Eating out in Cape Town can be summed up in four words: top quality, fresh ingredients. The food is a melting pot of African, Eastern, Dutch and English flavours. The Cape Malay community brought spices from the Far East to this corner of Africa generations ago. The aromatic Oriental flavours of cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and turmeric infuse sweet, mild curries. Key dishes include bobotie – meat or fish pie, rich with the flavours of Indonesia such as nutmeg, turmeric and bay leaves. It is served topped with egg custard and accompanied by traditional chutney. Hearty dishes are served with yellow rice or accompanied with the flavours of pumpkin fritters or Masala chips. Many of the Cape’s premier restaurants are situated on wine estates, where the best local wines complement fine fare.

One of the main tourist spots is the V&A waterfront, and you will find a broad range of restaurants. As a popular tourist spot they can be crowded and expensive thyough. Another highlight is the area around Long Street with its many cafés and restaurants (frequented by a multi-ethnic clientèle), while the trendy area of De Waterkant between Bo Kaap and Green Point above Somerset Road also boasts good food and a great atmosphere.

"Dine with supermodels and the beautiful people in Camps Bay, which has many hip eateries and nightspots overlooking the beach along Victoria Road."

Wine tours

With South African wines becoming highly popular worldwide, the number of tourists who visit Cape Town to learn more about the local wines is rapidly expanding. The impressive variety of vineyards in Cape Town and the surrounding Cape Winelands make the choice which one to visit and which wine to taste very difficult. It is a good idea to rely on one of the established wine tour operators. Guests should insist on a knowledgable guide.