The HSBC SVNS will take place on Saturday 9 December and Sunday 10 December in Cape Town at the DHL Stadium. Excitement has been building for quite some time now, after South Africa won the 2023 Rugby World Cup, while SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer teased:

“The setting, the wonderful stadium, the hospitality and love for rugby from the fans bring a unique Cape Town experience to the tournament, and with 24 of the world’s best teams in action, they can expect the best of two worlds – brilliant athletes on display in a brilliant environment and atmosphere.”

Though fierce fans can expect a celebration of sport, entertainment and food at the stadium, we’ve rounded up a few spots to check out within walking distance in the Mother City, with the smell of the ocean and the gorgeous Table Mountain in the background, as we head into the weekend.

Breakfast, brunch spots

Giovanni’s Deliworld

Giovanni’s Deliworld, with its signature green canopy, is hard to miss on Green Point Main Road. The family-run deli was established in 1989 by Giovanni Esposito and offers the most delicious cold dishes, fresh breads and cheese. Locals often stop by for their morning coffee, but Giovanni’s is busy and bustling throughout the day. They’ve also got a variety of local and imported snacks on offer, if you just want to grab a few things before making your way back to the stadium.

 

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Jason Bakery

Jason Bakery is a cornerstone of Cape Town’food culture; a popular eatery that combines artisanal expertise with creativity. Led by the visionary Jason Lilley, the bakery has become a local treasure, celebrated for its commitment to using quality ingredients and traditional baking techniques. Beyond the exceptional baked goods on offer, Jason Bakery is a great spot for enjoying a leisurely brunch or grabbing a quick coffee. They’ve got a selection of Christmas bakes at the moment, including mince pies and Grandma Babs’ Christmas Cake – their “legendary” sweet treat filled with brandied raisins, sultanas, currants, blanched almonds and cherries. As the saying goes…”get it while it’s hot”.

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Lily’s

If you’re looking for a lovely sit-down breakfast spot at the most beautiful and elegant little café, Lily’s is it! Located on Mouille Point Promenade, the food, service and ambience is just delightful. They’re a great breakfast spot, while they’ve introduced a small bites summer menu running until April 2024. Snowflake tempura prawns, a Mexican salad and a Korean-inspired chicken and kimchi quesadilla are a few items on offer, which can also be ordered a little later on in the day, so you can watch the sunset as you indulge.

 

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Tasha’s

Fresh and clean food in a beautiful setting, Tasha’s at the Waterfront is exceptional. The service is great, the food is always good and with their special menu, you can order some of the very best seafood you’ll likely find at the V & A.

Coco Safar

Visit the French café-style Coco Safar for world-famous and award-winning croissants – and everything in between. They offer the best beverages, with Forbes saying they “pave the way in luxury coffee”, and phenomenal desserts, both in presentation and taste. On the menu is a tender brisket burger and a ‘Waterfront croissant’, filled with West Coast crayfish, tangy aioli, avocado and rocket.

 

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Health cafés 

Newport Market & Deli

Established in 1997, Newport Market & Deli is an artisanal bakery with an extensive sit-down menu. Their Shakshuka is rich and flavourful, while their salads and sandwiches are always fresh, best enjoyed while overlooking Green Point Urban Park and breathing in the ocean air. They also have a variety of freshly baked goods for sale and, while this is under the health café’s section, imported snacks and sweets at the entrance. It’s really like you’re walking into a candy store!

Nourish’d Café

Nourish’d is a great little café and juicery close enough to the stadium. Located on Hill Road in Green Point, Nourish’d prides itself on its plant-based, zero-waste approach, with a specific focus on creating food “with the health of your body and the earth in mind”. Nourish’d was first started in 2017 by Natasha Napoli in her father’s garage (her dad’s got a little pizzeria you may have heard of – Bacini’s on Kloof).

 

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LA Farms 

L.A. Farms provides a unique culinary experience, offering a selection of high-quality meats, vegetables, stone-ground flour, and raw honey. Customers can either shop for these products or enjoy them in the on-site eatery. The dedicated meat counter offers an array of special and prime cuts, award-winning salami, chorizo, and more. The eatery’s menu creatively reimagines beloved classics, with a focus on wellness, health, and top-notch flavour. From Wagyu macon and egg sandwiches to protein-rich burgers and steaks, all complemented by seasonal organic vegetables, the menu reflects the farm’s commitment to quality and mindful eating.

