The stylish suburb situated between District Six and Cape Town’s bustling City Centre, now lovingly referred to as the East City, has become a focus for many restaurateurs, bar owners, and companies looking for a new audience. With a careful mix of fast food, fine dining, and late-night hangs, it is one of the Mother City’s fastest-growing cultural hubs over the last few years.
Here’s everything Capetonians need to know about this mini-city that never sleeps.
Casual dining
BURI
The latest trendy fast-food spot to open in the Mother City, Buri prides itself on making “proper boerewors rolls” with quality ingredients while offering a little social space to enjoy them off the street. The buns are homemade, the wors is charcoal-grilled, and the sauces aren’t watered down. There are a few boerewors options, plus chips, onion rings, and even mini doughnuts for a sweet finish. Most surprising is likely the drinks menu, with soft drinks, kombucha, gin and tonic, beer, and Fontein wines. All boerewors can be ordered pork-free.
While it’s still early days, the reviews from critics and the public are so far, so good. Buri is also easily accessible, available Monday through Saturday from the morning until 9pm. More information is available on the website and Instagram.
Buri is the new offering from the Belly Restaurant Group, owners of the luxury fine-dining restaurants Seebamboes, Belly of the Beast, and Galjoen, marking their first foray into affordable takeaway dining.
When: Monday – Saturday | 10am – 9pm
Where: 99 Harrington St, East City, Cape Town City Centre
Pizzasaurus
This wholesome pizza takeaway is built on a completely plant-based menu with an eye for sustainability and eco-friendly dining. While their woodfired pizzas are undoubtedly the main attraction (all with quirky dinosaur-related names), they also offer a diverse menu, including salads, fresh homemade pastas, pies, and desserts. For drinks, guests can sip on cold drinks, smoothies, fresh juices, milkshakes, and coffees (made with either vegan or dairy milk).
The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and kid-friendly, as the building’s cartoonish exterior makes clear. Orders can either be taken away or eaten at the communal, cafeteria-style dining area. Most customers rave about the courteous service and quality of the vegan cheeses, which are traditionally fermented much like dairy-based alternatives.
Guests can learn more and book a table via the website.
When: Monday – Saturday | 10am – 9pm (Mon – Thu) | 10am – 10pm (Fri & Sat)
Where: 103 Harrington Street, District Six, East City, Cape Town
Dias Tavern
Fans of Portuguese cuisine and football will know Dias Tavern, a go-to restaurant with acclaimed food and TVs dedicated to live matches. The original location in the East City is a fan favourite, known for its quality of Portuguese staples like prego rolls, trinchado, grilled fish, and espetada.
Dias is particularly busy on match days, as Premier League and Springbok games always attract big crowds looking for a spicy meal, a social atmosphere, and access to a TV. More information and reservations are available on the website.
When: Monday – Saturday | 11.30am – 12am (Tue – Sat) | 11.30am – 11.30pm (Mon)
Where: 15 Caledon Street, District Six, East City, Cape Town
Mamacitas
One of the few places in Cape Town where diners can try Mexican, LA-based cuisine, Mamacitas is a bright, loud night-time dining spot on Harrington Street. The Cal-Mex menu includes street-food staples like wings, nachos, tacos, and burgers, while their signature cocktails are colourful and highly customisable. One of the biggest attractions is undoubtedly their daily specials, which range from affordable Thursday date nights to kids eating free on Sundays and their famous Taco Tuesdays.
Guests can opt to sit in the bustling interior or eat outside for the true Los Angeles street food experience. Tables can be booked online.
When: Monday – Sunday | 11am – late
Where: 75 Harrington St, District Six, East City, Cape Town
Downtown Ramen
The first ramen bar in Cape Town, Downtown does authentic Japanese-style cuisine, with much of the food made from scratch with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The menu is focused and to the point, with several ramen and bao bun options that cater to meat-lovers and vegans alike. For drinks, guests can try traditional Asian alcoholic options like sake and soju, mushroom coffee, or regular beers, whiskies, wines, cocktails, and sodas.
Those who enjoy their meal can take home the restaurant’s chilli oil and frozen dumplings for restaurant-quality dining at home. Menu changes and updates are posted on their Instagram.
When: Monday – Saturday | 12pm – 10pm
Where: 103 Harrington Street, District Six, East City, Cape Town
Fine dining
Belly of the Beast
The first outing by the Belly Restaurant Group, Belly of the Beast asks guests to let go of their need for control and trust the chefs to deliver a premium dining experience. There are no menu options or set courses, just a diverse tasting menu available for lunch and dinner, with some palate-pushing dishes that test the boundaries, with a focus on sustainable and locally sourced meat and seafood.
