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Richard Holmes

Richard Holmes

Contributor, South Africa

Richard Holmes is a travel, food and lifestyle writer based in Cape Town. As well as Time Out, he has written for Travel+Leisure, The Independent, The Guardian, Taste magazine, AFAR, BBC Travel, Skift and many in-flight publications around the world. When he’s not jetting off on assignment, you’ll usually find him exploring Cape Town’s food scene or waxing up his surfboard for a session at his local break.

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Articles (24)

The 17 best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town

The 17 best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town

If there’s one thing to love about Cape Town’s coffee culture, it’s the sheer diversity of experiences on offer. Fancy a post-surf flat white? There’s a beachside barista ready and waiting. Want to delve into the geekery of roasting regimes and pour-over versus espresso? A passionate connoisseur will happily debate the finer points. And if you want to extend a simple cup into a lazy lunch? Well, you’ll find plenty of laid-back cafés across the city dishing up inspired menus of fresh, seasonal fare.   And while there are a handful of global brands promising to deliver your caffeine fix, do us one favour: go local. Spend your money with small businesses. Seek out people passionate about the perfect pour. Because in South Africa’s ‘Mother City’, the coffee culture is simply too vibrant to settle for a bad cuppa. These are the best coffee shops and cafés in Cape Town, according to local writer Richard Holmes. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Cape Town😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town🍣 The best sushi in Cape Town🛏 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

The 12 best bars in Cape Town

The 12 best bars in Cape Town

With its unrivalled coastal scenery, it’d be easy to believe that Cape Town’s cocktail offering is about little more than seaside sundowners. But come nightfall, the city’s bars spring to life, with world-class mixologists tapping into a burgeoning craft spirits scene to create authentic experiences rooted in South Africa’s ‘Mother City’. If you’re exploring Cape Town and find yourself thirsty, these are the watering holes to check out. RECOMMENDED: 🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🛏 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

The 12 best pizza restaurants in Cape Town

The 12 best pizza restaurants in Cape Town

Let’s be clear: Cape Town has a lot of bad pizza. Bland pizza. Doughy pizza. Cold pizza. Undercooked pizza. Overpriced pizza. Pizza that would make a nonna weep. But from the city to the suburbs, amidst the sea of forgettable takeaways and underwhelming eateries, there are some absolute gems. Pizzerias where the wood-fired oven is lovingly tended and the dough is given the respect it deserves; where seasonality is celebrated, and local produce – and producers – are championed. So when that pizza craving hits in Cape Town (and it will), look no further than these talented pizzaioli, picked by local writer Richard Holmes. RECOMMENDED:  😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍣 The best sushi in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🛏 Where to stay in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

The 13 best things to do in Cape Town right now

The 13 best things to do in Cape Town right now

With the Atlantic Ocean on the doorstep and Table Mountain National Park as the ‘back garden’, it’s little wonder Cape Town is hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. But beneath the visual spectacle there’s a rich cultural and historical tapestry to be discovered. Centuries of history as a trading port have given Cape Town a cosmopolitan multiculturalism that fuses warm African hospitality with Mediterranean charm. It’s a city where you’ll spend your days outdoors and your nights enjoying the city’s legendary culinary scene. Not sure where to start? Don’t miss these must-do experiences handpicked by a local writer.  RECOMMENDED: 🛏 A guide to where to stay in Cape Town🍹 The best bars in Cape Town🍴 The best restaurants in Cape Town🐧 The best beaches in Cape Town🏡 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town

Time Out Market Cape Town: How to order, pay and collect

Time Out Market Cape Town: How to order, pay and collect

Time Out Market Cape Town has been created as a contemporary food hall, allowing you to select innovative dishes from 13 of the city’s most exciting chefs and restaurateurs. And while the bustle of the Market may seem a lot to take in, ordering your food and drinks is as easy as can be: Deciding what to order… With so many great chefs and dishes to choose from, it’s not easy. But take your time. Browse the various kitchens, chat with the chefs and ask questions. Once you’ve decided on your first few plates (we know you’ll be back for seconds!) place your order and pay at each venue’s till point. How to pay… Time Out Market Cape Town is a cashless space, and all venues accept most major credit and debit cards. There are no ATMs on site, and cash is not accepted anywhere in the Market. Once you’ve ordered… You’ll be given a personal buzzer that alerts you when your order is ready, so you can grab a seat while you wait.    And then… When your buzzer goes, or you are notified via the Time Out Market app, step up to the counter to collect your order (there’s no table service in the Market). Sit back, tuck in, and enjoy! Need to know more? You’ll find the low-down on our Time Out Market Cape Town page

FAQs: Time Out Market Cape Town

FAQs: Time Out Market Cape Town

Where is Time Out Market Cape Town? We are in the Old Power Station Building at 19 Dock Road in the V&A Waterfront. Need directions? You’ll find Time Out Market Cape Town here on Google Maps.  Is there parking available? The V&A Waterfront has more than 7,500 parking bays on-site, so you won’t struggle to find a space. The closest parking area is Portswood, which is just across Dock Road from the Market. How many eateries does the Market have? Time Out Market Cape Town offers 13 amazing eateries from Cape Town’s top chefs and restaurateurs, carefully curated to deliver an unforgettable one-stop-shop of the city's most delicious diversions. Do you offer vegan and/or gluten-free options? Absolutely, but we recommend that specific food allergies and sensitivities should be discussed with the chefs and staff at the Market while ordering. What are the opening hours? Time Out Market Cape Town is open daily: Sunday to Wednesday: 11am-10pm Thursday to Saturday: 11am-11pm Oh wait, you’re an early-bird? You’re in luck. Our all-day brunch vendor Nøsh Café is open from 8am-8pm daily. Are you open for breakfast? Yup. Our all-day brunch eatery Nøsh Café is available every day from 8am-8pm. I need coffee. Can you help? Absolutely. Nøsh Café’s baristas serve throughout the day, using beans from three of the city's top roasters; Origin, Tribe and Truth. They’re open from 8am-8pm daily. Do you accept reservations? Time Out Market Cape Town is designed as a casual food-hall concept, with (ple

