Where do Cape Town's Top Chefs Eat When They're Not on Duty?

Cape Town is home to many excellent eateries with some of the country's most extraordinary chefs. But where do the best in business choose to eat when they're on their day off? We asked a few to get the inside scoop.

MELISSA DELPORT, Private chef, award-winning cookbook author and wellness facilitator, says, "When I am not on duty, I head to Mano's - it's my favourite. I love that it's a family-style restaurant with a Greek influence. They have the tastiest meals that are always consistent, as is their service. My go-to meal is their chicken schnitzel and green salad. It's just so good!

LIAM TOMLIN, Chef-owner of the Chefs Warehouse Group, says, "I regularly eat at Vixi Social House on Bree Street - they serve good, honest food, and the staff is friendly and fun. La Scala is my go-to for a great bowl of pasta from the same group who own Hacienda. And you can't beat the little hole-in-the-wall that is Tomson's for some delicious Chinese food. Then there's Willoughby's at the V&A Waterfront - they serve the best sushi in Cape Town - I need a fix at least once a week; spend some time getting to know Sam behind the sushi counter. For a great steak, cooked to perfection every time (and some entertainment from Steve, the owner), it has to be Nelson's Eye. And, for the best falafel and shawarma in the city, get to NishNush!" 

SIBA MTONGANA, Celebrity chef, author, and chef-owner of Siba - The Restaurant, says, "My go-to when I'm not on duty is SIBA - The Restaurant! Yes, it's mine, but it is also my favourite place to hang out because it's vibey and I enjoy it the most when I'm with my family - especially for lazy Sunday lunches as it saves me the job of making a home-cooked meal! My kids demand we visit every Sunday, and this has become a family ritual. They love our steamed buns ('idombolo') and our array of flavoured butters! You literally blink, and it's all vanished into thin air!"

RYAN COLE, Executive chef at Salsify at The Roundhouse, says, "The best place for the freshest plate of perfectly cooked mussels and an ice-old Castle tank beer is at Mojo Market. Another favourite is Chapman's Peak Hotel - it's an institution! You can't beat their calamari and chips with a good glass of wine. I also love Lily's on the Sea Point Promenade; alongside the really fresh and fast breakfast offering, it's always buzzing with people and has a superb view. Then there's HeSheng - another institution and one of my favourite places to eat authentic and eclectic Chinese food."

AMORI BURGER, Chef-owner of Upper Union, says, "Firstly, Kleinsky's! The texture of their bagel is perfection - it's chewy, crusty, and yeasty. I recommend ordering the full portion of pastrami on an 'everything bagel' - it's one of the best breakfasts in Cape Town. Next, Ramenhead... They really do make the best broth. I've only been twice, but it will most definitely become a regular. I also love Black Sheep - it's close to my house, the menu changes all the time, they have good red wines, and there is always a cracker steak on offer. Bao Down is another goodie! I went for dinner there with a chef friend for the first time, and we both agreed that they make the best egg fried rice we've ever had. The sweet potato bao is also a must. Lastly, the 'Snickers bar' keeps me returning to Scheckter's Raw - it is hands down one of the best treats you can have - and it's all organic."

ASHLEY MOSS, Executive chef at Ramenhead, says, "I don't eat out much at all, but when I do, I go to Aegir Project in Noordhoek. It's a down-to-earth, family-friendly spot with great Neapolitan-style pizza, awesome burgers and the best beer! The beer is brewed right there and tapped straight from the brewery, and provided to the restaurant. I love the authenticity and highly recommend the 'hot fun guy' pizza and the Giant IPA, my weekend staple." 

MA'OR HARRIS, Chef and co-owner of Blondie, says, "My favourite place to eat when off duty is Tomson on Bree Street. Order everything. It's the only place that can make fried prawns where you can eat the whole thing, including the shell, which is where all the flavour sits anyway. Another tip... go to Andalousse in Sea Point and get their dessert biscuits. Each one is a work of art. They offer traditional Moroccan food, and their biscuits weirdly remind me of German Christmas cookies. I guess because of the variety and the festive feeling they evoke. I'm not sure how they get their curries so bright, but Ninety One in Green Point makes an incredibly delicious chilli and aubergine curry. Just so good! And, if you want more great prawns, head to Zest!"