The menu remains a mystery for each guest, with a max capacity of 30, creating an interactive experience as the chefs personally greet each table. Every dish comes with a recommended wine pairing from Belly of the Beast’s local winemakers. For more information about reservations, guests can use the website.
Cost: R750 per person (lunch) | R1050 per person (dinner).
When: Tuesday – Saturday from 12.30pm (lunch) | Monday – Saturday from 18.45pm (dinner)
Where: 110 Harrington St, East City, Cape Town City Centre
Tambourine
The small plates restaurant that highlights the value of local, organic, seasonal, and sustainable cooking, Tambourine is the go-to spot for ethical and environmentally conscious dining. Every dish is meant to be shared and lead into the next, with a lengthy and diverse list of small plates and two set menus for those who want the chefs to dictate the evening. For drinks, guests can expect alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, wines, bubbles, beers, ciders, liqueurs, cold drinks, and coffee.
Guests online praise the diversity in flavours, well-informed and friendly staff, and the atmosphere that champions local producers, supports a regenerative farm project in Khayelitsha, and ensures no food is truly wasted. Bookings and T’s and C’s are available on the website.
When: Tuesday – Saturday | 6pm – 10.30pm
Where: 104 Harrington St, District Six, East City, Cape Town
East City Grill & Yakiniku
At 84 Harrington Street, diners can choose between a blend of South African braai and pan-Asian flavours or an authentic Japanese interactive kitchen.
Those who want quality meat are sure to enjoy East City Grill, which boasts everything from wagyu burgers to chicken yakitori and steaks. The menu includes local ingredients prepared with Asian sauces, spices, and herbs, with starters, mains, sides, and desserts.
Like Tokyo’s smoky grill houses, Yakiniku invites guests to grill their own meals, encouraging them to savour the flavours and the cooking ritual. The method is simple: grill cuts of local Wagyu, dip them in sauce, layer them with rice and lettuce, top with kimchi, wrap it all up, and enjoy. Wagyu lovers can choose between an Express or Experience menu, both topped with Yakiniku’s own sauce and real Niigata Koshi Hikari rice.
Bookings for either restaurant can be made online.
When: Tuesday – Saturday | 12pm – 5.30pm & 6pm – 10pm
Where: 84 Harrington St, District Six, East City, Cape Town
Rose’s Table
This fine-dining establishment gives guests the option of à la carte, 2-course, 3-course, or signature 5-course Experience Menu, all made with African roots and Asian influence. Art lovers are sure to enjoy the thought-provoking works hung around the intimate space, while foodies can look forward to a truly experimental menu featuring jollof rice, Mozambican curry, grilled linefish, Wagyu steak, and Ma’s Malva Pudding.
Another intimate experience with a limited capacity, Rose’s Table is ideal for a private dinner for those who like bold flavours paired with local wines. Reservations can be made online.
When: Wednesday – Saturday | 6pm – 11pm
Where: 79 Roeland Street, District Six, East City, Cape Town
Galjoen
The sustainable seafood spot by the Belly Restaurant Group where, if it’s caught in South Africa, it’s not on the menu. Like Belly of the Beast, the menu isn’t publicly available. Guests should expect inventive seafood creations arranged in a diverse tasting menu prepared by head chef Isca Stoltz. The focus is on maximising the experience for a handful of guests, rather than serving a wide menu for an overflowing restaurant.
Online reviews are particularly complimentary of the accommodating staff, the pescetarian menu that doesn’t get boring, and the quick turnaround between dishes. Tables can be booked on the website.
Cost: R750 per person (lunch) | R1050 per person (dinner)
When: Tuesday – Saturday from 12.30pm (lunch) | Monday – Saturday from 18.45pm (dinner)
Where: 99 Harrington St, East City, Cape Town City Centre
Coffee & Cakes
Truth Coffee
Twice named the “Best Coffee Shop In The World” by the UK’s Daily Telegraph, there aren’t many cafes in Cape Town with better endorsements. With a unique steampunk aesthetic (complete with London newspaper-esque menus) and a convenient location in the East City, Truth Coffee is unlike any other cafe in the city.
