Unordinary is our list of best kept food secrets of our favourite destinations. We're celebrating the hidden gems of everyday eating, tucked away in unconventional locations – from parking lots and cruise terminals to mid-week farmer's markets and fabric stores. First up is our hometown, the Mother city.
Arthur's Mini Super, 15 Arthur's Rd, Sea Point
As described by Mary Holland for theinfatuation.com: "It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes Arthur’s Mini Super so special. It might be the buttery toasted sandwiches dripping with cheese or bacon, or the fact that you can feel the Atlantic breeze on your face when you’re sitting on a sidewalk seat. Perhaps it’s the kind owners, who really do know every regular customer by name. But most likely, it’s the combination of all of the above, which is what makes this sunny café the ultimate neighborhood joint. It’s as good for a morning coffee as it is for a post-seaside-walk glass of wine and neighbourly chat."
Afro Grill by Msizi Ngcongo, outside Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants, 143 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock
Serving fire-grilled prego rolls on Thursdays, 12 - 2pm.
Blondie, 71 Kloof St, Gardens
One of our favourite spots in town – do take the option to order "Everything" – literally everything on the food menu for R1700. You'll thank us later. (And if you are one of many that "can never find a spot", go at 12pm for lunch.)
Blue Café, 13 Brownload Rd, Tamboerskloof
A tiny neigbourhood grocer and café, tucked away in the suburb of Tamboerskloof. Eat the chicken pie and buy extra to take home with you. Builders Warehouse boeries A trip to your favourite DIY store is never complete without a boerie on your way out. Our sources tell us that the top two are Boerie Express at the City branch and Jou Ma Se Boerie at Builders Warehouse Constantiaberg.
Cedar Coffee at Lemkus Exchange, 28 St George's Mall, Cape Town CBD
Nice people making great coffee.
Cosy Corner, 119 Ottery Rd, Wynberg
We always order the steak masala gatsby, but have it on good authority that the chargrilled rump steak is even better.
Cream of the Crop, Piket-Bo-Berg
Do whatever you need to do to find this micro dairy's halloumi somewhere in town. Your best bet would be at Ouzeri, where it usually is on the menu.
General Store, 22 Bree St, CBD
The second smallest café on Bree Street with healthy breakfast and lunch options, but also the best brownies in town.
Good to gather, Rozendal Farm, Omega Rd, Stellenbosch
The best meal you will find in the area, prepared with the best seasonal and fresh ingredients by our favourite couple in food, Jess and Luke. Book well in advance - they are open for dinner on Fridays and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
Kapoochka, Makers Landing and Time Out Market, V&A Waterfront
Level up your samoosa game with their Mumbai-style dahi samoosa.
Max bagels / Leo's wine bar, 120 Bree St, CBD
The smallest café in Cape Town - bagel bar by day and wine bar by night, this bustling joint knows how to make the most of their pavement real estate. Serving the best bagels in town during the day and a masterfully curated low intervention wine list at night. Max Bagels has a new brother at 1 Park Rd, Tamboerskloof. Do try one of the Mondvol Soet mini cakes stocked at the OnePark branch.
Mixa's Schwarma, 11A, Palmhoff Centre, Kloof St
You'll find Mixa's in the parking lot outside Checkers in Kloof street. What you won't find, is a schwarma on the menu. Go for the good vibes.
Organic Zone, 1 Main Rd & Putter Rd, Lakeside
The lifechanging lemon drizzle cake is worth the drive.
Osteria Tarantino, 125A Waterkant Street
Small and modest family-owned Italian restaurant up a narrow lane in De Waterkant, just the way we like it!
Sepial's Kitchen, OZCF Market, Granger Bay Blvd
Go for the KFC and stay for the fermented goods and chats with the friendliest mother-and-son duo.
Seven Colours Eatery, Battery Park, V&A Waterfront
Tucked away under the skatepark along the canal in Battery Park on the perimeter of the V&A Waterfront, you will find Nolu Dube-Cele serving heritage cuisine. Famous for her amarostile (roosterkoek) and chakalaka, but definitely also try the Seven Colours plate (home-cooked Sunday lunch) on a Sunday.
Super Fisheries, 63 Old Klipfontein Rd, Athlone
The OG, owned by Rashaad Pandy, the original creator of the gatsby. Order the calamari gatsby.
Tommy's Chop Shop, 50 Canterbury St, District Six
Open Wednesdays - Saturdays, hidden away inside the outdoor store, Just Like Papa. Don't miss their Wednesday Grill nights in collab with Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants.
Tomson, 120 Bree St, CBD
Impossibly delicious South Cantonese food by Andy Kai - be sure to book in advance and go ahead, make life easy for yourself and just order one of each item on the menu.
