La Carolinda Loves: Cape Town
Part hit-list part guide - the places I actually frequent + love, updated often with perks where applicable, naturally.
I am biased because I live and breathe the Atlantic seaboard ( Miami Mermaid needs the sea) and never understood the allure of living by the mountain or even less, in town but I’m sure it's nice. These are some of my faves-
For complimentary hotel bookings on any of your trips, feel free to reach out to my travel team for added perks and priority status through my relationships: Travel@crhcollective.com
HIGH + BOUGIE:
If you love Casa Tua in Miami you will love:
Ellerman House: Perched high above Bantry Bay this privately owned boutique hotel boasts one of the best art collections in South Africa
If you love The Greenwich Hotel in NYC you will love:
21 Nettleton: A stunning Clifton house-turned-hotel owned by friends of mine with the most spectacular views
I wish it had: A gym
If you love Claridges in London you will love:
The Belmond Mount Nelson is an instagram dream with its baby pink facade, old world luxury + deep historic roots (dates back to 1899!)
I wish it had: Rooms are not the best but the property itself is swoon-worthy and definitely worth a visit.
Traveling in a group and need an MTV cribs type villa ? We got LOADS-
The Luxury Travel Book is my go to for high high end fully fully serviced villas
LOW(er) + COZY
If you love Petite Ermitage in LA you will love:
The Dorp : A dreamy design-forward hotel tucked away in Bo-Kaap with eclectic, maximalist decor—think rich fabrics, antique furniture, and bold patterns.
I wish it had: Not walkable
If you love Life House hotels you will love:
The Winchester : Great location right on the Seapoint Promenade with a beautiful courtyard for brekky and seaside sundowners
Looking for something longer-term or apartment-type vibe? Steadfast Africa will sort you out (and go far beyond this as well)
You should 100% plan your days / trip around food because the F+B offering in this city is just 🤌🏻
WHAT YOU NEED TO BOOK
Fine Dining
Chef's Warehouse Tinswalo Atlantic – A top-chef restaurant with breathtaking views. Best for lunch or early dinner to catch the sunset. One of my absolute favorites in Cape Town.
Order the: Pina colada (trust!) and Espresso Martini
Beau Constantia – A stunning glass-box restaurant in a vineyard. Ideal for lunch or dinner—arrive early to enjoy wine tasting beforehand.
Order the: Oysters, always
FYN – Designed by my client and ranked #1 in Africa on the World's Top 50 Restaurants list. Expect an exquisite Japanese fusion experience.
Order the: Yuzu martini
La Colombe & La Petite Colombe – Michelin-star-level dining. La Petite Colombe is located in the Winelands, making it perfect for a boozy lunch. Reservations are a must.
WHAT I HAVE ON ROTATION
Much more casjjjhz
Kleinksys - My FAVE brekky spot / office
Order the: Breakfast bagel or chicken pastrami if you are feeling more lunchy. MUST be followed by a rugelach with coffee
OUZERI – A super cute Greek spot, arguably the best menu in CPT right now.
Order the: Everything. If you are more than 2 you can order everything on the menu, the palomas are also chefs kiss 🤌🏻
Ramenhead – Located downstairs from FYN, this is my go-to spot for ramen by the same chef.
Order the: Shio tonkotsu or spicy sesame miso (extra spicy)
Kloof Street House – Great food, drinks, and ambiance, oldie but a goodie
Order the: Ostrich and pornstar martini
RIVA – Best Italian spot in town. Handmade pasta and seafood specialties. Owned by my friends Nico and Federico
Order the: Vongole extra pepperoncini
Maggy Lou’s / Cassette – Another “office” of mine with light bites and a cozy wine bar next door.
Order the: Schnitz
Manos – Casual with the best steak prego (like a pan con bistec)
Order the: Green salad, half schnitzel and steak prego (force whoever you are dining with to share, this is an order)
Bao Down – Chic Asian tapas in a relaxed setting
Order the: Prawn toast
Thali – High-end Indian fusion. No reservations, so go early.
Order the: oysters, always
KIKI's – Newbie neighbor in Sea Point very vibey Greek-inspired menu and GREAT cocktails.
Order the: Spanakopita salad and tirokafteri (spicy feta)
Zuney Wagyu – Hole-in-the-wall spot serving the best wagyu burgers in CPT, located next to Blondies.
Order the: Classic with cheese + wagyu fries
Hemelhuijs – Chic South African lunch spot with locally sourced ingredients. Stop by THK Gallery across the street and grab coffee at Rosetta after.
Order the: VEAL and do not share. It is my favorite baby cow in all of the land