The 40 coolest neighbourhoods in the world

The 40 coolest neighbourhoods in the world

It’s that time again. Every year, we ask thousands of city-dwellers to tell us the coolest spots in their cities. What are the places locals love and visitors flock to? Where are the exciting new openings across food, drink and culture? Where are people going out, hanging out and having fun? For the sixth year running, the results are in. Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life. In 2023, our neighbourhoods are more global than ever before. The rise and rise in post-pandemic digital nomadism has led to an explosion of brand-new community spaces, multi-purpose culture centres and more cafés than we can count on two hands. But while most of these neighbourhoods have experienced a transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local at heart. Slick new developments and cool cafés might bring in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real.  The world’s coolest neighbourhoods this year are, therefore, places with big personalities. Each area’s diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals. Community is key: local

The 14 best sushi restaurants in Cape Town

The 14 best sushi restaurants in Cape Town

When it’s summer in Cape Town, few things pair as well with a glass of South African sauvignon blanc than a platter of fresh sushi. Happily, this cosmopolitan coastal city boasts dozens of sushi restaurants, from upscale fine dining with all the frills to unpretentious izakaya-style local joints. It’s a pleasure to sample sushi with a sea view on the Atlantic seaboard – though bear in mind you’ll pay (a lot) more for the privilege, so if you want to indulge on a budget, you’d be better off heading for the suburbs. And another bit of advice: for a more sustainable sushi fix, opt for tuna over salmon. Yellowfin, longfin and bigeye tuna are all abundant in local waters, especially in the summer months. So say goodbye to food miles and hello to super-fresh sashimi. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🛏 Where to stay in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

The 21 best restaurants in Cape Town

The 21 best restaurants in Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the world’s most exciting destinations for foodies, whether you're seeking out street eats or setting up for an evening of serious fine dining.  It’s a cosmopolitan culinary landscape and one that is increasingly aware of the need for diversity both on the plate and in the kitchens. In selecting our favourite spots (and we know there will be those who disagree) we’ve highlighted a cross-section of the city’s kitchens, from refined multi-course degustation menus to humble fish and chips enjoyed on a sunny harbour quayside. In our book, they can be equally memorable in their own way.  So, our advice? Come hungry, and get stuck into our (ever-changing) selection of Cape Town’s best restaurants.  RECOMMENDED: 🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🛍 The best markets in Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town This guide was recently updated by Richard Holmes, a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

A week in Cape Town: the ultimate itinerary

A week in Cape Town: the ultimate itinerary

Wondering how to spend a week in Cape Town? Not sure if seven days is enough? Well, to be honest, 10 would be better because there's just so much to discover. But if a week's all you got, don't worry; we've got this. From delving deep into the city's chequered history, to soaking up sun on some of the best beaches Africa has to offer, you can see it all if you plan it carefully. Load up our handy guide and you can easily tick off all the big-ticket items in one easy seven-day adventure in the Cape.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🍝 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏖 The best beaches in Cape Town🛍 The best shops in Cape Town Richard Holmes is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

The 10 best day hikes in Cape Town

The 10 best day hikes in Cape Town

From just about anywhere you stand in Cape Town, it is impossible to ignore Table Mountain. This ancient sandstone massif towers above the city, enchanting visitors with its famous summertime ‘tablecloth’ of clouds. And while many travellers do little more than ride the cableway to the summit, if you have sturdier legs and a taste for adventure you'll want to lace up your shoes and hit the trail. Whether it’s for just a few hours, or a full day out, these are the 10 best hikes to tackle within Table Mountain National Park. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Cape Town 🍝 The best restaurants in Cape Town 🏖 The best beaches in Cape Town 🛍 The best shops in Cape Town Born and raised in the city, Richard Holmes is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

The 9 best day trips from Cape Town

The 9 best day trips from Cape Town

Cape Town packs plenty of activities into a single world-class city. And sure, you might have found so many great restaurants, activities and bars that you never want to leave, but there are equally good reasons to leave it behind and head further afield.  Just outside the city, there's plenty more to discover and explore. The best part? In many cases, you can get there and back in a single day and still make it home in time for supper. If you have a few days to spare, hire a car and hit the road to discover the best day trips beyond Cape Town. RECOMMENDED:☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🥣 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town Born and raised in the city, Richard Holmes is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Listings and reviews (13)

The Melting Pot at Time Out Market Cape Town

The Melting Pot at Time Out Market Cape Town

John Van Zyl is a chef who likes to fly under the radar. Don’t expect TV shows, branded cookware or product endorsement deals. Rather, he just quietly goes about his business serving up some of the best food South Africa has to offer. Until recently you had to drive for an hour from Cape Town to taste Van Zyl’s cooking, and the winelands setting in the Elgin Valley is certainly a wonderful way to take a deep dive into the small plates he’s cooking up at The Melting Pot. And while his Elgin restaurant remains worth the trip for its concise menu of globally-inspired small plates, at Time Out Market Cape Town he brings a whole new take on the Melting Pot experience. Here, Van Zyl turns his focus to the Cape’s bountiful seafood while drawing plenty of inspiration from his own travels abroad. That could mean tuna sashimi with fermented black bean dressing, coconut and mint, through to beer-battered hake sliders with smoked potato purée and (of course) a best-in-class tartar sauce. In a city famous for its seafood, Van Zyl sets the bar high with his concise menu of superb small plates.   THE MELTING POT SEAFOOD MENU Linefish Sashimi R140 (Fermented black bean dressing, coconut, mint) Peruvian Mixed Seafood ceviche R145 (Butternut purée, tortilla chips) Beetroot-cured Salmon R140 (Mint & dill yoghurt dressing, dill pickled cucumber) Chargrilled Octopus R135 (Cauliflower purée, bacon shrimp XO dressing) Fried Fish Tacos R120 (Smoked potato aioli, tartar sauce, house pickles, shredde