Unordinary is our list of best kept food secrets of our favourite destinations. We're celebrating the hidden gems of everyday eating, tucked away in unconventional locations – from parking lots and cruise terminals to mid-week farmer's markets and fabric stores. First up is our hometown, the Mother city.
Arthur's Mini Super, 15 Arthur's Rd, Sea Point
As described by Mary Holland for theinfatuation.com: "It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes Arthur’s Mini Super so special. It might be the buttery toasted sandwiches dripping with cheese or bacon, or the fact that you can feel the Atlantic breeze on your face when you’re sitting on a sidewalk seat. Perhaps it’s the kind owners, who really do know every regular customer by name. But most likely, it’s the combination of all of the above, which is what makes this sunny café the ultimate neighborhood joint. It’s as good for a morning coffee as it is for a post-seaside-walk glass of wine and neighbourly chat."
Afro Grill by Msizi Ngcongo, outside Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants, 143 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock
Serving fire-grilled prego rolls on Thursdays, 12 - 2pm.
Blondie, 71 Kloof St, Gardens
One of our favourite spots in town – do take the option to order "Everything" – literally everything on the food menu for R1700. You'll thank us later. (And if you are one of many that "can never find a spot", go at 12pm for lunch.)
Blue Café, 13 Brownload Rd, Tamboerskloof
A tiny neigbourhood grocer and café, tucked away in the suburb of Tamboerskloof. Eat the chicken pie and buy extra to take home with you. Builders Warehouse boeries A trip to your favourite DIY store is never complete without a boerie on your way out. Our sources tell us that the top two are Boerie Express at the City branch and Jou Ma Se Boerie at Builders Warehouse Constantiaberg.
Cedar Coffee at Lemkus Exchange, 28 St George's Mall, Cape Town CBD
Nice people making great coffee.
Cosy Corner, 119 Ottery Rd, Wynberg
We always order the steak masala gatsby, but have it on good authority that the chargrilled rump steak is even better.
Cream of the Crop, Piket-Bo-Berg
Do whatever you need to do to find this micro dairy's halloumi somewhere in town. Your best bet would be at Ouzeri, where it usually is on the menu.
General Store, 22 Bree St, CBD
The second smallest café on Bree Street with healthy breakfast and lunch options, but also the best brownies in town.
Good to gather, Rozendal Farm, Omega Rd, Stellenbosch
The best meal you will find in the area, prepared with the best seasonal and fresh ingredients by our favourite couple in food, Jess and Luke. Book well in advance - they are open for dinner on Fridays and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
Kapoochka, Makers Landing and Time Out Market, V&A Waterfront
Level up your samoosa game with their Mumbai-style dahi samoosa.
Max bagels / Leo's wine bar, 120 Bree St, CBD
The smallest café in Cape Town - bagel bar by day and wine bar by night, this bustling joint knows how to make the most of their pavement real estate. Serving the best bagels in town during the day and a masterfully curated low intervention wine list at night. Max Bagels has a new brother at 1 Park Rd, Tamboerskloof. Do try one of the Mondvol Soet mini cakes stocked at the OnePark branch.
Mixa's Schwarma, 11A, Palmhoff Centre, Kloof St
You'll find Mixa's in the parking lot outside Checkers in Kloof street. What you won't find, is a schwarma on the menu. Go for the good vibes.
Organic Zone, 1 Main Rd & Putter Rd, Lakeside
The lifechanging lemon drizzle cake is worth the drive.
Osteria Tarantino, 125A Waterkant Street
Small and modest family-owned Italian restaurant up a narrow lane in De Waterkant, just the way we like it!
Sepial's Kitchen, OZCF Market, Granger Bay Blvd
Go for the KFC and stay for the fermented goods and chats with the friendliest mother-and-son duo.
Seven Colours Eatery, Battery Park, V&A Waterfront
Tucked away under the skatepark along the canal in Battery Park on the perimeter of the V&A Waterfront, you will find Nolu Dube-Cele serving heritage cuisine. Famous for her amarostile (roosterkoek) and chakalaka, but definitely also try the Seven Colours plate (home-cooked Sunday lunch) on a Sunday.
Super Fisheries, 63 Old Klipfontein Rd, Athlone
The OG, owned by Rashaad Pandy, the original creator of the gatsby. Order the calamari gatsby.
Tommy's Chop Shop, 50 Canterbury St, District Six
Open Wednesdays - Saturdays, hidden away inside the outdoor store, Just Like Papa. Don't miss their Wednesday Grill nights in collab with Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants.
Tomson, 120 Bree St, CBD
Impossibly delicious South Cantonese food by Andy Kai - be sure to book in advance and go ahead, make life easy for yourself and just order one of each item on the menu.
