The Best Tapas Restaurants in Cape Town

So actually, “tapas” are Spanish. Which means that technically you can’t just call any old small plates or snacks “tapas”. So from here on out I’m going to be referring to the best small plates restaurants in Cape Town.

I particularly love this way of eating, because it means I get to try so many different things on the menu. Is there anything more stressful than having to decide on just one item on a delicious-looking menu? I don’t think so.

Cape Town is a major food hotspot, so there are literally hundreds of places you could eat. And loads of places serve small plates. But these are the places I think you should eat.

Chefs Warehouse

So I have always been under the impression that Chefs Warehouse serves some of the best food in Cape Town. And I’ve eaten there more than a few times. But just to be sure, I took myself out to lunch last week, for research you know? And I was right. The food is fresh and flavourful, beautifully plated and served with a smile. Honestly, I cannot get enough of this place.

The menu of “tapas for two” is a set 6-8 dishes, which really takes the pressure off choosing. They come in three courses, over the course of about one hour. I ordered “tapas for one”, so had to make the painful choice of just a few items off the menu. I went for the green veg risotto (insanely delicious!), salt & pepper squid, seared tuna, and silverfish with tomato chutney. I topped it off with a jewel box of chocolate bon bons and a lemon posset.

The tapas menu for 2 costs R650, but you can order it for one, which costs R350. Dessert is not included and ranges from R75 – R95. The restaurant opens at 12pm for lunch and 4:30pm for dinner. They don’t take bookings, so you need to make sure to arrive early. You 100% will not be disappointed.

The Details

La Parada

There are a couple of La Parada restaurants around the city and they each have a unique vibe and some seriously dreamy decor. But even better than both those things, which tbh, can be found in abundance in this city, is the food.

Charred octopus, Spanish garlic mushrooms, seared tuna, salt & pepper fried squid…it’s all so good. Not to mention goblets of gin and tonics and colourful mojitos. And the churros – oh the churros! The food is more than just nice, it’s delicious.

I’m going back soon to try their new breakfast menu and I can’t wait. Prices range from around R65 – R150 for the small plates.

The Details

Breakfast: Sat – Sun (9am – 12pm)

Lunch/Dinner: Mon – Sun (12pm – 2am)

Contact:

laparada.co.za