A wine lover in Cape Town

Cape Town is a hot and happening place when it comes to restaurants and wine bars. It takes a bit of searching, but grab an Uber and start hopping . Bree Street, Kloof Street, and the Waterfront are full of great places to eat. Long Street is best avoided.

This month I completed a winemaking internship at De Grendel Winery, just outside Cape Town. Between winemaking sessions, I had plenty of time to (re)discover the city. Here's my list of tips, in no particular order.

Wine bars

72 Wale St

A lovely wine bar around the corner from Bree Street. There's no wine list; all wines are displayed on shelves with a price tag. You can also order by the glass if you ask. They only stock South African wines, from pet-nat to conventional, full-bodied reds. They also offer a few hard-to-find labels like Alheit Vineyards and Eben Sadie. There's a small food menu, and on Sundays, there are live jazz jam sessions from 5:00 PM. No reservations, just show up. Follow them on Instagram for updates on events.

Publik Wine – 11d Kloof Nek Rd

Publik has a nice selection of wines, even for seasoned South Africa fans. Wines by the glass are listed on boards on the wall, and the menu features primarily South African wines, ranging from conventional to natural. They also have a small menu with snacks and dishes. No reservations, so just drop in. More information is available on their website .

Leo's Wine Bar – 120 Bree St

A bagel shop by day, a wine bar by night. I was only there during the day, and the bagel was excellent. The wine list features low-intervention and natural wines, many of which I was unfamiliar with. If I'd had more time, I would definitely have gone back . Reliable sources say it's also very pleasant in the evenings.

Nadien's tip: Culture Wine Bar on Bree Street has an extensive wine list with both South African and international wines.

Restaurants

La Colombe Group

If you're in South Africa, you must visit one of La Colombe's restaurants. Minimalist decor with warm wood tones and beautifully presented plates. The service is top-notch. South Africa doesn't have Michelin stars, but otherwise they would definitely have one (or more).

I went to Waterside at the Waterfront. It's located below Pier (also part of the group). Waterside is a bit more relaxed, and you can choose between a short or long menu. The wine list is shared with Pier and includes many options by the carafe. Booking in advance is essential.

The Grendel – Plattekloof Road

Don't miss De Grendel 's restaurant. This historic winery is located on the outskirts of Cape Town. After a farm tour or tasting, you can dine here with spectacular views of Table Mountain and the city. Easily accessible by Uber or car. Book well in advance.

Aubergine – 39 Barnet St

A fine dining restaurant with an impressive (including international) wine list, including vintages. The sommelier was very helpful. You can choose from 4 or 5 courses or à la carte. The decor is a bit old-fashioned, but the food and wine more than make up for it. Reservations are recommended.

Ëlgr – 75 Kloof St

A shared dining restaurant run by a Swedish chef. At least here they were honest about the recommended number of dishes per person (2). The sardine with lardo toast was fantastic. Do check the load shedding ; we were sitting in the dark for a while, and the staff could barely find us. Also, make sure to book in advance.

Cocktail bars

I normally prefer a wine bar, but during my internship I met a sommelier from Stockholm who seeks out the best cocktail bars everywhere. So, here we go!

Cause Effect

Cause Effect has two locations: at the Waterfront and in Camps Bay. The former is on the list of World's Best Bars. The bartenders put on a show and offer personalized advice. The signature cocktails are served in unique glasses and creations. Impressive.

The Art of Duplicity

A speakeasy bar. You'll only receive the location on the day itself, with further instructions provided via the app after booking . Relaxing jazz music and a 1920s dress code are featured inside. Highly recommended.

Markets

Oranjezicht City Farm Market

A lively (food) market next to the Waterfront, open Wednesday evenings, Saturday mornings, and Sunday mornings. Lots of stalls with tasty treats, and live music on Wednesday evenings. More info

The Neighbourgoods Market

Located in The Old Biscuit Mill, where The Pot Luck Club is also located (also highly recommended!). The market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. Best time to go: in the afternoon, with food and live music.

Hotels

Gorgeous George

My top tip: Gorgeous George . A beautiful design hotel with a rooftop pool. Fantastic breakfast and spacious rooms. Book ahead if you want to dine at their bar/restaurant, Gigi's.