When the weather gets wintery, South Africans take hibernation to a different level by swapping hikes and beach days for fireside hangouts.
Good food and cosy gatherings are one of the season’s best distractions – the cooking gets slower, the dishes get more indulgent, and some of the city’s hardest-to-book tables become a little more accessible. Whether you’re in the mood for steak and a glass of red at one of Kloof Street’s coolest hangouts, or a big bowl of pasta after catching a spectacular Sea Point sunset, Dineplan has rounded up Cape Town’s winter restaurant specials worth making plans for.
Sunday Club Steak, Frites & Wine, R295pp, Sundays
Channelling the glamour of 1980s Milan, Club Kloof’s red dining room and cosy atmosphere make it the ideal Sunday afternoon date spot. Settle into a table for two and enjoy your steak frites with a carafe of red wine as the restaurant bustles around you. And if you’re in the mood for dessert, just add the tiramisu for an extra R100 per person.
Winter Steak Special, R265pp, Mon – Sun
Cape Town has no shortage of excellent steak restaurants, but Iron Steak and Bar has built a loyal following for good reason. Neighbourhood hangout meets modern steakhouse in this always-lively restaurant where the open-fire grill steals the show. A dinner of dreams awaits: 200g flat iron steak, served with Wagyu beef-dripping popcorn, a fresh green leaf salad, and finished with salted caramel ice cream.
R100 Bento Box Lunch, R100pp, Tues – Sat
Revered sushi legend Papa San and Obi co-founder, chef, and best friend Ben Bettendorf almost need no introduction, but their unbeatable R100 Bento Box Lunch special does. It’s a beautifully simple affair at Obi on Long Street, but as always, the city’s best bento box – featuring miso soup, salmon rose, salmon nigiri, tuna nigiri, 4 x prawn California rolls and 4 x vegetable tempura & dip – will have you coming back for more.
Our Local Kloof Street & Sea Point
Winter Dinner Set Menu Special, R225 two courses / R295 three courses, Thurs – Sat
Escape rainy evenings on Kloof or take a sunset stroll down the promenade before popping into Our Local. Abundant plants and vintage furniture set the scene for a relaxed dinner amongst friends. The set menu offers up some comfort food favourites, from baked Camembert to roasted pumpkin, beef ragu and creamy orzo.
Kraal Restaurant at Joostenberg
Wagenhuis Winter Lunch, R350pp, Fri – Sun
Soft skies and crackling fires set a different tone for wintery escapes to the Winelands. Kraal Restaurant at Joostenberg celebrates seasonality and farm-to-table cooking on its three-course set menu, featuring locally reared lamb and beef. Paired with a tasting flight of three estate red wines, it’s the perfect recipe for a long, lazy lunch. These tables move fast, so booking is essential.
Popping out for a spontaneous dinner or planning a weekend around a trip to your favourite wine farm feels seamless and stress-free when you have Dineplan. Let little luxuries take centre stage this winter, and book these offers in a matter of seconds.