Cape Town’s Asian food scene has evolved significantly, moving far beyond the familiar takeaway box to offer distinct regional flavours from across the continent. A new wave of chefs and restaurateurs is diving deep into the culinary traditions of Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and China, offering food lovers an authentic passport to the bustling streets of Hanoi, the izakayas of Tokyo, and the vibrant food markets of Saigon, all without leaving the Mother City . This guide highlights thirty of the best Asian restaurants in Cape Town, based on authenticity, quality, and dining experience.
Top 30 Asian Restaurants in Cape Town
1. FYN Restaurant
FYN has secured its place among the top 100 restaurants in the world for consecutive years, blending Japanese precision with South African flavours in a breathtaking fifth-floor setting. Chef Peter Tempelhoff, recently awarded three knives at the Best Chefs Awards, uses local ingredients and translates them with the ethos of Japanese cuisine. The multi-course tasting menu explores earth, plant, and sea, with ingredients like Cape game fish, sea plants, waterblommetjies, and Cape Wagyu. Pescetarian, vegetarian, and vegan tasting menus are available. Location: 5th Floor, Speakers Corner, 37 Parliament Street, Cape Town City Centre.
2. Nobu Cape Town
Located at the One&Only in the V&A Waterfront, Nobu offers a unique fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine with a South African twist. The restaurant boasts an elegant dining area and sushi counter, where guests can savour dishes like Sake Roast Whitefish with Jalapeno and the iconic Black Cod Miso. The omakase experience is highly recommended for those seeking the full Nobu journey. The restaurant features an extensive selection of local seafood and vegetarian options. Location: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.
3. Beluga Cape Town
Beluga offers a modern fusion of South African and Asian cuisine, including sushi and dim sum, in a century-old Art Deco setting at the V&A Waterfront. The prime waterfront location allows guests to enjoy scenic views from the balcony while savouring fresh sushi and dim sum. Portions are generous and the service is attentive. The restaurant is also halaal-friendly. Location: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.
4. Silk Asian Fusion
Inspired by the ancient Silk Route, Silk aims to offer cuisine that brings together a meeting of East and West. Asian fusion dishes are cooked on a charcoal grill using the finest seasonal ingredients. Popular dishes include tuna tataki, cauliflower karaage, beef carpaccio, and prawn dumplings. The modern vibe and extensive cocktail menu make it a favourite for date nights. Location: 108 Shortmarket St, Cape Town City Centre.
5. Haiku Cape Town CBD
Haiku is a smart traditional spot for Chinese dim sum and stir fry, plus Japanese grills and sushi served tapas-style. With a 4.3 rating from over 800 reviews, it is well-regarded for its consistent quality and elegant dining experience . It remains a long-standing favourite for formal Asian dining in the city bowl. Location: Cape Town CBD.
Vietnamese Specialists
6. Yen’s Vietnamese Street Food
Located in De Waterkant, Yen’s has been singled out by local guides for its pho, bánh mì, and casual, genuine approach to Vietnamese street dishes . The restaurant offers an authentic taste of Vietnam with its slow-cooked broths and fresh herbs. Location: 19 Dixon St, De Waterkant. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 9pm.
7. Pho House
Pho House in Claremont is a neighbourhood outlet emphasising slow-cooked broths, fresh herbs, and classic condiments—the building blocks of authentic pho . It is frequently recommended by local food communities for robust, restorative bowls of Vietnamese noodle soup. Location: 152 Imam Haron Rd, Claremont. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 9pm.
8. Saigon
Located on the corner of Camp and Kloof Street in Gardens, Saigon is another long-standing favourite for Vietnamese cuisine . The restaurant serves authentic pho and other Vietnamese classics in a cosy setting. Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, and Monday for dinner only.
