Visitors to South Africa largely express their desire to visit and experience places where the local people spend time, away from the so-called tourist routes and traps.
In Cape Town there is no better place to start this cultural experience than dining out at establishments which have existed and prospered with regular local patronage for many years and in some cases for over a hundred years.
Capetonians are social people with multicultural backgrounds spawned from the common nickname, “Tavern of the Seas”, as Cape Town was where sick, weary and weather- beaten sailors and travellers from around the world, after months at sea would stop, relax and refresh. Relaxing was definitely taken to heart and still exists amongst Capetonians and the list below will guide you to exactly where you will currently find casual comfort and scrumptious food, offering superb value as it was found at some of the establishments, over 150 years ago.
In Chronological order
Perseverance Tavern, City est.1808, wine and malt license issued 1836. Commonly known as “Percies”. Hearty pub menu.
Forrester’s Arms, Newlands est.1852 became a Tavern and Inn 1881. Affectionately known by all as “Forries”. Indoor Fire place, outdoor beer-garden, Carvery, a’la carte and Pizza.
Seaforth Restaurant, Simons Town est.1950 as a tearoom turned restaurant and renovated in 1996 after a major fire. Views and mixed choice menu.
Hussar Grill, Rondebosch, est. .1964, Great Steaks.
La Perla, Sea Point, est.1969, a promenade institution.
Nelson’s Eye, City, est. 1960’s, steaks as legendary as its' neighbour Mount Nelson hotel.
Brad’s Grill ,Harfield Village, est.1978, Pepper sauce fillet at its best, Legend status.
Anatoli, Green Point, est.1987, Turkish, meze and Lamb, perfect for something a little different.
Cattle Baron Chain, est.1987, focus on Tableview restaurant, 400gram rump & sauce, absolute winner.
Dias Tavern, City,est.1988, a Cape Town institution, Peri-Peri Chicken and more, Legend status.
Chapmans Peak Hotel restaurant, Hout Bay,est.1988, best know calamari in town.
Bayside Cafe, Tableview, est.1989, ex Camps Bay, renowned spareribs and complementary veg.
Peddlers on the Bend, Constantia, est1993, restaurant, pub and beer garden,
Kalkys in Kalk Bay Harbour, est.1996, the best fish ’n chips, informal, unique atmosphere.
Olympia Cafe & Deli, Kalk Bay, est.1998, Sunday favourite.
Fat Cactus, Mowbray, est.1998, Mexican, best chilli-poppers in Cape Town.
If you are a local Capetownian reading this please add any other restaurants which come to mind which are not mentioned which have over a decade of trade behind their names. You are welcome to add this info in the comments.
In Cape Town there is no better place to start this cultural experience than dining out at establishments which have existed and prospered with regular local patronage for many years and in some cases for over a hundred years.
Capetonians are social people with multicultural backgrounds spawned from the common nickname, “Tavern of the Seas”, as Cape Town was where sick, weary and weather- beaten sailors and travellers from around the world, after months at sea would stop, relax and refresh. Relaxing was definitely taken to heart and still exists amongst Capetonians and the list below will guide you to exactly where you will currently find casual comfort and scrumptious food, offering superb value as it was found at some of the establishments, over 150 years ago.
In Chronological order
Perseverance Tavern, City est.1808, wine and malt license issued 1836. Commonly known as “Percies”. Hearty pub menu.
Forrester’s Arms, Newlands est.1852 became a Tavern and Inn 1881. Affectionately known by all as “Forries”. Indoor Fire place, outdoor beer-garden, Carvery, a’la carte and Pizza.
Seaforth Restaurant, Simons Town est.1950 as a tearoom turned restaurant and renovated in 1996 after a major fire. Views and mixed choice menu.
Hussar Grill, Rondebosch, est. .1964, Great Steaks.
La Perla, Sea Point, est.1969, a promenade institution.
Nelson’s Eye, City, est. 1960’s, steaks as legendary as its' neighbour Mount Nelson hotel.
Brad’s Grill ,Harfield Village, est.1978, Pepper sauce fillet at its best, Legend status.
Anatoli, Green Point, est.1987, Turkish, meze and Lamb, perfect for something a little different.
Cattle Baron Chain, est.1987, focus on Tableview restaurant, 400gram rump & sauce, absolute winner.
Dias Tavern, City,est.1988, a Cape Town institution, Peri-Peri Chicken and more, Legend status.
Chapmans Peak Hotel restaurant, Hout Bay,est.1988, best know calamari in town.
Bayside Cafe, Tableview, est.1989, ex Camps Bay, renowned spareribs and complementary veg.
Peddlers on the Bend, Constantia, est1993, restaurant, pub and beer garden,
Kalkys in Kalk Bay Harbour, est.1996, the best fish ’n chips, informal, unique atmosphere.
Olympia Cafe & Deli, Kalk Bay, est.1998, Sunday favourite.
Fat Cactus, Mowbray, est.1998, Mexican, best chilli-poppers in Cape Town.
If you are a local Capetownian reading this please add any other restaurants which come to mind which are not mentioned which have over a decade of trade behind their names. You are welcome to add this info in the comments.
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