura) salmon rolls, and loaded rainbow rolls. Yum! No liquor licence or coffees but you can order from next door and they will bring it to you. They are open from 11:30am-9pm. Because of their uncomfortable seats, I prefer takeaways.
Great local restaurant in Newlands Village. Essential to book. Nothing fancy just good Italian cooking - pizzas, pastas, etc. There is a small bar inside the restaurant. Can walk there if going for lunch.
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Basilico
32 Kildare RdGreat local restaurant in Newlands Village. Essential to book. Nothing fancy just good Italian cooking - pizzas, pastas, etc. There is a small bar inside the restaurant. Can walk there if going for lunch.
Actually this is more than a coffee shop, it's a delightful little restaurant in a small house with gorgeous outdoor seating in the garden. Always buzzing. Get there early as they don't take bookings. Excellent cappuccino. Great breakfasts and lunches, albeit a limited menu. Only downside is it has become very expensive.
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Starlings
94 Belvedere RdActually this is more than a coffee shop, it's a delightful little restaurant in a small house with gorgeous outdoor seating in the garden. Always buzzing. Get there early as they don't take bookings. Excellent cappuccino. Great breakfasts and lunches, albeit a limited menu. Only downside is it has become very expensive.
This is more like a bar/restaurant - good hang out for after work drinks. Great outdoor patio with heaters if it's cold. Vibey place. Couples and singles, not really a family spot.
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Peddlars
Brounger RoadThis is more like a bar/restaurant - good hang out for after work drinks. Great outdoor patio with heaters if it's cold. Vibey place. Couples and singles, not really a family spot.
This is one of my favourite eating spots. Funky, vibey, hip. Excellent food - try the Moroccan bean salad with seared tuna as a starter. The pork belly is really good, and so is the almond tart for dessert. Seriously impressive food and brilliant service. Not for families - more for couples, friends, singles. Reservations essential.
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Black Sheep Restaurant
104 Kloof StThis is one of my favourite eating spots. Funky, vibey, hip. Excellent food - try the Moroccan bean salad with seared tuna as a starter. The pork belly is really good, and so is the almond tart for dessert. Seriously impressive food and brilliant service. Not for families - more for couples, friends, singles. Reservations essential.
Favourite spot for an excellent cappuccino, an extensive breakfast and lunch menu. Busy place, outside seating area under umbrellas. Exceptional service. Outside the Constantia Village shopping mall.
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tashas Constantia
Spaanschemat River RoadFavourite spot for an excellent cappuccino, an extensive breakfast and lunch menu. Busy place, outside seating area under umbrellas. Exceptional service. Outside the Constantia Village shopping mall.
This tapas style menu place is good for weekend lunches, drinks, evening get-togethers with groups of friends. Vibey, fun, youngish crowd in outdoor venue under tent canopy with heaters when chilly. Food is very good - in tapas style portions to share. Nice outdoor spot. (Be aware that there is an age limitation on Sunday "Sunday" of Males 23 and Females 21 due to live music etc.) Good idea to Uber there.
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La Parada Constantia Nek
1 Main RdThis tapas style menu place is good for weekend lunches, drinks, evening get-togethers with groups of friends. Vibey, fun, youngish crowd in outdoor venue under tent canopy with heaters when chilly. Food is very good - in tapas style portions to share. Nice outdoor spot. (Be aware that there is an age limitation on Sunday "Sunday" of Males 23 and Females 21 due to live music etc.) Good idea to Uber there.
An all time favourite restaurant. Reservations are essential - eclectic, amazing place that will definitely have you talking about the Miss Haversham style decoration! Food is excellent. Not cheap. Comfy bar to the rear - can book to drink in the bar lounge too.
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Kloof Street House
30 Kloof StAn all time favourite restaurant. Reservations are essential - eclectic, amazing place that will definitely have you talking about the Miss Haversham style decoration! Food is excellent. Not cheap. Comfy bar to the rear - can book to drink in the bar lounge too.
This is my all time favourite spot for wine tasting and a delicious meal or a light charcuterie platter with a stunning vineyard view. A lovely leafy drive to get there.