Korean Specialists
9. Gogi Halal Korean BBQ
Gogi offers a complete Korean BBQ experience at their halaal branch in Observatory . Each table features a BBQ pit with copper extractors that are dramatically pulled down from the ceiling when your grill is lit. The menu includes brisket, bulgogi beef, wontons, short rib, and kimbab. The mocktails and desserts are unique and worth trying. Location: Observatory, Cape Town.
10. Plucky’s Korean Fried Chicken
Located inside the Mojo Market in Sea Point, Plucky’s combines Asian street food culture with a nostalgic 1950s American diner vibe to create uniquely flavoured Korean Fried Chicken . The crispy, umami-flavoured chicken is a must-try. Location: Mojo Market, Sea Point.
11. Korea Market
Available on Uber Eats with a 4.8 rating, Korea Market in Observatory is a popular option for Korean food delivery . The menu features a range of Korean favourites, making it a convenient choice for those seeking authentic Korean flavours at home. Location: Observatory, Cape Town.
Halaal Asian Dining
12. The Wok Bar
The Wok Bar is a trendy, fully halaal Asian fusion restaurant on Kloof Street in Gardens offering a mix of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai cuisines. It is always busy during peak times, which tells you how good it is. Fresh and flavourful Asian-inspired dishes are cooked with heart. Location: Kloof Street, Gardens.
13. Pho & Bun, Diep River
Pho & Bun is an unassuming casual eatery on Diep River’s Main Road serving halaal Vietnamese food. They offer pho (rice noodle soup), bun (vermicelli noodles with grilled meat and salad), dumplings, dim sum, spring rolls, stir fry, sushi, and dessert. The Vietnamese coffee is a standout. Location: Main Road, Diep River.
14. Nuri Sushi Factory
Nuri Sushi is quite easily Cape Town’s favourite sushi restaurant, having cornered the market on great quality sushi at great value. Their branches are now halaal certified, with locations in the CBD, Sea Point, N1 City, Claremont, and Maitland. Nuri offers consistently fresh sushi at affordable prices.
15. Khao Hom Thai Cuisine
This cosy spot on Imam Haron Road is a favourite with the locals and is the OG of the 2-for-1 sushi special . They serve authentic Thai food in a homely setting and are popular for takeaways. They recently opened a second branch in Diep River. Location: Imam Haron Road, Claremont.
16. Linko Utopia
A popular spot for authentic Chinese food and fresh sushi, Linko Utopia is known for its sushi platters. Their halaal branches offer takeaways only in Claremont and Rondebosch. Location: Claremont and Rondebosch.
17. Simply Asia (Halaal Branches)
Simply Asia is the OG of Thai food in South Africa, with halaal takeaway branches all over Cape Town . The 514 Noodles with roasted chilli paste and cashews has become a cult favourite. Their fully halaal sit-down branch is in Kenilworth. Location: Various across Cape Town.
18. Eastern Food Bazaar (CBD)
Eastern Food Bazaar in the Cape Town CBD is a halaal food court offering a taste of street food from India, China, and Turkey. It is a bustling, affordable spot for a quick meal with a wide variety of Asian and Indian dishes. Location: Cape Town CBD.
Japanese & Sushi Specialists
19. How’s Your Oni
How’s Your Oni in Green Point is an ode to vintage Japanese pop culture and the first to introduce gourmet onigiri to Cape Town. These triangular rice parcels, brimming with pickled or savoury fillings and wrapped in nori, are the main attraction. The menu also offers gyozas, udon noodles, ramen, and more. Location: 47 Main Rd, Green Point.
20. Tomo Japanese Restaurant
Tomo is a well-regarded Japanese restaurant offering traditional sushi and Japanese dishes. It is listed on Uber Eats with a 3.9 rating, indicating a solid following for its authentic offerings. Location: Cape Town.
21. YU Restaurant
YU Restaurant is an Asian fusion restaurant located in a hotel called The Onyx in the CBD, making it a destination-type restaurant. With a 4.5 rating from over 700 reviews, it attracts a loyal customer base with its fresh, innovative Asian cuisine. Location: The Onyx, Cape Town CBD.
