The Best Places To Eat Al Fresco In Cape Town

Cape Town is a city filled with diversity, something that has always been reflected in its varied cuisine. With an average of almost 3,000 hours of sunshine every year, it’s also a great place to enjoy the outdoors: combine the two with our pick of the best al fresco venues in the city.

The Wild Fig

Restaurant, Mediterranean, Asian, Seafood

The Wild Fig has a charming outdoor courtyard, shaded by leafy trees throughout the summer. The restaurant is a popular dining spot with a relaxed ambiance. They serve French, Mediterranean, and seafood dishes either outdoors or in the pretty Cape vernacular building that houses the main dining room.

Sotano

Restaurant, Mediterranean

Sitting on a chair, enjoying the sea view while sipping coffee and gorging on a scrumptious breakfast spread – is there a better morning? Sotano is situated opposite Mouille Point’s iconic barber pole lighthouse, this Mediterranean-style restaurant offers scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean beyond. A great place to unwind, enjoy a cold glass of wine or a chilled beer and something from their brilliant tapas menu.

The Grand Cafe and Beach

Cafe, Restaurant, Bar, Bistro, Cocktail Bar, South African, Seafood, Wine, Beer, Cocktails

The Grand Cafe and Beach is one of Cape Town’s top al fresco spots. A true fine dining experience matched with stunning views of the seafront, its cocktail bar and lounge area is the see and be seen venue of Cape Town’s finest. The bistro-styled menu is filled with tasty seafood and international dishes – try the seafood platter.

Fraiche Ayres

Restaurant, African, Vegetarian

Nestled among pots, shrubs, herbs and trees, Fraiche Ayres is a delightful little place tucked in the Starke Ayres Nursery in the southern suburbs of Cape Town. They offer a range of foods for breakfast lunch and tea. The food is simple and fresh, and the quiches and sandwiches come highly recommended. The restaurant’s lavender and rose decor is warm and welcoming, and the outside seating areas are perfect for any weather, with blankets for when the evening turns chilly.

Beluga

Bar, Restaurant, Asian, Fusion, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Contemporary

One of Cape Town’s most loved seafood restaurants, Beluga is more often than not packed with patrons enjoying the all-week specials on handcrafted sushi and cocktails. The ambiance is fun and relaxed, and the interior decor and furnishings are reminiscent of dining in a trendy New York restaurant. There’s also a great cobbled courtyard where you can snack on an al fresco sushi platter all year round, with heaters and blankets to keep you warm during winter.

About the author

Shreyas Kulkarni

Shreyas Kulkarni has a BA where he studied History, Political Science and Economics. He holds an interest in writing and the use of game theory to develop a better and just world. Why write for The Culture Trip? It's a great place to read and write about the simple and important things in life. Literature, travel, food, culture, and art are the fields which can make humans better and more developed than money or a nine to five job. He hopes that you enjoy his writing.