Ramenhead at Time Out Market Cape Town

Ramenhead at Time Out Market Cape Town

Within days of Ramenhead opening in Cape Town in 2022 there were queues out the door, as hungry locals lined up for the best noodles in the city. That’s not surprising, as Peter Tempelhoff, Ashley Moss and Jennifer Hugé – the culinary creatives behind Ramenhead, and award-winning FYN restaurant – scoured Tokyo and Osaka for time-honoured ramen recipes, returning with the first (and only) Yamato noodle machine in Africa. The trio brings that same passion and focus to Time Out Market Cape Town, with Ramenhead’s seaside outpost offering a compact list of Asian plates and slurpable ramen bowls.   RAMENHEAD MENU   Tori Chintan R240 (Light broth of chicken with soya sauce) Tori Katsu Curry R250 (Rich creamy style chicken curry ramen) Kids Ponyo ramen R140 (Half-portion of chicken tori chintan) Sesame & Mushroom R240 (Double dashi style vegan)   Ramen add-ons Ajitamago egg R20 Extra noodles R30 Gluten-free noodles +R30 Nekomanma R40 (Bowl of Ishikawa rice for leftover soup)   Rice bowl Chashu Don R210 (Spring onion, BBQ-glazed pork burnt ends, sesame)   Snacks Karaage R145 (Tokyo-style friend chicken, miso mayonnaise) Pork gyoza R130 (Potstickers with green chili ponzu) Cabbage gyoza R120 (Potstickers with spicy ponzu peanut sauce)   Dessert Purin R95 (With seasonal fruit and fragrant shisho syrup)  

De Vrije Burger at Time Out Market Cape Town

De Vrije Burger at Time Out Market Cape Town

It’s a burger bar, but not as you know it – and that’s thanks to the creativity of prolific restaurateur, chef and TV personality Bertus Basson. With a brace of popular restaurants across the Cape, Basson is passionate about celebrating homegrown South African flavours and culinary traditions. At De Vrije Burger you can count on having your hands full with his next-level burgers made with free-range beef and homemade buns.    DE VRIJE BURGER MENU Burgers: De Vrije Burger R125/R155 with tjips (180g Free Range Beef, Double Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickles) De Jonge Burger R115/R145 with tjips (180g Free Range Beef, Double Cheese) Die Bennie Griessel R125/R155 with tjips (180g Free Range Beef, Double Cheese, mustard pickle) De Vrije Vegetarian R115/R145 with tjips (Bo-Kaap-inspired falafel burger, double cheese, all the trimmings) A complimentary De Vrije Roomys with every burger purchased.   Add on: Smoked chilli sauce: R12.50 Melrose and Biltong: R35 Bacon - 3 rashers: R30   Extras: Hand-cut Tjips: R45 Have it: BBQ spice dusted: +R7.50 Cheezy: +R25 Peri-Peri: +R17.50 Onion Rings: +R45 Basson and Son soft drinks: R40  

How Bao Now at Time Out Market Cape Town

How Bao Now at Time Out Market Cape Town

The menu of Asian restaurants in Cape Town may be small, but if you know where to look you’ll find some real gems, with talented chefs putting their own spin on the classics. How Bao Now is a great example, with two of the city’s top chefs – Matt van den Berg and Carla Schulze – bringing authentic Cape flavours to a concise menu of Asian plates at their Woodstock outpost of How Bao Now. Fluffy bao buns are, as you might have guessed, the star of the show, and at Time Out Market Cape Town this creative duo brings a local perspective as they plate up exclusive flavour combos such as crayfish bao infused with Cape Malay flavours and a coconut and curry furikake, or wagyu sando-bao with a chilli crunch mayo, tonkatsu and pickled cucumber.   HOW BAO NOW MENU Baos Wagyu Sando (2 in a portion) R170 (Panko bao, wagyu, tonkatsu sauce, chilli-crisp kewpie) Flaming Chicken R105 (Fried thigh, XO, peanut crumb, Szechuan dressing) Fried Fish R100 (Hake, pickled red onion, Thai red curry dressing, nuac cham) Kimchi Pork R105 (Sous-vide pork belly, kimchi, miso mayo, Asian dressing) Banana Blossom (Vegetarian) R100 (Pickled red onion, Asian dressing, XO, herbs Kiddies Chicken Bao R65   Bao Special Cape Malay Crayfish R200 (Curry aioli, coconut furikake, vadouvan XO, lime)   Bites Crack Peanuts R45 Andry Edamame

