Urbanologist, interior designer and hotelier Jess Latimer shares with U her favourite spots in Cape Town...

The restaurant scene in Cape Town has exploded in recent years, so picking my top five eateries is no easy feat. A highlight for all lovers of the Mother City is the way the city bowl has evolved as a dining destination, with Bree Street at its heart and the surrounding side streets establishing themselves as being the hottest spots for culinary innovation, combined with a cosmopolitan vibe. At the core of what makes this area so special, is how Table Mountain provides a spectacular backdrop to your experience. This famous landmark really does cradle the city and as a South African, I know I am home.

Jasons

One of the best breakfast and coffee spots in Cape Town, not to mention home to the best pastries. The queue on the weekend for their delicious Cronuts starts as they open and they are usually sold out long before the last request has come in. Capetonians are coffee lovers, discerning and particularly in their loyalty and choice, so you definitely pick your spot. Jason followers are diehards and the same faces are seen daily. It’s worth stopping off here while exploring the décor and local fashion shops in the area.

Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia

Fine dining and breathtaking views. Liam Tomlin is undoubtedly one of the best South African chefs at the moment. His restaurant is beautiful, contemporary and is set in the heart of the Constantia vineyards. Beau Constantia itself is a well-known boutique wine estate - the views enjoyed at lunchtime and during the early evening sitting are spectacular.

This has to be a firm favourite of mine for either lunch or dinner. There is a beautiful private dining room that stands alone, overlooking the valley. The dining spaces are simply designed and feature a lot of glass to ensure that the guests and diners take in the view at every opportunity. Now, for the exceptional food, after a recent meal, I have to nominate the Blesbok Carpaccio as a firm favourite. The flavours and combinations that this exceptional chef puts together, coupled with the presentation and his attention to detail make it a world class institution, in my humble opinion.

I could not fault one of the 8 courses -- each one was an absolute treat and I can’t wait to return.

Hemelhuijs Restaurant

Lunch spot- some unusual and experimental dishes as well as cocktails that you may question when first looking at the menu, but the minute your drinks and food are served, you will be converted. Eclectic in décor style and presentation, this is one of Cape Town’s gems. Perhaps not the flashiest lunch spot, but definitely worth a visit.

Honest Chocolate by Day and Honest Gin Bar by Night

For After dinner drinks and pure chocolate indulgence. This quirky but small spot spills out into a little courtyard that has a wonderful atmosphere and gives visitors a view into the hipster side of Cape Town. Serving local gins and amazing cocktails, the barmen will have perfectly manicured beards and be truly passionate about their craft. These men take their cocktails very seriously and are true mixologists. Tucked away and off the beaten track it is well worth the effort to find.

Hanks

Late night drinks and good music. Unpretentious atmosphere and a mix of people. I’m not a club person, but love a long evening in a lounge bar like this. Set inside what seems like a series of old caves, the building lends itself perfectly to a dark and moody bar. My recommendation is to try the local whiskey, Bains.

Shortmarket Club

Reinventing the Classics. Luke Dale Roberts’s latest restaurant is a lovely change from sharing menu’s and tapas. The menu is simple and servers old classic’s with a twist -- always a delicious dining experience. It is also the perfect start to an evening on Bree Street, which is where most diners migrate to after. With an extensive but well put together wine list, one can enjoy some of Cape Town’s finest reds that perhaps would not be on other restaurant menus.

Oranjazicht Organic Market

A local affair. Local produce stands to offer an array of delicious food, you won’t know what to try first or what you can fit in your suitcase to take home to your own kitchen. Selling some of the best local cheeses and biltong that you will find in Cape Town, this is where Capetonians find their homemade produce, organic vegetables and our glorious Proteas. It’s also a great way to mingle with the locals on a Saturday morning. Enjoy Sababa’s Israeli street food and indulge in the best potato rosti topped with eggs and smoked salmon.

About: Jess Latimer.

Currently living in London and owns Cape View Clifton, an award-winning boutique guesthouse in Cape Town. Having done the interiors and hotel styling herself, she kept getting requests from guests to purchase items they had seen and loved in the house and rooms. Off the back of this demand for African-inspired and made interiors, she launched Latimer Living, an online interior shop offering décor solutions in the UK and Europe:

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