10 Of South Africa's Best Restaurants

If you’re visiting South Africa make sure to grab a table at as many of these top restaurants as you can manage. From tapas and sushi to Italian and everything in between, these are ten of South Africa’s best restaurants.

1. Chef’s Warehouse & Canteen

Restaurant, Contemporary, Tapas

The restaurant has a laid back atmosphere but the food is world class

Chef’s Warehouse & Canteen in Cape Town has a menu that changes daily and their tapas set menu is a firm favorite. The restaurant has a canteen style and they don’t take bookings, so getting there early is your best option to snatch a table at this popular restaurant. Try the above-mentioned tapas menu, it’s served in three courses and can take up to an hour to prepare, so go hungry and don’t make other plans.

2. DW Eleven-13

Restaurant, Contemporary

A dining experience at DW Eleven-13 is a gastronomic delight not to be passed up

Think experimental cuisine and traditional dishes with a twist, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at DW Eleven-13. Choose between a four-course menu or a tasting menu, both available as vegetarian options, and expect dishes like Impala loin with pear atchar, parsnip purée, dukkha, charred leeks, and a cinnamon jus.

3. Foliage

Restaurant, Contemporary

All dishes are developed around seasonal produce

Foliage restaurant in Franschhoek is all about foraging, from mushrooms to herbs. As such, the menu is seasonal and offers patrons five courses with or without wine pairing. Head chef Chris Erasmus has a field-to-fork method and incorporates most of what he finds while foraging in the Franschhoek surrounds into his exciting dishes. Meat is free-range and the restaurant is a clever mixture between a bistro and luxury farmhouse.

5. Level Four at 54 on Bath

Restaurant, Contemporary, South African

An innovative mushroom dish by Chef Matthew Foxon

Level Four at 54 on Bath offers guests classical dining with contemporary influences. Whether you’d like to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast on the terrace, a high-tea on a sunny afternoon or a romantic dinner, Level Four offers all of this and much more. Dishes are innovative and the menu has included gems such as lemon and paprika quail served with caramel potato, coffee parsnip, baby spinach, and hibiscus flower.

6. Luce at Southern Sun, Hyde Park

Boutique Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, Contemporary, Sushi, Asian, Italian, Japanese

Luce specializes in traditional Italian cuisine combined with Japanese elements and flavors. Try the Osso Buco or the veal tortellini, and, if you’re in the mood for something lighter, order the sushi. The wine menu is also impressive and offers the finest South African and Italian options.

7. Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient

Boutique Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, Contemporary, Fusion

African Aromas is part of the autumn/winter 2017 menu at Restaurant Mosaic

Restaurant Mosaic is housed within The Orient Boutique Hotel and is one of the top recommended restaurants in the country. The restaurant is beautifully decorated in true Art Nouveau fashion and has a romantic atmosphere to match. The menu is seasonal and Chef Chantel Dartnall is inspired by cuisine from all over the world, which she experienced on her travels.

8. The Sugar Club at Beverly Hills

Boutique Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, Contemporary, Fusion, South African, Indian

The restaurant received the Diners Diamond Award in 2014 and 2015

The Sugar Club at Beverly Hills in uMhlanga is specifically famous for its impressive desserts and its impressive wine list. A high-tea at The Sugar Club is a wonderful experience, and the menu includes sweet and savory treats as well as tea and coffee. It’s the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon while taking in the views of the Indian ocean.

9. The Test Kitchen

Restaurant, Contemporary, Fusion, South African

The Test Kitchen is one of the most on-demand restaurants in Cape Town and Chef Luke Dale-Roberts boasts numerous awards for his contemporary dishes. The restaurant is all about entertainment through experiencing food, so make sure you go hungry and don’t make any other plans.

10. The Restaurant at Waterkloof

Restaurant, Wine Bar, Wine Seller, French, Contemporary

The view from the restaurant is breathtaking, adding to the total package

The Restaurant at Waterkloof is the ultimate wine tasting and dining experience. Set in the heart of the Cape Winelands on the Waterkloof Wines estate, the restaurant protrudes from the main cellar overlooking the beautiful landscape below. The restaurant has an open kitchen and the over-arching cooking style is classic, but with added French inspiration. All meals are prepared using only the freshest, organic produce and the Sample Degustation menu is recommended to enjoy the complete culinary experience.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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