Carne at Time Out Market Cape Town

Carne at Time Out Market Cape Town

Giorgio Nava is a household name in the Mother City, as beloved for his mellifluous Italian accent as his deft hand in the kitchen. A staple of the city’s restaurant scene for the past 20 years, Nava first entranced locals with his elegant Italian fare at 95 Keerom, and stylish café experience at Caffé Milano. So when he brought that Italian palate and perspective to the world of flame-grilled fare, the city sat up and took notice. Since opening in the city’s legal district in 2008, Carne has set the bar for Nava’s remarkable steak dishes served in a minimalist Italian tradition, with a field-to-table philosophy that’s focused firmly on provenance. Salt, pepper, olive oil and the finest quality free-range cuts… that’s all Nava needs to make a little Milanese magic. Nava brings a pared-down menu to the Time Out Market Cape Town, offering a perfect snapshot of just why Carne has become a stand-out in the city’s restaurant landscape for more than 15 years. CARNE MENU Antipasti Arancini R80 (fried rice balls filled with mozzarella, tomato and herbs) Burrata Mozzarella R130 (Salad of tomato, burrata mozzarella, capers, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil)   Sides Fried baby potatoes R45 Tomato & Cucumber salad R45   Sauces Béarnaise R35 Mushroom R35 Green pepper R35   Pasta Ravioli Porcini Mushroom and Ricotta R120 (Porcini mushrooms and ricotta ravioli topped with browned butter, crispy sage and parmesan) Ravioli Spinach and Ricotta R125 (Spinach and ricotta ravioli topped wi

YARD at Time Out Market Cape Town

YARD at Time Out Market Cape Town

YARD began as a cult classic in the inner-city, as famous for its idiosyncratic service as the delicious fare. And now Eugene Smith brings his inimitable approach to pizza to Time Out Market Cape Town. Atop their signature hand-stretched dough you’ll find four classic YARD flavours flying out of the ovens. Whether your poison is New York pepperoni, barbecue chicken, spicy Italian salami or the heady mix of blue cheese and caramelised onions, expect the generous pizzas from YARD to come standard with a side order of their (in)famously cheeky service. YARD MENU Select your: Dough Style N = Neopolitan R = Romano NY = New York (45cm) C = Californian Please note: Neapolitan & Romano-base pizzas come with Fior de late cheese. New Yorker and California-style bases come with grated mozzarella cheese Sauce White Alfredo Italian Tomato Pesto Signatures Juicy Chick N245/R275/C225/NY465 (Choose Sauce, Pizza Warehouse BBQ Sauce, Mozzarella, Slow Roasted shredded Chicken, Feta and Peppadews) Sweet Baby Blue (Vegetarian) N190/R230/C180/NY375 (Choose sauce, Mozzarella, Blue cheese crumbled, Caramelised onions and fresh wild rocket) Italian Favourites Autumno (Vegetarian) N180/R185/C175/NY314 (Choose Sauce, Mozzarella, Italian herbs, Mushrooms, red onions, Baby Spinach finished with a crack of black pepper) Artigiano N210/R220/C205/NY400 (Choose sauce, Mozzarella, Artichokes, Roasted red peppers & Pepperoni) Capricciosa N180/R190/C175/NY340 (Choose sauce, Mozzarella, Salami, Kalamat

Barakat at Time Out Market Cape Town

Barakat at Time Out Market Cape Town

If there’s a singular flavour to Cape Town, then it is surely found in the kitchens of the city’s Cape Malay community. Incorporating both European and Asian culinary influences – a blend borne of trade and colonialism – Cape Malay cuisine speaks to the colourful history of the Cape. And few chefs offer an experience as unique as Anwar Abdullatief, a pioneer in the city’s nascent Halaal fine-dining scene. At Barakat Abdullatief – together with his wife; TV star and celebrity chef Yolani Abrahams – flips Cape Malay cuisine on its head with a thoroughly contemporary take on traditional plates. From slow-braised osso buco to traditional tomato bredie, Barakat shares the flavours and fables of the Cape’s homegrown culinary identity.   BARAKAT MENU Samoosa R12 (Masala steak crispy onion/ Potato, cheese & danyah/ Smoked snoek & apricot) Koesiesters R10 (Warm Cape Malay 'Donut') Boeber R40 (Sweet warm spiced milk beverage with vermicelli, sago & toasted almonds) Lighter meals 'Bobotie' R80 (Sweet curried beef mince in egg custard, topped with a chickpea shard, with homemade chutney & toasted coconut) Crispy tempura'd Malay chicken 'sosatie' R80 (Skewered cubes of chicken with peach, capsicum & red onion, fried in spiced tempura batter served with a cucumber & onion salad, sambal & flaky butter roti) Mains Snyboontjie Bredie (Vegetarian) R110 (Stewed green beans & potato in an onion-based sauce served with basmati rice) Cabbage Food (Vegetarian) R110 (Chargrilled cabbage profile with

Sushiya at Time Out Market Cape Town

Sushiya at Time Out Market Cape Town

Sushiya is a restaurant greater than the sum of its parts. While chef Peter Tempelhoff – also behind Ramenhead at Time Out Market Cape Town – and chef Shin Takagi – owner of a two-star Michelin restaurant in Kanazawa, Japan – are both hugely accomplished chefs and restaurateurs in their own right, when they decided to collaborate on a new restaurant, greatness was pretty much guaranteed. Sushiya at Time Out Market Cape Town takes the shape of an upscale 'sushi shop', offering authentic yet contemporary Japanese sushi. The menu is made up of small dishes with classic pickled and preserved Japanese-style vegetables, a variety of modern nigiri platters, a platter of maki, and temaki and gunkan maki infused with local and classic Japanese flavours. Beyond the considered cuisine, Tempelhoff and Takagi also use Sushiya to showcase their dedication to sustainable sourcing, craftsmanship and tradition.   SUSHIYA MENU    Small Plates Nasu Dengaku R120 (roast aubergine, katsuobushi, miso, sesame) Tuna Tataki R170 (peanut chilli ponzu, sesame tempura, daikon) Tsukemono Sea R65 (salt fermented Napa cabbage, ginger, radish, carrots) Vegetable Kakiage Tempura R95 (ginger tentsuyu)   Makimono Shrimp Uramaki, inside out R235 (8 pcs shrimp, avocado, sesame tempura, katsuobushi flakes, yuzu gel) Fish Uramaki, inside out R220 (8 pcs spicy white fish, pickled daikon, wasabi) Maguro Temaki, new style hand R160 (2 pcs lean tuna, chives, truffle & ajitamago purée) Otoro Temaki, new style hand R22

