20 restaurants on Kloof Street for dining out on the town

Kloof Street is a culinary cornucopia, with each of its restaurants offering its own unique ambience and dining experience.

From French bistros to trendy taquerias, whether you’re looking for a romantic date spot or a lively hangout with a friend, this eatery-lined avenue will satisfy all dining wishes.

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Also read: 7 downtown Cape Town bars that exude sophistication

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Here’s a rundown of 20 restaurants on Kloof Street:

1. Club Kloof

• Location: 84 Kloof Street, Cape Town
• Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 8am until late
• Bookings: dineplan.com
• Contact: 072 415 3752 | [email protected]
• Website: clubkloof.com

Cape {town} Etc discount: Enjoy nachos and milkshakes for two on Kloof Street for R199. Get it here.

2. Kyoto Garden

Kyoto Garden is a Japanese restaurant that offers much more than just sushi and sashimi. Their speciality is fresh seafood, and they take great care in sourcing high-quality and unusual ingredients from around the world. Some of their offerings include Mozambican conch, eel, sea urchin, Alaskan king crab, deep-sea scallops and wild salmon.

If you prefer sushi, you can head to the bar and enjoy excellent quality sushi. You must try their signature clear broth, a sea or crayfish miso soup, along with their feathery tempura scallops, vegetables, prawns and oysters.

Kyoto Garden also caters to vegetarians with fresh seaweed salad, shitake mushroom tempura and exotic mushroom dishes to choose from. They offer sweet treats like green tea crêpes or toasted tofu with ginger and cherry blossom ice cream to round out the meal.

With its focus on fresh seafood, unique ingredients and delicate flavour combinations, Kyoto Garden is a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic Japanese culinary experience.

• Location: 11 Kloof Nek Rd, Gardens, Cape Town
• Times: Tuesday to Saturday, 5:30pm to 11pm
• Bookings: dineplan.com
• Contact: 021 422 2001 | [email protected]
• Website: kyotogarden.co.za

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3. Our Local

Located inside an antique store and nursery, Our Local offers a food experience like no other, bringing people together around one table in a unique and charming setting.

Whether you’re there for breakfast or lunch, you’ll find all of your favourites on the menu, including Our Local’s famous Arnold Bennet, shakshuka, avo toasts, burgers, salads, toasties, coffee, cakes and more. You can even enjoy your meal with wine, champagne, beer, or a mimosa.

The goal at Our Local is to bring something new to the Cape Town food scene, inspired by a passion for entertaining at home.

• Location: 117 Kloof street 8001 Cape Town
• Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 8am to 3pm
• Bookings: 064 642 5004 | [email protected]
• Website: ourlocal.co.za

Before we go on, do your future plans include a trip to Kwazulu-Natal? Then, you should check out 15 of the top Hillcrest restaurants.

Now, let’s continue.

Cape {town} Etc discount: Enjoy a 36-piece sushi platter and dessert to share on Kloof Street for R299. Get it here.

4. Kloof Street House

Kloof Street House is a magical and intimate dining oasis set in a Victorian house trimmed with fairy lights. Each room has its unique personality, making it an enigmatic experience for everyone. From romantic candlelit dinners to live jazz during Sunday lunch, this venue offers something for all.

The brasserie-style menu uses responsibly sourced, free-range, and grass-fed meat to create delectable meals. Sharing dishes bursting with flavour satisfies your culinary cravings, and the cocktails are the epitome of a night at Kloof Street House – a hint of glamour, a dash of charm, and bubbling over with flavour.

At Kloof Street House, they believe in gathering people around feasts and good conversation. The warm and inviting ambience encourages people to come together and share a memorable experience.

• Location: 30 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
• Times: Monday, 12pm until late | Tuesday to Sunday, 10am until late
• Bookings: kloofstreethouse.co.za/reservations
• Contact: +27 21 423 4413 | [email protected]
• Website: kloofstreethouse.co.za

5. Asoka

Asoka has been a shining gem on Kloof Street for over a decade, where every night is a demonstration that food and music bring people together. Asoka’s passion lies in the night’s journey, from delicious food and creative cocktails to late-night fun under the skylight.

