From the savoury aromas of North African spices to the comforting flavours of West African stews, Cape Town’s variety of African restaurants invites food lovers on a journey through the continent’s culinary heritage. We will be embarking on a flavorful exploration of a few Cape Town restaurants, each offering a fusion of tradition and innovation. From acclaimed eateries serving Ethiopian injera to establishments celebrating the fiery delights of West African jollof rice and Ghanaian fufu, these dining establishments showcase the depth and diversity of Africa’s culinary treasures within Cape Town.
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Little Ethiopia 🛖
A great restaurant in Cape Town is Little Ethiopia, an African restaurant celebrated for its authenticity and excellence in Ethiopian cuisine. Garnering consistent acclaim as the best Ethiopian food in the city. At Little Ethiopia, the essence of their success lies in their unwavering commitment to crafting dishes from scratch. Only using the freshest ingredients and honouring ancient recipes, their culinary artisans orchestrate a symphony of flavours that captivate the senses.
The menu at Little Ethiopia is all halaal. From the spongy injera bread to the aromatic shiro and tantalizing tibs, the rich and varied offerings cater to both meat lovers with their delectable doro wot and vegetarians seeking flavourful options. Beyond the tantalizing flavours, what sets Little Ethiopia apart is its commitment to affordability without compromising on quality. Patrons revel in the joy of experiencing top-tier Ethiopian cuisine without straining their wallets. This restaurant beckons both the curious and the connoisseurs, promising an unforgettable journey through the robust and aromatic world of Ethiopian cuisine, making Little Ethiopia a must-visit destination for food adventurers in Cape Town.
Opening Hours for Little Ethiopia: Monday to Sunday from 11 am until 10 pm
Address: 76 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
Website: https://littleethiopia.co.za/
Contact Number: 061 252 7267
Marco’s African Place 🌍
Marco’s African Place is another great Cape Town restaurant, captivating the hearts and palates of both locals and globetrotters alike. With an extensive capacity accommodating 220 guests, this restaurant and bar has established itself as a sought-after destination renowned for its fusion of exquisite African cuisine and enthralling musical experiences. At Marco’s African Place, the rhythm of Africa resonates throughout the night with live music that captivates and energizes. Renowned marimba bands showcase the best local African melodies and dance, ensuring a lively atmosphere for all visitors.
The journey at Marco’s is an adventure in Pan-African flavours. Indulge in their iconic Pan African Platter featuring Springbok, Kudu, and Ostrich, offering a yummy exploration of South Africa’s different game meats. For the more adventurous, delicacies like Crocodile and Impala showcase the restaurant’s commitment to presenting unique and authentic tastes. Their dedication to preserving tradition shines through with a selection of Traditional Xhosa Dishes, allowing guests to savour the essence of indigenous South African cuisine. Complementing these culinary delights is Marco’s home-brewed African beer, a refreshing accompaniment to the flavorful dishes and lively environment. Marco’s African Place is more than a restaurant; it’s a cultural experience, a celebration of African food, music, and heritage that beckons all to indulge.
Opening Hours for Marco’s African Place: Monday to Sunday from 12 am to 11 pm
Address: 15 Rose Lane,Schotsche Kloof / Bo-kaap ,Cape Town
Website:https://www.marcosafricanplace.com/
Contact Number: 021 423 5412
Pahari African Restaurant 💘
Pahari African Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Cape Town located in the middle of Cape Town, it offers a distinctive dining encounter steeped in the rich traditions of African culinary heritage. The name “Pahari” draws its roots from the Shona language, symbolizing “a place of pots,” an ode to the traditional African cooking vessels crafted from clay, revered for infusing dishes with unparalleled flavours over open flames. This establishment holds a profound mission: to resurrect the lost recipes and culinary expertise of the past, aiming to recapture the authentic tastes that once graced African tables.
Pahari African Restaurant meticulously crafts its dishes around Sadza, also known as Pap, a staple in Shona cuisine made from a variety of millets, primarily maize, supplemented by rapoko (finger millet) or brown rice. Sadza serves as the centrepiece, complemented by an array of relishes like beef stew, ox trotters, tripe with offals, free-range chicken, and the renowned Mopane worms, a delicacy from the forests of Matabeleland in Zimbabwe. Every plate also embraces green vegetables, fried or served in peanut butter, accentuating the flavours and textures of the meal. Pahari African Restaurant’s philosophy resonates with the belief that African traditional cuisine should be universally shared and celebrated among food enthusiasts worldwide. The restaurant warmly invites all to partake in this exceptional food journey, offering an opportunity to savour and relish the true essence of African flavours and traditions in a welcoming and authentic setting.
Opening Hours for Pahari African Restaurant: Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm
Address: 121 Cecil Road, Salt River, Cape Town
Website:https://pahari.co.za/
Contact Number: 078 107 1541
Gold Restaurant 🪙
Gold Restaurant transcends the boundaries of a typical dining experience, offering an authentic and immersive journey into African culture and cuisine. More than just a restaurant, Gold calls on customers to a captivating 14-dish taste safari, an adventure for your palate that celebrates the various flavours of the continent. What sets Gold apart is its dedication to providing an all-encompassing experience. Beyond the sumptuous array of dishes, guests are treated to the mesmerizing performances of traditional Mali puppets and live entertainment, creating a lively and fun environment.
