Cape Town is cooling down for winter, but these restaurants are bringing the heat. Here’s your ultimate winter list of the best cozy spots to sip a glass of red, have a hearty meal and enjoy the winter vibes by the fireplace.
Gusto Urban Italian Restaurant, Century City
This is the hidden gems of all hidden gems FOMO fam! There is a sophisticated feel to Gusto’s whilst keeping things laid back vibe, it’s a difficult thing to achieve but Gusto has definitely done that!
Infused with contemporary and urban influences, Gusto has a stylish and trendy feel, while paying homage to the traditional flavours of Italian cuisine.
Gusto Urban Italian Restaurant is Century City locals’ favourite Italian inspired restaurant – famous for their Napolitana-style pizzas, wood-fired oven and incredible views of Ratanga Park and its canals.
The venue is a magnet for talented, toe-tapping vibes as they host live, acoustic musicians on Fridays and Saturdays. Gusto’s has an incredible Tuesday special; 2-for-1 offer on pizzas and Chef’s Special pastas from 5-7pm! They also have a 2-4-1 Cocktail hour on Fridays from 5-7 AND Gusto has a get 2-for-1 on Gusto Lager and house wines Monday-Thursday 5-7pm! You can find all the details for Gusto’s specials on the FOMO app.
Coco Safar, Waterfront
Walking into Coco Safar you will feel like you just stepped into a French Cafe in Paris. It’s the music, the decor, the service and the attention to detail for us. Coco Safar is one of the coziest yet sleek and stylish places you will find in the Waterfront in Cape Town at the moment.
“Coco Safar is a luxurious all-day café experience designed to take you on a culinary journey beyond the ordinary in a retro-chic and relaxed French-style café setting.”
Coco Safar is well-known for their croissants, collection of the world’s finest coffees, to freshly baked breads and pâtisserie BUT now they are doing dinner too. For R350 per person you can get an incredible Winter 3-course Prix Fixe Dinner. Menu choices are between French Onion Soup, Beef Bourguignon, Steak & Frites, Seafood Pasta, Warm Berry Croissant Clafoutis, Rustic Apple Tarte Tatin and more. To check out more menu options and details on the Coco Safar set menu find them on the FOMO app.
Waterfront | FOMO app Winter Campaign
FOMO and Waterfront has teamed up this winter to bring you the sizzling hot deals that will warm your tummy and your pocket! Just look out for this banner on the FOMO app:
Or simply search Waterfront in the search bar and you will find restaurant specials inside Waterfront like Tigers Milk, The Knysna Oyster Company, Cause & Effect Cocktail Kitchen, Ferrymans, Mitchells, Harbour House, Ocean Basket, Quay Four, Den Anker, Pimi Piatti, Col’ Cacchio, Saray, Life Grand Cafe, Sevruga, Spur, Kapstadt Brauhaus, The Yard, The Waterside, Baia Seafood Restaurant, Dip ‘n Dip and more! If you want to see details on the specials for these restaurants just download the FOMO app for FREE:
Whilst at the V&A Waterfront be sure to check out the date day couples massage deal at K Beauty Spa for only R990 per couple!!
Cozco Cafe & Deli, Sea Point
This place will make you feel like you have just stepped into a beautiful quaint little restaurant of the hobbled side streets of Greece. If you are looking for that Mediterranean look, feel and food Cozco is for you! This restaurant is family owned and run and boy let me tell you it makes all the difference! You can actually see and feels the owners intention when you walk into this romantic date night spot. This spot is perfect for the cosy every day brekkie or the romantic date night vibe. With their specials they are running for winter both your social life and your bank account will be kept warm.
Some Specials they are running this winter; Enjoy a delicious Full Cozco Breakfast & a cappuccino for only R75!! This breakfast platter is the perfect way to kickstart your day, and I’m not just “yolking” around! With two delicious eggs cooked to order, crispy bacon, savory mushrooms and a juicy grilled tomato and toast, it’s practically a breakfast symphony, available Monday – Sunday. The legendary pasta deal: 2 pastas and a carafe of wine for just R250, available Tuesday-Saturday, 12pm-9pm.
