The Best Portuguese Restaurants in Cape Town
We’re lucky that we have a handful of the best Portuguese restaurants in Cape Town and they are known for their bold flavour, fresh seafood and masterful meaty dishes. The owners of these restaurants love their homeland unconditionally, so much so that it filters into every aspect of their lives, especially when it comes to preparing tasty food. If this list of the best Portuguese restaurants in Cape Town does one thing, it’ll give you a taste of what Portugal is like.
Portuguese restaurants in Cape Town
Beleza
Easily one of the coolest spots to eat in Cape Town, if you don’t live in the area it’s worth the drive. The owners run a vintage clothing store inside the restaurant and it is one of the reasons why Beleza is one of Tamboerskloof’s hotspots. However, the food is what keeps patrons coming back; their menu boasts a range of traditional Portuguese dishes like Poached Peri-Peri Livers or Caril de Porco Madeirense. Whenever you feel like going shopping and grabbing a mouthwatering meal, make a turn at Beleza.
Location: cnr Kloof Nek Road & Burnside Road, Tamboerskloof.
Good to know: there is a vintage clothing store inside the restaurants.
Why you’ll love it: the chilled atmosphere and cool corner location.
What we loved: that you can sit and watch the world go by from their bar seating outside.
Opening hours: Tues-Sat: 08h00-23h00 | Mon: Closed
Contact: 021 425 4532
Carla’s Mozambique Restaurant
If you’re someone who loves seafood, especially prawns, you should head to down to Carla’s Mozambique restaurant. This enchanting eatery is located in Muizenberg; the decor transports you to bohemian space and the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed like Carla aka the ‘Queen of Prawns’. The large prawns are the main attraction as they are freshly prepared and served with a mouthwatering secret sauce – a recipe that Carla inherited from her mother. When you find yourself close to the seaside be sure to make a turn at Carla’s Mozambique Restaurant, for an unforgettable experience.
Location: 7 York Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town.
Good to Know: bring cash, the restaurant doesn’t accept credit cards.
Why you’ll love it: The Mozambican Prawns.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 17h30-Till late | Sun: Closed
Contact: 021-788-6860
Dias Tavern
Inspired by Bartolomeu Dias, the Portuguese sailor who discovered the Cape of Good Hope, Dias Tavern is a Cape Town institution. Situated in the centre of town on Caledon Street it may not look like much from the outside but what you need to know is that it’s what’s on the inside that counts. The informal Portuguese pub often has live music that helps create a great atmosphere. Their menu, much like the atmosphere, is amazing with a range of popular dishes like Espetada, which features cubes of beef or chicken hanging on a skewer accompanied by rice, chips or salad. With great food, service and entertainment, Dias is a great place to go and have an unforgettably tasty evening out.
Location: opposite Buitenkant Street, 15 Caledon St, CBD
Good to know: the restaurant has live music on weekends.
Why you’ll love it: the atmosphere is always vibey and fun.
What we loved: the Portuguese steak (oh and the Peri Peri baby chicken!).
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 11h30-00h00 | Sun: Closed
Contact: 021 465 7547
Madeira Seafood and Steakhouse
This restaurant, which is located in Bergvliet, shares its name with the island just off Portugal. Co-owner Floripes grew up there and continues to draw inspiration from the island for traditional dishes on the menu. Her husband and head chef Hendrik ensure that dishes like the grilled Portuguese sausage Madeira Chourico and Fish Espetada are cooked to perfection.
Location: 161 Main Rd, Bergvliet, Cape Town
Good to know: authentic Portuguese cuisine.
Why you’ll love it: there is a lovely shaded courtyard area outside.
What we loved: the saucy Trinchado.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 12h00-23h00 | Sun: Closed
Contact: 021 712 6161
Maresol
One of the newest additions to the V&A Waterfront, Maresol is a proudly Portuguese establishment that boasts a scenic view of the harbour. Maresol specialises in offering refined versions of traditional Portuguese meals like saucy Trinchado or creamy Prawn Curry, which features 12 Queen Prawns in a delicious Mozambican sauce. Pair your meal with a glass of wine and take your taste buds on a trip to Portugal. The next time you go to the Waterfront, be sure to stop in at Maresol for a wonderful lunch or dinner in a beautiful space.
