Kloof Street is one of the coolest streets in Cape Town, boasting a variety of restaurants, bars, clothing boutiques and décor stores. Whether you’re craving pizza or sushi, here are the restaurants you have to try.
This vibey street-side restaurant and bar is a great place for dinner and sundowners. They have a daily blackboard menu offering a range of gourmet specials and a smaller set menu for those who enjoy eating their favourite dishes often. Black Sheep features three dining levels including a stunning mezzanine/lounge area, while the main floor has a great view of Table Mountain.
Café Paradiso is a Kloof Street institution that serves wholesome Mediterranean cuisine in a lovely garden setting. They offer a variety of dishes including breakfast, burgers, pasta, meats, desserts and freshly-baked cakes. Children get to try their hand at making their own pizza, while their parents relax over lunch. For mains, try the ribeye steak on a mushroom cream sauce, topped with a red wine, port and cranberry reduction or the herbed rosemary chicken served with salsa verde, quinoa and soft herb salad. The small but perfectly chosen wine list has some good varieties and blends from around the Cape Winelands.
Chalk & Cork is a cosy wine bar and tapas restaurant run by husband and wife team, Amy and Marc Botes. On the menu you’ll find a range of artfully presented meat, fish and vegetable tapas, charcuterie, wood-fired pizzas and scrumptious desserts. There’s a charming shaded courtyard where you can enjoy your tapas and vino under the trees.
Arnold’s is popular for their all-day breakfasts and unique South African game meat dishes. They have a vibey street-side dining area and indoor section for colder days. If you’re an adventurous eater, be sure to try Arnold’s signature warthog ribs or crocodile tagine.
The Bombay Bicycle Club is a bohemian-themed restaurant known for its quirky decor, happy hours and exceptional cuisine. On the menu you’ll find inventive modern and South African cuisine, decadent desserts, great wine and a range of classic and signature cocktails. Stand-outs include the oven-roasted rib eye of beef topped with a cranberry, port and rosemary jus, and the thyme and coriander crusted kudu loin served on garlic beans and bone marrow bon bons. For dessert, try the chocolate chilli and ginger malva pudding. If you’re planning to go, be sure to make a reservation as the restaurant is quite small.
Bardelli’s is a casual Italian restaurant known for their thin base, wood-fired pizza and traditional pasta dishes. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with friendly waiters and fast service. You will also find a branch in Harfield Village, Claremont.
Da Vinci’s is a popular hangout for families with children, and is best-known for their hunger-busting burgers and wood-fired pizzas. The ambiance is comfy and casual, with indoor and outdoor seating areas. Their dining tables are covered in blank newsprint, so you can practice your drawing skills with the crayons provided while you wait for your food. Besides their mouthwatering pizzas, house favourites include the burger-in-a-bowl served with a crunchy salad instead of a bun, and the prime-aged sirloin steak and spare ribs.
The Wellness Cafe is small daytime eatery situated in the Wellness Warehouse at the Lifestyle on Kloof Centre. They serve a variety of delicious raw, vegan and carb-conscious meals, smoothies, juices and organic coffee. Stand-outs include the bunless ostrich burger on a garden salad drizzled with tzatziki and honey dressing, and the lentils, wakame and roasted beetroot dish, topped with cranberries, coconut shavings and turmeric.
Rated one of the best Asian restaurants in the city, Saigon serves Vietnamese cuisine with Thai, Chinese and Japanese influences. Their extensive menu includes a variety of poultry, pork and beef dishes, which range from mild to hot, mouthwatering dim-sum and sushi as well as tofu and vegetable dishes for vegetarian diners. The restaurant features dark wood furniture with red Asian accents, and the ambiance is relaxed.
