If you are looking for the city of best restaurants and wine routes in South Africa, you don't have to look around; Cape Town is where it's at. Cape Town offers the best cooking experience for every kind of traveler. From Cape Malay to traditional African to classy seafood, there are more than enough eateries to choose from.

A number of restaurants are situated next to the beach and harbour front; you can go to Fish on the Rocks Tel: +27 (0)21 790 0001 in Hout Bay, popular for what is reputed to be the best fish and chips in town (it's open daily until 19h30). You can also go to Café Blouberg, known for serving the biggest, best, and most affordable breakfast. You can also go to On the Rocks, the most exquisite and internationally-acclaimed restaurant in Bloubergstrand. It is situated at the water's edge and boasts breathtaking views of Table Mountain, Robben Island and Cape Town. On the Rocks cater for all functions, big or small and can also accommodate conferences. You are likely to spot whales (from June to November) as well as plenty of seals from these perfectly positioned venues.

There is absolutely one unique, tasty and proudly South African or Capetonian fish; the Snoek. If you really like snoek you cannot miss the annual Snoek Derby at Hout Bay every year in August. On this day, all local fishing boats leave the harbour at sunrise to compete for the biggest catch of the day.

African and local isiXhosa cuisines are served in trendy restaurants in the City Centre, such as at Marco's African Place, Mama Africa  and  Nyoni's Kraal. Visitors can 'go wild' and sample warthog, gemsbok and shark. If you like braai meat you can drive to the township, to try Mzoli's Place in Gugulethu. Mzoli's Place offers great-tasting meat, flavoured with a secret sauce and spices.

Moving just out of the town, Don Pedro has long been a popular hangout for youngsters in Woodstock; but today its customers represent more of the area's multi-cultural residents. Woodstock has a number of high class restaurants offering a place to eat and meet with friends.

Cape Town also takes pride for its three world-famous wine routes within easy reach of the city centre. The Constantia Wine Valley, Durbanville Wine Valley and Helderberg Wine Route offer the visitor a wide range of wine tourism activities, including renowned restaurants and country kitchens where fine wines combine with fine foods to provide the foundation for memorable experiences. Cited: Capetown.travel, 2009.

N.B. Please do not take a mention in this article as a SmartCape recommendation or endorsement.  Cape Town has many excellent eateries, and we have only mentioned a few which came up in our research.  Our intention is simply to open your minds to the possibilities.  Go out, and experience these and all the others for yourself, and make up your own minds.  Happy eating!

Sources:

• Cape Town travel
• Dining-out
• Google