Keep updated on Cozco’s specials using the FOMO app!
Beluga, Waterfront
Beluga has been revived and is thriving! They are technically in the Waterfront but make sure you head to the Maker’s Landing section of the V&A Waterfront. Guests can look forward to enjoying the vibrant views of the Cape Town Cruise Terminal harbour from their new balcony. Their new Waterfront restaurant has a refined whisky bar, wine-tasting section, sushi conveyer belt, outdoor covered smokers section and private dining area. You will find more than enough heaters at Beluga for winter.
If their new sophisticated Whiskey bar isn’t enough to keep you warm this winter then their Winter Wine Saturdays will! Prepare to heat up the dance floor at their winter warmer live nights with DJ Rene! Get groovy and indulge in FREE wine tastings from wine partners, who believe that winter is just summer in cozy attire. Available Every Saturday (June-August 2023) Doors open from 6pm. Sales of selected Wines are 25% less on the night. You can find more of their specials and the details like every day sushi specials, Dine and Dance events, happy hours and more on the FOMO app.
The Greek Fisherman, Sea Point
Did you hear that the Greek Fisherman has moved from V&A Waterfront to the most magical spot on Sea Point main road. Man oh man do you need to see this location, I’m feeling Bridgeton vibes with this stunning courtyard! The Greek Fisherman makes it onto our top rated winter spots in Cape Town because it has 4 magical fireplaces, yes that’s right 4! Enough about the space, they have specials one would kill for. Side Note: they are halaal friendly!
Get 20% off 3 Course Set Menu for Two + bottle of wine for only R650 per couple!
What you get:
- A bottle of wine to share (cape portrait, either red or white)
- Starter options:
Either halloumi cheese or bruschetta with mozzarella and basil - Mains options:
Either fish calamari combo with chips or beef souvlaki (kebab) with chips - Dessert to share:
Loukoumades(6 in 1 portion) : Mini greek donuts with honey and cinnamon
Get this deal here:
The Greek Fisherman has even more specials that you can check on the FOMO App here:
Sundoo, Sea Point & Newlands
Is there anything better than Indian food in winter?! Sundoo is the brainchild of renowned restaurateur and chef, Seelan Sundoo. Seelan’s roots are deeply founded in Kerala, India – better known as “The Land of Spices”. This area is well-known as one of the ancient centers of the spice trade with Egypt; the master purveyors of chilli, kardamom, cloves and an array of spices with heady aromas and flavours. Sundoo has a New York Style feel. There are mouth-watering Briyanis and smokey, traditional Tandooris on the menu as well – all designed as tapas to be savoured and shared.
Sundoo Tapas & Bar | A 3-Course Gourmet Indian Share Experience R325 per couple!!
This is an Indian Tapas share experience you will be talking about for a long long time. The value for money on this deal is incredible.
See more details on this deal:
Rockefeller Plaza, Foreshore
Located at Cape Town’s vibrant Rockefeller Hotel & Residence, in the Foreshore district, our cosmopolitan ambiance invites you, your friends and family to indulge in a glamorous escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Whether you’re in town for work or pleasure – or a bit of both! – The Rockefeller Plaza has outstanding facilities to cater for all needs. Rockefeller Plaza has the freshest sushi you will find in Cape Town with their own sushi bar, dessert bar with insane sweet treats and a cocktail bar that you won’t be disappointed in. Their style is avant-garde and sophisticated luxury. Your Instagram will be very happy with you! Rockefeller has some great specials this winter; All you Can Eat Sushi on Sundays with a selection of rice based sushi items including vegetarian, salmon, tuna & prawn, Sunday 12pm till 5pm. 2 for 1 special on their Sunset Series Cocktails on daily from 5pm to 7pm, and get 3 pizzas for the price of 2 available Monday to Thursday from 6pm till 10pm!
