Cape Town’s kosher dining scene, overseen by the Cape Town Beth Din, offers a wonderful variety of options for both locals and visitors . Concentrated largely in areas like Sea Point and the city centre, these establishments range from long-standing institutions and bustling delis to elegant steakhouses and charming cafes, blending traditional Jewish flavours with global culinary trends . This guide highlights twenty of the best kosher restaurants in Cape Town, based on reputation, authenticity, and dining experience.
Top 20 Kosher Restaurants in Cape Town
1. The Press Bar and Grill
The Press Bar and Grill is an upscale, owner-managed venue in Sea Point renowned for its gourmet burgers made from 100% pure beef and buns baked on-site. This restaurant and bar offers a diverse menu including over eleven burger varieties, tapas grills, New York-style sandwiches, and old-school deli specialities, with vegan options available. The in-house bakery ensures the freshest rye bread and boiled bagels. Its classy, candle-lit atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a romantic date night or a sophisticated dinner.
2. Avron’s Place
Avron’s Place is a landmark establishment and the longest-running kosher restaurant in South Africa, located on Sea Point Main Road. It is a popular choice for both locals and international visitors, celebrated for its homestyle South African kosher cuisine and offering a mix of sushi, contemporary, and international dishes. The restaurant’s deeply traditional recipes, filling portions, and warm, family-friendly setting provide a genuine taste of local Jewish culture.
3. Cafe Riteve
Cafe Riteve is a beloved staple in the Gardens area, located within the historic Jewish Museum campus. This versatile establishment serves as a popular coffee shop, restaurant, and function venue, offering a modern twist on authentic and traditional food. Known for its mindful food preparation, menu highlights include amazing fish and chips, perfectly cooked pizza, and delicious milkshakes. The cafe boasts a bright, cheerful atmosphere and a beautiful outdoor patio under shady trees, making it a favourite for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch.
4. Coffee Time
Coffee Time is a unique and heartwarming kosher cafe in Gardens, located at the foot of Table Mountain. Its proceeds support the Astra Centre, which provides employment for adults with intellectual or mental disabilities. This hidden gem offers a tranquil garden setting where guests can enjoy a fantastic breakfast, excellent coffee made by skilled baristas, and a delicious, extensive kosher menu. The venue is also available to cater for events like weddings and birthdays.
5. Goldies Deli
A landmark on the Sea Point dining scene, Goldie’s Deli is a bustling, authentic kosher deli that has been serving the community with love since 1992. Blending traditional Jewish recipes with modern perspectives, it offers a menu from kosher Sunday lunches and Shabbat meals to speciality cakes and catering. Known for its fresh bakery items, including chewy bagels and chocolate babka, it is the perfect spot for a quick, casual meal, a takeaway, or stocking up on kosher baked goods.
6. Jean’s Kitchen
Located at the Kaplan Centre on the University of Cape Town’s upper campus, Jean’s Kitchen is a modern cafeteria serving a vibrant and changing menu of modern Mediterranean food. All the food here is kosher, making it a convenient and delicious option for students, faculty, and visitors alike.
7. Cafe B’tayavon at Highlands House
Set in a tranquil garden that overlooks Table Mountain, Cafe B’tayavon at Highlands House in Vredehoek offers a peaceful setting for a bite to eat. With fresh treats baked daily and Bootleggers coffee on offer, guests can enjoy light lunches, baked goods, and a good cuppa in a welcoming environment that feels right at home.
8. Tashreeqa’s Restaurant
Tashreeqa’s Restaurant is a bustling, popular spot that is well-reviewed for its fresh, flavourful food and beautiful presentation. With over 1,200 reviews, the restaurant is known for its delicious breakfasts and chargrilled burgers, offering a vibrant atmosphere for a meal.
9. Crumbs and Cream
A hugely popular ice cream sandwich brand, Crumbs and Cream was born in Cape Town and has taken the city by storm. This kosher-certified establishment makes its gelato in the traditional Italian way, keeping it simple, fresh, and full of flavour. With locations at the V&A Waterfront and in Sea Point, it is the perfect destination for a sweet treat.
10. The Fress Canteen
Located at Herzlia High School in Highlands Estate, The Fress Canteen is a kosher canteen offering milk and parev options. Visitors must get permission from the school to dine here, but it remains a reliable option for the community, especially during school hours.
11. Kosher Canteen at Gitlin Library
Located at the Gitlin Library in the Jewish community centre, this kosher canteen offers light meals and refreshments for visitors and members of the community. It provides a convenient spot for a quick bite while visiting the library or attending community events.
12. Moroccan Deli
A hidden gem in the city centre, Moroccan Deli offers a unique blend of kosher Middle Eastern and North African flavours. The menu features traditional dishes like couscous, tagines, and freshly baked flatbreads, all prepared under strict kosher supervision.
13. Uptown Kosher
Uptown Kosher is a modern kosher eatery in the heart of Cape Town, offering a stylish dining experience with a menu that spans from gourmet sandwiches and salads to hearty mains and grilled fish. The restaurant is popular for business lunches and pre-theatre dinners.
14. Sea Point Kosher Bakery
This bakery, run by a husband-and-wife team, has been serving the Sea Point community for over 20 years. Known for its traditional Jewish breads, challahs, bagels, and sweet pastries, it is the go-to place for fresh kosher baked goods in the area. They also offer a selection of sandwiches and quiches.
