October 5, 2016
Cape Town has made it to the top of my favorite city list! Its beauty is breathtaking with Table Mountain pressing towards the sky in the middle of the city. It has a nice chill vibe like San Francisco but with better beaches and mountain views. The dollar goes far making the amazing restaurant and bar scene super enjoyable.
The City
Table Mountain stands majestically as the city surrounds its base. It’s beautiful to watch the clouds roll in as it hangs on its peaks. There are various trails that you can take up and down. Most people opt for Platteklip Gorge Trail which is essentially a rock staircase. We chose to go up India Vester despite the signs saying “extreme danger.” It took us 3 hours to go up and then 2 ours to climb down. The views the top are spectacular – 360 degree views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. Definitely plan this hike around the weather – you don’t want to be up there if a storm or fog rolls in. If hiking isn’t for you, there’s a cable car that runs throughout the day weather permitting.
Kirstenbosch is the famous botanical garden at the base of Table Mountain. You can spend hours walking though the various gardens taking in all the intoxicating colors and smells. There’s also an amazing view of Cape Town. If you’re in the mood to hike, the Skeleton Gorge Trail to the top of Table Mountain starts here.
The waterfront is a pretty touristy area with lots of restaurants and a ferris wheel. There are a few good restaurants and bars, such as Meloncino if you like Italian or Baia if you fancy seafood.
The Old Biscuit Mill is great for a Saturday morning especially if the weather is nice. Food vendors set up shop and you walk around collecting a variety of edible delights. My favorite was a fried potato pancake with gorgonzola and figs.
The other outdoor highlights in Cape Town are Camps Bay, Signal Hill and Lions Head. Camps Bay is beautiful beach below a affluent neighborhood. The water is clear ice blue and it’s the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon. If hiking Table Mountain sounds too intense, Lions Head is a good option. It’s about 1.5 hours out and back with stunning views at the top. Signal Hill is one of the best places to grab a bottle of wine and watch the sunset.
Food & Drink Scene
Kloof Street House has a exquisite garden area with carefully curated vintage decor and fairy lights. You feel like you’re having dinner in the secret garden. Best thing on the menu is the ostrich and if you fancy an appetizer, the daily soup doesn’t disappoint. If you have room for desert, try the caramel popcorn cheesecake. They also have a nice wine list that is reasonably priced from local vineyards.
Cafe Paradiso is mostly known for pasta but I opted for the fish of the day. Best seabass I’ve ever eaten! Went back again for brunch but it wasn’t as good as dinner.
Head to Fork if you’re craving tapas. Get a bunch of items and share with the table. My favorites were the stuffed ravioli, the chorizo and the springbok.
Bombay Bicycle is worth a visit for the food and the atmosphere. It’s a small restaurant with tables incredibly close together lit by candles. The decor is a vintage circus theme and the menu is eclectic. Their specialty is a beef filet with a chocolate chili sauce topped with dried ramen noodles. Sounds crazy – maybe even disgusting – but it was unique and delicious!
The Power and the Glory was right near where I was staying and there was a line out the door morning and night. Early in the day, they have delicious breakfast options like avocado stuffed with feta topped with bacon and a side of grilled tomatoes. At night, the back area serves beer and gets so packed the crowd tumbles out onto the street.
The Orphanage on Bree Street is a great place for after dinner cocktails. They make a mean old fashion.
Behind Honest Chocolate Café is The Gin Bar, which has a fun speakeasy feel and lots of decadent drinks.
Yours Truly has a great outdoor space right on Kloof Street. Great place to chill and grab a cappuccino or beer.
