The Mother City is home to a thriving food-and-wine scene, with events dedicated to a wide variety of dishes, cuisines, and cultures. Whether it’s a collaboration between two world-renowned chefs or a curated night of experimental flavours, foodies always have something new to look forward to.
Here are our picks for the best culinary events in Cape Town, from Winelands festivals to luxurious fine-dining occasions in the city.
Upcoming events
One&Only Restoration Ritual
Available throughout spring, One&Only’s Restoration Ritual gives guests a one-of-a-kind spa treatment and a Nobu dinner to help them get in the right headspace for the busy summer ahead.
The exclusive offer begins with a 90-minute treatment at the One&Only Spa, tailored to meet guests’ specific needs regarding relaxation, hydration, and recovery. The opportunity continues with a curated four-course dining experience in One&Only’s luxurious Nobu location, allowing guests to indulge in Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s culinary vision.
Even the menu focuses on health and wellness, with each dish carefully considered for its value beyond just flavour. From the protein boost of edamame beans and the gut-health benefits of miso soup to the antioxidants in Nobu’s field greens and the Omega glow of steamed salmon dry miso (or a salmon & avocado cut roll), each bite complements the extensive spa treatment – making for a comprehensive Restoration Ritual to start the new season.
Cost: R3500 per person. To find out more, visit the website.
When: Restoration Ritual is exclusively available 1 September – 31 October 2026
Where: Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Babylonstoren & Horrell: Garden Day Collaboration
Chef Schalk Vlok and the Horrell & Horrell team join forces at Babylonstoren for a one-night-only sit-down dinner. Their usual spontaneous style of cooking together gives way to a more considered menu, shaped around the ingredients that define both kitchens.
Produce from the Babylonstoren garden and farm takes centre stage, alongside carefully chosen seasonal ingredients. Each course reflects the chefs’ shared interest in honest flavours, thoughtful preparation and cooking with fire.
The evening opens with aperitifs and canapés before guests take their seats for a generous progression of dishes designed to be enjoyed around the table. The dinner forms part of a wider Garden Day weekend at the farm, which also includes a Vlok and Horrell fire supper on Friday, 16 October.
Cost: R2,950 per person. Book now via their website.
When: Sunday, 18 October 2026 | 5.30pm – 10pm
Where: Babylonstoren, Klapmuts-Simondium Road, Simondium, Western Cape
Terroir & Table at Cape Grace
Continuing on from the VUUR collaboration, Terroir & Table evenings begin with a welcome toast in the Bascule cellar, before moving on to four courses paired with four wines throughout. For any particular favourites, bottles are available for purchase on the night.
The Terroir & Table experience continues on 24 October with De Grendel, the distinguished wine estate with an award-winning portfolio, hosted by cellar master & Cape Winemakers Guild member Charles Hopkins, who has been with the farm since its earliest days of winemaking back in 2005.
Found in the fynbos-filled Tygerberg Hills, De Grendel is one of the oldest working farms in Cape Town, known for its flagship Rubaiyat, a Bordeaux-style red, and other blends that have made Hopkins one of South Africa’s most decorated winemakers.
Cost: R1200 per person. Book using Dineplan or call 021 410 7100.
When: Saturday, 24 October 2026 | From 6pm (welcome toast)
Where: Cape Grace Hotel, W Quay Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The Wagyu Table
This exclusive evening kicks off with a live butchery demonstration, showing the artistry and craft behind each cut as Nobu’s professional chefs prepare Wagyu canapés right in front of guests.
The journey continues with a six-course omakase dinner where South African Wagyu is undoubtedly the main character. Here, omakase means guests don’t pick from a menu; they leave their culinary experience in the hands of the Wagyu Master, who blends precision with deep knowledge of Wagyu marbling, butchery, and cooking techniques. They guide diners through the night, giving them the background they need to truly take in each bite.
Finally, the experience ends with a special auction where guests bid on their favourite Wagyu cuts from the night to take home, prepare, and enjoy with their new knowledge of the craft and skill behind making a good South African Wagyu meal.
Cost: R4500 per person. Book a spot now via Dineplan.
When: Friday, 30 October 2026 | From 6.30pm
Where: The Reserve Room, One&Only Cape Town, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Sip and Savour Festival
After devastating floods in 2026, Sip and Savour Festival is back in an all-new location. While the festival has moved to Rietvallei Wine Estate in Robertson, the programme remains the same, with each ticket including access to wine tastings at several high-profile Robertson Wine Valley wineries.
The festival offers events and activities for the whole family, with a curated selection of food stalls, live entertainment, and a dedicated Kiddies’ Zone for little ones to enjoy the Robertson winelands safely. All tickets include complimentary shuttle services in and around Robertson, with preferred shuttle slots available to be pre-booked on the Wine Valley Safari website.
Cost: R300 – R1500. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Saturday & Sunday, 31 October & 1 November 2026 | From 10am
Where: Viljoensdrift Wine Estate, R317, Robertson
DSK Bazaar
Once a year, the DSK Bazaar transforms the German International School Cape Town (DSK) in Tamboerskloof into a festive hub of authentic German food, beer, live music, market stalls and fun activities for all ages. Bringing together Cape Town’s German community and market lovers, the Bazaar celebrates the start of summer and raises funds for important initiatives.
In addition to live entertainment and dedicated kids’ activities, guests can enjoy German specialities like Bratwurst, crispy Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) straight off the grill, cold beer, halal and vegetarian-friendly options, and more.
