A Local’s Guide to Gardens, Cape Town: Restaurants & Activities You’ll Love

If you find yourself in Cape Town and someone tells you to explore "Gardens", don’t expect manicured lawns or polite hedges (though De Waal Park might surprise you). Gardens is one of the most charming and walkable neighbourhoods in the city, tucked neatly below Table Mountain, bursting with character, creativity, and an unmistakable local heartbeat.

Whether you're here for a long stay or just a long weekend, we've put together a guide of our favourite spots — the places we take our best friends and visiting cousins, and, yes, even their bosses. Here’s how to eat, drink, and soak in the local life in Gardens.

Start With a Little Culture: Activities in Gardens

The Labia Theatre

This isn't just a cinema; it's a Cape Town institution. The Labia is South Africa’s oldest independent art house theatre and the kind of place that reminds you why we still go to the movies. With four intimate screens and a dreamy little courtyard, it’s the only cinema where you can sip a glass of wine or a slushy cocktail during the film (try the glühwein in winter – you’ll thank us). Tucked just off Orange Street, it’s perfect for a pre- or post-dinner outing. Art films, cult classics, and the occasional documentary make up the line-up, and there’s popcorn, chocolate and good coffee at the ready.

Afternoon Tea at Mount Nelson

Even if you’re not staying at the iconic pink hotel, you must make time for Afternoon Tea. Inside the elegant Lounge, you’ll be treated to a rolling parade of sweet and savoury delights,  from Karoo beef puff pastries to delicately layered cakes. There are over 60 teas to choose from, including local infusions like honeybush and rooibos. It’s a little slice of grandeur that makes you slow down and appreciate the moment. Come hungry and maybe with something smart-ish to wear.

De Waal Park

If you’re in the mood for some fresh air, De Waal Park is a lovely pocket of green right in the city. It’s Cape Town’s first and largest public park (after the Company’s Gardens), lined with old trees and full of dog walkers, kids, and locals out for a jog or picnic. In summer, Sunday concerts draw a laid-back crowd with blankets and wine. It’s peaceful, charming, and very Cape Town.

Where to Eat & Drink in Gardens

Our Local

A hidden gem just off Kloof Street, this converted mechanic’s workshop is now a leafy haven of vintage furniture, great toasties and even better vibes. Come for a lazy brunch or swing by on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night for cocktails and their new dinner menu, think generous Mediterranean-style plates with options for vegans and meat-lovers alike.

Fat Cactus

This place has been serving up jugs of frozen margaritas and epic Tex-Mex favourites for years. It’s a little loud, a little cheeky, and always a good time. Grab a seat on the terrace, order some chilli poppers and a round of nachos, and watch the world go by.

The Dog's Bollocks at YARD

If you’re after legendary burgers, excellent pizzas, or a long brunch that turns into cocktails, YARD delivers every time. It’s not just a restaurant — it’s a bit of a Cape Town rite of passage. Quirky service, a fun atmosphere, and blues music in the background make it feel like a friend’s kitchen, if your friend happened to be a top-tier chef.

Yours Truly

Wrapped in greenery and filled with a buzzy, youthful crowd, Yours Truly is part café, part bar, part chill-zone. Pop in for pizza and a beer on tap, and you’ll probably end up staying longer than expected. The vibe is backpacker meets Kloof Street cool, with music drifting up from the bar and fairy lights tangled in the trees.

Nonna Lina

This unassuming Italian spot just next to the Labia is beloved by locals — and with good reason. With its Sardinian roots and home-style cooking, it’s a go-to for comfort food done right. Think hearty pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and tiramisu that could compete with nonna’s.

Zuney Wagyu

Recently crowned Best Burger Joint in South Africa (yes, really), Zuney Wagyu is for serious burger fans. They serve up beefy brilliance straight from their own farm, with a commitment to quality and sustainability. It’s high-end fast food, and it’s brilliant.

Rick’s Café American

Warm, eclectic, and full of atmosphere, Rick’s feels like walking into someone’s (very stylish) living room. With three fireplaces and a rooftop deck that offers dreamy views of Table Mountain, it’s perfect for a relaxed dinner or a drink or two. The menu leans Mediterranean with global touches — from gourmet burgers to Moroccan tagines.

Club Kloof

If you’re craving modern Italian-ish small plates in a sleek setting, Club Kloof is your answer. Their pizzettes are made with sourdough and flair (don’t miss the mortadella and pistachio one), and the hazelnut crème fraîche potatoes are life-changing. It’s walk-ins at the bar and outside, but you’ll want to book for the indoor tables — they go fast.

Final Thoughts

Gardens is one of those places that effortlessly blends Cape Town’s history with its ever-evolving creativity. Whether you're sipping cocktails under fairy lights, watching a film with a slushy in hand, or indulging in a tower of pastries at a pink palace, there’s something here for every kind of traveller.

At Nox Cape Town, we love this neighbourhood because it truly represents the heart and soul of the city. So next time you’re in town, skip the guidebooks. Just ask us what’s good in Gardens.

We’ll always have something to recommend.

Cover Photo by Priscilla Du Preez