There’s something about summer in Cape Town that invites long lunches, golden-hour cocktails and dinners that linger well into the evening. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, choosing where to eat can feel overwhelming, in the best possible way. Picture dining with the Atlantic Ocean stretching out before you, Table Mountain rising in the background, or the city lights sparkling as the sun sets. Cape Town’s restaurants offer some of the most spectacular settings in the world.
Below is our carefully curated summer dining guide. No hype and no hard sell. Just exceptional places to eat, drink and savour the city’s stunning scenery.
In this blog we cover…
- The Lawns at the Roundhouse, Camps Bay – a forest hideaway with ocean and mountain views
- Azure Restaurant at The Twelve Apostles – fine dining with locally sourced seafood
- The Bungalow by Kove Collection, Clifton – golden hour sunsets and beachside glamour
- Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic – contemporary tapas with panoramic ocean vistas
- Utopia Cape Town – elevated city dining with Mediterranean-inspired dishes
- Grand Africa Café & Beach, Granger Bay – relaxed beachfront dining with a lively atmosphere
- Rick’s Café Américain, Gardens – historic villa with Moroccan and international flavours
- Blowfish Restaurant, Blouberg – seafood and sushi with stunning sunset views
- On the Rocks Restaurant, Bloubergstrand – classic Cape seafood with Table Mountain as a backdrop
The Lawns at the Roundhouse, Camps Bay
Tucked away at the foot of Table Mountain, The Lawns at the Roundhouse feels like a secret garden with one of the best views in Cape Town. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Apostles mountain range, this pet-friendly venue is ideal for breakfast, brunch, lunch or sundowners.
Set on historic grounds within Table Mountain National Park, guests can dine on the lawns, on the deck, or enjoy pre-ordered picnic baskets beneath shaded cabanas. It is relaxed yet special, perfect for slow summer mornings or sunset drinks with the ocean stretching endlessly ahead.
Image: @thelawns_ct on Instagram
Azure Restaurant at The Twelve Apostles
Consistently recognised as one of South Africa’s finest hotel restaurants, Azure pairs panoramic sea views with beautifully considered Cape cuisine. Led by Executive Chef Christo Pretorius, the menu celebrates seasonality, sustainability and locally sourced ingredients, particularly seafood.
Expect refined dishes featuring mussels, oysters, crayfish, prawns and sustainably caught fish, all served in an elegant space of crisp linens and plush seating. Azure is a destination for special occasions, long lunches and evenings where the food tells a story of place.
Image: @12apostleshotel on Instagram
The Bungalow by Kove Collection, Clifton
Perfectly positioned above the Clifton reserve, The Bungalow is synonymous with Cape Town’s golden hour. This iconic standalone venue offers uninterrupted views of the Atlantic, framed by Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles.
The atmosphere is glamorous yet relaxed, with terrace seating, a splash pool and live DJs setting the mood. The menu caters to every preference, from sushi and seafood to burgers and salads, making it a favourite for post-beach dining and sunset cocktails.
Image: thebungalowclifton on Instagram
Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic
Built dramatically into the cliffs along Chapman’s Peak Drive, this is one of the most memorable dining locations in the city. The ocean feels close enough to touch, whether seated indoors or on the terrace.
The contemporary tapas-style menu is designed for sharing, with small plates crafted from fresh, locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Lunch or dinner here is about slowing down and enjoying the setting as much as the food.
Image: @chefswarehousetintswalo on Instagram
Utopia Cape Town
Located on the 15th floor, Utopia delivers dining elevated in every sense. Guests can choose views of the city, harbour or Lion’s Head, while enjoying Mediterranean-influenced bistro dishes served in generous portions.
The menu ranges from shellfish and fresh fish to flavourful meat cuts, complemented by a carefully curated wine list featuring award-winning South African producers. It suits business lunches, relaxed dinners and sunset drinks equally well.
Image: @utopiacapetown on Instagram
Grand Africa Café & Beach, Granger Bay
Set on its own private beach, Grand Africa Café and Beach offers a carefree dining experience right within the city. Wooden decks, open-air seating and views stretching towards Robben Island create an immediate sense of escape.
The menu focuses on fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas, salads and light meals, paired with cocktails, local wines and cold beers across five vibrant bars. By day it is laid-back and sun-soaked, while evenings bring music and a lively, celebratory atmosphere.
Image: @grandafricacafeandbeachon Instagram
Rick’s Café Américain, Gardens
Housed in a beautifully restored 1912 villa, Rick’s Café Américain blends historic charm with Moroccan flair and international influence. The rooftop terrace offers superb mountain views, sheltered from the elements and cooled by misting systems on warm afternoons.
The menu reflects a global mix, including Moroccan tagines, Mediterranean platters, burgers and generous comfort dishes. Downstairs, the bar boasts one of South Africa’s most extensive spirits collections, with live jazz adding to the atmosphere on weekends.
Image: @rickscapetown on Instagram
Blowfish Restaurant, Blouberg
With sweeping views of Table Mountain across the bay, Blowfish is a favourite for sundowners and seaside dining. Located at Dolphin Beach Hotel, it is known for fresh seafood, inventive sushi and warm, professional service.
For the best sunset experience, request a table in the Conservatory or step directly onto the beach for photographs as the sky changes colour.
Image: @blowfishcapetown onInstagram
On the Rocks Restaurant, Bloubergstrand
A long-standing local favourite, On the Rocks combines classic Cape seafood with modern flair. The menu includes oysters, mussels, Cape Malay curry, grilled game and ostrich carpaccio.
As the sun sets over Table Bay, the restaurant becomes a warm and romantic space, well suited to family dinners, celebrations and business entertaining, all with Table Mountain as the backdrop.
Image: @ontherocks_rest on Instagram
Where You Stay Matters Too
Great meals are only part of a memorable Cape Town summer. Where you stay shapes the entire experience, from location and convenience to having a calm, comfortable space to return to each day.
At Nox Cape Town, we specialise in exceptional holiday rentals across the city’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, making it easy to experience Cape Town at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to dine out in Cape Town during summer?
Late morning to early afternoon is ideal for lunches, while dinners are best timed around sunset, especially for ocean-facing restaurants.
Do I need to book restaurants in advance?
Yes, particularly during peak summer months from December to February, as popular venues fill up quickly.
Are these restaurants suitable for special occasions?
Many are ideal for anniversaries, celebrations and business entertaining, especially Azure, Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo Atlantic and Utopia.
Is Cape Town dining family-friendly?
Several venues, including The Lawns at the Roundhouse and Grand Africa Café and Beach, are well suited to families and relaxed group dining.
Where should I stay to be close to top restaurants?
Camps Bay, Clifton, the Atlantic Seaboard and the city bowl offer easy access to many of Cape Town’s best dining destinations.