The Best City for Food in the World is Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa, has further cemented itself as a top tourist destination in Africa by being named the best city for food in the world by Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2024. This coastal African city stood out from the best food cities on earth for its diversity of cuisine and celebrated restaurants and wineries.

The most southern city in Africa has long been gaining recognition as a top tourist destination. Time Out Travel recently ranked Cape Town as the best city in the world for 2025! This top 10 list was compiled by Time Out Travel based on city dwellers’ opinions from around the world, along with their global network of city experts.

While Cape Town’s food scene wasn’t the only reason why the city came out on tops, it certainly was a defining factor! Let’s explore the top foodie destinations and restaurants in Cape Town.

Cape Town: The Best City for Food in the World

So, why did Cape Town get named as the top food city in the world? This coastal gem is incredibly diverse when it comes to cuisine. From traditional African dishes and Indian flavours to French fare and the freshest seafood, there is a wealth to explore and taste when on holiday in Cape Town.

There are also well-awarded, stunning establishments that serve a variety of dishes. Africa’s Best New Restaurant for 2024, Luke Dale Roberts’ SALON, wows guests with its global tasting menu featuring traditional cuisines. You can taste Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s Michelin-star culinary innovations at Jan restaurant in Franschhoek. A regular on the best restaurants lists, FYN is an innovative establishment that blends Japanese and South African flavours.

From the bustling V&A Waterfront near the city centre to the serene winelands, there are a variety of good restaurants to enjoy during a vacation here. If you’re wondering where to eat, use this as your Cape Town food guide!

Top Foodie Destinations in Cape Town: Restaurants, Markets, and Wine Farms

Stellenbosch

A Cape Town culinary travel plan can’t skip Stellenbosch! This charming town delights visitors with its oak tree-lined streets, quaint cafés, and art galleries.

Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa; you can get better acquainted with its history by visiting the Stellenbosch Village Museum as well as the plethora of wine farms, which have been a staple of this region for hundreds of years.

There are over 150 wine farms in Stellenbosch to explore! Many also feature fine dining restaurants and unique activities, so you’ll definitely want to stay for more than just a wine tasting.

Franschhoek

For a food and wine holiday in South Africa, there is no better place to go than Franschhoek, a place heavily influenced by French culture.

Many top restaurants in Cape Town are here, including La Petite Colombe, Le Coin Français, and Orangerie Restaurant.

A fantastic way to visit the wine farms in Franschhoek is via the wine tram. Choose which line most appeals to you, then hop on and hop off at the different wine farms on the route.

V&A Waterfront

A fantastic way to dive into the deep end of the city’s food culture is to visit one of the Cape Town food markets, a popular choice being the Oranjezicht City Farm Market. Not only can you get some farm-fresh veggies and local cheeses, but a range of eateries have stalls there.

Another must-visit is Time Out Market. The Cape Town version of this global enterprise features up-and-coming chefs as well as stands with food from well-known local restaurants. Grab a cocktail and explore the stalls to find lunch or dinner.

Constantia Wine Route

The oldest uninterrupted wine-growing region in the Southern Hemisphere, the Constantia wine route is a must-visit for wine-lovers holidaying in Cape Town. Sauvignon Blanc is the star of the show at most of the wineries; you’ll notice the distinctive character that being near the ocean brings to the varietals.

The wine farms here and Constantia as a whole won’t let you down in the dining department. Many wineries have five-star restaurants to indulge in after wine tasting.

One of Cape Town’s most loved and awarded restaurants, La Colombe, can be found at Silvermist Wine Farm in this region. Here you can expect elegant, incredibly detailed dining with multiple courses that continue to impress.

More Reasons to Visit Cape Town

Combine a Safari with a City Escape

South Africa often comes to mind when thinking about safari destinations. With top game reserves and national parks, South Africa offers fantastic Big Five viewing opportunities. You can take your trip to the next level by spending a few days exploring Cape Town.

Blue Flag Beaches

Cape Town’s coastlines are magnificent, and they have the Blue Flag status to prove it. Camps Bay, Clifton 4th, and Llandudno are all Blue Flag beaches offering stunning settings for sun-soaked days of relaxation.

Table Mountain

Due to its unique flora and fauna, Table Mountain – easily recognised due to its flat top – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering panoramic views of the city to travellers who get to the top. There are two ways to climb this mountain: take a two- to four-hour hike or go up the cable car. No matter which route you choose, you’ll be spoilt with stunning vistas along the way.

Foodie destinations in Cape Town have so much to offer travellers. Venturing into Stellenbosch, wandering around Franschhoek, exploring the markets at the V&A Waterfront, and securing a wine tasting and dinner reservation in Constantia will give you an epic culinary adventure!