Their menu is a feast for the senses, with tasting plates based on the five elements: earth (vegetarian), water (seafood), wind (chicken and duck), fire (meat), and nirvana (dessert). Strong flavours, aromatic herbs, and intricate spices make each dish a distinctive and varied experience that draws inspiration from other cuisines and cultures.

But Asoka doesn’t just serve food; it creates unforgettable experiences. The kitchen stays open until midnight, recognising that a night on the dance floor can work up an appetite.

• Location: 68 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
• Times: Monday to Sunday, 6pm until late
• Bookings: asoka.za.com/reservations
• Contact: 021 422 0909 | [email protected]
• Website: asoka.za.com

6. Rick’s Cafe Americain

Rick’s Cafe Americain is the perfect place to experience a warm and buzzing atmosphere. With daily specials and a welcoming ambience, you’ll feel like you’re walking into a friend’s home for dinner. The eatery’s design is inspired by the classic 1942 film Casablanca, creating a unique and timeless vibe.

The seasonal selection of global tapas on the menu offers a perfect combination of flavours, while the ‘aviation’ cocktail bar boasts one of the largest beverage selections in the country. It includes an award-winning selection of cocktails, wine, and spirits that will leave you spoilt for choice.

• Location: 103 Kloof Street, corner Weltevreden Avenue, Gardens, Cape Town
• Times: Monday to Sunday, 11am to 2am
• Bookings: dineplan.com
• Contact: 021 822 1100 | 021 424 1100 | [email protected]
• Website: rickscafe.co.za

7. NY Slice Pizza 

Mark Francis, the founder of NY Slice Pizza, had a wish to escape corporate life while working as an accountant in one of Manhattan’s many office towers. One day, after biting into a cheesy classic New York City-style pizza slice, Mark realised that he couldn’t find NY-style or sliced pizza in his home country of South Africa.

With a burning passion and steady determination, Mark began planning his strategy to bring New York-style pizza back to South Africa. In 2013, he finally had the courage to make the transition from crunching numbers to flipping dough and opened the first NY Slice Pizza store on Kloof Street in Cape Town.

The signature pizza pie at NY Slice measures an impressive 50 cm in diameter, which is half a metre! Are you up for the challenge? Along with its massive size, the pizza offers an authentic New York taste that will make your taste buds sing.

• Location: 49 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
• Times: Monday to Thursday, 10am to 11pm | Friday, 10am to 1pm | Saturday, 10am to 3pm | Sunday, 1pm to 11pm
• Contact: 021 426 4141 | [email protected]
• Website: nyslicepizza.com

8. The Moveable Feast

The Movable Feast is a hidden gem located directly above The Power and the Glory, a popular watering hole in Cape Town. As you ascend the stairs to the restaurant, you are transported to a cosy French bistro-style atmosphere. The decor features vintage elements, rustic wooden furniture, and a warm colour scheme, creating an ambience that is both inviting and intimate.

In addition to the restaurant, The Movable Feast also boasts a bar area where you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink, a nightcap, or stay for a boogie on nights when various DJs man the decks.

• Location: 13 Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
• Times: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to 2am | Sunday, 10am to 3pm
• Bookings: 021 213 1212
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website: themoveablefeast.co.za

9. Café Paradiso 

Café Paradiso is a Madame Zingara restaurant in Cape Town, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere in a beautiful garden setting.

Their menu features wholesome dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the restaurant is designed to make you feel at home. Children and pets are welcome, and the patio provides the perfect backdrop for al fresco dining.

Café Paradiso is a haven in the heart of Cape Town, where hospitality and warmth meet delicious food and stunning surroundings.

• Location: 110 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
• Times: Monday to Friday, 12pm to 10pm | Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 10pm
• Bookings: 021 422 0403
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website: cafeparadiso.co.za

10. Blondie Restaurant 

Blondie is a trendy restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere that serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine instead of the typical pizzas and burgers expected from its location on bustling Kloof Street.

