Cape Town’s dining scene is enriched by a vibrant array of Turkish restaurants that bring the warmth and flavour of the Eastern Mediterranean to the Mother City. From authentic Turkish doner kebabs and traditional meze platters to Cypriot-inspired tasting menus and Greek tavernas, these establishments offer a culinary journey across the region. This guide highlights fifteen of the best Turkish and Mediterranean restaurants in Cape Town, based on authenticity, reputation, and dining experience.
Top 15 Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurants in Cape Town
1. Saray Restaurant
Located in the Clock Tower Silo District at the V&A Waterfront, Saray is the only fully halal restaurant in the area, offering an inviting and cosy ambiance that evokes the charm of a traditional Turkish eatery . The menu boasts a variety of traditional Turkish dishes, from succulent kebabs and meze platters to the heavenly Kunefe dessert, made with spun pastry, layered with cheese, and served with vanilla ice cream and pistachio nuts. With no alcohol served, it is a popular choice for the Muslim community and international visitors alike, and the 150-seater restaurant is often full, so bookings are recommended.
2. Anatoli Mediterranean
Anatoli stands as one of Cape Town’s premier dining destinations, celebrated for its authentic Turkish cuisine and enchanting ambiance. Diners rave about the exquisite mezze, exceptional lamb dishes, and delectable vegan options, all prepared with passion by owner Tayfun Aras, who ensures every detail is perfect. The attentive service and unforgettable flavours transport guests straight to Turkey, making it an ideal spot for a romantic evening or a joyful gathering. With a 4.1 rating from over 6,400 reviews, this restaurant promises an exceptional culinary experience that keeps patrons returning for more.
3. Ala Turkish Restaurant
Ala Turkish Restaurant invites diners to experience the best of Turkish cuisine in the Mother City, with a kitchen led by three master Turkish chefs who have dedicated significant time to perfecting their craft. Kebabs are grilled to perfection on skewers over a searing charcoal fire, while Turkish bread and pide are baked in a traditional village clay oven. The tea and coffee, imported directly from Turkey, are prepared using traditional methods, offering a genuine taste of Turkish culture in a warm and inviting De Waterkant setting.
4. Turkish Döner Haus
Located in the vibrant Bo Kaap neighbourhood, Turkish Döner Haus is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Turkish street food. The star of the show is the doner kebab, featuring thinly sliced, spit-roasted meat drenched in four secret signature sauces and wrapped in freshly baked, in-house Turkish bread. The colourful street setting with views of Table Mountain adds to the experience, and diners can complete their meal with a unique range of Turkish teas, frappes, or milkshakes . Reviewers praise it as one of the most authentic Turkish doners in Cape Town11.
5. Mesopotamia Kurdish Restaurant
Nestled in the lively Green Market Square, Mesopotamia Kurdish Restaurant offers an authentic taste of traditional Kurdish and Middle Eastern cuisine in an intimate setting. Committed to using only the finest ingredients, the restaurant’s rich, aromatic dishes create the perfect romantic atmosphere for a dinner date. The diverse menu brings people together through quality food and unforgettable dining experiences, making it a cherished spot in the city centre.
6. Ouzeri
Channelling the Aegean islands with its curved white walls, mosaics, and tapestries, Ouzeri is chef Nic Charalambous’s tribute to his Cypriot heritage. This is where you will find some of the most exciting cooking in Cape Town, recently earning international recognition with a place on the World’s 50 Best Discovery List. The ever-changing menu features thoughtful and beautifully presented dishes spotlighting the individual flavours of different Greek islands and regions, from Saldanha Bay oysters to charcoal-grilled sea bass.
7. Mykonos Taverna
A cherished family-run establishment in Sea Point for over three decades, Mykonos Taverna embodies the essence of Greek culture through its colourful decor and warm ambiance. Founded by Peter Peroglou in the 1980s and now led by his son Dimitri, this taverna serves generous portions of authentic Greek cuisine. Standout dishes include beef mince moussaka, lamb yiro, and souvlaki, all served with friendly service and authentic Greek music . The restaurant has recently been renovated, giving it a beautiful modern aesthetic.
8. Maria’s Greek Café
Charming Dunkley Square is home to this beloved taverna, where Cleon and Kate Romano have been serving top-notch Greek food for more than three decades. Expect traditional fare based on family recipes, fresh and bursting with simple, bold flavours. The menu features pillowy pitas or flatbreads with over 20 choices of mezethes, mains of chicken souvlaki, mussels, and youvetsi, and breakfasts with a Greek touch. On sunny days and balmy evenings, tables flow out under the trees on the square.
9. Zeetan Turkish Restaurant
Zeetan Turkish Restaurant is a vibrant spot perfect for those looking to enjoy a mix of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in Sea Point. The friendly service and delicious dishes make it a great place for a casual meet-up or a family meal. The restaurant has recently updated its menu by adding exciting new dishes while keeping the classics that their loyal customers know and love. Open until 3am, it is also a popular destination for late-night dining.
10. Omilo Greek Kitchen
This brand-new Greek eatery spirits you away to a Greek island hillside with a rustic chic interior and evocative flavours of mint, thyme, honey, and charred lemon. Located at Riverlands Mall, Omilo is already on the map for Southern Suburbs locals hungry for a relaxed neighbourhood eatery. The menu features warm soft pitas with taramasalata, crispy fried calamari, luscious chargrilled halloumi, and a showstopper of baklava cheesecake that is the stuff of new cravings.
