While February is packed with Valentine’s Day events and specials, there are also plenty of exciting new restaurants to explore! My list of must-have reservations this month includes 10 fresh openings in Cape Town and Joburg that are definitely worth booking a table for.
Cape Town and the Winelands
Libertino
(De Waterkant, Cape Town)
Having opened in December, this contemporary new Italian spot in De Waterkant is all about the goods carbs – handmade pasta and Neapolitan pizza. Think bold red walls, animal print, glitzy chandeliers, and intimate tables inside, with a sunny rooftop deck that boasts amazing views. With warm service, indulgent Italian flavours, and a menu built for lingering, it’s the kind of place you’ll be glad you discovered.
Lovely place, good food. Excellent service and stunning vibe and views.
New to the V&A Waterfront, Harry’s Oyster Bar is all about seafood, relaxed coastal vibes, and front-seat harbour views. The menu leans into fresh, local flavours from oysters, sushi, and bold, globally inspired seafood dishes. Do yourself a favour and try the ceviche-style oysters topped with black lumpfish caviar, crème fraîche, cucumber and lime jelly, and just the right kick of chilli. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine, soak in the Table Mountain backdrop, and you’ve got a winning Waterfront lunch.
Yatai opened in November, bringing a beautifully moody take on traditional Tokyo food stalls to Bree Street. Tucked just below Nikkei, this intimate spot is perfect for date night with low lighting, comfy booths, and a sleek, modern Japanese decor. The menu delivers with a solid selection of wines, delicious dumplings and, of course, rich and flavourful bowls of piping hot ramen.
Incredibly helpful and friendly staff, great food, good wine selection and a great vibe without being intrusive or overwhelming. A must to recommend… I have been there several times!
Newly opened in January, Wilde Vy Bistro at Signal Gun Wines is helmed by Chef Jürgen Snyman (known for his tenure at Kloof Street House, Asoka, and Egghead). Inside, the bistro is beautiful with sophisticated farmhouse parlour decor – perfect for a relaxed catch up over a leisurely meal. The food is fresh and delicious, complemented by stunning wineland views and friendly service. It’s a great addition to the Durbanville wine route. Be sure to book a table under the trees outside to take in the breathtaking scenery.
This is a fantastic upgrade in comparison to the previous restaurant. The menu is short but exciting with good produce and execution. Definitely one of my new favourites in the Durbanville area. The outside area under the fig tree is magical with a great view.
This is not a new kid on the block – more like a local institution – but now you can book your table on Dineplan. If you ask anyone in Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs for their restaurant recommendations, Café Orca is bound to be on their list. Right on the beach, they serve fresh and generous seafood dishes, including my personal favourite – the perfectly crispy battered fish and chips. Speedy, friendly service keeps things running smoothly. After lunch, take a beach stroll and grab a soft serve and Flake from the purple kiosk.
Being on the deck enjoying great food, wine and service is such an enjoyable way to spend an evening!
This new upscale restaurant in Craighall Park opened its doors in December, specialising in open-flame cooking and perfecting the art of cooking over fire. The compact menu is divided into two parts: shareable small plates and prime cuts of meat. The outdoor seating is perfect for those warm summer evenings. And, if you’re wondering what to try, the wagyu katsu sando and ribeye steak are two of the standouts.
Awesome service and delicious selection of mains and starters.
After a successful launch in Cape Town, Rita’s Cocktail Club opened in Jozi last November. Staying true to its formula, Rita’s JHB serves up a range of tequila-based cocktails, including zesty margaritas and thirst-quenching grapefruit palomas, all paired with panoramic rooftop views and plenty of nachos, tacos, and guac. What more could you want?
Unbelievable! It was truly a 10/10 experience from the food to the vibe.
Having opened in December, The Sushi Club in Linksfield has fast become a must-visit spot for sushi lovers. The restaurant offers fresh, authentic Japanese cuisine, including sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Asian delicacies, paired with a curated drinks menu including interesting cocktails. The beautifully designed space feels like stepping into the hull of a ship, and the outdoor seating is perfect for those summer days. I recommend the Korean short rib, Peking duck spring rolls and, of course, the deliciously fresh sushi.
Date night with hubby and all I can say is WOW Experience From arrival to end, the food was delicious, wine was fantastic, and our waiter Gift was so professional, and all his recommendations were spot on. We will definitely be back.
This new spot in Rosebank, which opened in December, brings authentic Turkish flavours to Joburg. Kick things off with freshly baked flatbread before diving into hearty portions of tender lamb chops, succulent köfte and other classic Turkish dishes. Whatever you do, don’t skip the baklava for dessert! With high ceilings, pendant lights, and soft wood furnishings, the space is sophisticated and upmarket. And, the friendly and attentive service makes the whole experience worth 5 stars.
NPF is a new tasting room in Rosebank and it’s a must for spirits enthusiasts. The relaxed space offers more than 600 rare bottles of whisky, rum, mezcal, and cognac for you to explore and savour. Book a tasting and sample your pick by the single pour or as a tasting flight. They also have a handpicked selection of special releases for sale, making it great for a casual drink and serious collectors alike.
Paige heads up the Marketing team at Dineplan. She’s a trained chef and wine enthusiast, and loves exploring all the new restaurant openings across South Africa. If she’s not at her desk, you’ll find her at a restaurant with a good glass of wine in hand, and ordering “one of everything” off the menu.
All views and opinions expressed in this article represent that of the author, Paige Errera, and do not represent that of Dineplan or the companies we work with. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we share is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.
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