A good travel accommodation motto is "never settle for less than what you have at home." Staying at Acorn House doesn't compromise that maxim; indeed, it's better than staying at home due to the enthusiasm and professionalism of its staff to help you get the most from your holiday. Acorn House was originally built for the the Editor of the Cape Times, early in the 20th century and was converted to its present form about 10 years ago. It's full of original features and sits high above Montrose Avenue, looking down across Cape Town and Table Bay. The Manager, Stewart (ably assisted by Jade), was incredibly helpful with advice on what to do, where to go and eat, where to park, etc. We had an excellent room on the ground-floor, with our own terrace next to the herb garden. There's a plunge pool if the heat gets too much, and a beautiful terrace for taking afternoon tea and breakfast. The latter was the best we had in South Africa with an extensive buffet and a daily-changing hot dish. The area is very quiet and it's close enough to the city centre to walk to restaurants on Kloof Street etc. The good thing about staying in a guest house is that you have more interaction with your fellow guests than you would staying in a hotel - we picked up lots of tips about Cape Town and other places on our itinerary. We had a great time and can't recommend Acorn House enough.

1 Montrose Avenue, Oranjezicht, Cape Town 8001
Tel: +27 21 461 1782
www.acornhouse.co.za

Google map: tinyurl.com/yc8wwze

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Situated off the national road within easy driving distance of Cape Town in Somerset West, is Vergelegen Wine Estate.

Picnic among some of the Cape's oldest camphor and yellowwood trees in the extensive grounds that showcase South Africa's chequered history and Cape Dutch architecture. Experience the sensory beauty of the cultivated rose and herb gardens, the original Van der Stel Winery, the Library, mill, ruins and Slave Lodge as well as authentic Pigeon House.

Breakfast al fresco at The Rose Terrace Bistro, open November to April or sample the fish, meat and vegetarian dishes which are served in the Lady Phillips restaurant together with a selection of premium Vergelegen wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz varieties. Cellar tours are also offered.

Combined with good weather an outing to Vergelegen is well worth its R10 entrance fee. As it is very popular, booking is advised. It is a thoroughly enjoyable experience and well worth a visit especially if heading from Cape Town to Hermanus to enjoy some whale watching.

Web: www.vergelegen.co.za
Phone : +27 21 847 1334
Address: Lourensford Road, Somerset West, South Africa

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This upmarket Cape Town Hotel, spa and restaurant offers uninterrupted sea views of the Atlantic Ocean and is positioned beneath the slopes of the Twelve Apostles mountain range on the Cape peninsula amidst a backdrop of unspoilt fynbos vegetation. The Twelve Apostles Hotel has no immediate neighbours yet is less than a 30 minute drive from the heart of bustling Cape Town along one of this coast's most scenic roads.

The location caters for those seeking tranquillity and offers every comfort including five star facilities and a private cinema for after dinner screenings. Besides the Leopard Room bar, popular for sunset cocktails and an envious collection of vodka and port, a café offering light meals, or the option of afternoon tea, the main draw card is the Azure Restaurant which promotes cape-fusion cuisine utilising indigenous plants known as fynbos, herbs, seasonal ingredients and local seafood. It also offers visitors the opportunity to sample pickled fish, incorporating Cape Malay style cooking, a favourite of the BoKaap. It has won acclaim as one of the best places to stay in the world and is on the Conde Nast Traveller Gold list for 2010.

The view of the ocean, Lion's Head and the craggy Twelve Apostles to the rear in wild surroundings makes this luxurious establishment well worth a visit.

www.12apostleshotel.com
+27 (0) 21 437 9000
Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

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Steeped in history dating to Simon van der Stel's era, this working wine estate is set in the fertile Constantia valley. Once the bread-basket supplying the former emerging settlement now it is only a twenty minute drive from the urban centre of Cape Town. Still holding its rural charm it offers the choice of three restaurants, hotel accommodation, spa facilities and a cricket oval as well as wine tastings seven days a week. History buffs and green-fingered enthusiasts can opt for tours of this restored and popular homestead and gardens. There is a selection of brandies and olive oils for sale in the wine shop as well as advice on food and wine pairing.