Kapoochka at Time Out Market Cape Town

Kapoochka at Time Out Market Cape Town

Chef Hitesh Panchal steps up from his previous V&A Waterfront location in the Makers Landing incubator hub to take up a coveted place at Time Out Market Cape Town. At Kapoochka – which Panchal runs with his two sons – this entrepreneurial chef dishes up a contemporary take on Indian street food, with a creative focus on more-ish pani puri. Considered the king of street food across India, pani puri are crispy hollow balls of dough, deep-fried and filled with potato, lentils, three chutneys and a spiced water, and at Kapoochka you’ll find a delicious array of savoury and sweet creations. KAPOOCHKA MENU Traditional Poochkas Paani Puri (4pc) R75 (Crispy puri filled with spiced potatoes, chickpeas and lenls, topped with a coriander and mint chutney, a tamarind chutney and served with chilled spiced water) Dahi Batata Puri (4pc) R80 (A crispy puri filled with spiced potatoes, chickpeas and lentils, topped with a coriander and mint chutney, a tamarind chutney and topped off with creamy sweetened yoghurt, vermicelli and a chaat masala tuile) Prawn Pop Puri (4pc) R115 (Crispy fried puri stuffed with spicy garlic butter prawns, a garlic and chilli aioli, garnished with Katsuobushi and sesame seeds) Mixed Tasting Platter (6pc) R125 (Combination platter of all the above favourites: 2 x Paani Puri, 2 x Dahi Bata Puri and 2 x Prawn pops) Dahi Samosa R55 (Punjabi samosa served on a bed of chickpea masala, dressed with our signature sauces, vermicelli and pomegranate seeds)   Main Dishes Mas

MLILO at Time Out Market Cape Town

MLILO at Time Out Market Cape Town

For all of the creativity in Cape Town’s restaurant landscape, a common complaint – often justified – is that indigenous African cuisines and culinary traditions are sidelined in favour of fine dining that looks to Europe, Asia and North America for inspiration. But not so at MLILO 'Fires of Africa', where chef Vusi Ndlovu brings a truly pan-African experience to the menu, interpreting the many ways that cultures across the continent have incorporated a lick of flame and kiss of smoke into their cooking. At MLILO you’ll find an elevated take on the traditional Zulu shisanyama barbecue, a taste of Senegal in the lamb didi, or the Kenyan classic nyama choma – thinly sliced beef – with a fresh kachumbari salad. It’s a brave and bold new approach to creating world-class cuisine imbued with the unmistakeable flavours of Africa.   MLILO MENU uMbhona R65 (Classic street corn grilled, inspired by the streets of Mombasa) Broccoli R65 (Charred broccoli, miso pickled peanuts,  drizzled with maafe sauce) Brochette of Dakar R110 (Baguette filled with Yassa onions, grilled chicken dusted in kan kan spice, chilli & lettuce) Pepe wings R110 (Grilled chicken wings seasoned with the flavour of pepe) Pork/Chicken Suya R110 (Grilled pork/chicken skewers marinated in homemade suya spice blend and brown butter served with plantain ketchup) Nyama Choma R110 (Thinly sliced beef with chunky kachumbari) iPlate R195 (South African braai plate: beef chuck/lamb chop, chicken wing & boerewors) Lamb

Unframed at Time Out Market Cape Town

Unframed at Time Out Market Cape Town

Want the scoop on the most creative ice cream in the Mother City? You’ll find it at Unframed, thanks to the innovative flavour creations dreamt up by founder Yann Rey. Ever wondered what lemon-infused olive oil and white chocolate ice cream might taste like? Here’s your chance to find out. Every flavour combination is crafted from scratch, in small batches and from quality ingredients, drawing heavily on what’s fresh and in season in the Cape. No surprise then that Unframed has been rated amongst the world’s greatest ice-cream parlours. UNFRAMED MENU   Scoops 1 Scoop R49 2 Scoops R79 3 Scoops R89   Indulge Tasting Flight R99 (5 flavours) Sundaes R109 (3 scoops, toppings, whipped cream)   Waffles Waffle R59 (Icing sugar, whipped cream) + Extra Scoop R25 + Extra topping R10  

Culture Wine Bar at Time Out Market Cape Town

Culture Wine Bar at Time Out Market Cape Town

South Africa may fall into the so-called ‘New World’, but the country’s winemaking heritage dates back more than three centuries, with the first wines pressed here as far back as 1659. All of which means there’s a long and complex history to South African wine, and though you may be familiar with white Burgundy, or Left Bank Bordeaux, understanding the strengths and stars of the Cape’s diverse vineyards requires expert insight. That’s where chef Matt Manning comes in, bringing Bree Street’s hugely popular Culture Wine Bar to Time Out Market Cape Town. The extensive wine list includes an impressive range offered by the glass, allowing you to sip your way from the cool-climate vineyards of Elgin and big-hitters of Stellenbosch to the pioneers breaking new ground in the Swartland. Culture Wine Bar captures the best of the Cape in the glass.

