5 New Cape Town restaurants you MUST try before the year ends

Cape Town’s food scene is sizzling in 2025, with five standout Cape Town restaurants redefining what it means to dine out. From intimate tasting menus to bold, open-fire cooking, these spots are serving up unforgettable flavours and experiences.

The five must-visit new restaurants in 2025

1. Seebamboes

99 Harrington Street, District Six

Price range: R800 to R1 200 per person

Theme: Intimate surf and turf tasting menu

Best dish: Venison tataki with mussels

Drive time from city centre: 5 minutes

Seebamboes is a 16-seater gem where chef Adél Hughes reimagines surf and turf with a contemporary twist. The open kitchen and nostalgic dishes create an intimate, unforgettable experience. Perfect for a special night out, this spot proves that small can be mighty when it comes to flavour.

2. Tambourine

104 Harrington Street, District Six

Price range: R400 to R700 per person

Theme: Farm-to-fork, open-fire cooking

Best dish: Charred baby cabbage with chestnuts

Drive time from city centre: 5 minutes

Tambourine is all about seasonal, local produce cooked over an open fire. Chef Keane Munro’s menu changes with the seasons, but the charred baby cabbage is a standout. The rustic-chic space and warm vibe make it ideal for both casual lunches and cozy dinners.

3. Veld at Spier

Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch

Price range: R500 to R900 per person

Theme: Refined farm-to-table dining

Best dish: Smoked snoek fishcakes

Drive time from city centre: 45 minutes

Veld at Spier brings sustainability and elegance to the Winelands. The menu features ingredients sourced from the farm, like smoked snoek fishcakes and Karoo lamb cutlets. The art-filled interiors and garden views make it a must-visit for wine and food lovers.

4. Ongetem

Park Road, Gardens

Price range: R300 to R600 per person

Theme: Bold, unapologetic South African cuisine

Best dish: Karoo “cassoulet”

Drive time from city centre: 5 minutes

Chef Bertus Basson’s Ongetem is raw, fearless, and full of flavour. The wood-fired dishes and South African nostalgia make it a standout. Try the Karoo “cassoulet” for a hearty, unforgettable meal in a space that’s as vibrant as the food.

5. Happy Rooster

Muizenberg Station, Main Road

Price range: R200 to R400 per person

Theme: Family-style Portuguese comfort food

Best dish: Peri-peri prawns

Drive time from city centre: 30 minutes

Happy Rooster is Muizenberg’s go-to for Portuguese comfort food. The peri-peri prawns and flame-grilled burgers are perfect after a beach day. The historic train station setting adds charm, making it a local favourite for relaxed, flavour-packed meals.

Why these Cape Town restaurants are changing the game

Cape Town’s culinary landscape is evolving fast.

These new openings are not just about food, they’re about community, creativity, and celebrating local ingredients.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just love a great meal, these Cape Town restaurants offer something fresh, exciting, and deeply rooted in South African culture.

The rise of farm-to-table dining and open-fire cooking reflects a global shift towards sustainability and authenticity.

Chefs like Bertus Basson and Adél Hughes are leading the charge, blending tradition with innovation.

For locals, this means more diverse dining options, support for small-scale farmers, and a chance to experience world-class cuisine without leaving the city.

What’s next for Cape Town’s food scene?

As more chefs embrace indigenous ingredients and bold techniques, expect even more innovative spots to pop up.

Keep an eye out for Le Bistrot de Jan and Maru, set to open later this year, promising French elegance and Korean steakhouse vibes with champagne pairings.