Looking for cosy restaurants with crackling fireplaces to laze away those cold and rainy Cape Town winter days? We have compiled the perfect list for you!
Here are some of our top picks:
Jonkershuis at Groot Constantia
One of Groot Constantia Wine Estate’s dining gems, Jonkershuis, draws you in with its character, old-world charm, and cosy country-style ambience. During the Cape’s colder months, warm up by the fireside while indulging in fresh cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition, the stunning outdoor areas are kept warm with large gas heaters.
Location: Groot Constantia Road, Constantia.
Contact: Call 021 794 6255 or visit jonkershuisconstantia.co.za.
Foxcroft Restaurant
The industrial chic setting with screed floors and coppery tones makes for an elegant backdrop for delicious cuisine. SOI·GNÉ, meaning prepared with great attention to detail, showing sophisticated elegance, is what you can expect at a Foxcroft dining experience. Indulge in classy comfort with their 3-course winter lunch menu at R595pp.
Location: Groot Constantia Road, Shop 8, High Constantia Centre, Constantia.
Contact: Call 021 202 3304 or visit foxcroft.restaurant
Kloof Street House
One of Cape Town’s trusted favourite restaurants is Kloof Street House. This twentieth-century Victorian house is a feast of design passion, from beautiful chandeliers to a suitcase-stacked bar. Every inch of the house is a memoir of a time or place that escapes the modern city around us. As the chill of winter sets in, curl up on the Chesterfield couches in the library lounge or savour the glow of the dining room fireplaces. Feast on their special winter menu from Monday to Saturday between 12-4 pm, from R250.
Location: 30 Kloof St, Gardens.
Contact: Call 021 423 4413 or visit www.kloofstreethouse.co.za.
Azure Restaurant
As far as views go, nothing comes close to Azure at the Twelve Apostles as it looks out over the Atlantic Ocean, especially during a typical Cape Town winter storm. The restaurant offers an indulgent fine dining experience in its luxurious dining room that features two grand fireplaces.
Location: Victoria Road, Camps Bay.
Contact: Call 021 437 9029 or visit www.12apostleshotel.com.
Rick’s Cafe Americain
With its three fireplaces and Moroccan-themed decor inspired by the film Casablanca, Rick’s is cosy personified. The kitchen serves predominantly Middle Eastern inspired comfort fare, but there are also burgers, tapas and grill choices. Keep the cold at bay with their daily specials.
Location: 103 Kloof Street, corner Weltevreden Avenue, Gardens.
Contact: Call 021 822 1100 or visit rickscafe.co.za
Asoka
Asoka on Kloof Street is just as lively in winter as it is in summer, drawing in locals and visitors with its warm ambiance and bold, globally inspired flavours. The menu is made up of tasting plates themed around the five elements: Earth (vegetarian), Water (seafood), Wind (chicken & duck), Fire (meat), and Nirvana (dessert). With live music every Sunday and jazz sessions on Tuesdays, it’s the kind of place where you come for dinner and end up staying for the vibe.
Location: 68 Kloof St, Gardens.
Contact: Call 021 422 0909 or visit asoka.za.co.
The Wild Fig Restaurant
Just minutes from the CBD, tucked inside a beautifully restored 18th-century Victorian gem, you’ll find The Wild Fig Restaurant. Think roaring open fireplace, hearty dishes, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. Pop into the bar, Annie’s Arms, for a single malt whisky or two.
Location: Liesbeek Avenue, Valkenberg Estate, Mowbray.
Contact: Call 021 448 0507 or visit thewildfig.co.za.
The Thirsty Oyster Tavern
This restaurant is the toastiest in the whole of the Helderberg area, with a fireplace heating both the restaurant and bar sections. With a crackling fireplace warming both the restaurant and bar, it’s the ultimate winter hideout. What started over half a century ago as a humble fisherman’s pub has grown into one of the region’s most beloved seafood spots. Whether you’re after a mouthwatering seafood feast, a few cold ones with mates, or live music to set the mood, The Thirsty Oyster delivers it all.
Location: 155 Beach Rd, Gordons Bay.
Contact: Call 021 856 4457 or visit www.thethirstyoyster.co.za.
