Winter in the Mother City is characterised by the black south easterlies and cold, horizontal rainfall. Cape Tonians will agree that such blustering and freezing conditions call for warm soups, stews and glasses of red wine around a roaring fireplace.
If you’re unwilling to give up your night’s out on account of the weather, we have compiled a list of winter-friendly restaurants which offer diners a warm refuge from the cold.
The Roundhouse – Camps Bay
Winter is the perfect excuse to indulge rich and decadent cuisine, after all, an extra bit of bulge gives one the necessary warmth to keep the cold at bay.
The Roundhouse’s ‘Bistronomy Menu’ never fails to disappoint, offering eight small plates of the chefs’ favourite dishes and latest creations. In the spirit of the wintery season, opt for the ‘African Spiced Belly of Pork’.
Enjoy the variety of tastes and aromas in the comfort of The Roundhouse’s private rooms. Here, diners will enjoy an intimate dining experience in front of a roaring fire.
Anatoli – Green Point
This cosy Turkish restaurant is a perfect winter refuge. Upon your entry, you’ll feel the warmth coming from the fireplace. The decor is colourful and inviting and the food will transport you to the streets of Turkey.
Den Anker – V&A Waterfront
While this V&A Waterfront eatery is upscale and classy, it also has element of intimacy. The serving staff are friendly and attentive; and the food is wonderfully satisfying.
Warm up in front of the crackling fireplace and feast on hearty bowls of beer-infused mussels and cheese croquettes.
Aubergine – Gardens
During winter, a large fireplace dominates the room of this historic restaurant, creating a warm, relaxing and inviting atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a lot of variety, Aubergine’s ‘Degustation Menu’ gives guests the option of choosing between a three, four or five-course meal, accompanied by a bottle of winter-warming red wine.
The Wild Fig – Mowbray
The atmosphere at Valkenburg is pure country, with many thatched cottages found on the sprawling estate. Found at the heart is the onsite restaurant, The Wild Fig.
During the winter, customers can enjoy a vast selection of malt whisky’s and gluhwein. Scrumptious winter meals include homemade chicken pies, lamb shanks, or springbok hotpots.
Trees Restaurant – Cape Town CBD
While this 100-seater eatery prides itself on being modern and contemporary, they don’t sacrifice warmth for style.
Diners who are looking to escape the cold will find comfort at the restaurant’s inside area. Trees Restaurant’s classic winter dishes includes a slow-braised oxtail and for dessert, their legendary ‘gooey-hot pudding’.
Eight Restaurant – Stellenbosch
Winter doesn’t have to be characterised by rich meals that are unforgiving on the waistline, at Eight Restaurant enjoy an array of farm-fresh, nutritional meals.
These dishes can be complemented by award-winning varietals of wine which are bound to keep you warmed up.
To add to the wholesome food, fine wine and warm ambience, Eight pride themselves on their homemade décor. Upon your entry into the eatery, take a look at the individually crafted flowers that are made out of white plastic bottles. Each flower is fitted with a lightbulb which gives out a warm glow.
Poplars Restaurant – Durbanville.
Poplars Restaurant can be found on the D’Aria Wine Estate.
The eatery comprises with three cosy rooms that are fitted with fireplaces. Poplars all-day menu offers a wide selection of meals, including wood-fired pizzettas (mini pizzas) and to share with a loved one, a sizeable bacon wrapped aged fillet.
