Cape Town has once again solidified its status as a premier global destination, earning the prestigious sixth position in the Condé Nast Traveller’s Choice Awards for 2025. While the “Mother City” held the number one spot last year, its continued presence in the top ten is a remarkable feat; it is the only city from the 2024 list to remain in the top ten for 2025. This consistency underscores a food culture that is not just a passing trend, but a deeply rooted, world-class institution.
A Melting Pot of Global Flavours
What truly sets Cape Town apart is its rich culinary tapestry, a delightful fusion born from centuries of diverse cultural interactions. Condé Nast Traveller describes it as a “veritable melting pot,” where African, Dutch, Malay, and Indian cuisines intertwine. From the aromatic spices of Cape Malay curries found in the brightly coloured streets of the Bo-Kaap to the tradition of a coastal braai (barbecue), the city offers a symphony of tastes that reflect its complex history.
Visitors are often captivated by the “vine-to-table” philosophy. Celebrated estates like Babylonstoren in the nearby Winelands provide an immersive experience where diners enjoy produce harvested just steps from their table. Whether it is fresh seafood sizzling in a kitchen at the V&A Waterfront or a crisp glass of Chenin Blanc overlooking the Atlantic, the setting is as much a part of the meal as the ingredients themselves.
The Standard-Bearers of Fine Dining
The city’s high ranking is bolstered by a collection of restaurants that consistently appear on “World’s Best” lists. These establishments have redefined South African cuisine on the global stage:
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FYN: Led by Chef Peter Tempelhoff, this urban eatery is famous for its “Neoteric Japanese-African” fusion, blending meticulous Japanese techniques with indigenous South African ingredients like fynbos and ostrich.
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La Colombe: Nestled on the slopes of Constantia, this restaurant is a perennial favourite for its whimsical, high-concept plating and theatrical dining experience that often ranks among the top 50 in the world.
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The Pot Luck Club: Located in the trendy Woodstock district, Chef Luke Dale Roberts’ creation pioneered the modern “sharing plate” movement, offering bold, punchy flavours in a glass-walled space with panoramic city views.
Beyond the Plate: Resilience and Hospitality
Cape Town’s allure extends beyond its kitchens. In the 2025 awards, readers also voted it the third friendliest city in the world, an improvement from its fifth-place finish in 2024. This warmth is a core part of the dining experience, where the hospitality is as memorable as the food.
The magazine noted that the city represents a “hopeful symbol of resilience,” acknowledging that its multicultural identity and the community’s efforts to rebuild and connect are what make Capetonians—and their food—truly special. Ranked as the third-best city in the world overall, Cape Town remains a bucket-list destination that offers a rare trifecta of natural beauty, human warmth, and gastronomic excellence.
