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Bree Street takeover: A Dineplan guide to exploring the best restaurants and bars on Bree

by | 7 February 2023

In the heart of the Mother City, Bree Street is one of Cape Town’s most vibrant and diverse dining destinations. With countless bars and amazing restaurants, it’s a favourite with both tourists and locals alike.

Whether you’re looking for a laid-back lunch spot, a place to head after work for a cocktail, or a fancy dinner date, you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes here. From top to bottom, this bustling street is home to many cuisines, atmospheres, and price points, making it the perfect place for all foodies to explore.

With instant bookings on the go with the Dineplan app and website, you can quickly book a table at any of these restaurants, leaving you free to explore all that Bree Street has to offer.

Amber on Bree

(16 on Bree Street, Cape Town)

From enticing appetisers and irresistible main courses, to exquisite desserts and sophisticated drinks, Amber on Bree does not limit its menu to one kind of cuisine. With influences from all around the world, their seasonal menu caters to every foodie’s needs.

Unwind and enjoy a laid-back luxury dining experience in their lounge-inspired interior, or sit back and escape the heat in their shady outdoor seating, perfect for summer afternoons. As they say, “the more Amber you have in your life, the higher your energy is presumed to be.”

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Aiko Sushi

(4 Bree Street, Cape Town)

In the center of the Mother City, what once was Active Sushi on Bree now goes by Aiko Sushi. Prepared to perfection with the freshest ingredients, dive headfirst into their poke bowls, signature dishes, salads, and more. Arrive hungry for their all-day, every-day all-you-can-eat sushi special for only R249 per person. If you’re vegan, Aiko Sushi has you covered – dig into their vegan menu and, from Wednesdays to Sundays, you can enjoy their all-you-can-eat option for R199.

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Boma on Bree

(107 Bree Street, Cape Town)

Boma on Bree pays homage to the African deserts while keeping “Bree Street weird.” Follow the neon green cactus and indulge in dishes cooked over the fire, cocktails that promise to ignite your tastebuds and, warm decor that will serve up a story. Whiskey up, buttercup, book your table and get ready to turn up the heat!

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Burger & Lobster

(105 Bree Street, Cape Town)

Founded in 2016, Burger & Lobster was started with aim of going back to basics by having a small menu featuring a few very tasty items that would get people talking – a burger, a lobster roll and fresh lobster. On Bree Street, you’ll find the very first Burger & Lobster branch in South Africa. The atmosphere is lively and perfect for a casual dinner with friends or a special occasion. If you pop past this trendy spot during the evening, you’ll notice that it’s always busy, with people spilling out on the street with cocktails in hand. The burgers are made with top-quality beef and the lobster is sustainably-sourced live lobster. Tip: checkout their incredible happy hour specials.

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Clarke’s

(133 Bree Street, Cape Town)

Established back in 2011, Clarke’s bar and dining room is an institution in Cape Town. Loved by locals, this diner-inspired eatery prepares top-notch coffee, fresh juices and all-day breakfasts for regulars throughout the week. Stay for lunch or dinner and order their signature beef burger (which is one of the best burgers in the city), or a jam-packed deli sandwich (they don’t skimp on the fillings here), or the classic caesar salad. The restaurant also serves ice-cold beer on tap and has an extensive list of both classic and unique cocktails available all day long.

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Culture Wine Bar, Grub & Vine and The Blue Room

(101 and 103 Bree Street, Cape Town)

If you’re a wine lover, it’s time to add Culture Wine Bar to your must-visit list! This wine bar on Bree Street (just above Burger & Lobster) offers a unique and extensive selection of wines from around the world, perfect for discovering new favourites. It’s obvious that wine and food are the perfect pair, so they serve a small menu of savoury bites to complement your choice of wine. Enjoy delicious plates of charcuterie, cheese, and daily specials. Be sure to keep an eye out for our signature dishes such as the prawn Po’Boy, pork pie, or Chef Matt Manning’s famous Croque Monsieur.

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Right next door, you’ll find Grub & Vine. Also led by the talented Chef Matt Manning, Grub & Vine is a great venue to stop in at as you explore Bree Street. On the second storey, chefs serve up delicious bistro-style dishes in a relaxed and contemporary atmosphere. As Chef Matt says, “expect nothing but good, tasty food made with fresh, high-quality ingredients”. With a menu that changes with the seasons and a wine list featuring some of South Africa’s best fine wines, Grub & Vine is great for a fun night out with foodie friends or a special date night.

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Downstairs, The Blue Room there’s a live music and cocktail lounge that pays homage to the soulful sounds of jazz and the blues. It is a collaborative venture between Chef Matt Manning and Buddy Wells – the well-known jazz artist. The Blue Room is open from Wednesday to Saturday for pre-show dinner and cocktails with live performances from some of the country’s top jazz, soul and blues artists. Not to be missed!

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Fable

(Corner Bree Street and Wale Street, Cape Town)

Fable cocktail bar is the ultimate destination for a night out, offering a fantastic selection of unique cocktails, guest DJs, and an energetic atmosphere. The cocktails served are one-of-a-kind creations that have undergone numerous iterations before being perfected. Inspired by the concept of story fables, each drink is designed to unfold in four parts over four seasons, adding new flavours and complexity with each iteration. The result is a dynamic and ever-evolving selection of cocktails that offer depth and intrigue, hinting at what’s to come. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or simply looking for some excitement, fable has everything you need for a great night out on the town.