Despite the rave reviews, Truth’s menu remains quite affordable. The coffee options cater to all levels of bean enthusiasts, with cold brew “potions”, pour-over brews, and a detailed explainer so guests can get their ideal blend (they also do expert latte art). Their patisserie includes everything from lemon meringue to eclairs, and they are known for filling sandwiches on freshly-baked bread, whether it’s vegetarian or a meat-lover’s special.
Bookings can be made via Seatly.
When: Monday – Sunday | 7am – 10pm (Tue – Thu) | 8am – 6pm (Sun) | 8am – 10pm (Mon)
Where: 36 Buitenkant St, East City, Cape Town City Centre
Swan Café
Included in Inside Guide’s Top Cape experiences, this French-style café and crêperie brings the charm of Paris to the Mother City with authentic pastries, artisanal coffee, all-day brunch, and an exclusive tea range. It has one of the most vibrant and distinct interiors in Cape Town, keeping with the classy Parisian theme and making it perfect for an Instagrammable morning meal.
Their espresso-based coffees are affordable, while their rich rooibos tea blends mix classic South African flavour with a range of sweet notes. Savoury, gluten-free galettes (crêpes) make up the bulk of the food offering, alongside tartines (open-faced sourdough sandwiches) and dairy-based sweet crêpes.
When: Monday – Sunday | 8.30am – 4pm | 9pm – 2pm (Sun & public holidays)
Where: cnr Buitenkant & Barrack Street, Zonnebloem, East City, Cape Town
Charly’s Bakery
Cape Town’s most iconic designer cake bakery, Charly’s specialise in celebration, kids, and wedding cakes that can be fully customised to match the taste, person, and occasion for every kind of event. From layer cakes with bold colours to designs made to look like a skateboard, they can accommodate most requests, including the wild and wonderful.
Those just wanting a sweet, icing-filled treat can visit the deli for a colourful pick-me-up during the workday. Their colourful chocolate cupcakes are another fan favourite for those who want something to commemorate the day without going overboard. More information, including the custom order form, is available on the website.
When: Tuesday – Saturday | 8am – 5pm | 8.30am – 2pm (Sat)
Where: 38 Canterbury St, District Six, East City, Cape Town
New York Bagels
This four-generation bagel shop brings the Big Apple staple to Cape Town, with a diverse array of handmade, fresh-baked bagel varieties and fillings so everyone can make their ideal lunchtime snack. Opening in 1940, the spot has become a beloved stop during weekday lunch breaks and for weekend snack breaks.
Despite the fanfare and thousands of 5-star reviews, the menu remains relatively affordable for meat-lovers and vegetarians alike. They are also well known for their traditional, baked New York cheesecake, which visitors can buy by the cake or by the slice. While their bagels are perfect for takeaway, they have indoor and outdoor seating for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere a little longer.
When: Monday – Sunday | 7am – 4pm | 7am – 2pm (Sat & Sun)
Where: 44 Harrington St, District Six, East City, Cape Town
Wine & Cocktails
Harrington’s
This classic and stylish cocktail lounge, restaurant and boutique bar evokes a nostalgic sense of opulence, style and sophistication. With panoramic windows overlooking the bustling nightlife of the East City neighbourhood, the place features lush, inviting décor that takes guests back to a time when disco was alive, and drinks were cheap.
Guests enjoy 40% off selected cocktails, house wines and Harry’s pouring spirits during their Happy Hour from 4pm to 7pm. The space also regularly hosts themed events, from drag shows to romantic dinners and jazz nights. More information is available on the website.
When: Wednesday – Saturday | 4pm – 4am | 4pm – late (Wed & Thu)
Where: 61b Harrington Street, District Six, East City, Cape Town
The Art of Duplicity
Speakeasies were the illegal drinking spots where people gathered to have a good time during the American Prohibition. While many places nowadays will call themselves a “speakeasy”, there are few truly secret bars that actually fit the description as well as Duplicity. Those who want to go must fill out an RSVP on the secretive website, after which they will be sent an address and a password to get in.
While there’s purposely little information on the bar, guests can order a wide variety of drinks and cocktails (some calling it the best in the city), and enjoy live jazz nights (for a fee). The Art of Duplicity has been featured multiple times in The World’s 50 Best Bars.
When: Monday – Sunday | 4pm – late
Where: 36 Buitenkant Street, East City, Cape Town City Centre
Lunacy
A cheeky wine bar with humour, attitude, and great drinks, Lunacy is the latest late-night spot from the owners of Tommy’s Chop Shop. Lunacy first opened midway through 2025, and immediately jumped to top spots in rankings of Cape Town’s best bars, making it one of the trendiest spots in the city.
