The Test Kitchen

No views, but who gives a jot: you're here for the culinary fireworks. Luke Dale Roberts' experimental gourmandery is nothing short of visionary: global-riffing plates are showcased on a multi-sensory journey that leads you to a different room for each course. Worth the accolades.

The Old Biscuit Mill / 375 Albert Road / Woodstock /
+27 21 447 2337 / reservations@thetestkitchen.co.za / 6.30pm-9pm, Tue-Sat / thetestkitchen.co.za

The Pot Luck Club

Enduringly fashionable aerie perched atop the Silo at The Biscuit Mill where glittery city views backdrop seasonal, Asia-tinged sharing plates like aubergine nitsuke and beef tataki. 

Insider Tip: The only thing left to chance is getting in – book ahead.

373 – 375 Albert Road Woodstock / +27 21 447 0804 / reservations@thepotluckclub.co.za / 12.30pm-10pm Mon-Sat, 11am-12.30pm Sun / thepotluckclub.co.za

Upper Bloem

Punchy lil' modernista paying homage to head chef André Hill’s Bo Kaap upbringing with spiced-up, multicultural small plates, a fab local wine list and cosy atmos.

Shop 1 / Winston Place / 65 Main Rd / +27 021 433 1442  / reservations@ubrestaurant.co.za / 6pm-9pm Tue, noon-9pm Wed-Sat / upperbloemrestaurant.co.za

Harbour House

CT's prettylings shimmer on the deck of this white-linen, waterfront stunner specialising in succulent seafood. Top it off with penguin spotting on Boulder's Beach.

Insider Tip: Three branches around town; avoid the tourist magnet at V&A Waterfront.

Kalk Bay Harbour / Kalk Bay / +27 21 788 4136 / kalkbay@harbourhouse.co.za / 11.30am-11pm daily / / harbourhouse.co.za

La Colombe

It's worth booking weeks (or months) ahead for the epicurean wizardry and enviable hilltop situ at this chic contemporary all-star. Scot Kirton and James Gaag forage for fresh ingreds on the surrounding farmland. 'Nuff said.

Silvermist Wine Estate / +27 21 794 2390 / reservations@lacolombe.co.za / 12pm-9pm daily / lacolombe.co.za 

Greenhouse

A long and winding road takes you to this enchanting glass box secreted inside the verdant grounds of Cellars-Hohenort Hotel. Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss' delectable tasting menu marries Euro and indigenous African flaves via native ingreds.

93 Brommersvlei Rd / +27 21 795 6226 / 6pm-9pm Tue-Thur, noon-9pm Fri-Sat / / greenhouserestaurant.co.za

Chef's Table at The Mount Nelson

Rudi Liebenberg whips up a five-course feast with charm and wit at this intimate kitchen nook set inside the city's rosy grand dame. Go for the wine-pairing option, it's worth it.

Insider Tip: Cape Town's celebrated hotel has welcomed royalty, politicos and celebrities since the late C19th – be sure to have a nose around.

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel / 76 Orange St / +27 21 483 1000 / restaurantreservations.mnh@belmond.com / noon-late daily / belmond.com

Chef's Warehouse at Beau Constantia

With a stellar produce-driven menu and epic vineyard vistas, it's little wonder this viewy luncher offering tapas à deux is rated by the city's top chefs.

Insider Tip: Reservations are essential at lunch; book well in advance. One of 3 CW eateries, but hands down the most memorable.

65 Main Rd / +27 21 794 8632 / cw@beauconstantia.com / 12pm-8pm Tue-Sat, till 2pm Sun / beauconstantia.com 

Jonkershuis

Relaxed, nostalgic ode to old-Cape yesteryear situ'd on SA's oldest wine-producing estate. Perch fireside in winter, or bag an outdoor table beneath the ancient oaks in warmer climes – the views of the valley, vineyards and beyond are breathtaking.

Groot Constantia / +27 21 794 6255 / info@jonkershuisconstantia.co.za / 9am-9pm Mon-Sat, till 5pm Sun / jonkershuisconstantia.co.za

Villa 47

The heritage frontage is a nod to Cape Town's history, but inside is lively, Italiana a-go-go at this three-in-one foodie emporium. Graze on trad eats at G/F Locanda; take pre-prandials at buzzy cocktailer Seta (1/F), and Pierino Penati (3/F) is bellissimo for Michy-influenced fine dinery.

47 Bree St / +27 21 418 2740  / reservations@villa47.co.za / 7am-late Mon-Fri, from 8.30am Sat / villa47.co.za