Check out more details on their specials on the FOMO app.
Grand Pavilion & Harry’s Bar
Technically these two restaurants are at the same location but have two very different feels. You have to walk through Grand Pavilion to get to Harry’s Bar. Grand Pavilion has an uber slick and stylish feel with gold and white decor Harry’s has a more jazz club laid back feel with darker finishing’s. Both these restaurants are extremely beautiful and they are those Instagram IT girls for sure.
Grand Pavilion boasts iconic sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean that will stay with you long after your table’s been cleared. You’ll find us on the beachfront in the dazzling Sea Point. And Harry’s has live music from Monday- Wednesday (free entrance). Grand Pavilion and Harry’s has an epic Winter Set Menu deal; delicious 2 or 3 course Winter set menu! 2 course is R280 and 3 course is R320, available Daily from 12pm. There is also half price on classic sushi available daily at both Harry’s and Grand Pavilion as well as drinks specials. To see more details on their specials check them out on the FOMO app.
Paparazzi Bar & Lounge at Pepper Club Hotel
Paparazzi bar & lounge is situated at the Pepper Club Hotel in the heart of Cape Town CBD. Pepper Club Hotel has a stylish homely feel, with sleek finishings and great deals locals and tourists will be happy here! This is the perfect date day spot as the Pepper Club is so central which is perfect for a little town activity after your food and drinks at the Paparazzi bar.
Go and enjoy their Happy Hour specials which the perfect setting to end off a long day or start a day of adventuring. You will find two for 1 deals on beer, cocktails and wine daily 5pm-7pm. What’s even better is their burger sliders deals; get an ice-cold Jack Black Lager and three mouth-watering sliders for only R135! You have a choice between chicken, pulled pork or beef slider(s), or have all three. These sliders are great value for money as they are bigger than you would expect. Check out all their updated deals and details of these specials on the FOMO app.
Bokeh, Sea Point
What is Bokeh?! Bokeh isn’t just one thing, this restaurant wears many hats depending on what time of the day you go. During the day it’s a bar/ hairdresser/ art gallery, then come 5pm it turns into a restaurant and Karaoke bar where you can order from a couple of the surrounding restaurants and they will serve it to you inside Bokeh. This is one special little place!
The best thing is that there is FREE entrance to sing karaoke from Wed-Sunday. We can assure you that you will fell lekker warm after a Bokeh evening, definitely speaking from experience! You can also enjoy their Pornstar Martini with friends on a Tuesday for only R70! Find updated details about their specials and offerings on the FOMO app.
Square Cafe and Wine Bar
Square Cafe & Wine Bar is a cosy sophisticated spot that has a uniqueness to it as the architecture of this restaurant was specifically designed to shelter you from that Cape Town wind whist sitting outside on their deck. You can sit outside during winter because of the shelter to the wind and the ample number of heaters placed outside. This makes for the most romantic date night!
Square Cafe and Wine Bar is a brasserie-style restaurant and wine bar located on the vibrant Urban Square in Century City.
With a heavy focus on wine, Square Cafe offers an extensive wine list featuring local gems, along with signature dishes such as the Square Burger and Popcorn Chicken Bites.
They have some great specials like: Buy 1 get 1 free on all house wines, available Monday – Friday, 4h30pm – 6h30pm and any two Classic or Perfect Serve cocktails for R120, available Monday-Friday from 16h30 – 18h30pm.
Duchess of Wisbeach, Sea Point
Once upon a time, 2009, to be precise, The Duchess of Wisbeach, was born, in a little side street off the main road in Sea Point, Cape Town. It’s owned and run by a team that have had restaurants in Johannesburg for 20 years. It’s everything you would expect from a NYC speak easy or something you might discover in a side street in Paris, with or without Woody Allen’s Picasso, Dali and Hemmingway . It’s nostalgic, discreet, slightly glam and romantic. Porcelain dogs sit on all the tables and intelligent waiters keep a discreet watch over their customers.