The restaurant offers a variety of experiences and menus to cater to most preferences. Guests can participate in the optional djembe drumming session at 6:30 pm, adding a rhythmic element to the evening for R120 per person. The 14 Dish African Feast’s main attraction and live performances invite guests to indulge in a culinary extravaganza for R455 per person. Gold Restaurant in Cape Town ensures inclusivity with its menus, offering a Standard Menu featuring a range of options from South African roosterkoek to Moroccan chicken almond pie. Their Plant-Based Menu mirrors this diversity, catering to vegetarian and vegan preferences with an equally extensive array of flavorful dishes. This holistic experience at Gold Restaurant is more than just regular dining, inviting guests to embark on a sensory voyage through Africa’s culinary and cultural landscape, creating cherished memories of an amazing and immersive evening in Cape Town.
Opening Hours for Gold Restaurant: Monday to Sunday from 06:30 am to 11 pm
Address: 15 Bennett Street, Green Point, Cape Town
Website:https://goldrestaurant.co.za/
Contact Number: 021 421 4653
Mzansi Restaurant 🍽️
Mzansi Restaurant stands as a beacon of authentic South African culinary heritage, eschewing the conventional a la carte format to showcase the rich tapestry of Xhosa cuisine through a traditional buffet-style dining experience. Mzansi is committed to preserving the essence of South African flavours by employing four local Mamas, ensuring unwavering authenticity and culinary mastery in every dish. At R320 per person, guests are invited to savour the tantalizing flavours of the Authentic 13 Dish Mzansi Buffet. The menu is a celebration of South African culinary artistry, featuring an array of delectable dishes ranging from Chakalaka Salad and Greek Salad to Mama’s Coleslaw and Broccoli with Cranberries.
Diners can relish in a hearty selection that includes Traditional IsiXhosa Beef Stew, Roasted Root Vegetables, Umngqusho (samp and beans), and Umxhaxha, a tantalizing fusion of Butternut mixed with Corn Mealies wrapped in Aubergine. The feast continues with Mzansi’s Spinach and mushrooms, Crispy Potatoes, and Savory Rice, culminating in the sweet indulgence of Malva Pudding for dessert. Mzansi Restaurant offers more than just a meal; it provides an immersive journey into the heart of South African culture and culinary traditions, inviting guests to experience the warmth and richness of Xhosa cuisine in a communal setting.
Opening Hours for Mzansi Restaurant: Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm
Address: 45 Harlem Avenue, Langa Cape Town
Website:https://goldrestaurant.co.za/
Contact Number:073 709 2324
Karibu Restaurant 🪘
Karibu Restaurant emerges as a gateway to savour South African flavours. Its setting, perfectly poised between the natural beauty of the landscape, sets the stage for an extraordinary dining affair, inviting patrons to participate in a unique culinary theatre. At Karibu, guests are welcomed into an oasis where the untamed spirit of Africa converges with a lavish dining atmosphere. This fusion creates a feeling that encapsulates the rugged allure of the continent while celebrating the tapestry of South Africa’s cultural heritage.
Karibu Restaurant is the epitome of the ultimate South African dining experience within the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town. Beyond its lovely location, it is renowned for not just its exceptional cuisine but also for fostering a community of great people, creating a warm and inviting space where food and camaraderie intertwine seamlessly. From the exquisite flavours to the immersive cultural atmosphere, Karibu Restaurant invites visitors to partake in an unforgettable journey through South Africa’s culinary richness, promising an experience that resonates long after the last bite is savoured—a celebration of great food and the full spirit of South Africa.
Opening Hours for Karibu Restaurant: Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 10:30 pm
Address: Shop 156 Breakwater Blvd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Website:https://kariburestaurant.co.za/
Contact Number: 021 421 7005
Mama Africa Cape Town 💓
Another esteemed restaurant Cape Town holds dear is Mama Africa, it stands as a beacon of African culinary heritage, offering a tantalizing journey through the continent’s various flavours. More than a mere restaurant, Mama Africa embraces its role as an ambassador of African culture, weaving together a tapestry of authentic tastes and traditions. The menu at Mama Africa is a testament to the richness of African cuisine, showcasing an array of traditional dishes crafted with the utmost care and expertise. From savoury stews to aromatic spices, each dish is a masterpiece, meticulously prepared by chefs well-versed in the art of traditional African cooking techniques, utilizing only the freshest and finest ingredients.
However, Mama Africa goes beyond just serving delectable meals. The restaurant is a celebration of African culture in its entirety. From the fun music that fills the air to the beautiful decor adorning its walls, every element invites patrons on an immersive cultural journey. But perhaps Mama Africa’s greatest offering is its warm and inclusive vibe, fostering a sense of community and connection among guests. It’s a space where strangers become friends over shared meals, where the joys of discovering African tastes are accompanied by the embrace of an enriching cultural experience. Mama Africa captures the spirit of Africa – inviting all to partake in its culinary treasures while fostering a sense of unity and celebration, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the varied flavours and culture of the continent whether you come alone or with family and friends you will feel at home.
Opening Hours for Mama Africa Cape Town: Monday to Sunday from 12 pm to 2 am
Address: 178 Long Street, Cape Town City Center, Cape Town
Website:https://www.mamaafricacpt.com/
Contact Number: 060 934 8063
Each African restaurant, whether it’s the rhythmic beats and 14-dish safari at Gold or the communal warmth and authentic Xhosa cuisine at Mzansi, paints a unique portrait of Africa’s culinary prowess. The flavours, aromas, and traditions are woven into every dish at Marco’s, Little Ethiopia’s dedication to authenticity, and Mama Africa’s cultural celebration, all collectively form a beautiful mosaic of African culture and heritage. Through immersive experiences, these restaurants beckon patrons on a sensory voyage, uniting them in the celebration of African flavours. They’re more than just places to eat; these restaurants in Cape Town are communal spaces where stories are shared, connections are forged, and the richness of Africa is savoured. Come visit Cape Town today and see all it has to offer!
