Good value restaurants in the Cape

For me, good old Borrusos in Kenilworth never fails. Friendly staff who have been there a long time and know their regulars - SUPERB pizzas crisply done in the wood-fired oven (my favourite: feta, bacon, caramelised onion and avo), with an unpretentious setting.

The menu is short, the meals are delicious, and you know exactly what to expect…

TIP: Bring your own wine (no corkage!)

Thanks, Kimberoo! Didn’t know about the corkage which is great. We like taking our own wine as you know what you getting.

Cafe Olympia will certainly be in my list of top 10 for simple, amazing food in a laid back and relaxed setting! 

Recent find that is great for steak lovers (as the name suggests) is Carne in Keerom Street.  They have a good selection of meat straight from the owner’s farm in the Karoo, and do try the rib-eye for flavour.  For international visitors there are also some venison of offer like eland and springbok (and other).   

As for Borrusos, never been, so will certainly have to go check it out, thanks! 

My all-time favourite place is Posticino in Sea Point. If you love Italian food, then you’ll love this place - they make amazing pizzas! As for the pasta, there are no sauce options - you get to pretty much invent your own from the list of ingredients and the base sauce option (tomato or cream).

It’s a family run restaurant and the owners, in true Italian style, make you feel like a member of the family. Booking is essential, but you won’t be disappointed!

I definitey think that Cafe Royal in the vibey Long Street is worth a mention. Although more for the locals I did recommend it to some clients of mine who were doing 5 star all the way and they gave it a big thumbs up. They make some of the best burgers in town, my favourite being the Hawaiian Piggy. To top it off you get the choice of 3 sides: wedges, chips or sweet potatoto chips. If you get menu envy and are bad at making decisions about what to order (like me) they allow you to do a mix of all three. Top it all off with one of the best milkshakes in town. My recommendation would be the smarty one

my all time favourite is Saigon in Kloof St. If you can handle spicy food, i highly reccommend the Angry Duck, I swear, I can’t get enough of it after years of eating there! Also thier Crystal Salad Rolls are amazing!!!!

And Bonita Twigg, I totally agree with you, Royale is great, my favourite used to also be the Hawaiin Piggy, until i tried the Ungrateful Basted!

Sigh…. hungry now….

I just thought of another one. If it’s a burger you’re after, Hudson’s on Kloof Street is possibly the best burger in the city - in my opinion anyway. I recon it beats Royale hands down.

The burgers are flame grilled and the fries to die for, and while you’re munching away, they play some really good tunes in the background.

Om nom nom

Thanks all - this has been super helpful. I went out for dinner the other night, and thought I should share this with you all as well. We tried the Cattle Baron Grill House in Constantia Village. Really great steaks! They have a few specials on at the moment where their signature Chateaubriand is only R89 - served chips and all the trimmings. Service was great, ample parking, nice cosy setting and best of all no corkage. So if you hungry….

My Top 3 (best value)restaurants? That’s difficult, as we are spoilt for choice with so many award winning restaurants - right on our door step.

For a no fuss, good food dining experience I reccomend Topsi & Co in Franschhoek. Topsi Venter, the doyenne of South African cuisine is 80-something and you’ll still find her in the kitchen - creating mouth watering dishes! The menu changes daily and she uses the freshest produce from the Franschhoek area. Expect the likes of cucumber & wasabi soup with truffle oil, smoor (smoked)snoek (salty, flaky fish)with onion marmelade, Cape Salmon with vegetable duxelle and the best oxtail ever served onplate! she’s not licensed - sotake your own!

The best pizza in town must be Posticino in Sea Point Main Road…paper thin crusts, good quality toppings and excellent prices - it really makes you go back for more. The Al Fresco pasta is out of this world - and the pasta de olio de aglio - just shows you less is more. Dont expect the most exciting winelist, rather enjoy an ice cold Peroni!

I love a good curry - and thank goodness you dont have to go to far to find one! Chandani, situated in Upper Roodebloem Rd, Woodstock serves authentic Indian dishes at reasonable prices. The Palak Paneer and the Lamb Rogan Josh is simply to die for. Very popular over weekends - so book in advance! Good winelist, although maybe just a bit pricey…. but simply the best Indian dining experience in the Mother City.

Many good restaurants mentioned here for good food,vibe and valuebut not exactly well known for theirservice.I’vebeen toBurruso’s, Cafe Olympia and Cafe Royale - all are institutions in Cape Town with great food and a good buzz but notoriously ‘laid-back’ service andyou can add the Daily Deli in Tamboerskloof to thatlist, its a gem but don’t be in a hurry.

My best local spots for good menu variety, wine selection, service and atmosphere are Sandbar in Camps Bay - try theCalifornia Chicken Salad after the morning on the beach and Wakami in Mouille Point for sushi, seafood and a seaview second to none.

Hi everyone. I’d like to recommend Tribeca in Kalk Bay main road for friendly service, delicious breakfasts and some of the best coffee I’ve had in a while.

Another goody is Cafe Roux at Noordhoek Farm Village (great just before or after a trip along Chapman’s Peak) - try their coffees and lunch time menu… they also have live music on the weekends!

For the best steak and chips (thats all that there is on the menu, you just choose how you want it cooked - oh and a green salad for starter) then head to HQ in Cape Town, Shortmarket Street. In addition to the most wonderful steak the vibe (congo and bongo drum band playing along to the DJ) is fabulous, the cocktails lethal and is my favourite night out in the city.

Hey Liesel, Daily Deli… whata find! No one would even know it was there (unless you know!) It is nicely tucked away on a side street in Tamoberskloof, with a great vibe and delicious food.

There have been so many of my favorite restaurants mentionedhere, but I’m surprised to find that Carlisles(on Derry)hasn’t yet had a mention…

Great pizza (!!)(a thin crispy base and vast array of toppings to choose from (includingbrie and fig preserve -a personal favorite ),great gnochhi, a variety of pastas, as well assometasty fresh salads. With a relaxed and vibey atmostphere, comfortableupstairs section with couches andseparate barif you’re meeting friends.. I’ve always had a great meal and good time, and almost always run into someone I know.

Jako - I too really enjoy a good curry, but I was a little disappointed when Cath and I went for dinner at Chandani last year. I was really looking forward to it, asCath had been numerous times before and highly recommended it. Thefood was okay (nothing spectacular), but the service was lacking throughout…I may give it another go -but would tryothers before going back.

Anyone have another good Indian curry restaurant I should try on my next visit?

Hi Lorraine, if its Indian you’re after then I can highly recommend Bihari in Newlands. They are always packed so make sure you book in advance. You will not be dissapointed! Their curries are authentic and definitely pack a punch.

Hi Trace, thanks! Hadn’t heard of it, I’ll definitely check it out when I’m next in the city

Everybody loves sushi, check the post here: http://www.haveyoubeento.co.za/cape-town-sushi-showdown/. I most definitely agree that 1860 Sushi in Obs is the best value for money!!

Thanks for the tip Hagen! Love sushi!!! I’ve been lured in by Sevruga recently - their Sevruga platter is only R120 for 26 pieces of sushi - including 6 pieces of sashimi and crunchy prawn rolls. Heaven!
Check out some more ideas for winter specials here -
http://www.mysafari.com/travel-forum/food-&-wine/winter-specials-in-cape-town—-2011/310/