Check Duchess out for their winter special available Monday- Wednesday for R275 per person. Receive a beautiful Duchess Cocktail OR a Glass of Wine Or a Glass of bubbly on arrival. Have your choice of any of 2 courses from our menu. (either Starter and Main OR Main and Desert), the variety consists of the following:
- Starters : Soup of the Eve,
- Main: Truffled Macaroni Cheese with Portabellini Mushrooms, Tomato and Truffle Oil OR Chicken Schnitzel with Baby Spinach, Watercress, Rocket and Avo salad and Gherkin Mayo OR Wagyu Beef Burger with Onion Tempura and Brie Cheese (Chicken Option Available)
- Dessert: Hot Sticky Apricot Pudding with Fudge Sauce and Ice Cream.
Check out more details about the Duchess of Wisbeach and their specials on the FOMO app.
Mozambik, V&A Waterfront/Century City
Think stormy harbour views and fire heaters, doesn’t that just sound nice! Mozambik may be the newer kid on the block but they are sure making a name for themselves with great food, great atmosphere and the best value for money. There are a few Mozambik’s around Cape Town, Waterfront, Century City, Blouberg, Durbanville, Somerset West so there really should be one near you. They have the most incredible winter specials like Prawn soup for R65, Chicken Pasta R99, Bife de Marisco Steak R195, Date night 20% off… have a look at this 1 and so many more on the FOMO app
We also have a winter warmer deals with Mozambik V&A and Reflections Day Spa exclusively on FOMO:
Luxury Couples Spa Package at Reflections Day Spa with a sharing Platter at Mozambik for two
Price: R2300.00 R895.00
The deal:
- The luxury couples spa package includes: (1.5 hours of treatments)
– 2 x luxury full body Swedish massages,
– 2 x lite facials
– 2 x Indian head massages - Mozambik V&A sharing platter:
– 1 x Chicken Espetada
– 1x 8 Prawns plate
– 2 sides
All this for only R895 instead of R2300, exclusively through the FOMO app in the link below:
Arnolds Restaurant, Kloof Street
Arnolds has been a favourite for many years, how many years you ask …. 1998 and located opposite the historic Mount Nelson Hotel in Kloof Street, Arnold’s has an outdoor seating area with views of Table Mountain and a warm and relaxed dining area.
They must be doing something right here to be open for this long!
Arnolds is great for breakfast, lunch or dinner with a cosy inside section you won’t get the chills. They are well-known for their chefs and signature dishes using only the freshest ingredients Arnold’s is a great spot for tourists and locals alike! They are always running great specials like; delicious serving of beef bebotie for lunch R99, available Monday – Sunday, and their Early Bird Breakfast, English Early Bird Breakfast available. Eggs and bacon with a choice of side Mon – Sun (06:00 – 09:00) only R44!!
You can see more details about their specials on the FOMO app.
Nederburg, Manor House, Paarl
Nederburg Wines | 2-course + Red Wine Deal for Two! R597.00 per couple
Nederburg Wine Farm is located in Paarl and has a rich history that dates back over 200 years. The estate produces a range of award-winning wines, and visitors can enjoy a variety of wine tasting experiences, including a tasting of the Heritage Heroes range and a cheese and wine pairing.
Nederburg also offers guided cellar tours, which showcase the estate’s history and winemaking process. The farm is home to The Red Table, a restaurant that offers a fine dining experience, and visitors can also enjoy a picnic on the estate’s beautiful grounds.
The Red Table is where you will enjoy your visually stunning and decadent 2- course meal + wine.
What you get
2 x Mains Meals
2 x Starters or Desserts
1 x Bottle of wine from Nederburgs Winemasters Range
The Station on Bree, Bree Street
Average Meal: R120
The Station brings you a little taste of the London Underground right in the heart of the Cape Town CBD. This is one of the coolest places in Cape Town but they will keep you warm during winter at the same time! The Station on Bree has outside fire heaters and the most comfy couches inside, not to mention the have the best and most generous Tapas plates you will find in Cape Town.
