I think we can safely say that winter is on its way out and summer is making her appearance again. The birds are waking me up earlier, the days are getting longer and I think it’s time to pack my very warm winter jerseys away. Bring on summer! While cosy fireplaces and snuggling up are great in winter, there is nothing quite like that feeling of summer that makes us want to uncurl ourselves and come out of hibernation. To feel the sun on our faces, the breeze (as long as it’s not the south easter!) through our hair and to watch the sun slowly setting from wherever you may be. For date nights, summer in Cape Town is just the best! Although there is so much to do, for now, I’ve put the focus on date night restaurants that have outside areas and sun decks because nothing beats sitting outside on a beautiful summer’s eve.
While I haven’t tried every restaurant on this list, they have been researched as best as possible. If an error has been made or any details are incorrect, please let me know and if you have any more to add, let me know in the comments below. I’d love to grow the list…
DATE NIGHT RESTAURANTS IN CAPE TOWN WITH OUTDOOR AREAS
The Grand – Granger Bay
A stylish eatery with beautiful ocean views that boasts a 46m wooden deck for alfresco dining, two beach bars and an adult-only VIP Beach Area. Food can be pricey and a bit temperamental but the spot is hard to beat.
Sotano – Mouille Point
Breezy ocean-side atmosphere with a Mediterranean-styled menu. Offers a relaxed outdoor seating area to breathe in the fresh air. I haven’t been but is on our list to go.
Harvey’s At Winchester Mansions – Sea Point
Chill out on the terrace for sun-downers or light meals at this gorgeous Cape Dutch hotel. They also have an open-air courtyard that features live Jazz bands on Sunday mornings.
The Roundhouse Restaurant – Camps Bay
With picturesque views of Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this iconic restaurant boasts a romantic outside dining area and serves a tapas-style menu.
Rockpool – Sea Point
Situated just off the Sea Point promenade, this vibey and relaxed restaurant has an outdoor deck that is perfect for dinner and drinks on warm summer eves. Rockpool used to be La Vie which I went to once and never went back due to awful food. However, I have heard that the food is now good and I would definitely like to give it a try.
Blue Water Café at Imhoff – Kommetjie
Sit outside as you marvel the horses and watch the sunset at this laid-back farm-style restaurant (which happens to serve incredible pizza and homey dishes).
The Bungalow – Clifton
Definitely one of the most elegant and ambient of all Cape Town’s restaurants; not to mention perfect for a romantic date night! Lounge on a cushioned bench as you sip cocktails and feast on the freshest seafood and sushi right next to the ocean. There is even a Jacuzzi outside for patrons to enjoy.
Café Paradiso – Gardens
Relax on the veranda and enjoy breath-taking mountainous views as you grab a bite to eat at this rustic location. Hint: there is also a quaint courtyard around the back.
Den Anker – V&A Waterfront
Situated on the quayside of the V&A Waterfront, you can bask in the ocean breeze as you delight in delicious Belgian cuisine while overlooking the harbour. Apparently the Belgian waffles are a delicious choice for dessert!
Dunes Restaurant – Hout Bay
Chill outside as you enjoy good old-fashioned fish and chips and other seafood delights. This casual, bustling hangout is the perfect setting to grab something to eat during the hot summer months in Cape Town. Although, the food and service can also be a bit temperamental, on a beautiful evening, it’s a gorgeous spot!
Tobago’s Restaurant – Granger Bay
Nothing says luxury like the Radisson Blu Hotel in Granger Bay. Enjoy your dinner on the terrace as you gaze out at the expansive azure ocean.
The Red Herring – Noordhoek
Marvel the expanses of Kommetjie beach from the comfort of The Red Herring’s deck and enjoy a clear view of the sunset. This restaurant is a local favourite and serves craft beer, seafood and great pizza!
Kloof Street House – Tamboerskloof
This restaurant is located inside a charming twentieth century Victorian house and features a beautiful candle-lit garden where you can enjoy your meal. It’s hard to imagine a more atmospheric setting for a date night!
La Parada – Constantia Nek
Dine on the deck, al fresco style. The menu features an array of tapas. While we haven’t eaten here yet, if you read my review of La Parada Bree Street, you would have seen that although the vibe wasn’t for us, the food was really good. La Parada is quite a trendy scene so if you’re in the mood for that for your date night, give it a try.
Bistro 1982 – Steenberg
Wine and dine on the terrace surrounded by luscious indigenous gardens. The beautiful reflective water features and mountainous backdrops are said to make this location perfect for romantic dinners for two. We still want to go back here as we had the most delicious and lovely date night in winter. You can read my review here.
The Azure Restaurant at 12 Apostles – Camps Bay
This luxurious destination is situated right next to the beach and is perfect for anniversaries and special-occasion date nights. Take in the incredible panorama of ocean and mountains as you enjoy a variety of dishes including meat, seafood and vegetarian options.
Beau Constantia – Constantia
The views from Beau Constantia are just gorgeous. If you’ve read my blog post, The Ultimate Date Night Spot At Beau Constantia, you’ll know that we had a beautiful date night here. Although the Sushi Box is longer there and there is meant to be Chef’s Warehouse coming soon, this is still an idyllic spot for sundowners before you head out to eat.
Manna Epicure – Kloof Street
A beautifully decorated restaurant, with a white palette and splashes of natural wood which prevents it from being stark and gives it a minimalist yet romantic feel. I had some of the best lamb chops I’ve ever had here. For more on that you can read my review on it here.
Some other spots that have come to mind since writing this post:
Asoka – Kloof Street
Pepeneros – Mouille Point
Umi – Camps Bay
The Hub Cafe – Scarborough
There you have it. I have no doubt there are many that I have left out so please do me the favour of adding them in the comments below so that our readers get to learn of as many places as possible. And if outside seating areas are neither here nor there for you, have a look at my Date Night Restaurants in Cape Town list for some more ideas. Happy date nights to you all x