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Constantia Glen
Constantia Main RoadThis is my all time favourite spot for wine tasting and a delicious meal or a light charcuterie platter with a stunning vineyard view. A lovely leafy drive to get there.
This is the best place for sushi or Asian food. Their dim sum is awesome especially the pan fried pork dumplings. Green chicken curry medium hot is yum! In fact everything on the menu is delicious. Must book or the only space you’ll get is at the counter.
Thaiyashi
Main StreetThis is the best place for sushi or Asian food. Their dim sum is awesome especially the pan fried pork dumplings. Green chicken curry medium hot is yum! In fact everything on the menu is delicious. Must book or the only space you’ll get is at the counter.
One of the best local Italian restaurants with a casual atmosphere and excellent unpretentious food. Delicious mussels in white wine. Great pizzas. Take your own beer and wine as they are not licenced.
La Grotto Restaurant
Spaanschemat River RoadOne of the best local Italian restaurants with a casual atmosphere and excellent unpretentious food. Delicious mussels in white wine. Great pizzas. Take your own beer and wine as they are not licenced.
This is the best Indian food you will have! Small hole in the wall type of place - make sure you book. Delicious curries, also caters to vegetarians.
Sundoo Newlands
Dean StreetThis is the best Indian food you will have! Small hole in the wall type of place - make sure you book. Delicious curries, also caters to vegetarians.
Excellent prawns and seafood. Gorgeous view directly overlooking the water.
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Harbour House Kalk Bay
Main RoadExcellent prawns and seafood. Gorgeous view directly overlooking the water.
PIER Restaurant
If you looking for a gastronomic experience this is it - multi course, pricey but gorgeous. Every course is a delight.
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La Colombe Restaurant
Main RoadIf you looking for a gastronomic experience this is it - multi course, pricey but gorgeous. Every course is a delight.
Funky and eclectic, live music on the weekends. On Groot Constantia wine farm.
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Simon's Restaurant
Groot Constantia RoadFunky and eclectic, live music on the weekends. On Groot Constantia wine farm.
Lovely to sit under the trees outside or inside cosy and warm.
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Jonkershuis Restaurant South Africa
Groot Constantia RoadLovely to sit under the trees outside or inside cosy and warm.
Chapmans Peak Hotel
2 Chapmans Peak DrBest place for calamari & peri peri chicken
Drinks & Nightlife
Nearby, after-work crowd, special price (R70) for excellent bar food before 6pm. Good vibe on rugby nights. Jazz on Sunday evenings. Sit outside on the deck on a barmy evening and enjoy the bustle of Newlands Village.
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Barristers Grill & Cafe Newlands
Kildare RoadNearby, after-work crowd, special price (R70) for excellent bar food before 6pm. Good vibe on rugby nights. Jazz on Sunday evenings. Sit outside on the deck on a barmy evening and enjoy the bustle of Newlands Village.
A traditional pub with decent food, good local atmosphere especially on rugby days. Outside seating area always good in the summer with a separate, cordoned off play area for children. Inside for winter by the fire. (Outside they do close the roof and add heaters in winter too) Carvery on Sundays. Busy place especially if there is a sports game on, so get a spot early. Flat screen TVs are added when there is a sports game on.
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Foresters Arms
52 Newlands AveA traditional pub with decent food, good local atmosphere especially on rugby days. Outside seating area always good in the summer with a separate, cordoned off play area for children. Inside for winter by the fire. (Outside they do close the roof and add heaters in winter too) Carvery on Sundays. Busy place especially if there is a sports game on, so get a spot early. Flat screen TVs are added when there is a sports game on.
Perched on a hillside with magnificent views across vine covered hills. A lovely spot to while away the afternoon. Couples, friends, singles. It now has Chef's Warehouse as the restaurant offering. Pricey but food is exceptional and the service impeccable. Won't be disappointed in the food or the view - drop dead impressive!
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Beau Constantia
1043 Constantia Main RdPerched on a hillside with magnificent views across vine covered hills. A lovely spot to while away the afternoon. Couples, friends, singles. It now has Chef's Warehouse as the restaurant offering. Pricey but food is exceptional and the service impeccable. Won't be disappointed in the food or the view - drop dead impressive!