Station on Bree is also the perfect spot to get your winter specials like; The Station on Bree has a Tapas special on every Tuesday where you get 5 Tapas plates and only pay for 3! Lover for Cocktails? Go on and enjoy a 2 for 1 Cocktail special on all their classic Cocktails, available Tues-Fri, 4pm-6pm and Double Up Burger Wednesdays, 2 Burgers served with Fries and onion rings for R150 available all day Wednesday!
Check out more deets of their specials on the FOMO App:
The FOMO app will also show you Nederburg’s wine tasting specials and winter menu.
Havana Nights, Plumbstead
Enter the doors to this hidden wonderland in the heart of Plumstead, where the cocktails and bubbles flow alongside the Hennessy. There is no doubt that this is where the vibe lives in Plumbstead. Havana Nights so many specials, events, DJ’s that it doesn’t matter when you go you will be kept warm this winter. Havana Nights offers more than just excellent food with live bands and Dee Jays in the evenings. Dress to impress and bring your dance moves.
Are you ready for a night of culinary romance? Grab your partner and experience the magic of their date night special! Choose any 2 mouthwatering main courses or pizzas and they pair it with a glass of wine or a 500ml draught (R380 for two), available Monday – Thursday from 12pm – 2am. They also have a cheeseburger and chips combo deal, perfectly paired with a refreshing 500ml Heineken Draught. It’s like biting into a juicy, beefy hug, while the crispy chips whisper sweet nothings to your taste buds for R135, available Daily from 12pm – 2am.
La Parada, Constantia Nek
Average meal: R80- R290
Housed in the oldest restaurant in Cape Town, they’ve got delicious tapas, weekly deals and a crackling fireplace.
This cozy spot is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whether you are starving or just looking for a snack and cocktails La Parada is your place as they serve tapas, bar snacks, burgers, steaks and so much more.
Harbour House, Kalk Bay/ Waterfront
Average Main Meal: R230
Watch the waves crash against the giant glass windows while enjoying some of the best seafood and sushi Cape Town has to offer. Do you love looking at a great ocean view in a warm restaurant, eating your genuine quality food? Then Harbour House is going to be your favorite place.
https://www.harbourhouse.co.za/menus/
Asoka, Kloof Street
Asoka has vibes upon vibes upon vibes wait…did I mention vibes! Asoka often has live music by the fireplace, such as electro-jazz nights, they strongly believe in the combination of food and music that brings people together. You can come for the food but you will stay for the drinks!
Asoka has a great dinner set menu special and jazz at no entrance fee.
Chapmans Peak Hotel
Average Main Meal: R130-R280
Traditional and cozy with great views of Hout Bay, this is the perfect location for a lazy winter Sunday lunch. Chapmans Peak Hotel has been running for the last 25 years so they must be doing something right!
They serve everything ranging from seafood, to grilled steaks to salads, so whatever you are in the mood for they have you covered. They also have some killer specials this winter, from Pork Belly to Fish Curry to Steak Prego Rolls, check out their specials details on the FOMO App here
Die Damhuis, Melkbosstrand
Average Meal: R120
Located in a national monument in Melkbosstrand right on the beach, the rich heritage, history, fireplace, and outdoor gas heaters make this a perfect cozy winter spot. Die Damhuis serves seafood and traditional South African cuisine. There are also a few cosy fireplaces that will keep you nice and toasty this winter.
The Tangram Restaurant at Durbanville Hills
Average Main Meal: R150-R230
Escape the hustle and bustle to this award-winning restaurant at Durbanville Hills Winery. With sweeping views of Table Mountain and entertainment for the kids, this is the perfect winter choice for a family treat. Here you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner.
If you live in Cape Town and you haven’t been to the winelands are you even a Capetownian?!
