Cape Town’s Best Bars, Bistros and Lounges to Visit This Season

Cape Town’s social season is back in full swing. As the city warms up, its streets, rooftops and tucked-away courtyards start buzzing again—quietly at first, then all at once. Whether you’re in the mood for a strong drink, a slow lunch, or a night that takes its time, there’s no shortage of spots to make the most of the warmer months. These are some of the city’s most-loved (and worth-finding) places to visit right now.

Fable — Bree Street

Walk past Fable on any given evening and you’ll spot a crowd that knows how to take its drinks seriously—but not itself. The storytelling cocktail menu changes with the season, and the bartenders are just as likely to walk you through a drink’s origin as they are to freestyle something off-menu. It’s stylish, sure, but still relaxed enough that you don’t feel like you’re in a photoshoot.

Between Us — Kloof Street

With twin sisters at the helm and a menu that reads like a handwritten note, Between Us is as personal as dining out gets. It’s housed in a former townhouse with wood floors, high ceilings and a view of Table Mountain from the window seats. Mornings are for their soft scrambled eggs and freshly baked rye; evenings stretch out over handmade pastas and natural wines.

Black Sheep — Kloof Street

This bistro doesn’t make a fuss—and that’s part of its charm. The menu is written up daily on a blackboard, and regulars know to ask the waitstaff what’s come in fresh. The dishes are generous and unfussy: slow-cooked lamb, hand-cut fries, grilled local fish. No gimmicks, just good food that doesn’t shout for attention.

The Willaston Bar — The Silo Hotel

If you’ve ever wanted to drink a negroni while watching the sun drop behind the harbour cranes, The Willaston Bar has you covered. It’s housed inside the Silo Hotel, but it’s open to the public and worth the elevator ride up. The wine list is solid, the glassware polished, and the soundtrack leans jazzy without being too clever.

Gigi Rooftop — Central Cape Town

Gigi is the kind of rooftop that doesn’t take itself too seriously—think banana-leaf wallpaper, poolside seating, and drinks served with a wink. Come for sunset and stay through the city lights. The cocktail menu has a few bold hits, and the snacks (grilled halloumi, truffle fries, lamb skewers) hold their own.

The Gin Bar — Wale Street

Tucked behind a chocolate shop, The Gin Bar feels like it was made for people who prefer their drinks with a side of mystery. No signboard, no loud music—just soft lighting, scattered benches, and shelves lined with botanicals. Each cocktail is named after an emotion, but you don’t need to overthink it. Just pick a feeling and sip.

The Raptor Room — Observatory

Loud colours, good food, and zero pretence—The Raptor Room has built a loyal following by being exactly what it is. The crowd is mixed, the music always leans a little nostalgic, and the events range from poetry readings to drag brunches. Their mac ‘n cheese and fried chicken are local legends.

Cape Town After Dark: What Sets It Apart

What makes a night out in Cape Town different isn’t just the mountain backdrop or the sea breeze. It’s how easy it is to feel part of something, even if you’re flying solo. Whether you’re seated at a bar counter chatting with a stranger, or sharing plates with old friends, the energy is unforced. It’s not about chasing a scene—it’s about finding your spot and letting the night unfold.