New Restaurants in Cape Town 2024

Cape Town’s culinary landscape continues to evolve with a host of new and exciting restaurants. Here’s a comprehensive look at these establishments, each bringing its unique flair and culinary innovations to the city.

1. Nikkei

Nikkei is a vibrant addition to Bree Street, offering a unique blend of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines known as Nikkei. Executive chef Justin Barker, in collaboration with culinary consultant Rikku O’Donnchu, has crafted a menu that includes an array of ceviche, Josper oven-cooked dishes, and robatayaki grilling done tableside. The sushi menu reflects a modern twist on traditional Japanese-Peruvian flavors. The ambiance is lively and contemporary, making it a perfect spot for those looking to experience a culinary fusion in a dynamic setting.

Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10.30pm
Contact: 021 109 0081, capetown@nikkei.co.za
Location: 87 Bree Street, Cape Town

2. Grub and Vine Norval

Matt Manning’s new venture, Grub & Vine Norval, is an elegant bistro located in the Norval Foundation art museum. This glass-walled restaurant offers stunning views of sculpture gardens and mountains, paired with a sophisticated dining experience. Manning’s menu emphasizes refined, seasonal dishes that celebrate local produce. The wine list is equally impressive, curated to complement the menu’s elegant flavors. The interior design is luxurious yet comfortable, featuring rich textures and colors that create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Opening Times: Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 9pm
Contact: 021 216 0021, hello@grubandvine.co.za
Location: The Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road, Steenberg Estate, Tokai, Cape Town

3. Heirloom

Heirloom at Cape Grace is a fine-dining restaurant born from the collaboration between chefs Gregory Czarnecki and Asher Abramowitz. This establishment offers a seven-course degustation menu that showcases Czarnecki’s technical expertise and Abramowitz’s creative vision. Each course is thoughtfully paired with wines to enhance the dining experience. The restaurant’s ambiance is as sophisticated as its menu, featuring mesmerizing views of the marina and Table Mountain, making it an ideal destination for special occasions and fine-dining enthusiasts.

Opening Date: 30 April 2024
Good to Know: The Bascule Bar at the Cape Grace will also reopen in June 2024 with a refreshed look.
Location: Cape Grace, W Quay Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

4. Chefs Warehouse and Canteen

Liam Tomlin’s new project on Bree Street revives the Chefs Warehouse & Canteen concept on the ground floor, offering global tapas with an edgy urban style. The first floor will house Merchant, a new restaurant that focuses on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The rooftop, Room 91, will feature a bar and terrace with panoramic city views. Collaborating with chefs David Schneider and Adrian Hadlow, Tomlin aims to create a dynamic culinary destination within a grand heritage building.
Location: 91 Bree Street, Cape Town

5. Boma on Bree

Boma on Bree brings a desert-inspired ambiance to Bree Street’s bustling restaurant scene. The concept revolves around open-fire cooking, with dishes such as jaffels, lamb ribs, askoek, and pampoen churros. The restaurant’s design draws from the vast landscapes of the Karoo and Kalahari, creating a cozy, fireside dining experience. The downstairs Tiki Tomb cocktail bar, managed by the same team, offers a fun, themed extension to your evening.

Opening Times: Tuesday – Saturday, 1pm – 2am; Sunday, 1pm – 10pm
Contact: 021 109 0039, boma@thefirmct.co.za
Location: 107 Bree Street, Cape Town

6. Sloppy Sam

Sloppy Sam returns with a new location in Heritage Square, featuring a rustic decor of stone walls and Persian carpets. The menu, curated by Hooman Saffarian, focuses on shareable mezze plates, including lamb riblets, pan-fried calamari, and loaded hummus with naan. Signature mains such as lamb shank appear as daily specials. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for enjoying a generous feast with friends and family.

Opening Times: Tuesday – Saturday, 5.30pm – 8pm or 8pm – 10pm
Contact: 082 377 3707
Location: Heritage Square, 100 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town

7. Kanji Ramen

Kanji Ramen adds to Cape Town’s burgeoning ramen scene with its prime location on Kloof Nek Road. Chef Seelan Sundoo and restaurateur Gavin Hagger have created a menu featuring four distinct ramen bowls and a variety of Japanese small plates. The ramen options include double beef, pork, chicken, and a vegan mushroom with tofu in miso broth, all served with hand-pulled noodles. The atmosphere is lively and the setting intimate, making it a great spot for casual dining.