The recently revamped River Café offers a menu of affordable seasonal produce from Uitsig's own organic garden which is accompanied with specially sourced home-made breads, meats and cheeses. Understated and relaxed this bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea throughout the year bar New Year's day.

La Colombe is the winner of numerous awards for both its service and predominately French cuisine but also offers diners a selection of Asian- inspired dishes. The estate's selection of prestigious wines only heighten the experience of fine dining.

Situated in the original manor house on the estate, The Constantia Uitsig restaurant focuses mainly on rustic Italian favourites for lunch and dinner. The best quality ingredients are used and this heartfelt approach adds to the convivial ambience.

With the option of three restaurants, fine wine, stunning scenery and a slice of Cape history this dining experience fails to disappoint.

www.constantia-uitsig.com
rivercafe@uitsig.co.za
+ 27 (0) 21 794 6500
Constantia Uitsig, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia, Cape Town, South Africa

Google map: tinyurl.com/yeqldvb

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Situated on the False Bay coast near Cape Town, this harbourside eatery caters for families, students and couples. Located in quaint Kalk Bay, well away from the CBD and more obvious tourist haunts, the area is popular with surfers and beach goers. The Brass Bell can be credited with launching the careers of local bands, who play live.

Offering fresh seafood specialities al fresco, standard pub fare as well as eastern culinary delights, the restaurants, pubs and pizza terrace occupy different levels leading to adjacent tidal pools and the Indian Ocean. Choose from The Main, The Cabin, The Waters Edge, The Pavilion or The Bikini Deck. The nautically themed pubs offer a selection of beverages both imported and locally sourced. The crowd is unpretentious, the atmosphere is very relaxed and the staff friendly.

It is open all year round and even popular in winter, thanks to an open fireplace when the Western Cape experiences its seasonal rainfall and the seas can be rough. Bear this in mind if heading to the Western Cape for the 2010 FIFA Football World Cup.

With Silvermine nature reserve as a backdrop, it is uniquely positioned sandwiched between the crashing surf and the Cape Town to Simonstown railway line. Access is by pedestrian subway under the main railway line. The sandy white beach and station are on its doorstep but there is nearby parking for patrons wishing to take in the views of this superb coastline by car or motorbike.

www.brassbell.co.za
+27 (21) 788 5455/6
Waterfront, Kalk Bay, Cape Town, 7945, RSA

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I ate at The Africa Cafe in Shortmarket St, Cape Town, it was the best food ever and great, great value. All the waitresses were dressed in national dress- many came from different parts of Africa. The ambiance was fab and the recycled decorations were out of this world. It consisted of a communal feast of 16 dishes which you were encouraged to eat without cutlery and the bonus was, you could have as many extra helpings as you liked! Booking essential.

108 Shortmarket St, Cape Town, 8001
www.africacafe.co.za

Google map: tinyurl.com/ybodfba

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This fantastic deli is right next to the entrance of the world famous Kirstenbosch botanic gardens in Cape Town. If the food and the foliage isn't enough, then the spectacular setting at the foot of Table mountain right behind you is the clincher.

www.sanbi.org/index.html

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Tired of eating in restaurants all the time? Then assemble a picnic from your local deli/supermarket and take yourselves off to Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens for a lunch al fresco. Picnicking at Kirstenbosch is serious business for the locals who arrive at 11am to grab their favourite spot in the shade amongst the fynbos.

On Sundays there are evening concerts (5.30pm), so the queues to get in are actually busier late afternoon than earlier.

If you cant be bothered to organise a picnic, you can always have lunch at the Tea Room (near the Plant Centre and Gate 2). We sat outside beneath the parasols and feasted on the excellent Thai calamari salad with a couple of ice-cold Windhoek lagers.

