10 Cool and Affordable Restaurants in Cape Town

We are blessed to have such and amazing mix of restaurants in Cape Town.
But let's face it: Cape Town restaurants are becoming pricey!

The good news is that there is still exceptional value to be had when eating out in Cape Town. Here are ten well-priced restaurants in Cape Town, each offering a unique dining experience where you get quality and cool without breaking the bank!

1. Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room
   Located on Bree Street in the city centre, Clarke's is known for its stylish take on a traditional diner, serving superb beef burgers and affordable breakfast specials. Ideal for digital nomads with its free Wi-Fi.
   • Location: Bree Street, Cape Town
   • Cuisine: American diner-style
   • Specialty: Superb beef burgers on buttery brioche buns
   • Average Meal Price: R80 per main course​ 
     
     
2. Maria’s Greek Café
   Situated in leafy Dunkley Square, this café offers a magical ambiance on summer evenings with a menu of well-priced Mediterranean plates, including their popular chicken souvlaki.
   • Location: Dunkley Square, Cape Town
   • Cuisine: Mediterranean/Greek
   • Specialty: Chicken souvlaki and mezethes
   • Average Meal Price: R100 - R150​ 
     
     
3. Mariam’s Kitchen
   A family-run business famous for its Gatsby sandwiches. With several locations, this eatery offers simple seating, generous portions, and affordable prices, making it a local favorite.
   • Location: Multiple locations in Cape Town
   • Cuisine: South African fast food
   • Specialty: Gatsby sandwiches
   • Average Meal Price: R90​ 
     
     
4. The Cousins Trattoria
   This Italian restaurant run by three cousins offers high-quality pasta dishes, including their signature herby tagliolini tossed in a wheel of Grana Padano, at great value.
   • Location: Barrack Street, Cape Town
   • Cuisine: Italian
   • Specialty: Signature pasta dishes
   • Average Meal Price: R120 - R180​
     
     
5. Borruso’s
   A neighborhood favorite for its thin-based, wood-fired pizzas. Located in Rondebosch, Borruso’s doesn’t take reservations, so arriving early is recommended. BYO wine with no corkage fee.
   • Location: Rondebosch, Cape Town
   • Cuisine: Italian/Pizzeria
   • Specialty: Thin-based, wood-fired pizzas
   • Average Meal Price: R90 - R150​ 
     
     
6. Dunes Beach Restaurant
   Located in Hout Bay, this beachfront spot is popular for its grill and seafood menu, generous portions, and kid-friendly atmosphere. Perfect for family dining by the ocean.
   • Location: Hout Bay, Cape Town
   • Cuisine: Seafood and grill
   • Specialty: Fish and chips, wood-fired pizzas
   • Average Meal Price: R150 - R200​ 
     
     
7. Kalky’s
   A no-frills seafood joint in Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalky’s offers budget-friendly seafood with stunning sea views. Known for its local snoek and chips, and seasonal crayfish.
   • Location: Kalk Bay Harbour, Cape Town
   • Cuisine: Seafood
   • Specialty: Local snoek and chips
   • Average Meal Price: R70 - R120​ 
     
     
8. The Poké Co
   With multiple locations, including Sea Point, this spot offers healthy, budget-friendly poké bowls with options like local line-caught tuna. Ideal for a quick, nutritious meal.
   • Location: Multiple locations in Cape Town
   • Cuisine: Hawaiian/Sushi
   • Specialty: Poké bowls with local line-caught tuna
   • Average Meal Price: R80 - R120​ 
     
     
9. Arnold’s
   A landmark on Kloof Street, Arnold’s has been serving affordable, hearty breakfasts, and diverse lunch and dinner options for over 25 years. A great spot for any meal of the day.
   • Location: Kloof Street, Cape Town
   • Cuisine: Various, with a focus on breakfast and hearty meals
   • Specialty: Affordable, hearty breakfasts
   • Average Meal Price: R90 - R130​
     
     
10. The Lawns
    Nestled between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, The Lawns offers a versatile menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or drinks with friends. Its pet-friendly policy and stunning views make it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal.
    • Location: Clifton, Cape Town
    • Cuisine: Various, including breakfast and brunch
    • Specialty: Scenic views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean
    • Average Meal Price: R100 - R180​

This is by no means a complete list. The Cape Town food scene is fluid. Stay tuned to hear more about other cool eaterys in the Mother City. If you would like to have us plan a holiday, meeting, event for you please get in touch. Best is to email us at: [email protected]