New restaurants are a dime a dozen in Cape Town, but every now and then an absolute stunner rears its head and sticks it out for the long haul.

Eclipsing Sydney, London, Rio and Hong Kong, among others, The Inside Guide notes in its introduction to their ‘Hottest New Cape Town Restaurants’ list that the Mother City was “recently voted number 1 on Condé Nast Traveler‘s Best Food Cities in the World”.

Boom.

Of course, we’re as impressed as Condé Nast, so we chose a few of our own favourite stunners from The Inside Guide’s list that have piqued our interest:

5: The Peacock Indian Inspired Tapas & Bar

Yes, you read right.

On the corner of Trill and Lower Main sits Observatory’s newest welcome addition. Serving tapas inspired by India, inside is “a spacious two-level restaurant with prime street-side and cosy interior seating” complete with subtle nods to  India’s exotic national bird: the peacock.

Think well-balanced samosas, naan “pizzas” and cocktails. Tapas style.

Opened March 2017
Where to find it 105 Lower Main Road, Corner of Lower Main Road and Trill Road, Observatory, Cape Town

4: Mojo Market

It’s the next step in the market evolution. Boasting over 80 food, home and clothing stalls in a 2 000 square-metre area, the Mojo Market has been on the lips of everyone since it opened its doors. Pop in for some food or coffee, or even a casual browse over the clothing.

Consider your weekend plans sorted.

Opened April 2017
Where to find it 30 Regent Road (between Church and Clarens Roads), Sea Point, Cape Town

3: The HQ Courtyard By Laurent Deslandes

HQ is a firm favourite with diners in the City – but their latest addition adds a whole new twist. While the traditional HQ menu is on offer, now you can find yourself looking at an additional à la carte tasting menu – designed by classically trained chef Laurent Deslandes – “featuring classic dishes with a modern twist that suit the Parisian-inspired courtyard”.

Opened April 2017
Where to find it HQ Restaurant, 100 Shortmarket Street, CBD, Cape Town

2: The Raptor Room

It’s pink and green with a scattering of dinosaur-themed elements, making The Raptor Room one of the coolest retro hangouts in the Mother City. And its menu?

The imaginatively named menu items include You Gats-tby Kidding Me (loaded pork sandwich); F*K Bread (a salad with corn fritters); and the Beyoncé Float (sparkling watermelon juice with vanilla ice cream). The classic Mac n’ (cheese) is a crowd pleaser – add smoked bacon for an extra punch.

Opened November 2016
Where to find it Shop 2, 79 Roeland Street, Cape Town

1: Café du Cap

Welcome to the latest addition of Cartel House:

This vintage- and French-inspired café on Loop Street – in the gorgeous Cartel House – doubles as a retail space, selling stylish homeware and furniture, and a dazzling range of women’s kaftans. With an eclectic playlist of bygone classics – Edith Piaf, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra and The Rolling Stones, for example – you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Hemingway novel. All that’s missing are the ceiling fans overhead…
The food is excellently priced and delicious nibbles (sandwiches, quiche and cheesecake); great coffee; and a hot plat du jour (dish of the day) for lunch, with a salad bar to round it all off.

You might even find yourself face-to-face with a 2oceansvibe staff member over lunch.

Opened May 2016
Where to find it 113 Loop Street, Cape Town

Got it? Now go out and have fun.

[source:insideguide]