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Hacienda

(92 Bree Street, Cape Town)

Inspired by the Baja California region in Mexico, Hacienda is a unique dining destination where guests can enjoy a contemporary twist on authentic coastal Mexican cuisine. Their flavour-packed dishes are perfectly paired with carefully selected tequilas and mezcals from the Baja peninsula, making for an unforgettable dining experience in the Mother City. Pay them a visit us and discover a unique blend of Mexican flavours and contemporary cuisine.

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Iron Steak and Bar

(114 Bree Street, Cape Town)

Iron Steak is a no-fuss steak concept right at the heart of Bree Street. As they say, “we are all about good food, good drinks and good vibes!” The lively atmosphere, 1920s-inspired bar, and attentive service make for a memorable dining experience. On arrival, all guests are given a complimentary serving of popcorn cooked in Wagyu beef drippings. The menu features mouth-watering steaks and deliciously fresh sides. Plus, they offer a great selection of wine, beer and classic cocktails. To top off the evening, guests receive a token (to be handed in at the ice cream station) in exchange for a serving of sea-salted caramel ice cream with Valrhona dark chocolate shavings at the restaurant’s ice cream station.

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Merchant Bar & Grill

(91 Bree Street, Cape Town)

Sandwiched between Chefs Warehouse & Canteen on the ground floor and Room 91 on the roof, Merchant is Liam Tomlin’s latest venture at 91 Bree Street. He describes Merchant as modern but old-school, and once you visit, you’ll see exactly what that means. The “old-school” aspect highlights their return to nose-to-tail cooking in a beautifully preserved 19th-century heritage building right in the heart of town. The menu focuses on tried-and-true kitchen basics and old-fashioned but modernised favourites. You’ll love the large, brightly lit glass larder, showcasing hanging sausages and prosciutto, jars of fermenting kombucha and cured olives, and wheels of local parmesan beside a wall of wine.

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Nikkei

(87 Bree Street, Cape Town)

The Bree Street strip has welcomed an exciting new culinary experience: Nikkei, a restaurant specialising in Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. From the minds behind Iron Steak, Burger & Lobster, Hacienda, and Scala Pasta, their latest venture promises an enticing menu of dishes made to share. Explore Japanese-Peruvian classics, including signature sushi rolls, piqueos (small bites), robatayaki (skewers grilled over hot coals at the table), and crudo y marinados (raw, marinated dishes and classic Nikkei-style ceviche).

On offer at the bar, you’ll find cocktails created by an award-winning mixologist, along with a selection of Japanese whisky, sake and gin. Don’t miss out on their “Pisco Hour” special where you can enjoy half-price pisco-based cocktails from Monday to Saturday, between 16h30 and 18h30. Or join them for their “Sake and Sushi Sundays” for great deals on sushi platters and half-price sake cocktails, with a live DJ in the house from 12 pm to 6pm. Booking your table is a must.

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The Chef’s Studio

(103 Bree Street, Cape Town)

Another of Chef Matt Manning’s unique dining establishments, The Chef’s Studio is an innovative, one-of-a-kind concept designed for foodies who are passionate about both creating and enjoying delicious meals. Guests will have the opportunity to explore their cooking skills under the guidance of professional chefs before indulging in a feast for the senses with a multi-course meal that showcases the best of fine dining. The kitchen space is equipped with state-of-the-art cooking technology, custom-built workstations, a communal dining table and a private dining room. For a truly immersive culinary experience, book your spot at one of The Chef’s Studio’s upcoming events.

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Tomson

(120 Bree Street, Cape Town)

Led by the talented third-generation Chinese-South African Andrew Kai, Tomson offers a unique street food-inspired menu, featuring the beloved South Cantonese flavours of his childhood. Go with a group as the entire Tomson menu is definitely worth exploring and you’ll need some help from your friends. From succulent pork and shrimp wontons topped with the best chilli crisp on the block, crispy salt-and-pepper prawns and sliced Sichuan pork with spicy kimchi, to the fiery chilli beef with broccoli, sweet and savoury duck pancakes and steamed fish with bonito flakes, you can’t go wrong with ordering one of everything! And don’t even get us started on the sides. Tip: order the pickled mushrooms, smashed cucumbers, and a bowl of their Chinese stem cabbage greens.

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Villa 47

(47 Bree Street, Cape Town)

This three-storey gem located at the bottom of Bree Street is home to Locanda on the ground floor and the Martini Terrazza on level two. The epitome of a relaxed Italian bistro and bar, Villa 47 celebrates the best of Mediterranean and Italian cuisines. Passionate about sourcing, selecting and delivering the finest ingredients and food brands from around the world to discerning palates, their menu showcases only top-quality ingredients. Book a table and enjoy an authentic taste of Italy as you watch the bustling Bree Street from the veranda.

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VIXI Social House

(51 Bree Street, Cape Town)

Discover a world of flavour at VIXI Social House. With roots in Mediterranean cuisine and having taken inspiration from all walks of life, their menu is carefully crafted by their talented team to ensure every ingredient has a story to share. Up for a night to remember? Join them for one of their upcoming events, where you can indulge in delicious food and dance the night away to lively music. Get ready for good food, good vibes, and legendary VIXI moments!

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