News (16)

The wait is (almost) over… Time Out Market Cape Town opens tomorrow!

The wait is (almost) over… Time Out Market Cape Town opens tomorrow!

Hold up, you're behind the times over here! Time Out Market Cape Town opened on November 17. Head on over to our dedicated Time Out Market Cape Town page for the low-down on the most delicious new destination in the Mother City!   This week the 13 chefs and their kitchen crews have been hard at work preparing plates and fine-tuning their service for the flood of hungry visitors that are expected over the opening weekend. Time Out Market Cape Town has found a home in the city’s hugely popular V&A Waterfront precinct, and the project has been more than a year in the planning, with Market teams scouring the city and surrounding Winelands for the best chefs and restaurateurs to offer a memorable snapshot of the city’s food and wine scene under one roof. And what a roof it is! The Market is housed in the harbour’s original pumphouse and power station buildings, both beautifully restored to blend industrial heritage with contemporary cool. The Market is sandwiched neatly alongside The Watershed design district and overlooking the Alfred Basin, with Instagrammable views of Table Mountain across the harbour. The fact that the V&A remains a vibrant working harbour adds to the Market’s appeal, allowing you to soak up Cape Town’s rich maritime heritage while you sip and snack on the Mother City’ finest bites. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, so you can soak up the summer sun as you savour the food. The Time Out Market is a new concept for Cape Town, so we’ve pulled together some usefu

It’s a date! Time Out Market Cape Town reveals its opening day

It’s a date! Time Out Market Cape Town reveals its opening day

Hold up, you're behind the times over here! Time Out Market Cape Town opened on November 17. Head on over to our dedicated Time Out Market Cape Town page for the low-down on the most delicious new destination in the Mother city!     Foodies, haul out your calendars and your permanent markers: the opening date for Time Out Market Cape Town has been revealed. Friday November 17 – at 11am, to be precise – is the day that the doors will be thrown open to Cape Town’s most exciting new food and cultural destination. Set on the quayside of the V&A Waterfront harbour precinct, Time Out Market Cape Town is the first Time Out Market in Africa, drawing on the successful formula that has seen markets launch in cities including Lisbon, New York, Chicago and Montreal. Stretched across two levels and nearly 2,800 square metres of floor space, Time Out Market Cape Town will give both locals and visitors a curated snapshot of Cape Town’s vibrant food scene under a single roof, with 13 homegrown culinary concepts on offer. While the concept is global, the foods, flavours and chefs are proudly local, providing the Cape’s up-and-coming cooks an opportunity to showcase their plates alongside some of its most lauded celebrity chefs. And the opening line-up of chefs and vendors has just been expanded with the announcement of two more outlets for the market. Stepping up from his current V&A location at the Makers Landing incubator hub is chef Hitesh Panchal. His kitchen Kapoochka will dish up a cont

The final line-up for Time Out Market Cape Town has been unveiled

The final line-up for Time Out Market Cape Town has been unveiled

Hold up, you're behind the times over here! Time Out Market Cape Town opened on November 17. Head on over to our dedicated Time Out Market Cape Town page for the low-down on the most delicious new destination in the Mother city!     Foodies, listen up. The final three names in the 13-kitchen line-up for Time Out Market Cape Town have been unveiled, and they include some of the city’s best-loved chefs and foodie pioneers. Chef Giorgio Nava is nothing short of a household name in Cape Town, beloved as much for his mellifluous Italian accent as his deft hand in the kitchen. A staple of the city’s restaurant scene for the past 20 years, Nava will bring his trend-setting steak eatery Carne to the Time Out Market Cape Town. Since opening in the city’s legal district in 2008, Carne has set the bar for remarkable steak dishes served in a minimalist Italian tradition, with a field-to-table philosophy that’s focused firmly on provenance. Salt, pepper, olive oil and the finest quality free-range cuts… that’s all Nava needs to make a little Milanese magic. From Milan to the Mother City, homegrown celebrity chef Siba Mtongana is set to bring a sprinkle of proudly South African seasoning to the Market experience, with the opening of The Siba Deli. While her eponymous restaurant in the V&A Waterfront is already hugely popular for its elevated take on South African cuisine, The Siba Deli will offer a more relaxed culinary experience, all while retaining Siba’s focus on freshness and a subtle

Tick tick tick… Time Out Market Cape Town opens this week!

Tick tick tick… Time Out Market Cape Town opens this week!

Hold up, you're behind the times over here! Time Out Market Cape Town opened on November 17. Head on over to our dedicated Time Out Market Cape Town page for the low-down on the most delicious new destination in the Mother city!   The clock is counting down to Friday November 17, when the hotly-anticipated Time Out Market Cape Town will finally open its doors to hungry locals and curious visitors. If you've been to New York , Lisbon or Montreal you'll know all about the Time Out Market concept. In a nutshell, each Market looks to offer a snapshot of a city's most exciting culinary adventures, tapping into the expertise of top chefs, entrepreneurs and creative locals alike, to deliver an unforgettable one-stop-shop of the city's most delicious diversions. Time Out Market Cape Town has found a home in the city's hugely popular V&A Waterfront precinct, sandwiched neatly alongside The Watershed design district and overlooking the Alfred Basin. The fact that the V&A remains a vibrant working harbor adds to the appeal, allowing you to soak up Cape Town's rich maritime heritage while you sip and snack on the Mother City's finest bites. ‘We can't wait to bring the incredible experiences we've announced over the last few months to life when we open the doors of Time Out Market Cape Town,’ says Russ Meyer, General Manager of Time Out Market Cape Town. ‘The Market will be home to outstanding local chefs and restaurateurs who are all raring to go and to welcome our guests. Together, we w

Time Out Market Cape Town is open!