22. The Sushiary
Located in Belgravia, Athlone, The Sushiary serves sushi, poke bowls, sushi salads, and seafood . It is a good choice if you want your fix and don’t want to venture too far from the southern suburbs. Location: Belgravia, Athlone.
23. J&S Sushi
If you like fusion sushi, J&S is a great option with good special offers, sushi, and noodles at reasonable prices. The sushi is decent, a good size, and not skimpy on the ingredients. They have four branches in Cape Town: Athlone, Claremont, Mitchells Plain, and Blaauwberg.
Thai Specialists
24. Wang Thai
Wang Thai offers authentic Thai cuisine with a 4.6 rating, located in the Lagoon Beach area . It is known for its traditional Thai flavours and elegant dining experience. Location: Lagoon Beach, Cape Town.
25. Ubon Thai
Located in Sea Point, Ubon Thai offers traditional Thai cuisine with a 4.5 rating on Uber Eats . It is a popular choice for Thai food delivery and takeaway in the area. Location: Sea Point, Cape Town.
Chinese Specialists
26. Yesca’s Teahouse
Yesca’s Teahouse in Hout Bay is a charming Asian restaurant serving authentic Cantonese cuisine with love . The menu features freshly handmade dim sum with naturally coloured dumpling wrappers, Peking duck (a secret gem you have to ask for), and delicious ramen. The serene garden setting and friendly, knowledgeable owner create a delightful dining experience. They also offer ceramic painting activities and a deli with Asian foods and frozen items to take home. Location: 35 Main Rd, Hout Bay.
27. Linko Restaurant
Linko Restaurant is a popular spot for authentic Chinese food and fresh sushi, with a 4.5 rating on Uber Eats. It offers a wide range of Chinese dishes and sushi platters. Location: Cape Town.
28. Monks Chinese
Monks Chinese in Mowbray has an impressive 4.8 rating on Uber Eats, making it one of the highest-rated Chinese takeaway spots in Cape Town. It is known for its generous portions and consistent quality. Location: Mowbray, Cape Town.
Casual & Street Food
29. Noodle Box Kloof Street
Noodle Box holds an impressive 4.9 rating from over 900 reviews, making it one of the highest-rated Asian restaurants in Cape Town. This quaint spot serves fresh, hot Asian noodle dishes in a character-filled setting with attentive service. Location: Kloof Street, Cape Town.
30. Bao Down
Bao Down is a firm favourite with locals looking for authentic Asian flavour, serving up a pan-Asian collection of small plates designed for sharing . Signature baos include Korean Fried Chicken, Pork Belly, and Sweet Potato with Gochujang, all served with vibrant dressings and pickles. The stylish, intimate spot features a large balcony overlooking the lively Green Point strip. Location: First Floor, Exhibition Building, 79 Main Rd, Green Point.
Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Cuisine Focus | Location | Key Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FYN | SA-Japanese Fusion | City Centre | World’s Top 100, tasting menu | Top 100 |
| Nobu | Japanese-Peruvian Fusion | V&A Waterfront | Omakase, Black Cod Miso | Premium |
| Beluga | SA-Asian Fusion | V&A Waterfront | Art Deco setting, halaal-friendly | – |
| Silk Asian Fusion | Asian Fusion | City Centre | Charcoal grill, tapas-style | 9.4/10 |
| Haiku | Chinese/Japanese | City Centre | Dim sum, sushi, tapas-style | 4.3 |
| Yen’s Vietnamese | Vietnamese | De Waterkant | Authentic pho, bánh mì | – |
| Pho House | Vietnamese | Claremont | Slow-cooked broth | – |
| Saigon | Vietnamese | Gardens | Pho specialist | – |
| Gogi Halal | Korean BBQ | Observatory | Table-top BBQ, halaal | – |
| Plucky’s | Korean Fried Chicken | Sea Point | Mojo Market location | – |
| Korea Market | Korean | Observatory | Delivery option, 4.8 rating | 4.8 |
| The Wok Bar | Asian Fusion | Gardens | Fully halaal, trendy | – |
| Pho & Bun | Vietnamese | Diep River | Halaal, Vietnamese coffee | – |
| Nuri Sushi Factory | Sushi | Multiple | Halaal, great value | – |
| Khao Hom Thai | Thai | Claremont | 2-for-1 sushi special | – |
| Linko Utopia | Chinese/Sushi | Claremont/Rondebosch | Halaal takeaways only | – |
| Simply Asia | Thai | Various | Halaal branches, cult noodles | – |
| Eastern Food Bazaar | Asian Street Food | City Centre | Halaal food court | – |
| How’s Your Oni | Japanese | Green Point | Gourmet onigiri | – |
| Tomo Japanese | Japanese | – | Traditional sushi | 3.9 |
| YU Restaurant | Asian Fusion | City Centre | Destination dining | 4.5 |
| The Sushiary | Sushi/Seafood | Belgravia | Poke bowls | – |
| J&S Sushi | Fusion Sushi | Multiple | 4 branches, reasonable | – |
| Wang Thai | Thai | Lagoon Beach | Authentic Thai | 4.6 |
| Ubon Thai | Thai | Sea Point | Delivery option | 4.5 |
| Yesca’s Teahouse | Cantonese | Hout Bay | Handmade dim sum, Peking duck | – |
| Linko Restaurant | Chinese/Sushi | – | Chinese dishes | 4.5 |
| Monks Chinese | Chinese | Mowbray | Takeaway, 4.8 rating | 4.8 |
| Noodle Box Kloof St | Asian Noodles | Kloof Street | 4.9 rating, 900+ reviews | 4.9 |
| Bao Down | Pan-Asian | Green Point | Bao buns, sharing plates | – |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Bookings are Essential: For top establishments like FYN and Nobu, reservations should be made well in advance, often weeks or even months ahead. Bao Down is also popular and requires booking for dinner.
Halaal Options: Cape Town now offers a wonderful increase in halaal Asian venues. The Wok Bar, Pho & Bun, Nuri Sushi Factory branches, Khao Hom Thai, Linko Utopia, Simply Asia branches (including the Kenilworth sit-down branch), and Gogi Halal Korean BBQ are all fully halaal. Eastern Food Bazaar is also halaal.
Dress Codes: FYN and Nobu expect smart casual or formal attire. Most other Asian restaurants are casual.
Dietary Requirements: Many restaurants are accommodating to dietary preferences. FYN offers vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian tasting menus. Timbuktu Café is noted for vegan and vegetarian Ethiopian options.
Budget Expectations: Prices vary widely. FYN and Nobu are premium fine dining experiences with tasting menus over R1,000 per person. Nuri Sushi Factory offers great value sushi. Noodle Box and The Wok Bar are mid-range, while Eastern Food Bazaar is very affordable.
Location Grouping: Asian restaurants are concentrated in certain areas: City Centre (FYN, Haiku, YU Restaurant), V&A Waterfront (Nobu, Beluga), Green Point (Bao Down, How’s Your Oni), Gardens (The Wok Bar, Saigon), Claremont (Pho House, Khao Hom Thai), and Hout Bay (Yesca’s Teahouse).
Conclusion
Cape Town’s Asian restaurant scene has evolved into a dynamic and diverse culinary landscape. From the award-winning artistry of FYN and the global prestige of Nobu to the casual authenticity of Yen’s Vietnamese and the halaal-friendly options at The Wok Bar and Nuri Sushi, the city offers an Asian dining experience for every taste and budget. The Mother City has moved far beyond the familiar takeaway box, embracing distinct regional flavours that transport diners to the bustling streets of Hanoi, the izakayas of Tokyo, and the vibrant food markets of Saigon. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a bowl of authentic pho, these thirty restaurants represent the best of Cape Town’s Asian dining scene.