Dishes are meant to be shared, and the short rib is highly recommended, falling off the bone and ready to be devoured in a rich harissa tomato sauce.

The beverage menu is small and specialised, with a few signature offerings, including the popular tequila-and-grapefruit-based Paloma cocktail.

• Location: 71 Kloof Street, Cape Town
• Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to midnight
• Contact: 072 169 8671 | [email protected]
• Website: blondie.bar

11. ëlgr Restaurant

ëlgr’s Chef Jesper Nilsson, a Swedish native who studied at the Stellenbosch Institute of Culinary Arts, has worked at several renowned South African restaurants, including Grande Provence, Tokara Restaurant, and The Kitchen at Maison. He also gained international culinary experience in New Zealand and Sweden before rejoining Arno Janse van Rensburg at Janse & Co.

His restaurant focuses on providing fine food, great wine and creative cocktails in a casual setting. Chef Nilsson draws inspiration from his Nordic heritage and combines it with his South African culinary experience to create exceptional, seasonal menus with unique yet simple flavours presented creatively with fresh ingredients.

• Location: 75 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town
• Times: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to 11pm
• Bookings: dineplan.com
• Contact:021 422 0384 |  [email protected]
• Website: elgr.co.za

12. El Burro Taqueria

El Burro Taqueria offers a daily menu of freshly prepared Mexican dishes inspired by travels throughout Mexico. Their menu features hand-pressed corn tortillas, fresh salsas, and margaritas made with freshly squeezed lime juice, among other options.

The focus on using fresh ingredients and preparing everything daily ensures that each dish is of the highest quality.

• Location: Corner of New Church Street and Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
• Times:  Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 11pm | Sunday: 12pm to 9pm
• Bookings: 021 422 3554
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website: elburro.co.za

13. Cargo

Experience the edgy and retro vibe of Cargo on Kloof Street, a must-visit pub for those seeking a nostalgic adventure.

The bar is a tribute to an era of rebels and rockers, featuring rustic framed photographs and old military memorabilia that adorn the walls. Since opening its doors at the end of last year, Cargo has become a popular hangout spot for the creative crowd.

Whether you’re looking for a lively night out with friends or a relaxed Sunday breakfast after a long weekend, Cargo on Kloof offers a great atmosphere to sip on delicious drinks and soak up the unique ambience.

• Location: 158 Kloof St, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
• Times: Monday to Sunday, 7am to 2am
• Bookings: 021 213 1221
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website: allyoursco.com/cargo

14. Yours Truly 

Located on the lively Kloof Street and surrounded by greenery, Yours Truly is a relaxed bar-café that embodies the energy and rhythm of Cape Town. It’s a popular hangout for a diverse crowd who come for delicious pizzas and interesting sandwiches, as well as a selection of cold beer on tap.

Up Yours, the rooftop bar at Yours Truly, has a distinct urban jungle vibe that’s perfect for soaking up the music and atmosphere. While the focus is not on views, the ambience is second to none. Located next door to Once Backpackers, the rooftop bar boasts a selection of fine wines, spirits and craft beers.

Whether you’re looking for a lively after-work drink or a weekend filled with live DJ sessions and local bands, Up Yours is the place to be.

• Location: 73 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town
• Times: Monday to Sunday, 7am to midnight
  
• Bookings: 021 426 2587
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website: allyoursco.com/yours-truly

15. Saigon 

Saigon has set the gold standard for Asian cuisine in Cape Town since its opening in 1997, with Vietnamese chef Thipert Van My at the helm. In the 26 years since its opening, the restaurant has amassed a large and devoted following, and its standards have remained unwavering. Every dish at Saigon is delectable – aromatic, evocative, and crafted with a generous and respectful treatment of fresh and vibrant ingredients.

The management and waitstaff at Saigon are known for their warm and welcoming hospitality, treating every guest as if they were in their own home. The stunning room boasts one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Table Mountain, making it an ideal location to enjoy a summer sunset.

