Looking for something new in the Mother City? Our guide highlights the coolest new experiences and restaurants in Cape Town, from hidden gems and trending food spots to unique events and activities that locals can’t stop talking about. We are constantly updating this guide, so make sure to keep it bookmarked for your next new experience.
Hit Up a Coffee Rave
The latest viral trend to hit Cape Town is the coffee rave – a pre-work party that leaves you motivated and energised, as opposed to hungover and exhausted. This is one for the early birds and the coffee lovers, who are keen to dance their hearts out before getting to the office.
There have been multiple coffee raves popping up across the city. Nice Cafe were an early adopter, hosting a monthly rave at their Queen Victoria Rd coffee shop every First Thursday. Thereafter, the Coffee Rave Instagram account has been alerting people to new events taking place in the Southern Suburbs. Make sure to follow to stay up to date on the next morning party near you.
The Return of Madame Zingara
Madame Zingara was a touchstone of the Cape Town nightlife scene before 2015, as a travelling immersive dinner and performance spectacle that explored the whole of South Africa. Now, after a decade of closed doors, the Zingara experience returns.
The Royal Countess Zingara returns with La Dolce Royal, a surrealist theatre and dinner spectacle that is crafted with intense care and resonance. The experience promises to be a return to form for the Countess, while simultaneously bringing a new, exciting experience.
Cost: R1150pp (includes welcome drink, five course dinner and performance). Book on the website.
When: From 11 October 2025 | Tuesdays – Sundays | Doors open 7pm | Show starts at 8pm
Where: Century City, Cape Town (exact venue TBC)
All We Know About La Dolce Royal
Tambourine
The new restaurant on the block is Tambourine, situated on Harrington St. Tambourine offers a contemporary, South African take on tapas, with a focus on sustainable food production and crafting everything from scratch.
Tambourine offers modern, small plate dishes such as bubbly poached leeks, fire-grilled wild prawns, and Tanzanie dark chocolate mousse. The drinks menu has all of the classics, as well as signature cocktails that include a blood orange & strawberry Aperol fizz, and a Fat Boy, consisting of Biltong and Wagyu beef fat washed Brandy, demerara sugar and Angostura bitters.
When: Tuesday – Thursday: 6pm | Friday & Saturday: 12 noon
Where: 104 Harrington St, District Six, Cape Town
Asian Food Market
The China Town Asian Food Market gives you your Asian cuisine kick without having to leave the Mother City. Enjoy a variety of street food, live music and family fun, all guaranteed to give you a great day out.
The market offers favourites such as fluffy bao buns, comforting ramen dishes, perfectly popped boba and delicious stir-fried noodles. The next market is taking place on 13 September – make sure to follow their social media to keep up with the latest market news.
When: 13 September 2025 | 10am – 3pm
Where: Corner Bosmansdam and Ratanga Rd, Milnerton, Cape Town
Nkula Wine Bar
If you’re looking for a new bar hotspot in the CBD, Nkula Wine Bar is the place for you. Hidden behind an entryway bookshelf, this boutique wine bar celebrate Black excellence in the wine industry and creates some iconic wine-based cocktails.
The bar hosts vinyl music events and sessions to meet some of the featured winemakers. Nkula is shaping up to be a staple of the Long Street night out experience.
When: Monday – Thursday: 4pm – 2am | Friday – Sunday: 1pm – 2am
Where: 188 Long St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
New: Bo-Kaap Market
The City of Cape Town has announced the formation of the Bo-Kaap Market, a new community-driven trading hub. This market aims to support the local community in the wake of the pressures of gentrification, by allowing them a space to trade with locals and tourists alike.
Support your local community and swap your mall visits for a stop at the Bo-Kaap market. The space is set to open on 30 September 2025.
When: Daily | 10am – 7pm
Where: Corner of Pentz Street and Yusuf Drive
777 Coffee Shop
Themed around an airport gate and named after the Boeing aircraft, the 777 Coffee Shop offers an aviation-themed coffee experience. Visit this unique space for expertly crafted coffee, delicious treats, and a cozy atmosphere inspired by the skies.
777 Coffee Shop offers delicious coffee and sandwich options for your early morning commute or lunch break. Make sure to stop by this one-of-a-kind coffee shop for a brand-new morning experience.
When: Daily | 6am – 9.30pm
Where: 66 Keerom St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Nice to Matcha
Matcha has been taking the world by storm, and Cape Town is no exception. The green tea powder is a great alternative to coffee, due to its antioxidant properties and slow caffeine release.
Nice to Matcha is the newest viral matcha shop in Cape Town, offering ceremonial grade matcha and a variety of flavours, including vanilla bean, strawberry and lemonade. If you’ve been wanting to hop on the matcha train, make Nice to Matcha the first stop in your journey.
When: Daily | 7.30am – 4pm
Where: 206 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Bed by 10
The global clubbing phenomenon Bed by 10 is coming to Cape Town! For those who are fed up with the late nights and hungover mornings, Bed by 10 is a unique 30+ daytime clubbing experience that helps you relive the bangers of the 90s and 2000s, while still getting into bed and falling asleep by 10pm.
Cost: R485. Tickets available here.
When: 18 October 2025 | 4pm – 9pm | last entry 5pm
Where: District, Harrington St, Cape Town City Centre
Shrek Rave
The viral party sensation inspired by the green ogre is coming to Cape Town. Based on the iconic movies, Shrek raves brings Shrek hits, party bangers and techno music all night long to bring out your inner ogre.
Put together a green outfit or dress as your favourite Shrek character, with the best outfits winning a prize.
Cost: R425. Tickets available here.
When: 17 October 2025 | 10pm – 4am
Where: District, Harrington St, Cape Town City Centre