Café Paradiso, Kloof Street
Average main meal price range: R120- R250
Mediterranean-inspired food with an authentic home-style feel, great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on a winter’s day. Capetonians love this spot serving exotic and ‘foreign’ fare such as tzatziki, dolmades, and babaganoush as well as country-style dishes. This Cafe makes all their bakery goods, pasta and pizza in-house and from scratch!
Cafe Paradiso has breakfast, lunch and dinner set menu options.
Simon’s Restaurant, Groot Constantia
Average Main Menu Item: R145
Simon’s decor is an experience all on it’s own, when you walk in you will feel transported. Simon’s is well known for it’s Parisian sort of Burlesque feel, it’s something you need to experience for yourself! Join them indoors, nestled next to the enormous fire on a Winter’s evening, you will most definitely be cosy. Or spend an afternoon outside soaking up their gorgeous mountain views, they even have picnics available. They even have a doggy menu and they are halaal friendly.
Kloof Street House, Kloof Street
A 20th century Victorian oasis with 3 fireplaces, a fair-lit garden and intimate dining area’s, Kloof Street House is known for it’s magical feeling. This house consists of multiple intricate rooms and spaces each bursting with character. The menu is brasserie-style and all of the meat is free-range, grass-fed and responsibly sourced.
https://www.kloofstreethouse.co.za/
Azure at The Twelve Apostles
Average price per person: R825
Voted South Africa’s best hotel restaurant in 2020, this is certainly the finest of dining the Mother City has to offer. With a winter-tasting menu to die for and fireplaces on the go, this is the ultimate winter warming treat.
On The Rocks
Average main menu item: R230
This shore-hugging restaurant has become somewhat of a landmark in Blouberg, having a reputation for scenic views and delicious food by the sea for over 56 years. Their menu includes items such as eggs benedict for breakfast, ostrich carpaccio as a starter, seafood curry and lamb shoulder for mains, and cheesecake and panna cotta for dessert.
You can cosy up next to the Venetian fireplace, and let the atmosphere to wash over you.
Chocolat Bistro
Average Main Menu Item: R110
The Chocolat Bistro’s homely interior and Provençal-style decor will give you a warm atmosphere to indulge in a range of amazing breakfast options, sandwiches and desserts. There’s free wi-fi, so order a cup of coffee and get some work done while you wait for your food at Chocolat Bistro. There’s a gorgeous fireplace and high-tea available here, oh & don’t forget the wine!
Chardonnay Deli
Average Main Menu Item: R110
This quaint restaurant in the stunning Constantia Valley calls itself an “upmarket farm stall” and is just so comfy. You can pick up some groceries and get a healthy meal made from local farm produce. You can only visit Chardonnay Deli during the day as they close at 6pm, you should find yourself a spot right by the fireplace, order a warm drink and let all your stress melt away.
D’Aria Wine Farm
Have you seen the heart-warming, tummy-warming slider and wine pairing tasting at D’Aria Wine Farm? Only R100, we suggest you make a booking for this.
We think you would be interested in 7 Unusual Date Idea’s in & Around Cape Town:
The 41, Camps Bay
Average Main Meal: R120
Located on the popular and vibey Camps Bay beach strip, this the best place to watch a stormy Cape Town sunset by the fire while sipping on a thirst-quenching cocktail. The 41 is well known for its Contemporary Mediterranean Restaurant and menu and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is always something happening at 41, whether it’s a live DJ, Breakfast on the Bay event or a Single in the City night, it’s never boring at this spot.
Cafe Caprice, Camps Bay
We chose this one as a winter warmer because Cafe Caprice’s drink specials are going to warm you all right up friends! Every Friday you can get half price on bubbly, yeah 50% off bubbly on Friday’s after a long week, sounds about right. Get Mimosa’s for R55 every day between 11am-12pm, Gin tastings every day R100. Shew, did it just get hot in here?
We haven’t even gone into Caprice’s food specials like Nacho’s 50% off and their Sushi Platter for 2 R340, you can check out more details on their specials on the FOMO app:
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