Saigon’s commitment to excellence has made it a destination for foodies and those who appreciate authentic Asian cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Vietnamese dishes or looking for something new and exciting, Saigon’s menu has something for everyone.

• Location: Corner of Kloof and Camp Streets, Gardens, Cape Town
• Times: Sunday to Friday, 12pm to 9:30pm | Saturday, 5pm to 9:30pm
• Book: 021 424 7670
• Contact: [email protected]

16. The Poké Co.

From one to two, and now many, poké restaurants have sprung up across Cape Town, serving up the most delectable bowls this side of Honolulu! The Kloof Street branch, founded by 32-year-old Andrew Flanagan, is a serene and well-put-together space that offers fresh and utterly delicious bowls of goodness. The friendly and passionate staff round out the experience, making it a must-visit destination for foodies and health enthusiasts alike.

If poké isn’t your thing, the menu at this restaurant has plenty to offer, including smoothie bowls, healthy breakfast bowls, homemade cold-pressed juices, hot beverages, soft-serve ice cream, and even sushi-rittos (burrito-sized sushi creations). With so much variety, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

• Location: 47 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
• Times: Monday to Saturday, 8am to 9:30pm | Sunday: 10am to 9:30pm
• Contact: 066 047 2731 | [email protected]
• Website: pokecoct.com

17. Arnold’s Restaurant

Arnold’s is a restaurant that has garnered more friends than any other in Cape Town, thanks to its stunning breakfasts, quick and friendly service, and ‘walk on the wild side’ main course menu. Since opening in 1998, Arnold’s has become a beloved fixture on Kloof Street, opposite the historic Mount Nelson Hotel. The restaurant boasts an outdoor seating area with breathtaking views of Table Mountain as well as a warm and relaxed dining area indoors.

Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a quick bite to eat, or a memorable dining experience, the outdoor seating area offers a perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal while taking in the stunning views of Table Mountain. And inside, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.

• Location: 60 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
• Times: Monday to Friday, 6:45am until late | Sat and Sunday: 7am until late
• Bookings: 021 424 4344
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website: arnolds.co.za

18. Nourish’d Café & Juicery

Nourish’d Café & Juicery is more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a zero-waste, plant-based haven that prides itself on its commitment to sustainability. Founded by Tash, a true environmentalist at heart, Nourish’d opened its doors in 2017 in what was once her father’s garage.

Since then, it has become one of Cape Town’s most beloved cafés, serving up a mouth-watering selection of vegetarian and vegan juices, smoothies, sandwiches and more.

With a focus on using only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients, Nourish’d is the perfect spot to indulge in guilt-free treats that not only taste amazing but also support a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

• Location: 177 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
• Times: Monday to Sunday, 7:30am to 4pm
• Bookings: 066 336 3944
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website: nourishd.co.za

19. Bacini’s Pizzeria & Deli

Bacini’s is a story of rich heritage that began in 1989 with the opening of its first branch in Rosebank, Johannesburg. Since day one, Raimondo Napoli, the owner, has been tirelessly tossing pizzas and has been the true driving force behind the success of this slice of paradise. His father, Bernado Napoli, served as his inspiration from the start, and together they have created a legacy of excellence in the food industry.

Over the years, Bacini’s has continued to evolve and grow, providing its customers with exceptional food and service. With its commitment to quality and innovation, Bacini’s is proud to now offer online ordering, making it even easier for customers to enjoy their delectable products. Whether you are craving a traditional pizza or a unique creation, Bacini’s has something for everyone.

The menu At Bacini’s is a reflection of Raimondo’s passion for food and his dedication to preserving his family’s culinary traditions. With every bite, customers are transported to a world of authentic Italian flavours and aromas.

• Location: 177 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
• Times: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 11pm
• Bookings: 021 423 6668 or 021 423 6669
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website: bacinisonkloof.co.za

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Picture: Kyoto Garden / Facebook