The Best City for Food in the World is Cape Town

The Best City for Food in the World is Cape Town: Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 selected Cape Town, South Africa, the world’s greatest city for gastronomy, further solidifying its position as one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations. Its famed restaurants and wineries, as well as its diverse cuisine, set this coastal African city apart from the world’s top food towns.

Africa’s southernmost metropolis has long been becoming known as a popular travel destination. Cape Town was just named the world’s greatest city for 2025 by Time Out Travel! Time Out Travel’s global network of city experts and the opinions of city dwellers worldwide were used to create this top 10 list.

The culinary culture in Cape Town was undoubtedly a defining aspect, but it wasn’t the only reason the city won! Let’s investigate Cape Town’s best eateries and culinary hotspots.

Cape Town: The Best City for Food in the World

What made Cape Town the world’s best cuisine city, then? The food of this coastal jewel is remarkably varied. When on vacation in Cape Town, there’s a lot to discover and sample, ranging from French cuisine and the freshest seafood to traditional African cuisines and Indian flavors.

There are also beautiful, award-winning restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisine. Luke Dale Roberts’ SALON, Africa’s Best New Restaurant for 2024, dazzles visitors with its international tasting menu that includes traditional cuisines. The Jan restaurant in Franschhoek serves Michelin-starred culinary creations by Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. FYN is a creative restaurant that combines South African and Japanese flavors and is frequently featured on lists of the top restaurants.

There are many excellent restaurants to choose from while on vacation here, ranging from the quiet winelands to the busy V&A Waterfront close to the city center. Use this as your Cape Town cuisine guide if you’re unsure where to dine!

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

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is an essential part of any Cape Town culinary trip itinerary! Visitors are delighted by this picturesque town’s streets dotted with oak trees, art galleries, and cozy cafés.

Visit the Stellenbosch Village Museum and the numerous wine estates, which have been a mainstay of this area for hundreds of years, to learn more about the history of Stellenbosch, the second-oldest town in South Africa.

Discover more than 150 wineries in Stellenbosch! You’ll want to stay for more than just a wine tasting because many also offer interesting activities and exquisite eating establishments.

Franschhoek

Franschhoek, which has a strong French cultural influence, is the best destination for a cuisine and wine vacation in South Africa.

This area is home to several of Cape Town’s best eateries, such as Orangerie Restaurant, Le Coin Français, and La Petite Colombe.

The wine tram is a great way to see Franschhoek’s wine vineyards. Select the line that most interests you, then board and disembark at the various wineries along the way.

V&A Waterfront

Visiting one of the Cape Town food markets—the Oranjezicht City Farm Market is a well-liked option—is a great way to delve deeply into the city’s culinary culture. In addition to local cheeses and farm-fresh vegetables, there are stalls for a variety of restaurants.

Time Out Market is another must-see. In addition to kiosks serving food from well-known local restaurants, the Cape Town location of this international enterprise showcases up-and-coming chefs. Find lunch or dinner at the stalls and grab a cocktail.

Constantia Wine Route

Wine aficionados on vacation in Cape Town should not miss the Constantia wine route, the oldest continuous wine-growing region in the Southern Hemisphere. At the majority of the wineries, Sauvignon Blanc is the main attraction; you’ll note the unique character that the varietals get from being close to the water.

In terms of dining, Constantia as a whole and the wine estates here will not disappoint. After wine tasting, several wineries provide five-star dining options.

Silvermist Wine Farm in this area is home to La Colombe, one of Cape Town’s most adored and acclaimed dining establishments. You can expect sophisticated, exquisitely crafted dining here, with several dishes that consistently amaze.

More Reasons to Visit Cape Town

Combine a Safari with a City Escape

When considering places to go on safari, South Africa frequently comes to mind. South Africa provides excellent chances to see the Big Five thanks to its premier game reserves and national parks. Exploring Cape Town for a few days will elevate your trip to a new level.

Blue Flag Beaches

Cape Town’s coastlines are stunning, as evidenced by its Blue Flag designation. Blue Flag beaches at Camps Bay, Clifton Fourth, and Llandudno provide breathtaking backdrops for leisurely days in the sun.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain, which is clearly identifiable by its flat summit and is home to distinctive flora and wildlife, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that provides visitors with sweeping city views when reaching the summit. Hiking or using the cable car are the two options for ascending this peak, which takes two to four hours. Regardless of the path you take, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views all along the way.

Cape Town’s culinary attractions have a lot to offer tourists. You will have an incredible culinary trip if you travel to Stellenbosch, explore the markets at the V&A Waterfront, meander about Franschhoek, and book a wine tasting and dinner appointment in Constantia.