15. Cape Town Kosher Takeaway
A well-regarded takeaway spot in the Gardens area, Cape Town Kosher Takeaway serves a variety of comfort foods including schnitzel, burgers, and chips. It is a popular choice for a quick, affordable, and satisfying kosher meal on the go.
16. The Deli on Regent
Located on Regent Road in Sea Point, this small kosher deli offers a classic range of deli sandwiches, bagels, and light meals. The shop focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients and fast, friendly service, making it a favourite for locals grabbing a quick lunch.
17. Shalom Grill
Shalom Grill is a casual kosher steakhouse in the Gardens area, known for its generous portions of grilled meats, fresh salads, and loaded burgers. The restaurant prides itself on a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes every guest feel like part of the family.
18. Pita Pantry
Pita Pantry is a kosher fast food spot offering a taste of the Middle East with its selection of falafel, shawarma, hummus, and fresh salads. Located near the city centre, it is a popular choice for a quick, healthy, and flavourful kosher meal.
19. Sweet Tooth Kosher Patisserie
This patisserie offers an elegant selection of kosher cakes, pastries, and desserts, all beautifully presented and made with high-quality ingredients. Located in Sea Point, it is the perfect destination for a sweet treat, a birthday cake, or catering for special occasions.
20. Old Cape Kosher Deli
A long-standing establishment in the southern suburbs, Old Cape Kosher Deli offers a range of traditional Jewish comfort foods, including freshly made chicken soup, knishes, and sandwiches. It is a cosy spot with a loyal local following.
Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Cuisine Focus | Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Press Bar and Grill | Gourmet Burgers, Steakhouse | Sea Point | Upscale, craft beer, in-house bakery |
| Avron’s Place | Traditional South African | Sea Point | Longest-running kosher restaurant in SA |
| Cafe Riteve | Modern Israeli/Cafe | Gardens | Outdoor patio, breakfast and lunch |
| Coffee Time | Jewish Comfort Food | Gardens | Tranquil garden, supports a noble cause |
| Goldies Deli | Jewish Deli/Bakery | Sea Point | Fresh pastries, traditional deli fare |
| Jean’s Kitchen | Modern Mediterranean | UCT Campus | Convenient location on campus |
| Cafe B’tayavon | Light Meals/Cafe | Vredehoek | Overlooks Table Mountain, peaceful setting |
| Tashreeqa’s Restaurant | Breakfast, Burgers | – | Fresh food, bustling atmosphere |
| Crumbs and Cream | Ice Cream/Gelato | V&A/Sea Point | Italian-style gelato, dessert destination |
| The Fress Canteen | Milk and Parev | Highlands Estate | School canteen, permission required |
| Kosher Canteen at Gitlin | Light Meals | City Centre | Convenient community location |
| Moroccan Deli | Middle Eastern/North African | City Centre | Unique flavours, authentic tagines |
| Uptown Kosher | Modern Kosher | City Centre | Business lunches, pre-theatre dinners |
| Sea Point Kosher Bakery | Bakery | Sea Point | 20+ years, fresh challahs and bagels |
| Cape Town Kosher Takeaway | Takeaway | Gardens | Quick, affordable meals |
| The Deli on Regent | Deli | Sea Point | Fresh sandwiches, fast service |
| Shalom Grill | Steakhouse | Gardens | Generous portions, warm atmosphere |
| Pita Pantry | Middle Eastern Fast Food | City Centre | Falafel, shawarma, hummus |
| Sweet Tooth Kosher Patisserie | Pastry/Desserts | Sea Point | Elegant cakes, special occasion catering |
| Old Cape Kosher Deli | Traditional Comfort Food | Southern Suburbs | Homestyle, loyal local following |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Closed on Saturdays: In observance of Shabbat, all kosher restaurants listed are closed on Saturdays, with some also closing early on Fridays. The Press Bar and Grill, for instance, reopens for business on Saturday evenings after Shabbat, at around 7 pm or 9 pm depending on the season.
Location Concentration: The largest concentration of kosher restaurants is in Sea Point, with several other notable options in the Gardens and surrounding areas. This makes it easy to plan a culinary tour of the city’s Jewish quarter.
Booking is Recommended: To avoid disappointment, especially for dinner and on weekends, booking is recommended for popular spots like The Press Bar and Grill and Avron’s Place. Coffee Time also notes that bookings are essential.
Dietary Requirements: Many restaurants are accommodating to dietary preferences. The Press Bar and Grill offers vegan burger options. Coffee Time offers gluten-free and sugar-free choices for those with dietary restrictions.
Supervision: All restaurants listed are under the supervision of the Cape Town Beth Din, ensuring they adhere to strict kosher standards. This provides peace of mind for kosher-observant diners.
Conclusion
Cape Town’s kosher dining scene offers impressive variety and quality, from the elegant, upscale dining at The Press Bar and Grill and the traditional homestyle cooking at Avron’s Place to the charming cafe experience at Cafe Riteve and Goldies Deli. With the Cape Town Beth Din supervising these establishments, kosher-observant diners can enjoy their meals with peace of mind. Whether you are a member of the local Jewish community or a visitor exploring the city, these top kosher restaurants promise a satisfying culinary experience in the beautiful Mother City.