Opening Times: Monday – Saturday, 4pm – 12am
Contact: 021 745 6625
Location: 12 – 16 Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town

8. Novo Pizza + Wine

Novo Pizza + Wine aims to become the southern suburbs’ favorite spot for pizza and wine. Owners Ammy and Arno Steijn have transformed the former Bruegels into a relaxed, unpretentious eatery with a DIY refurb. The menu features creative pizzas such as the Fellini and Bianco Ariela, along with aperitivi snacks like caponata and pork polpette. The wine selection is curated by Ammy’s brother, who owns Publik Wine Bar, ensuring a high-quality dining experience.

Opening Times: Monday – Saturday, 5pm – 11pm
Contact: 082 211 7489 (WhatsApp), novopizzawine@gmail.com
Location: 99 Durban Road, Little Mowbray, Cape Town

9. Ember & Oak

Ember & Oak, located at Constantia Uitsig, offers a variety of global tapas. Owners Tim and Judy Pick have created a menu of small plates such as yellowtail ceviche puri, Yakitori chicken wings, and tuna tataki. The vineyard setting provides spectacular views, and the unpretentious yet flavorful dishes attract a loyal customer base. The restaurant also offers innovative drinks like Chardonnay and Savannah slushies, perfect for enjoying on a sunny day.

Opening Times: Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 9pm (coffee from 10am); Sunday, 12pm – 4pm
Contact: 067 499 5621
Location: Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia, Cape Town

10. Hiro Izakaya at Constantia Uitsig

Chef Cheyne Morrisby’s latest venture, Hiro Izakaya, brings Japanese-inspired small plates to Constantia Uitsig. The menu includes creative dishes like fish finger hand rolls and udon carbonara with bacon tempura. The restaurant features a vibrant interior with artwork by Danielle Oosthuizen and a semi-private dining space near the open kitchen, offering a casual yet sophisticated dining experience.

Opening Date: 1 May 2024
Location: Constantia Uitsig, Constantia, Cape Town

11. Galjoen

Galjoen is dedicated to sustainable seafood, offering a set tasting menu that changes frequently. Co-owners Neil Swart and Anouchka Horn emphasize local ingredients, with dishes like farmed abalone and braaied aged yellowtail. The semi-industrial space in the city center adds to the restaurant’s modern and edgy vibe. Reservations are essential, as the restaurant operates with a limited number of seats to ensure a personalized dining experience.

Opening Times: Monday – Saturday, 6.45pm – 10pm; Thursday – Saturday, 12:30pm – 3pm
Contact: 079 093 0559, eat@galjoencpt.co.za
Location: 99 Harrington Street, Cape Town

12. Therapy

Therapy, created by DJs Loyiso Mdebuka and Vincent Mvelase Manzini, offers a community-focused dining experience. Consultant chef Paolo Santo’s menu includes heart-warming dishes like sticky lamb ribs, buttermilk fried chicken thighs, and chorizo and harissa pasta. The restaurant’s inclusive atmosphere encourages meaningful conversations and a sense of belonging, making it a unique addition to Cape Town’s dining scene.

Opening Times: Sunday – Wednesday, 8am – 10pm; Thursday – Saturday, 8am – 11pm
Contact: 021 109 0112
Location: 5 Park Road, Gardens, Cape Town

13. Bang K

Chef Cheyne Morrisby’s Bang K in Muizenberg offers modern Thai cuisine in a charming, heritage-filled location. The menu focuses on taste combinations rather than heat, with categories like Thale (Sea), Thidin (Land), Lok (Earth), and Hwan (Sweet). The atmospheric dining alley and moody interior create a low-key glamour, making it a standout spot for those seeking a unique Thai dining experience.

Opening Times: Tuesday – Wednesday, 5pm – 10pm; Thursday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact: 082 373 5045
Location: 2 York Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town

These new restaurants showcase Cape Town’s diverse culinary offerings, from sophisticated fine dining to casual yet creative eateries, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.