Time Out Market Cape Town is open!

Time Out Market Cape Town is the first – and only – market of its kind in Africa, and as one of just a handful of Time Out Markets worldwide the opening has further cemented Cape Town's position as the foodie capital of the continent. "Time Out Market Cape Town is a food and cultural market and at the heart of it is a celebration of the best of the city," explains Russ Meyer, GM of Time Out Market Cape Town. "In Cape Town, we are spoiled with incredible talents and we invite the very best to join us, all under one roof – from award-winning to up-and-coming chefs to much-loved local gems. We are very proud to give them a platform and to present Cape Town as a leading culinary and cultural hub." The Market's 13 kitchens offer a diverse menu of the best food and wine the city has to offer. From grab-and-go pizza at YARD and the best free-range beef at De Vrije Burger, to the more refined Japanese and Italian fare of Sushiya and CARNE.   Photograph: Roy Potterill | Omakase nigiri platter from Sushiya   "We offer our guests a true taste of the city and are open every day, all day so you can come for breakfast, lunch, for dinner, to enjoy our cultural events or just for a drink; you can come on your own, with family, with friends – it's a vibrant, fun space and there is something for everyone," adds Meyer.   Photograph: Roy Potterill   The Melting Pot Seafood showcases the kitchen creativity of chef John van Zyl, with a select menu of plates celebrating the bountiful seafood o

Virgin Atlantic has finally re-launched daily flights to Cape Town

Virgin Atlantic has finally re-launched daily flights to Cape Town

It's summer, it's hot, and the surge in airlines jetting into Cape Town is showing no sign of slowing down: Virgin Atlantic has returned to Cape Town with a daily service over the peak summer season. Between the first flights – which took off last week – until the last flight on March 24, 2024, the new service will offer more than 80,000 seats between London and Cape Town, making life easier than ever for European holidaymakers looking for a dose of Mother City magic.  The daily London-Cape Town service will be operated on Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with Upper Class, Premium and Economy cabins. Return economy class fares start from £711 (for Economy Light, with hand luggage only), but climb to an eye-watering £2300 – in Economy – over the peak Christmas period.  The outbound flight from London Heathrow (VS748) departs at 4.20pm and operates overnight, landing in Cape Town at 6am the following day. The Dreamliner then quickly turns around to fly back to London as a daytime flight, leaving Cape Town at 7.50am to land in London at 5.45pm. ‘Although a little later than we’d have liked due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the move reflects the fact that travel is recovering and global demand for holidays to sunny, premium destinations is returning at pace,’ commented Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic. ‘We’re expecting a high proportion of leisure travellers on this route who will rightly be taking advantage of the winter sun, exploring the world-ren

It’s official: Cape Town is one of the best solo travel destinations for women

It’s official: Cape Town is one of the best solo travel destinations for women

Whether it’s thanks to pent-up Covid demand, or a new feeling of empowerment in a post-#MeToo era, the number of women packing their bags and travelling solo is on the rise. That’s according to new research by Airbnb, which recorded a 55 percent climb in women planning international solo trips using the home-sharing booking platform. And with its cosmopolitan streets, chic boutiques, urban adventures and glorious beaches, it’s little wonder Cape Town ranked high on the list of top 10 cities of British women planning an overseas solo adventure. Cape Town came in at number five on the list, behind Paris in first, followed by Dubai, Barcelona and Lisbon. Notably, Cape Town is the highest-ranking long-haul city on the list, comfortably beating out the likes of Sydney, which came sixth, Melbourne in ninth and Toronto at number ten.  And though most visitors enjoy a hassle-free holiday, Cape Town does experience the crime and safety issues you’d expect in any large city that is home to more than four million people. Women travellers, in particular, are advised to be aware of their surroundings when exploring, with local tourism authorities recommending: Avoid carrying large sums of cash, don’t carry cameras in plain sight and do not leave belongings unattended. Heed the advice of your hosts or locals on where to go after dusk. Avoid walking in deserted and dark places at night. If driving, park in a secure well-lit area with street or security guards. Never allow strangers to assi

Brunch lovers, rejoice! Woodstock’s beloved Pot Luck brunch is back

Brunch lovers, rejoice! Woodstock’s beloved Pot Luck brunch is back

If you've been wondering how to fill your Sunday mornings (and your hungry belly) in Cape Town, here's the answer: The Pot Luck Club has relaunched its insanely popular Sunday Brunch, offering a multi-course brunch menu, Bottomless Bubbles and the best Bloody Mary in town.  Those dramatic city views (if you know, you know) and Asian-inspired small plates have made Pot Luck a hit since it opened in 2012, but the Sunday Brunch offers a whole new reason to visit. Instead of the usual à la carte menu, Sunday Brunch (R950pp) features a set menu of nine or ten unique dishes you won't find on offer any other day of the week. Say goodbye to FOMO. Executive Chef Jason Kosmas said: ‘We've purposefully done this to be an entirely different Pot Luck experience. We want Sunday mornings to be something to look forward to.’ The brunch is a delicious roster of plates, all tapping into the punchy flavor-forward style that's made Pot Luck so popular. The menu begins with fresh local oysters, before rolling through brunch favorites like buttery brioche with mushroom duxelle, a seasonal salad, Asian sesame, and Kosmas' famous take on a classic Arnold Bennett omelette. After a heartier main course – usually duck – you'll get seasonal desserts and an array of petit fours. Unreal.  And you won't go thirsty either. Alongside the wine list is the popular Bottomless Bubbles offering (an extra R530pp), this year featuring Cap Classique (South Africa's champagne-style sparkling wine) from Boschendal in