Unordinary is our list of best kept food secrets of our favourite destinations. We're celebrating the hidden gems of everyday eating, tucked away in unconventional locations – from parking lots and cruise terminals to mid-week farmer's markets and fabric stores. First up is our hometown, the Mother city.
Arthur's Mini Super, 15 Arthur's Rd, Sea Point
As described by Mary Holland for theinfatuation.com: "It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes Arthur’s Mini Super so special. It might be the buttery toasted sandwiches dripping with cheese or bacon, or the fact that you can feel the Atlantic breeze on your face when you’re sitting on a sidewalk seat. Perhaps it’s the kind owners, who really do know every regular customer by name. But most likely, it’s the combination of all of the above, which is what makes this sunny café the ultimate neighborhood joint. It’s as good for a morning coffee as it is for a post-seaside-walk glass of wine and neighbourly chat."
Afro Grill by Msizi Ngcongo, outside Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants, 143 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock
Serving fire-grilled prego rolls on Thursdays, 12 - 2pm.
Blondie, 71 Kloof St, Gardens
One of our favourite spots in town – do take the option to order "Everything" – literally everything on the food menu for R1700. You'll thank us later. (And if you are one of many that "can never find a spot", go at 12pm for lunch.)
Blue Café, 13 Brownload Rd, Tamboerskloof
A tiny neigbourhood grocer and café, tucked away in the suburb of Tamboerskloof. Eat the chicken pie and buy extra to take home with you. Builders Warehouse boeries A trip to your favourite DIY store is never complete without a boerie on your way out. Our sources tell us that the top two are Boerie Express at the City branch and Jou Ma Se Boerie at Builders Warehouse Constantiaberg.
Cedar Coffee at Lemkus Exchange, 28 St George's Mall, Cape Town CBD
Nice people making great coffee.
Cosy Corner, 119 Ottery Rd, Wynberg
We always order the steak masala gatsby, but have it on good authority that the chargrilled rump steak is even better.
Cream of the Crop, Piket-Bo-Berg
Do whatever you need to do to find this micro dairy's halloumi somewhere in town. Your best bet would be at Ouzeri, where it usually is on the menu.
General Store, 22 Bree St, CBD
The second smallest café on Bree Street with healthy breakfast and lunch options, but also the best brownies in town.
Good to gather, Rozendal Farm, Omega Rd, Stellenbosch
The best meal you will find in the area, prepared with the best seasonal and fresh ingredients by our favourite couple in food, Jess and Luke. Book well in advance - they are open for dinner on Fridays and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
Kapoochka, Makers Landing and Time Out Market, V&A Waterfront
Level up your samoosa game with their Mumbai-style dahi samoosa.
Max bagels / Leo's wine bar, 120 Bree St, CBD
The smallest café in Cape Town - bagel bar by day and wine bar by night, this bustling joint knows how to make the most of their pavement real estate. Serving the best bagels in town during the day and a masterfully curated low intervention wine list at night. Max Bagels has a new brother at 1 Park Rd, Tamboerskloof. Do try one of the Mondvol Soet mini cakes stocked at the OnePark branch.
Mixa's Schwarma, 11A, Palmhoff Centre, Kloof St
You'll find Mixa's in the parking lot outside Checkers in Kloof street. What you won't find, is a schwarma on the menu. Go for the good vibes.
Organic Zone, 1 Main Rd & Putter Rd, Lakeside
The lifechanging lemon drizzle cake is worth the drive.
Osteria Tarantino, 125A Waterkant Street
Small and modest family-owned Italian restaurant up a narrow lane in De Waterkant, just the way we like it!
Sepial's Kitchen, OZCF Market, Granger Bay Blvd
Go for the KFC and stay for the fermented goods and chats with the friendliest mother-and-son duo.
Seven Colours Eatery, Battery Park, V&A Waterfront
Tucked away under the skatepark along the canal in Battery Park on the perimeter of the V&A Waterfront, you will find Nolu Dube-Cele serving heritage cuisine. Famous for her amarostile (roosterkoek) and chakalaka, but definitely also try the Seven Colours plate (home-cooked Sunday lunch) on a Sunday.
Super Fisheries, 63 Old Klipfontein Rd, Athlone
The OG, owned by Rashaad Pandy, the original creator of the gatsby. Order the calamari gatsby.
Tommy's Chop Shop, 50 Canterbury St, District Six
Open Wednesdays - Saturdays, hidden away inside the outdoor store, Just Like Papa. Don't miss their Wednesday Grill nights in collab with Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants.
Tomson, 120 Bree St, CBD
Impossibly delicious South Cantonese food by Andy Kai - be sure to book in advance and go ahead, make life easy for yourself and just order one of each item on the menu.