 

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Burger spots 

Hudsons

Go to Hudsons for great burgers and beer! On the Main Road in Green Point, it’s about a 10-minute walk to this location, where you’re guaranteed to get bang for your buck with a menu that caters for everyone. From the traditional beef burger, to a wagyu smash, and a few vegan options as well, there’s a reason Hudsons is always busy and a real hot spot for burgers in the city.

 

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RocoMamas

You can’t miss the bright-orange-contrasted-with-black RocoMamas on Main Road. It’s another busy burger joint, where you’ll find the smash burgers are messy – but in a good way! The more conventional smash burger, served with a rich and delicious milkshake – RocoMamas never disappoints. You also won’t be disappointed if you order a side of wings with your meal, or their falling-right-off-the-bone ribs.

Gibsons

Gibsons, located at the V & A Waterfront, has 35 gourmet burgers on offer, with chefs who’ve really honed in the skill of burger making. “Setting out on a quest to create ‘The Best Burger’, we visited the top burger joints in the ‘Burger Capitals of the World’ – Chicago, New York and Las Vegas,” they say on their website. But that’s not all that’s on offer at Gibsons. They’re famous for their ribs, as well as their milkshakes. While we’re on the latter, in 2019, they broke the world record by having the most varieties of milkshakes available with 207 shakes! And you have to try their FREEK shakes: “an amazing concoction of a milkshake with lots and lots of goodies in and out of the jar”.

 

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Sushi

Willoughby & Co.

Check out Willoughby & Co. for a “full Japanese culinary experience” at the V & A Waterfront. Though they have deliciously fresh seafood on the menu, their sushi is a standout – some would say the best in all of Cape Town. Order their 4 x 4 – four rainbow reloadeds, and four spicy creamy rock shrimp rolls – for a generous portion of sushi that will have you returning to their very busy corner of the Waterfront for more.

TANG

Go to the recently opened TANG for a much fancier dining experience. While it’s pricier, with smaller portions, the food has so much flavour. But it’s really their sushi that’s the very best on their menu. It’s a pleasant dining experience in a beautiful setting for you to check out for lunch, dinner or drinks.

 

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Sevruga

Sevruga, just outside the V & A Waterfront mall, overlooks the boats on the harbour. From steak to seafood, they have a wide variety for diners to order from, while their sushi platters are an absolute winner. Pro-tip: Go between 12noon and 5pm to indulge in their half-price classic sushi and cocktails special.

Pizza joints  

Mario’s Italian Restaurant

Mario’s is a traditional Italian Restaurant on Main Road, which means it offers everything from the usual pizzas and pastas to a stand-out tiramisu for dessert. The food is well priced and the service good. If you’re looking for a warm and homely environment with family-style classic Italian food, Mario’s is worth checking out.

Col’Cacchio

Col’cacchio at the V & A Waterfront has a wide variety of salads, pastas and pizzas, with a spectacular view of The Cape Wheel and the ocean if you’re seated outside. Go around sunset, and you’ll have the most spectacular view while enjoying your dinner. Try their Nacho Libre pizza, their Smokey Babe and their Norm’s Pralina. They also do a butter chicken-inspired pizza (the Moghul) and a bunny chow calzone – it’s a real taste of home on a thin and delicious base.

 

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Primi

The Primi at the Waterfront is always a vibe, with all the classic pizzas on offer, with a Primi twist. The atmosphere is buzzing and the service exceptional – it’s also a great place to take the kids and family, with a menu for everyone to choose from. Another location that overlooks the ocean, Primi is a pleasant spot to grab pizza, but I would suggest their focaccias as well – and ask for their recco sauce with it!

African-style

SIBA – The Restaurant

Celebrity chef Siba has made her initial pop-up restaurant at The Table Bay a permanent fixture. The restaurant is inspired by Siba’s upbringing, and elevates the food she knows and loves over a four- or eight-course dining experience. They’ve recently introduced a new palate cleanser called uBHOMPI! IYKYK.

 

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Karibu

Award-winning Karibu at the V & A Waterfront overlooks the harbour on one side and has Table Mountain on the other. “We invite you to experience the ruggedness of Africa within the luxurious setting of our restaurant where a mixed fusion of African ambience blends itself with the flavours of our rich and diverse cultural heritage,” they say on their website. Menu items include springbok, fish frikadelle and bobotie.

 

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Don’t forget to pop in at the newly opened Time Out Market Cape Town for more exciting food offerings from popular Cape Town chefs and restaurateurs!