Cape Town is certainly the food capital of South Africa, and almost every suburb surrounding the mountain is packed with places to eat. The southern suburbs have no shortage of fine dining restaurants, cosy cafés and delicious pub grub options.
Of these southern suburbs, Kenilworth is no exception - boasting 10 eateries that can cater to hungry residents, no matter what their budget or preferred cuisine. The following list excludes any takeaway franchise and is solely focussed on Kenilworth (excluding Harfield Village, which alone deserves its own list).
Amore Ristorante Italiano
This small, family-run restaurant is casual but modern. They offer a range of traditional and innovative Italian dishes and the menu changes from day to day based on the freshest produce. The chefs focus on a farm-to-table style of food, combined with authentic Italian imported ingredients. The food has guests returning again and again for a simple and relaxed dining experience.
Banana Jam
Possibly the funkiest bar and restaurant in the southern suburbs, Banana Jam serves the biggest selection of craft beers on tap in town. The Jamaican-inspired decor and Caribbean tunes pumping from the speakers makes the bar a preferred hangout for locals on any given day of the week. The kitchen offers an assortment of well-priced food, from burgers and pizzas to curries and jerk chicken. Whether you’re looking for a casual drink after work or a rowdy night out, Banana Jam will not disappoint.
Bardelli’s
This cosy little Italian restaurant is the perfect spot for a romantic date night. The authentic Italian decor and intimate ambience are ideal for couples or small families looking for delicious Italian cuisine. Their woodfired pizzas are some of the best in Cape Town, and the pastas are the ideal accompaniment to a bottle of vino. Bardelli’s opens out the back to a more relaxed courtyard, covered by a canvas roof, which is a great spot for a drink on a summer’s eve.
Bardelli's | 51 Kenilworth Road, Kenilworth
Blue Fin
This small sushi joint is well-priced and offers a large selection of platters and combos. The ambience may not be ideal for a dinner date, but it is great for anyone looking for a cheap and cheerful seafood dinner. Blue Fin also offers takeaways, so if staying at home is more your thing, simply call ahead and place an order. The food will be ready by the time you arrive.
Bootlegger
Coffee bars and quirky cafés are a Capetonian speciality. The Bootlegger chains offer life-reviving coffees with delicious meals and this one in Kenilworth is a great spot for your morning pick-me-up. The breakfasts are on the slightly pricey side but they are worth it. If you only have loose change, you can also pick up a muffin, croissant or home-baked biscuit from the coffee counter. The vibe is lively on weekends and the option of sitting outside is a welcome choice on hot days.
Bootlegger Coffee Company | 323 Main Road, Kenilworth
Borusso’s
This is the essence of a hidden gem. You’ll never know it’s there, but once you discover Borusso’s, you want to return on a weekly basis. This Italian restaurant and pub is located on the corner of Main Road and Mains Avenue - or should we say the pedestrian gate is located there. The actual joint is off the street and behind the hairdresser. Borusso’s serves crispy, crusty homemade pizzas and saucy pastas in a rustic setting that has a certain charm to it.
Fat Harry’s
It’s hard to miss the neon blue sign on their roof, and the bold statement is backed up by their food. Fat Harry’s offers creamy curries, fresh seafood and ingenious burgers (their craft beer and burger pairings are a must). The restaurant also has a well-equipped bar and sophisticated barnyard-like atmosphere on the inside. Daily specials run on different days of the week and their pub quiz nights are challenging but entertaining.
Fat Harry's | 166 2nd Avenue, Kenilworth
Jake’s on Summerly
Another hidden gem of Kenilworth, Jake’s is quite easy to miss. The classy interior and decor make it a great spot for dinner. The interior is split into two; the bar on the right-hand side and the restaurant on the left. In the middle is an open courtyard that is a great place to spend summer afternoons or evenings. The food ranges in price as they offer a range of cuisines - from gourmet hotdogs and juicy burgers to crispy pork belly and pan-seared duck breast. The option to spend a bit more money is a nice one to have if you’re feeling adventurous.
Ragamuffin Curry
The name speaks for itself. This small eatery serves creamy curries and Indian cuisine. Whether you like it mild and buttery or hot and spicy, Ragamuffin will prepare your curry to your specification. It’s another great spot that offers takeaway options that will be ready for collection upon your arrival.
Ragamuffin Curry | 3 Mains Avenue, Kenilworth
Rare Grill
This steakhouse is a small spot that packs a punch. The menu is limited to a few types of meat, but then again, it is a steakhouse after all. This place knows how to prepare a steak, too. Choose from the best cuts and top-quality meat, throw in a starchy side and vegetable and you have the recipe for a happy customer. Rare Grill has received top ratings from food critics (even bagging the top spot in the Wolftrap Steakhouse Championships) thanks to their succulent meals and quaint interior. If beef isn’t your thing, you can also opt for chicken and seafood as well.
Viva! Mexican
Vibrant and fun would probably be the best way to describe Viva! Mexican. The striking decor and interior certainly encourage a few tequila shots on arrival. The food offers traditional Mexican flavours, such as enchiladas and quesadillas, with American influences - typically referred to as Tex-Mex. The bold flavours sum up everything about Viva!; an assault on the senses that is captivating and entertaining.
Viva! Mexican | 166 2nd Avenue, Kenilworth
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