Kirstenbosch National Botanic Gardens, Rhodes Drive, Newland, Cape Town

+27 21 799 8899

www.sanbi.org/frames/kirstfram.htm

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Let's face it, Cape Town has the lot - great restaurants, a bustling waterfront shopping centre, white-sand beaches within 10 minutes drive of the city centre, wonderful weather, and all with the amazing backdrop of Table Mountain (think of the Torridon Mountains parked in Chiswick for the nearest UK equivalent).

You don't even have to drive the 40 minutes or so to Stellenbosch to visit world-class wineries. Instead, take yourself down the M3, past Kirstenbosch, and head for the Constantia valley, the birthplace of South Africa's wine industry, where you'll find the Groot Constantia, Kleln Constantia, and Buitenverwachting ('beyond expectation') estates. We took the excellent winery tour at Groot Constantia, marvelled at the avenue of huge oak trees planted by Simon van der Stel in the late 17th century, and meandered around the manor house and former wine cellar. For lunch, we walked all of 20 metres from the winery to Simon's, a laid-back, modern barn of a place where you can sample some of Groot Constantia's wines (along with those from many other estates) with a sirloin steak, or kingklip served with pesto butter. We visited on a damp Monday, but tables were busy with local business people as well as tourists.

Simon's at Groot Constantia, Groot Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town

Tel: +27 21 794 1143

www.simons.co.za/

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Royale Eatery & Royale Kitchen

The best burgers and Cape Town. Buzzy, great atmosphere and perfect location where you can rub shoulders with the "who's who" in Cape Town.

273 Long Street, City Bowl, Cape Town

Phone number: 021-4224536

Google map: tinyurl.com/y9lj4a5

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It's a fish and chip shop, with outdoor barbecue tables, insanely happy serving staff willing to guide you through a totally unrecognizable menu of fish names - very funny if you don't mind them laughing at your accent - huge portions, and the best chips on the continent, all eaten out of paper,serve yourself salt and proper vinegar, (but no peas). Entertainment supplied by local kids competing with the seagulls for spare chips. Awesome view of Chapmans peak and an inlet to the Atlantic, the drive from Cape Town to and over and around Chapmans peak is stunning, especially the last 20 minutes before Hout Bay, an amazingly bend filled road which will generate plenty of adrenalin to fuel the hunger required to make respectable damage to the portions. Fish on the Rocks has become a bit of a family tradition, we generally buy two meals for every three adults, and a bag of chips between two kids - after 40 minutes we are all stuffed and surrounded by equally stuffed seagulls.

Yellow building at the end of Harbour Road, Hout Bay, Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town

Tel +27 (0)21 790 0001

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Kalk Bay is a picturesque little fishing town tucked away on the Cape Town coast. The Brass Bell is on the seafront with a beautiful view out to sea.
My Capetonian partner took me there a few years ago. It was one April evening and one of the clearest skies Ive seen anywhere in the world, you could see millions of stars.

Book a table by the window like we did, and you can watch the tide come in over the harbour and out again.
You can't visit Cape Town without tasting some of the fresh seafood, and The Brass Bell is a great place to do it!
We had delicious tuna steaks and fresh calamari.

In my opinion, it's the best place to have a romantic meal or even a few bottles of Stellenbosch wine with friends in South Africa.

The Brass Bell Restaurant
Waterfront
Kalk Bay
7945
www.brassbell.co.za/
Telephone: +27 (21) 788 5455/6

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This is a fantastic gay-friendly bistro and bar which offers hearty food in an ambient setting, in the heart of the trendy Waterkant neighbourhood. The locally-sourced fillet steak is so good we went back twice during our stay.

The resident live act, Three Tuns of Fun, is a trio of singers with, how shall I put it, fuller figures, who belt out a mixture of Motown classics and acapella numbers straight out of the townships. Makes for a memorable trip every time.