They have an extensive, detailed wine list that separates local and international wines, with dedicated sections for Shiraz, Pinotage, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and most other varieties. They also serve small plates, bar snacks, and dessert, with everything from chicken liver parfait and Cape Malay grilled prawns to lamb terrine and dark chocolate cookie dough. Wine lovers can learn more on the website.
When: Tuesday – Saturday | 4pm – 11pm
Where: 48 Harrington St, District Six, East City, Cape Town
Mavericks Revue Bar
Long established as the city’s most iconic adult entertainment experience, Mavericks Revue Bar goes beyond its repertoire of dancers and performers to deliver quality food, drinks, and atmosphere.
Mavericks serves a full restaurant-quality menu long after most kitchens in Cape Town close. Guests can enjoy steaks, Wagyu burgers, sushi and sharing platters—far beyond the usual late-night food options. Additionally, the bar menu features everything from cocktails and champagne to whiskey and shooters, fitting right in with the city’s top nightlife venues. A fully stocked humidor with premium Cuban cigars adds a luxurious touch for those who like a social smoke.
Cost: R100 (general access entry). Booking ahead of time is recommended, especially for weekends and special events. Reserve via Dineplan.
When: Monday – Saturday | 7pm – 4am
Where: 68 Barrack Street, East City, Cape Town City Centre
The Rum Runner
The latest addition to the ever-growing Harrington complex, Rum Runner invites guests in with its atmosphere and decor that harken back to Caribbean scoundrels and hard-nosed sailors. The pirate-themed space isn’t just set dressing, either, as its rum-specific cocktail menu caters to those who love spirits and hard-liquor concoctions. Diners can order meals from the usual Harrington’s Cocktail Lounge dinner menu.
When: Monday – Saturday | 4pm – late | 3pm – 4am (Fri & Sat)
Where: 61b Harrington Street, District Six, East City, Cape Town
Casual bars & nightlife
Surfa Rosa
One of Cape Town’s last true punk dive bars, Surfa Rosa is a little bar with a big, edgy personality. The vibe is laid back, the music is loud, and the dance floor is never vacant. The space hosts live events most nights, with DJ sets and live band performances blasting through the walls and ensuring everyone on the street knows it’s party time.
Happy Hour is available every day from 4pm – 7pm. More information is available on their website and Instagram.
When: Tuesday – Saturday | 12pm – 12am (Tu & Wed) | 12pm – 4am (Thu – Sat)
Where: 61 Harrington St, East City, Cape Town
Perseverance Tavern
Persies is South Africa’s oldest pub, established in 1808. Also known as The Percy and formally recognised as Perseverance Tavern, it is renowned for its lively camaraderie, easygoing vibe, and well-priced drinks. Loyal locals gather for live sports screenings, refreshing drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can anticipate gourmet burgers and a variety of drinks, from crafted lagers to signature cocktails.
When: Monday – Sunday | 12pm – 10pm (Sun – Tue) | 12pm – 11pm (Wed – Sat)
Where: 83 Buitenkant St, East City, Cape Town City Centre
Dust & Dynamite
Transporting guests into an old-school Spaghetti Western, Dust & Dynamite is a candlelit saloon bar, with swing doors, walls covered in cool memorabilia, and even a honky tonk piano. Expect cowboy hats, flags, red velvet theatre curtains and a long wooden bar counter.
The saloon is renowned for its eclectic musical selections, predominantly featuring classic rock tunes, which harmonise with the candlelit atmosphere and eclectic memorabilia. Guests can enjoy a variety of beverages, including a selection of wines offered at competitive prices. Dust & Dynamite caters to an older crowd, with under-28s not allowed in.
When: Tuesday – Saturday | 6pm – 2am | 3pm – 2am (Fri)
Where: 27 Caledon St, District Six, East City, Cape Town
Tommys Chop Shop
Always one of the liveliest spots after dark in the East City, Tommys Chop Shop has a detailed cocktail menu and one of the deepest whiskey lists in the city, with beloved bourbon, scotch, and rye from local and international producers. Guests can also order from a smaller selection of wines, beers, rum, and tequila, and join the ever-growing conversation in and around the Shop.
Keep up to date with Tommy’s and its live events on Instagram.
When: Tuesday – Saturday | 4pm – 12am | 2pm – 12am (Sat)
Where: 50 Canterbury St, District Six, East City, Cape Town
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