11. The Athletic Club and Social
One of the city’s best spots for live music, The Athletic Club’s Trapezaria dining room serves fantastic Greek and fire-roasted fare. The grand old building on Buitengracht Street is a whimsical design fantasy of colonial-meets-modern and plush gentleman’s club. Settle down to a feast of meze, sardines, beef keftedes, Greek lamb chops, or mains of kleftiko, with live jazz creating a magical atmosphere in the speakeasy-style basement.
12. Morii
Morii brings an exciting and authentic Middle Eastern flavour to Newlands, welcoming guests to be immersed in fleeting moments experienced with fine fare that inspires you to pause, slow down, and enjoy. The mezze menu, served from late afternoon, offers a variety that includes manakish, baba ganoush, muhammara, and squid with harissa mayo. The evening switches to an eclectic fine-dining orientated menu offering Turkish, Lebanese, and Moroccan flavours in an unmissable experience.
13. Damascus Restaurant
For a relaxed meet-up with friends, Damascus Restaurant in Sea Point is a top choice, with its welcoming ambience and diverse menu. You can enjoy everything from mezzes to shawarma while catching up with loved ones in a laid-back setting. The restaurant is known for its authentic Middle Eastern flavours and friendly service, making it a comfortable spot for a casual meal.
14. Mano’s
Mano’s is a trendy, cosmopolitan cafe-style restaurant on Main Road in Green Point, serving fresh Mediterranean-style dishes for many years. The white-canopied exterior and lively atmosphere attract a diverse crowd, from models to Hollywood stars. Customers praise the excellent service and mouth-watering food, with particular recommendations for the pasta dishes and chicken kebabs. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available, and reservations are recommended as it gets crowded quickly.
15. The Greek Club Restaurant
A no-frills, community-hall style eatery run by second-generation Greek Helen Comninos, The Greek Club offers unpretentious, authentic food that keeps Hellenic enthusiasts coming back for more . Hearty and generous dishes using true Greek ingredients range from meze to mains and divine desserts like ekmek kataifi, a syrupy pastry topped with custard and whipped cream. The moussaka and soutzoukakia are must-tries, and the outside tables offer views over the soccer fields to Signal Hill . A kids’ play area makes it family-friendly .
Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Cuisine Focus | Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saray | Turkish | V&A Waterfront | Only halal restaurant at V&A, 150-seater |
| Anatoli | Turkish | City Centre | 4.1 rating, 6.4K+ reviews, lamb specialities |
| Ala Turkish | Turkish | De Waterkant | Three master Turkish chefs, clay oven |
| Turkish Döner Haus | Turkish Street Food | Bo Kaap | Authentic doner, secret sauces |
| Mesopotamia | Kurdish/Middle Eastern | Green Market Square | Intimate setting, romantic atmosphere |
| Ouzeri | Greek/Cypriot | Wale Street | World’s 50 Best Discovery List |
| Mykonos Taverna | Greek | Sea Point | Family-run since 1980s, authentic taverna |
| Maria’s Greek Café | Greek | Gardens | 30+ years, outdoor courtyard seating |
| Zeetan | Turkish/Mediterranean | Sea Point | Open until 3am, updated menu |
| Omilo Greek Kitchen | Greek | Observatory | New, rustic chic, baklava cheesecake |
| The Athletic Club | Greek/Fire-Roasted | City Centre | Live jazz, grand building, speakeasy |
| Morii | Middle Eastern | Newlands | Mezze and fine-dining menu |
| Damascus | Turkish/Middle Eastern | Sea Point | Shawarma, laid-back setting |
| Mano’s | Mediterranean | Green Point | Trendy, celebrity crowd, pasta specialities |
| The Greek Club | Greek | Mouille Point | No-frills, community hall, kids’ play area |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Bookings are Essential: For popular spots like Anatoli, Saray, and Ouzeri, reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. Mykonos Taverna and Mano’s also advise booking ahead to avoid disappointment.
Halal Options: Saray is fully halal with no alcohol served, making it a top choice for Muslim diners . Turkish Döner Haus and Eastern Food Bazaar are also halal-friendly . It is always advisable to call ahead to confirm halal status at other branches.
Street Food vs. Fine Dining: Cape Town offers both ends of the spectrum. For authentic street food, Turkish Döner Haus is the go-to spot. For a refined fine-dining experience, Anatoli, Ouzeri, and Saray are excellent choices.
Location Grouping: Turkish and Mediterranean restaurants are concentrated in several areas: V&A Waterfront (Saray, Mythos), Sea Point (Mykonos, Zeetan, Damascus, Mano’s), City Centre (Anatoli, Ouzeri, The Athletic Club), and Southern Suburbs (Omilo, Morii). This makes it easy to plan a culinary tour of the city.
Family-Friendly Options: The Greek Club Restaurant has a kids’ play area and jungle gym, making it a great choice for families. Maria’s Greek Café and Mykonos Taverna are also welcoming to children.
Conclusion
Cape Town’s Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant scene is a vibrant celebration of the region’s rich culinary heritage, offering everything from the authentic street food of Turkish Döner Haus in the colourful Bo Kaap to the refined, award-winning flavours of Ouzeri and the warm hospitality of Saray. Whether you are seeking a romantic dinner with a view, a lively family feast, or a quick and delicious doner wrap, the Mother City delivers an unforgettable taste of the Eastern Mediterranean. With a diverse range of options to suit every budget and setting, these fifteen restaurants represent the best of Cape Town’s Turkish and Mediterranean dining scene.