74 Waterkant Street, Cape Town 8001
T: +27 21 421-6666
www.manhattan.co.za/

Google map: tinyurl.com/ylbgjwy

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Cape Town should be re-named Sushi City - we lost count of the number of Japanese style outlets. That didn't stop us trying quite a few, but the best we tried was Balducci's 'Royal Sushi Bar' at the V&A waterfront. The sushi bar is separate from, but next to, their traditional italian restaurant, in a sort of sushi-Tardis with seating either at low tables or stools in front of the chefs where you can point out your favourite sushi rolls directly. For lunch, we tried the Royal Platter which is a mixture of sushi rolls and sashimi, washed down with a a couple of Japanese beers (me) and a glass of S African sauvignon blanc (girlfriend), all for a total of R330 (about £28). Bliss!

Shop 6162, Lower Level, Victoria Wharf
Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Tel: +27 21421 6002

www.balduccis.co.za/#/the-royal-sushi-bar

Google map: tinyurl.com/ya9mdx2

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After a long twelve hour overnight flight from London, I arrive in Cape Town a little bleary eyed to be transported to the wonderful Mount Nelson Hotel, a true oasis in South Africa. Surrounded by pink buildings bright in the sunshine, I go for a brunch on the terrace of the aptly named Oasis restaurant. The buffet is sumptuous featuring fresh catch from the nearby sea, intriguing vegetable dishes, and delicious breakfast foods. The service is attentive yet comforting. After the long flight, my senses are becoming restored aided by some of South Africa's fine sparkling wines and fresh fruit juice. I relax into my chair on the terrace overlooking the pool, open the newspaper, and relax to the sounds of live jazz music softly filling the air. London is a whole world away and now the journey feels worthwhile.

Mount Nelson Hotel
76 Orange Street, Cape Town
Republic of South Africa, 8001
Tel: +27 21 483 1000
www.mountnelson.co.za

Google map: tinyurl.com/yegojpm

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The reason for recommending this place is not only the food but the setting. If you are going for a wine tour in the winelands region of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, then the combination of view and food here is ideal. It is slightly elevated as it requires a five minute drive up the valley, but this elevation offers beautiful views of the whole valley.

www.dieudonnerestaurant.co.za/
PO Box 94, Franschoek, 7690
+27(0)218762493

Google map: tinyurl.com/yaxwupn

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Aubergine is a fine dining restaurant, regularly rated in Cape Town's top 10. It's in the Gardens area, so walkable if you're staying in Oranjezicht.
We treated ourselves to dinner there on our last night in Cape Town and enjoyed it immensely.
We had a delicious rack of lamb, accompanied by a serious red blend from Springfield Winery ('The Work of Time'), recommended to us by the very friendly (and unintimidating) sommelier, Dom.
It's not cheap - we paid R900 for two courses (for two of us).
Well worth the visit though!

39 Barnet Street, Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa

Tel: +27 - 021 465 4909
www.aubergine.co.za/

Google map: tinyurl.com/yzkb4g3

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Semi-classy African bush themed restaurant, where you can try game meats such as warthog, crocodile, kudu, ostrich etc.

If you don't want to commit to a large expensive game steak, try the smoked venison platter starter.

267 Long St
(Dinners only)

Google map: tinyurl.com/ylbhnu7

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Try the ostrich burger, washed down with a Jack Daniels and peanut butter milkshake. Hefty and delectable.

Salad portions are generous and colourful

273 Long Street, Cape Town

Google map: tinyurl.com/y8knzjl

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We recently stayed in this wonderful boutique guesthouse and were bowled over by the warm hospitality of the hostesses and the stylish surroundings, which included interesting contemporary artwork. This attractive house, built in 1903, is conveniently located in a leafy quiet area of Cape Town with good local restaurants nearby and within walking distance of the city centre. As well as our comfortable en-suite bedroom with doors onto the lush garden (that included a small swimming pool), there were sumptuous reception rooms, patio areas, an internet room with free internet use and even a pamper spa with a variety of massage treatments. But apart from all these wonderful amenities it was the little personal touches that we remember – a pack of cough lozenges produced when it was noticed I had a sore throat; and the relaxing music, low lights and chocolate that greeted us when we returned after an evening out. Nothing was too much trouble - just writing about it makes me long to return.

4 Rosmead Avenue, Oranjezicht, Cape Town, 8001
www.fourrosmead.com

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