Location: V & A Waterfront, Alfred St, V & A Waterfront
Good to know: situated in the Old Hildebrand building.
Why you’ll love it: the incredible view of the harbour.
What we loved: the piri-piri chicken
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 08h00-22h00 | Sun: Closed
Contact: 021 425 3385
Pesticos
Pesticos draws inspiration from Lisbon and Maputo.This small piece of Portugal is found in Parklands and it offers some of the most authentic Portuguese dishes. Live music on Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays adds to the warm ambience of the restaurant. The music can be appreciated while you savour each spoonful. With a menu that has something appetising for everyone, you’ll be taking a trip to Portugal without needing a passport.
Location: Parklands Main Road, Cavalier Centre, Parklands.
Good to know: corkage is R40 and goes up R10 every four bottles.
Why you’ll love it: satisfying soul food.
What we loved: Caril de Camarao. (Prawn Curry)
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 12h00-16h00 | 18h00-22h30 | Fri: 18h00-23h00 Sun: 12h00-15h00
Contact: 021 557 3311
Pigalle
Where would you go if you wanted some entertainment to go with your dinner? You’d definitely want to consider Pigalle. This is where dance and live entertainment meets fine dining. You can enjoy some of the best shellfish in the country, with dishes like black mussels as a starter or their famed lobster grilled in lemon butter. While you’re waiting you can get up and bust a move or sing along with your date, family or group of friends. For any celebration or auspicious occasion, we highly recommend going to the Pigalle for a memorable night.
Location: Somerset Lane, Green Point, Cape Town.
Good to know: it gets busy, call ahead and make a booking.
Why you’ll love it: the band plays classic songs that will have you out of your seat.
What we loved: the prawn curry.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 12h00-14h30 | Dinner: 18h30-00h00 | Sun: Closed
Contact: 021 425 4532
Toni’s on Kloof
One thing that makes Portuguese cuisine so special is that it is unpretentious and comforting. Toni’s on Kloof embodies both qualities with the restaurant’s warm and welcoming spirit. While you’re nibbling on the grilled Portuguese sardines, a delicious starter; feasting on the appetising pork and bean stew, Feijoada, you may hear another patron laughing or involving the entire room in conversation as is the Portuguese way. Visit Toni’s anytime and you’re bound to leave with a tummy full of tasty food and a whole lot of memories.
Location: 88 Kloof St, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
Good to know: it closes at 15h00 and opens up again at 18h00.
Why you’ll love it: it’s a great social setting.
What we loved: their Caldo Verde soup is so yum.
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00-15h00 | Dinner: 18h00-22h00
Contact: 0+ 21 425 4532
Vasco Da Gama
For the Portuguese, football is life, especially when their national team plays with the talented Cristiano Ronaldo leading from the front. Finding a place to watch the team play isn’t too difficult if you know where Vasco’s is. Vasco Da Gama is situated in Green Point and it always smells amazing thanks to the aroma of tasty dishes like their famous Peri-Peri chicken. Inside it looks like the holy grail of taverns with flags draped on the walls; it’s the perfect place for soccer, rugby and sports lovers to watch a game, drink a few beers and enjoy tasty food.
Location: Schiebe St, Cape Town.
Good to know: its a quintessential sports tavern.
Why you’ll love it: it’s the perfect place to watch sports.
What we loved: the beef prego and the laid-back vibe.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 11h00-00h00 | Sun: Closed
Contact: 021 425 2157
Villa Portuguese Restaurant
Known for its relaxed atmosphere, excellent food and entertaining quiz nights on Tuesdays, Villa Portuguese is a popular eatery amongst Vredehoek residents. Located on Upper Buitenkant, this eatery makes hearty dishes packed with big flavours. Their highly enjoyable Chicken Trinchado is a dish of chicken cubes fried in white wine, garlic and peri-peri. Grab your friends, head down to Villa Portuguese and test your general knowledge while eating authentic Portuguese dishes.
Location: 176 Upper Buitenkant St, Vredehoek
Good to know: it gets busy so book a table.
Why you’ll love it: they have quiz nights every Tuesday.
What we loved: the chicken trinchado.
Opening hours: Tues-Sat: 10h00-23h30 | Mon: 15h00-23h30
Contact: +27 21 425 4532
villaportugueserestaurant.jimdo.com
Feeling like staying in? Check out these Portuguese recipes.
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