Cape Town - Hip City Guide

CAPE TOWN: Alexander Bar and The Bungalow

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:14:41 +0100

Playwright Nicholas Spagnoletti and software engineer Edward van Kuik were on a joint search for the perfect social spot. Their creative culmination resulted in Alexander Bar — a unique ‘conversation space’. Filled with old-world charm, each table sports a fully functional antique rotary dial telephone which guests are encouraged to use to ‘ring’ other patrons. For the more traditional guests, telegrams can be sent inviting other tables over for a round of drinks. ...

CAPE TOWN: Harbour House

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:51:45 +0100

Home to beaches, boats, seagulls and quirky shops, the small fishing town of Kalk Bay has a unique charm that makes it like no other place in South Africa. And no trip to Kalk Bay could ever be complete without an experience at Harbour House – arguably one of the best seafood restaurants in the country. If you’re looking for an especially indulgent affair that will leave a lasting impression, you’ve just found it. Built on the breakwater, the restaurant stands perched above the rocks, pret...

CAPE TOWN: The Pasta Factory

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:49:50 +0100

It’s no surprise that the Pasta Factory has become a regular for those devoted to good food. Hungry urban dwellers pack into the industrial-style restaurant to get their fill of the tastiest pizzas, salads, and antipasti. But the real star of this culinary show is the amazing variety of pasta. It’s a wonderfully interactive experience too where guests are invited to saunter up to the pasta station to make their choices, and chefs prepare your meal while you watch. There are more than 20 home...

CAPE TOWN: Café Nood

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:48:05 +0100

This little gem in the ’burbs of Cape Town is now something of a valued asset to the Claremont area. The venue is a modern interpretation of the classic European café, where the aroma of freshly baked bread and fine coffee are enough to lure you in. Once inside, Café Nood will seduce you with its fully stocked deli and tantalising menu. Have an amazing health breakfast, a stylish lunch or a quick lip-smacking snack. They also offer a very sexy dessert bar in the evenings. Ingredients are...

CAPE TOWN: Restorante Posticino

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:43:01 +0100

When you walk into Restorante Posticino, it feels like you’re walking into “mama’s house”. The hearty meals served here are infused with Italian passion and flavoured with love.

Owners Jack and Eric always greet guests at the door and ensure that each customer is happy from starters through to dessert.

CAPE TOWN: Chukkachurri

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:39:56 +0100

The party capital of Cape Town has seen many bars and party hot spots open to large crowds and rave reviews, only to close a few months later. But when Mastrantonio’s Chukkachurri, an Argentinean tapas bar, opened in the heart of Green Point, everyone knew it would be a keeper! It is the only Argentinean bar in the Mother City and offers great service and unique tastes. It also adds live music to its stylish environment....

CAPE TOWN: The Bombay Bicycle Club

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:37:04 +0100

Welcome to madness, fun and full abandon! Guests here are encouraged to not only let their hair down but are also expected to stay up way past their bed time!
This wacky bohemian venue is a proud member of the Madame Zingara family of fun and reflects the colourful history of the old restaurant in Loop Street. The Bombay Bicycle Club is a dining experience as opposed to simply a meal out.

Cape Town - Beefcakes Burger Bar

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:47:14 +0100

The Beefcakes brothers, Grant and Andrew, have created a wildly entertaining and fun 50’s American Diner style burger bar with a touch of madness and Miami chic. Walk into Beefcakes in Greenpoint and you’ll find a pink fantasy of feather boas, fairy lights and Florida flamingos - it’s like you’ve died and gone to Barbie heaven! But apart from the tastefully camp decor, Beefcakes also offers the best burgers in town....

Cape Town - The Fireman's Arms

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:42:07 +0100

Nestled between the modern skyscrapers and loft apartments of the inner city, is one of Cape Town’s oldest and proudest pubs. Established in 1864 it hardly gets more traditional than The Fireman’s Arms! What was once a favoured watering hole for sailors is today a hot spot for good timers and a den for sport fanatics. Here you will relish in a choice of 13 beers on tap, the greatest pub grub in town, seven full high definition flat screen panels, and two big screens for major sporting events ...

Cape Town - Twankey Seafood Champagne and Oyster Bar

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:29:55 +0100

The five-star Twankey Seafood Champagne and Oyster Bar in the Taj Hotel is a place where flowing champagne, the freshest seafood, elegant décor and sublime jazz tell a glamorous story. Originally home to the South African Reserve Bank and Temple Chambers, the Hotel boasts elegant architecture that combines the heritage of old with the luxury of new. Located right in the centre of town, this is the ideal spot for a little post-work indulgence....

Cape Town - Caveau Wine Bar & Deli

Mon, 23 May 2011 17:17:57 +0100

The hosts of Caveau believe that their guests should drink quality wine at all times. Driven by this great philosophy they’ve managed to bring the Cape wine route to you with an epic selection of fine wines. It’s no surprise that Caveau Wine Bar & Deli is one of the very few kept secrets of the Mother City.Their menu changes daily, and in true French style, all the deli foods have been carefully selected to complement the wines. There’s a large selection of local cheeses and cured meats...

Cape Town - Sòtano

Mon, 23 May 2011 17:15:39 +0100

If it’s a hearty breakfast, a lazy summer lunch, a light evening meal or simply a good cocktail you’re after, Sòtano is the place to go. This sea-facing venue boasts a pavement café setup and outdoor “beach bar” where you can enjoy the ocean views and lap up the fresh sea air. Inside is a hip contemporary-design haven with a beautifully styled sky-lit bar area that leads the way into the restaurant.An innovative menu takes inspiration from Mediterranean meze and tapas table foods and in...

CAPE TOWN - Gourmet Burger

Mon, 23 May 2011 17:14:03 +0100

The chefs at Gourmet Burger have proudly taken the traditional burger to gourmet heights. Where else could you select a prawn, avo and garlic burger, a chicken, camembert and cranberry burger, a lamb and feta-cheese burger, or a Mexican chilli burger? And the innovation doesn’t stop there! Each meal is a delicious contradiction in terms and comes complete with all the sophisticated trimmings. Adding an extra hint of elegance are out-of-this-world Lindt milkshakes and the finest Paul Cluver wine...