Essentials
This is probably the closest large chain grocery shop. Below the Virgin Active gym on the Main Road in Claremont. A good suggestion is to use their online store (www.picknpay.co.za) to order your groceries before you get here. Click on the quick link on the bottom left of the page. If you ask for delivery on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday, my housekeeper will be at home to accept the delivery on your behalf, and put things in the fridge, etc, for you. They have a large selection of wines and beers.
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Pick n Pay Sea Point
277 Main RdThis is probably the closest large chain grocery shop. Below the Virgin Active gym on the Main Road in Claremont. A good suggestion is to use their online store (www.picknpay.co.za) to order your groceries before you get here. Click on the quick link on the bottom left of the page. If you ask for delivery on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday, my housekeeper will be at home to accept the delivery on your behalf, and put things in the fridge, etc, for you. They have a large selection of wines and beers.
This is where I do the bulk of my shopping - easy, free parking, good access off the M3 freeway and only about 10 mins away by car. Light, bright, well stocked. In an upmarket mall with lots of other convenient shops and restaurants.
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Pick n Pay Constantia
Constantia Main RoadThis is where I do the bulk of my shopping - easy, free parking, good access off the M3 freeway and only about 10 mins away by car. Light, bright, well stocked. In an upmarket mall with lots of other convenient shops and restaurants.
Excellent groceries, convenient, easy parking within 10 minute drive. Great restaurants and coffee shops here too. A good suggestion is to use their online store (www.woolworths.co.za) to order top quality groceries (slightly more expensive than Pick n Pay) before you get here. If you ask for delivery on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday, my housekeeper will be at home to accept the delivery on your behalf, and put things in the fridge, etc, for you. They have a limited selection of wines and beer.
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Woolworths Constantia Village
Constantia Main RoadExcellent groceries, convenient, easy parking within 10 minute drive. Great restaurants and coffee shops here too. A good suggestion is to use their online store (www.woolworths.co.za) to order top quality groceries (slightly more expensive than Pick n Pay) before you get here. If you ask for delivery on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday, my housekeeper will be at home to accept the delivery on your behalf, and put things in the fridge, etc, for you. They have a limited selection of wines and beer.
Newlands Village on the corner of Kildare Avenue and Mains Street (NOT Main Road) is a quaint collection of shops, restaurants and pubs. Hans & Lloyd, Hazz, Cafe du Cap are great coffee shops. Barristers pub (Jazz on some Sunday evenings and lunch specials). Wine Concepts is a small independent shop selling quality wines and some beers. Tucked behind Wine Concepts is Sushibox, delicious sushi to eat in or takeaway. Diagonally opposite is Basilico's - a good family Italian restaurant.
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Newlands
Newlands Village on the corner of Kildare Avenue and Mains Street (NOT Main Road) is a quaint collection of shops, restaurants and pubs. Hans & Lloyd, Hazz, Cafe du Cap are great coffee shops. Barristers pub (Jazz on some Sunday evenings and lunch specials). Wine Concepts is a small independent shop selling quality wines and some beers. Tucked behind Wine Concepts is Sushibox, delicious sushi to eat in or takeaway. Diagonally opposite is Basilico's - a good family Italian restaurant.
This is probably the closest large chain grocery shop. Below the Virgin Active gym on the Main Road in Claremont, diagonally opposite the Engen garage. A good suggestion is to use their online store to order your groceries before you get here. Click on the quick link on the bottom left of the page. Book the delivery for the same time as your check in time. They have a large selection of wines and beers.
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Pick n Pay Claremont
Corner Main RdThis is probably the closest large chain grocery shop. Below the Virgin Active gym on the Main Road in Claremont, diagonally opposite the Engen garage. A good suggestion is to use their online store to order your groceries before you get here. Click on the quick link on the bottom left of the page. Book the delivery for the same time as your check in time. They have a large selection of wines and beers.
Pick n Pay Claremont
Corner Main Rd