Good Food and Rooftop Experiences in Cape Town
3 November 2021
With the type and variety of views that Cape Town has to offer, it’s no wonder that the city sports many rooftop bars and restaurants. From sophisticated, poolside hotel bars to trendy, hipster restaurants, Cape Town offers several memorable rooftop experiences.
The Rooftop Sky Bar at Grand Daddy Hotel in Long Street is the classiest trailer park you’ll ever visit, with the best view. Several refurbished, vintage Airstream trailers are featured, each with their own décor theme which reflect a typically South African ‘road trip’. With magnificent views of the city, visitors can also enjoy watching a classic movie at the bar’s Pink Flamingo Rooftop Cinema during summer.
Also on Long Street is The Waiting Room situated above the Royale Eatery. This urban chic chill-out spot is frequented by trendy locals who enjoy dancing to the live music. The bar sports views of Table Mountain and the bustling street below.
Nearby on vibrant Kloof Street is Up Yours at the Yours Truly Café. This popular sundowner spot looks like an urban jungle with all its plants and is a favourite among local and international creatives. Live DJs and other musical acts create an upbeat vibe.
Perched on the 11th floor of the Park Inn by Radisson is the modern and luxurious cocktail bar, Harald’s Bar and Terrace. This rooftop venue offers panoramic views of Table Mountain, the city centre, and Cape Town’s busy harbour. Cool off in the splash pool while you enjoy drinks and a meal from the bar’s menu.
Sky high in Cape Town’s rooftop bars and restaurants
Tjing Tjing is a laid-back bar and lounge on the top floor of a three-storey Japanese emporium on Longmarket Street. The bar serves fantastic cocktails and delicious Japanese snacks. While you’re there, visit the colourful, street level Tjing Tjing Torii restaurant for wonderful Japanese street food or the second floor for a fine dining experience at Momiji Restaurant.
For spectacular sundowners, the place to go is the contemporary rooftop bar, Chinchilla, opposite the beach on Camps Bay’s strip. Eat a café classic or sip at wine, champagne or a signature cocktail while two resident DJs entertain you.
On top of the boutique Grey Hotel in the vibey De Waterkant is the Sky Bar. The swimming pool, amazing views of Table Mountains, and tasty meals make it a must for visitors. Meanwhile, the RED Roof Bar also has a pool deck. Located at the Radisson Hotel in the trendy silo district, this rooftop bar offers some of the best views in Cape Town. It’s the perfect place for cocktails and is a great party spot.
These are only a few of Cape Town’s fabulous rooftop bars and restaurants. Some other rooftop venues worth visiting include the Baptiste rooftop pool, bar and lounge at the Marly Boutique Hotel and Spa in Camps Bay, the Gigi Rooftop Bar at the Gorgeous George Hotel, and The Ghibli Barat the Radisson Blu Hotel. Once you’ve visited those, you can try out the vibey Piano Bar, Long Street’s Fiction dance club, and the vintage, hipster Charlie bar.
Great food at Cape Town’s top restaurants
Not all the great things in the Mother City are found on rooftops. Cape Town has an incredible variety of top restaurants and you’re guaranteed to find an excellent option whether you’re looking for a vegan dish, an Asian feast or an affordable snack.
Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia is one of five eateries owned by chef Liam Tomlin. It’s famous for delectable tapas, stylish interiors, and stunning views of the Constantia Valley. Another great tapas venue, co-owned by Tomlin, is Thali, with its Indian-tapas menu. The Tapas for Two option, featuring eight dishes, is a firm favourite with guests.
Vegans in Cape Town will certainly appreciate PLANT restaurant with its completely animal-product-free menu. Their offering includes plant-based burgers, chia seed parfait, and several desserts. On the other end of the spectrum is Dog Bollocks – a meat lovers paradise! This Gardens venue has a rugged, unconventional feel to it. Its patrons enjoy huge, juicy burgers and craft beers.
In laid-back Noordhoek is The Foodbarn Restaurant where visitors can experience fine dining cuisine in a relaxed, family friendly environment.
Cape Town restaurants with an international flavour
For those with a more global palate, there’s no need to travel as Cape Town offers an impressive array of restaurants with international menus.
South China Dim Sum is a cosy restaurant in Long Street. The venue’s simple décor allows patrons to focus on flavourful Chinese food. Keeping with Asian cuisine, La Colombe on the Silvermist Wine Estate in Constantia offers delectable and creative French-Asian dishes. Kyoto Garden Japanese Restaurant serves beautifully crafted sushi of the best quality as well as fish, flash-grilled on coals, at your table! This restaurant, with its serene atmosphere, is located on Kloof Nek Road.
For an African tour of the taste buds, visit Cape Town’s Gold restaurant. The Cape Malay and African menu will transport you across South Africa and the continent as you experience exceptional African cuisine from various countries to the beat of live Djembe drumming.
FYN is an urban eatery with an African-inspired menu and décor uniquely combined with a Japanese aesthetic. Guests can enjoy original wine pairings while they dine at this fifth-floor restaurant with its magnificent views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head.
Another restaurant offering a unique culinary fusion is GALBI which offers the best of South African and Korean barbequed food. This includes traditional Seoul food like Kimchi Jiggae and Bibimbap and meats ranging from ostrich and warthog to kudu and zebra.