The Christmas Market is another festive attraction on both days, with decorations, creative gifts, and treats. Adults can try the Alumni Bar, the ever-popular German Glühwein (warm, spiced red wine), and Limoncello while enjoying the Artists Gallery exhibition of work by renowned artists.
Cost: R180 per person (adults, online) | R220 at the gate | Kids enter free | R200 for all kids’ activities over both days | R6000 for a table of 10 (includes food and drink voucher) | Raffle tickets for R50. Tickets are available on TicketBee.
Entry tickets are valid on both days; just keep them on the wristband for re-entry.
When: Friday & Saturday, 6 & 7 November 2026 | 3pm – 10pm (Fri) | 10am – 10pm (Sat)
Where: German International School Cape Town, 28 Bay View Avenue, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
Italy in Town
Mediterranean food lovers and pasta aficionados are sure to enjoy this multi-day celebration of Italian cuisine and culture. Guests can expect a curated selection of authentic Italian food vendors, wines, live music, cultural showcases, and a family-friendly festival atmosphere for all ages. Taking place at the Castle of Good Hope, it’s a massive weekend event entirely dedicated to one of the world’s most beloved food cultures.
Before the big event in November, interested parties can join a pasta-making workshop and a dedicated Italian coffee rave, presented in collaboration with Italian Deli Online, La Marzocco and Lavazza.
Cost: From R120 – R150 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Saturday & Sunday, 21 & 22 November 2026 | 12pm – 6pm
Where: Castle of Good Hope, Castle St, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001
Taste of Cape Town
Taste of Cape Town is the South African edition of the Taste Festival series, a globally established food and lifestyle event that has taken place in London, Paris, Dubai and São Paulo. The inaugural Cape Town edition, produced by The Allure Group and themed “Taste the Crown”, takes place across two days at the Green Point Cricket Club in November 2026.
The Taste Festival format brings together a curated selection of restaurants, each presenting signature dishes developed specifically for the festival, alongside a live chef programme of open-fire demonstrations, Cook School masterclasses and chef sessions. An artisan market showcases South African food and beverage producers, with live music and entertainment running across both days. VIP and premium hospitality experiences are available at higher ticket tiers.
Cape Town was named the world’s best food city in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards; a context the festival organisers have positioned as central to the event’s founding rationale. The full restaurant, chef and entertainment lineup is being announced in stages from July 2026; check the website for the latest programme reveals.
Cost: R450 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Saturday & Sunday, 28 & 29 November 2026 | 11am – 10pm (Sat) | 9am – 9pm (Sun)
Where: Green Point Cricket Club, 111 Vlei Road, Green Point, Cape Town
Cape Town Cocktail Week
Taking over the Mother City for 7 days, CTCW brings days of seminars, masterclasses and, of course, cold & quirky cocktails to various venues throughout the city. The dedicated Cocktail Safari Map, available to all wristband-wearers, unlocks R60 cocktails at participating bars and makes it easy for guests to navigate the events and activities happening throughout the week.
Three international guest bars are joining 2026’s celebrations, including Svanen (Oslo), Nouvelle Vague (Tirana), and Tag (Krakow) – two of which have been selected in The World’s 50 Best Bars for 2025, and another which was deemed The Best Bar in Poland 2026.
Each ticket gives participants access to all 30+ confirmed Cape Town venues, exclusive deals, and cocktail-specific activities.
Cost: R390 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Monday – Sunday, 7 – 13 December 2026 | 11am – 11pm
Where: Various venues across Cape Town
Cape Town Chilli Festival
Presented by Foodies Cape Town, the Chilli Festival brings the spice to the Mother City with chilli-eating competitions, 60+ chilli-related products, craft beer, gin distilleries, and kids’ activities. While adults enjoy an artisanal makers market, food trucks and lawn games, kids get entertained with an inflatable jump park, a rodeo bull, and a paintball aerodrome.
There are three versions of the headline chilli competitions. Hot as Hell is the flagship offering, only available to those over 18, while makers compete against one another in their own tournament, and even kids can get in on the action for free.
Cost: R100 per person | Free for kids under 16. Book now on Quicket.
When: Sunday, 13 December 2026 | 11am – 4pm
Where: Sunningdale Sports Complex, Waterville St, Milnerton Rural, Cape Town
Festive Season at the President Hotel
The President Hotel has released a dedicated programme for the Christmas and New Year period, beginning with a daily seasonal afternoon tea of sweet and savoury treats.
Christmas Eve is a tour of Cape flavours, with farm-to-table produce, West Coast seafood, a shisanyama braai, Cape Malay dishes, a taste of the Winelands, Bo-Kaap sweet treats and a gelato bar. Christmas Day centres on a feast served from 1pm, with a carvery trolley, whole salt-baked salmon, oysters, oxtail potjie, Cape Malay curry and a Christmas sweet table, plus an eggnog station, a jazz trio and a kids’ party in a separate venue.
Boxing Day is a relaxed poolside gathering with lamb-filled ciabatta, cheese and charcuterie, a bagel bar, build-your-own salads and picnic selections, set to a DJ. New Year’s Eve is built around coastal flavours, including tableside oyster service, a sushi display, seafood and West Coast braai selections, popsicle displays and a chocolate table.
New Year’s Day is a laid-back lunch of prawn skewers, grilled line fish and a build-your-own salad. The headline act has not yet been announced.
Cost: Various prices. Book via email at [email protected]
When: 24 December 2026 – 1 January 2027
Where: The President Hotel, 4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay, Cape Town
Even more Food & Drinks Events in Cape Town
