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October’s bringing a fresh wave of reasons to book a table (or two!). From Cape Town to Joburg, a host of new openings, neighbourhood favourites, and exciting experiences are now bookable on Dineplan. Whether you’re after cirque-style dinner theatre, breezy Mediterranean seafood, casual all-day dining, sushi indulgence, or intimate wine bars, there’s a little something for every mood – and craving. Here’s my roundup of 10 spots across the two cities that deserve a place on your must-have reservations list this month.
Cape Town and the Winelands
Café Sofi
(Gardens, Cape Town)
On Park Road in Gardens, Café Sofi is the newest opening from Natasha and Savva Sideris, the duo behind Tashas – but this one feels different. Created as a tribute to their mother, Sophia Electra, the café is steeped in memory and affection, a space that balances elegance with warmth. The space itself is inviting: clean lines, soft lighting, and an atmosphere that feels both polished and personal. Service is friendly, unhurried, and tuned to the kind of place you’ll want to revisit often. The menu reflects that same approachability. Breakfasts are simple yet irresistible, salads and sandwiches are fresh and satisfying, while Mediterranean-inspired mains and desserts bring comfort with a touch of Sideris flair. After-work snacks and small plates round out the offering for those who linger into the evening. Open daily from early until late, Café Sofi is one you’ll return to over and over again.
A lovely combination of great food (chicken thighs best I’ve had at a CT restaurant) and ambience, friendly staff and an elegant setting. We loved the mellow lighting at night and the playlist. Will be back.
Psarou
(Observatory, Cape Town)
The newly opened Riverlands Mall in Observatory has a fresh drawcard: Psarou, a lively Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that debuted at the end of September. With breezy interiors with natural textures and warm lighting, it’s designed for easy lunches, sundowners with friends, or laid-back dinners that stretch into the evening. The menu leans heavily on the sea, with starters like freshly-shucked oysters, citrusy ceviche, and blistered coal-fired octopus. Larger plates deliver in abundance – from simply grilled fish and seafood platters to indulgent langoustines, crayfish, and scallops. Sushi fans are covered too, with platters that highlight the same focus on freshness. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Psarou is already shaping up to be a go-to seafood spot.
Hottest new seafood restaurant in town… Great oysters, sublime fish. Generous portions, Going to be all the rage this summer!
TERRA
(Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch)
Stellenbosch food lovers have something new to get excited about. TERRA, from the team behind fine-dining favourite MERTIA, opens on 8 October at 107 Dorp Street, offering a completely different, more relaxed take on dining. Marais Kirsten-Uys and Chef Matt van den Berg have crafted a casual, all-day menu, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week. Their aim is to create a space that feels like a refuge for “sout-van-die-aarde, lekker mense” – good food for good people, without the fuss. It’s a chance to see the duo stretch beyond the fine-dining format they’re known for, with thoughtful, flavour-forward dishes in a welcoming, everyday setting. Book early to be among the first to experience this new opening.
The Deli Social
(Hout Bay, Cape Town)
Hout Bay has a fresh new hangout with The Deli Social, a neighbourhood spot that’s already winning hearts with its unfussy breakfasts, laden focaccia sandwiches, and standout coffee. Pastries are flaky, portions generous – but the real gem sits behind the counter: a curated fridge of artisanal South African cheeses, handpicked by owners Charlie and Terri. It’s a nod to Charlie’s Australian roots, where café culture thrives on good produce and casual charm. By evening, The Deli Social shifts gears into a relaxed wine bar, complete with cheese boards, snack plates, and a patio built for lingering as the sun dips behind the mountains.
We’ve been going to The Deli Social from it’s beginnings and always feel at home in this friendly atmosphere. Excellent food and now dined there in the evening for the first time. The food is done with such care in the detail and exceeded our expectations ! Will definitely be back again.
Tiki Tomb
(Bree Street, Cape Town)
Cape Town has no shortage of bars, but Tiki Tomb – now bookable on Dineplan – gives Bree Street a retro dose of playful energy. Found at number 101, it’s part tiki lounge, part neighbourhood hangout, built around the simple pleasures of good food, cold drinks, and a vibe that keeps you hanging around long after you planned to leave. The kitchen turns out easy-to-love fare like hand-stretched pizzas, wings, and share plates, while the bar mixes tiki-style cocktails, frosty beers, and a surprisingly sharp wine list. There’s a roomy deck outside for warm evenings, or you can stay inside where the music and rum-fuelled drinks set the tempo. Happy hour is a standout: every Wednesday to Saturday, from 3 to 5pm, cocktails and doubles go for R50. Doors open at 3pm and stay that way until the early hours.
Tiki Tomb is the ultimate Cape Town hangout! Killer cocktails, amazing pizzas, and a vibe like nowhere else. The only authentic Tiki bar around — always a guaranteed good time!
The Royal Countess Zingara Dinner Show
(Century City, Cape Town)
Cape Town’s favourite cirque dinner show is back – The Royal Countess Zingara reopens in Century City on 11 October, once again transforming its historic mirror tent into a world of sequins, spectacle, and culinary theatre. For 25 years, Zingara has been a South African institution, blending a 4-course gourmet menu with a full cast of local and international performers. The experience is part burlesque, part circus, part fine dining – and all heart. This season promises the same heady mix of hospitality, showmanship, and a touch of wild gypsy spirit that has earned Zingara its loyal following. Tickets are already in high demand and almost sold out, so booking early is essential.
Johannesburg
Chunky Chau Sandton 
(Sandton, Johannesburg)
Good news, Chunky Chau is bringing back their much-loved bottomless sushi in Sandton. Available at just R268 per person, this indulgent offer runs on Wednesdays from 5 pm to 9 pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm. It’s a must-book experience for fans of Chau’s fresh rolls, nigiri, and all the sushi favourites you can handle. Seats fill fast, so advance reservations are essential.
Hard Rock Café
(Sandton, Johannesburg)
Hard Rock Café in Sandton should be your go-to for classic American fare. Open daily for lunch and dinner, the Mandela Square branch dishes up everything from juicy burgers to hearty mains, with a menu built for sharing or a full-on solo feast. They also run weekly specials worth planning around: Wednesday Happy Hour offers 25% off cocktails, bottles, and draught beers from 5 pm to 7 pm; Thursday Ladies’ Night gives 50% off selected cocktails all day; and Monday brings a buy-one-get-one-free smash burger deal. Book your table in advance to make the most of the food, drinks, and specials, and enjoy the vibrant energy that Hard Rock is known for worldwide.
Le Vin Rosebank
(Rosebank, Johannesburg)
Le Vin Wine Bar in Rosebank offers an intimate, stylish space for wine lovers to explore top South African vineyards alongside select international labels. The lounge pairs its curated wine list with seasonal gourmet tapas, live entertainment, and immersive tasting events that highlight the art of food-and-wine matching. The menu covers all the essentials – oysters, cheese boards, biltong, and bar snacks – while also catering to adventurous palates with game mains like ostrich, warthog, crocodile tail, and zebra. Open daily from 1 pm until late, Le Vin is now on Dineplan, making it easier than ever to discover your next favourite local wine spot.
Momo &O
(Norwood, Johannesburg)
Norwood’s favourite Asian spot, Momo &O, is now taking bookings on Dineplan. Known for its seriously good ramen, it also serves up all the other Momo classics – bao, bowls, sushi, poké bowls, and small plates that make for a satisfying, flavour-packed meal. The restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner. While they don’t serve alcohol, you’re more than welcome to bring your own bottle with no corkage fee, making it easy to pair your meal with your favourite drink. Perfect for a casual mid-week night out or a craving-driven visit.
Great ramen.
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