This African fashion show is coming back to Mount Nelson Hotel (and there’s cake)

This African fashion show is coming back to Mount Nelson Hotel (and there’s cake)

The Mount Nelson Hotel has long been famous for its traditional Afternoon Tea; all bone-china teacups and tinkling piano in the background. But, times are a changin’. This summer, the second edition of the groundbreaking Confections X Collections is giving this genteel English tradition a proudly African shake up. Confections X Collections – CXC for short – is billed as a coming-together of creative expression. What that means is a deliciously inspiring afternoon of African fashion, presented in a salon-style show, paired with a collection of designer-inspired confectionery from the hotel’s talented pastry chef, Vicky Gurovich. CXC runs over five days in November, playing host to a roll call of leading designers from both Southern and Western Africa, each shining a spotlight on the trend towards authentic, considered, African fashion.  This year’s lineup includes an all-star cast that kicks off with celebrated local designer Wanda Lephoto (November 8), before moving on to the well-known Viviers Studio (November 9). Internationally acclaimed winner of the 2020 LVMH Prize Sindiso Khumalo (November 10) makes an appearance too, along with Palesa Mokubung and her print-centric garments under the Mantsho (November 11) label. Closing out this year’s season is Capetonian Chu Suwannapha, dubbed the ‘Prince of Prints’ for his striking designs in his Chulaap (November 12) collection. Aside from the fine threads, the Mount Nelson’s pastry chef Vicky Gurovich has collaborated with each de

A brand new gallery space has just opened at Boschendal

A brand new gallery space has just opened at Boschendal

You really shouldn’t need another excuse to head out to the Franschhoek winelands, just 45 minutes' drive from central Cape Town. But if the abundance of fine food, world-class wine and mountain views aren't enough, then the opening of a captivating new cultural hub should do it.  Just in time for the busy summer season, ‘Boschendal X Brundyn’ has opened in the historic Manor House of Boschendal wine estate, offering an inspired collection of contemporary works brought together by respected curator Elana Brundyn. It’s a classic combo of old and new: a venerable estate dating back to 1685, coupled with cutting edge contemporary art from southern Africa and its diaspora. There is the graceful sweep of traditional Cape Dutch architecture, married with modern interiors. Plus, a renovation over the winter has created a space where you can move from the gallery exhibition to an intimate wine lounge for a glass of South Africa’s famous Cap Classique sparkling wine. And with Boschendal’s two restaurants right on the doorstep, it’s imagined as a destination for day trippers as much as art lovers. ‘Boschendal’s accessibility, beautiful location, and incredible facilities make it a draw card for people from near and far. It’s one of the many reasons this is not an exhibition space aimed only at an art audience, but at the general public,’ explains Brundyn. ‘Visitors might stumble on the space by chance, and then be intrigued by what they see.’ It’s also a perfect spot for a little souve

This historic V&A Waterfront hotel has just had a revamp

This historic V&A Waterfront hotel has just had a revamp

As if the November 17 opening of the Time Out Market Cape Town wasn’t reason enough to visit Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, here comes another piece of good news for the 24 million visitors who pass through the precinct each year. The Victoria & Alfred Hotel – the oldest hotel in the Waterfront, set in a century-old quayside warehouse – has just unveiled a chic new look and feel for 64 of its most popular rooms and suites. And the best thing of all? The hotel is set a few steps from the Time Out Market, meaning you can pretty much roll out of bed and into the city’s most exciting new foodie destination, so you can go from well-fed to comfy bed in a matter of minutes.  You’ll certainly want somewhere for a post-indulgence nap, and the hotel’s gorgeous new rooms are ideal. Choose between views across the Waterfront’s main piazza, or (a better choice) the wonderful Mountain View suites that gaze out over the working harbour to the distant skyline of Table Mountain. But whichever room you’re in, you won’t be disappointed. The latest floor-to-ceiling refurb is the work of Francois du Plessis Interiors, which has brought in more natural tones and textures along with a sexy colour palette of Scandi-chic wood. Along with the updated look and feel comes a host of new tech too, from speedy (and free!) Wi-Fi to enormous new smart TVs for you to cast your favourite streaming service. If you can take your eyes off the view that is. And here’s a little insider tip. While the views from your r

A swanky new Pullman hotel has just opened in Cape Town

A swanky new Pullman hotel has just opened in Cape Town

Haven't you heard? There’s a new kid on the hotel block in Cape Town. If you’d rather be in the heart of the city than out in the ’burbs, and you want all the nightlife Cape Town has to offer right on the doorstep, then you're going to love the inner-city setup of the Pullman Cape Town City Centre. Cape Town’s newest city hotel is located in Triangle House, a seriously high skyscraper that was previously home to a Radisson Blu hotel. Set slap-bang in the heart of Cape Town’s central business district, it’s set to bring in all the clued-up corporate travellers and the holidaymakers looking to stay close to the city's best culture, food and clubbing spots.  The building reaches 104 metres, and its upper-floor rooms have some pretty impressive city and mountain views (there's both classic rooms and family suites on offer). The hotel is the first property in South Africa under the global Pullman Hotels & Resorts brand, which has more than 150 hotels worldwide. Accor bills Pullman as a business-focused brand (much like the Radisson Blu it replaced), with a particular focus on business travellers, discerning holidaymakers and digital nomads post Covid. That means you can expect all the usual mod-cons on tap from flat-screen TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi to (if you’re here for work) a choice of in-house meeting spaces. Though part of the appeal is the central location for exploring beyond the hotel, if you do want to stay in you’ll find fine dining in The Piano Room (be sure to check out