Escape from the crowds and head to Kalk Bay. The Polana restaurant is one of the best places to watch a winter storm head in across the bay whilst cosying up around the warm fire with a glass of local red in your hand.

Kalk Bay Harbour, +27 21 788 4133
www.harbourhouse.co.za
Google map: tinyurl.com/35ymv28

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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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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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A fantastic curry house just off Long Street. Authentic, regional curries that make the most of Cape Town sea food. About R170 for two courses. Can't recommend it highly enough.

33 Church Street (upstairs on the first floor)
Cape Town
8001
www.bukhara.com

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Nestling in the hills, with False Bay and Table Mountain in view, a very pleasant place to have a very good and cheap lunch and drinkable wine starting at around 30 ZAR/bottle, which is almost cheaper than water.

The food is simple, with Cape Malay dishes the speciality.

Booking at weekends is recommended

www.delheim.com/

Knorhoek Road
Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa

Get Directions
0218884607

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A rustic restaurant with great food and wine. The resturant is next to the Ken Forrester Wine Estate, but they do wines from the Helderberg area. Wines outside Helderberg are in the rest of the world section.

They cater for both small and large parties of people with surprising ease. The steaks melt in your mouth, and if you have a sweet tooth, the duck & cherry pie is very good. For dessert I've never got past the creme brulee, but they all look very good

www.96wineryroad.co.za/

Surprisingly on Winery Road!! From Cape Town take the N2 to Somerset West, and take the R44 towards Stellenbosch. Winery Road is 3-4 miles on the left hand side. 96 is on the right about 0.5 miles down the road

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Wine buffs with a penchant for South Africa will need little introduction to Saxenberg, and this highly rated vineyard offers tastings and slightly reduced prices on its excellent wines. But the main reason for visiting is its excellent restaurant, the Guinea Fowl. Seriously impressive cooking is coupled with not-too-formal service. Three of us had 'the works' for a birthday lunch and somehow the bill came to less than 1,000 rand. In the summer it is hard to beat lunch on the terrace, with hazy views of the back of Table Mountain. It's also one of the closest vineyards to Cape Town and only 15 minutes by car to the main airport.

T: +27 21 903 6113
E: info@saxenburg.com
W: www.saxenburg.com
Physical Address:
Saxenburg Wine Farm
Polkadraai Road
Kuils River
7580
Postal Address:
PO Box 171
Kuils River
7579

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They have live gospel, jazz singers and mountainous portions of meat!

www.mamaafricarest.net/index.htm
Tel: +27 21 426 1017

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This restaurant specialising in fresh seafood offers a unique experience of dining in style, whilst practically sitting on a beach. The Seafood Platter consists of an impressive variety of locally caught delicacies, served attractively in stunning surroundings.

Beach Rd., Fish Hoek, Cape Town
Tel.+2721 7823354
www.fishhoekgalley.com

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