Chingadas
Spice up your day with the bold spirit of Chingadas Tex-Mex Cantina, a new restaurant in the city. Every dish tells a story of rich Mexican heritage, a dash of Tex, and a generous helping of Cape Town flair. Settle into the warm, inviting atmosphere, complete with warm fireplaces to keep things cosy. From street-style tacos to burritos, it’s a fiesta for your taste buds. And don’t forget to sip on their signature mezcals and margarita
Location: 50 Orange St, Gardens.
Contact: Visit www.chingadasct.com.
Café Paradiso
Tuck into exotic and “foreign” fare such as tzatziki, dolmades and babaganoush as well as the delicious country-style dishes emanating from Paradiso’s bustling kitchens. Feast on their set menu, while seated in front of burning logs and bubbly conversations. The restaurant is child and pet-friendly.
Location: 110 Kloof St, Gardens.
Contact: Call 021 422 0403 or visit www.cafeparadiso.co.za/
Blockhouse Kitchen
Bask at the fireside while tucking into delicious, easy-to-eat comfort food at Blockhouse Kitchen. This conscious kitchen focuses on fresh seasonal ingredients and classic cooking
is at the heart of every meal. The service is relaxed, friendly and unpretentious, and mealtimes considered sacred.
Location: Spaanschemat River Road, Fir Grove.
Contact: Call 021 794 3010 or visit blockhousekitchen.co.za/.
Damhuis
Tucked right on the beach, this charming spot has been around since the 1700s. Damhuis means “House by the Dam” in Afrikaans, a nod to the old dam that once stood nearby. These days, it’s all about crackling fireplaces, cosy vibes, and front-row seats to some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see. The menu features South African cuisine, with a strong focus on fresh seafood and timeless favourites. It’s no wonder visitors from across the globe keep coming back.
Location: 32 Beach Rd, Melkbosstrand.
Contact: Call: 021 553 0093 or visit: www.diedamhuis.co.za
Chocolat Bistro
Nestled in the heart of Durbanville, Chocolat Bistro promises a luxurious French affair. From glittering chandeliers to soft velvet seating, everything oozes lavishness and sophistication. Exuberant menus reveal decadent dishes, while pleasantly warm embers set the perfect winter mood.
Location: 46 Oxford St, Durbanville.
Contact: Call 021 975 2426 or visit www.chocolatbistro.co.za.
Tortuga Loca
Tortuga Loca in Muizenberg is the perfect spot to shake off the winter blues with bold Mexican flavours and drinks to keep things toasty.
The restaurant’s winter special is perfect for two. Enjoy 2 enchiladas with your choice of filling, each paired with a draught or a carafe of house wine, all for just R270. Available every Tuesday to Thursday.
Location: 141 Main Rd, Muizenberg.
Contact: Call 087 095 5733.
Salushi in Claremont
At Salushi, enjoy a cosy and contemporary ambience. Their menu is a fun mix of sushi classics and some creative twists, so whether you’re a sushi lover or just giving Japanese food a try, you’ll find something to love. They’ve got everything from fresh sushi rolls and sashimi to other tasty Japanese-inspired dishes
Location: 6 Cavendish Street, Claremont, Cape Town.
Contact: Call: 065 038 2106 or visit www.salushi.com.
La Belle at The Alphen
La Belle is the kind of place that charms you the moment you walk in. It’s cosy, inviting, and full of character. Tucked inside a beautifully restored Cape farmhouse, it’s where bistro favourites and bakery classics are served, from breakfast right through to dinner.
In winter, grab a table by the fireplace and soak in the warmth indoors. When the sun’s out, there’s nothing better than dining al fresco under the trees in leafy Constantia.
Location: Alphen Dr, Constantia.
Contact: Call: 021 795 6336 or visit www.kovecollection.co.za.
Simon’s at Groot Constantia
Simon’s Restaurant at Groot Constantia has it all. Located on the oldest wine farm in South Africa, it is pet-friendly and features fireplaces to keep you warm during the winter months.
The menu at Simon’s is seasonal, using only the freshest ingredients. Of course, there are the all-time classics, such as the slow-roasted lamb shoulder, braised pork belly, burgers, classic fish and chips, and a variety of vegetarian options.
Location: Groot Constantia Rd, Constantia.
Contact: Call 0217941143or visit grootconstantia.co.za
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