Cape Town has once again secured its place on the global travel map, earning recognition in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 listing for its rich, diverse, and world-class food scene, a reflection of the city’s layered history and cosmopolitan identity.
The rankings are based on a global survey that drew more than 750 000 responses from Condé Nast Traveller readers, offering insight into where travellers believe the world’s best food can be found – and Cape Town was named among some of the best.
Despite its name, South Africa’s legislative capital is anything but a small town. Instead, Cape Town is a sprawling metropolis made up of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own culinary personality shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. African, Dutch, Malay and Indian influences come together to define South African cuisine, creating a vibrant melting pot that continues to captivate international travellers.
From the bustling V&A Waterfront to intimate inner-city eateries, Cape Town offers an experience that blends fine dining with laid-back coastal charm. Visitors can stroll along the harbour, enjoying a crisp glass of local wine as chefs prepare sizzling steaks and freshly caught seafood — a hallmark of the city’s connection to both land and ocean.
Beyond the city limits, the Cape Winelands add another dimension to Cape Town’s culinary appeal. Iconic estates such as Babylonstoren have become global attractions in their own right, drawing food and wine enthusiasts eager to experience South Africa’s celebrated viniculture. Nestled among vineyards and historic farm buildings, Babylonstoren offers a farm-to-table philosophy that highlights seasonal produce, artisanal craftsmanship and award-winning wines.
Condé Nast Traveller’s recognition places Cape Town among the world’s most exciting food destinations, reinforcing its reputation as a city where gastronomy is inseparable from culture, landscape, and lifestyle. For travellers seeking flavour, authenticity and variety, Cape Town’s kitchens, from waterfront grills to vineyard restaurants, continue to set the standard.
As global travel rebounds and culinary tourism gains momentum, the 2025 listing serves as yet another reminder that Cape Town remains one of Africa’s standout destinations, offering an unforgettable journey through taste, tradition and terroir.
