As I sit down to write this, I’m filled with both gratitude and a twinge of sadness. Our week in Cape Town was more than just a holiday, it was a farewell. With our big move to the UK just around the corner, this trip was about soaking up every last drop of what we love most: time with family, good food, familiar places, and all the little moments that make Cape Town feel like home.
- saying goodbye to the mother city: a week in cape town before our big move
- restaurant review: krisp – a hidden gem in botha’s hill
- a week in johannesburg: museums, movies, and mini golf
- 🎭 don’t miss snow white incorporated at the westville theatre club! 🎭
- 48 hours in joburg: culture, food, and fun
Wednesday: Family, Food, and Chicken Schnitzels
Our first day was all about family. We took my grandparents and cousin out for breakfast at Die Nag Uil, a cosy local gem. I couldn’t resist the Wednesday Taco Special, while my grandmother, a chicken schnitzel enthusiast through and through, had her tried-and-true favourite, and absolutely loved it. Jeremy went full feast-mode with the Eisbein. It was the perfect start to our week with delicious food, warm conversation, and belly laughs with people we love.
Thursday: Ramen, Chocolate, and a Surprise from Berlin
Jeremy and I started our day at The Village Coffee Shop for a peaceful breakfast before heading to Tomo Restaurant for lunch. The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with steaming cups of jasmine tea which was a warm welcome we didn’t know we needed until we had it. We dove into plates of handmade dumplings and steaming bowls of ramen, and left feeling happily full and just the right amount of sleepy.
But no nap for us because dessert was calling and we needed to answer! We wandered over to Honest Chocolate Café, where Jeremy had a short dark hot chocolate and I had a lighter milky version. We split a slice of rich chocolate cheesecake and relished every bite.
As if the day couldn’t get better, we ended the afternoon at The Gin Bar located in the same courtyard behind Honest Chocolate. I sipped a martini, Jeremy had his go-to Negroni, and once we’d finished our drinks, just around the corner, we stumbled upon something totally unexpected. A piece of the Berlin Wall, right there in Cape Town! It felt surreal and so cool.
After snapping a few photos of the large chunk of stone, we took a lazy stroll through Greenmarket Square, a historical square in Cape Town that now serves as a flea market of South African trinkets and souvenirs. As the vendors packed up under the golden sunset, the city pulsed around us; vibrant, familiar, alive. It was probably the most touristy thing we’ve ever done in Cape Town and that walk will stay with me for a long time.
Friday: A Vineyard Kind of Day
You can’t visit Cape Town without a wine tasting (or three), and we were ready. We met a friend at The Thirsty Scarecrow, where I was handed what could only be described as a novel-sized cocktail menu of espresso cocktails, candy themed cocktails, and even Monster energy drink inspired cocktails! I was so tempted to stay and try them all, but I went with the sour worm sour apple cocktail (no regrets) and a salmon cream cheese bagel. Jeremy had the chicken fried waffle with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce, and he loved every bite of it.
Our first wine stop: Ernie Els Wines. Jeremy, being the golf fan he is, was thrilled to explore the winery built by the legend himself. We were welcomed with a glass of red which was perfect for the cold winter’s day, and Jeremy did the Players Tasting featuring the popular Big Easy Range for R185 per person. I sat this one out as it was mostly reds and red wine and I aren’t exactly besties, but watching him enjoy it, guided by the ever-patient Jason, was a joy.
Next up was Hidden Valley Wines. Despite construction prepping the estate for summer, and the gloomy weather, our sommelier Megan gave us an intimate chocolate and wine pairing in the cellar. At R135 per person, it was one of the best pairings we’ve done.
Our final stop was Rust en Vrede Wine Estate, where we ended off with their Estate Tasting (R120 per person). Three tastings in one day may sound ambitious, but it was the perfect balance of flavour, scenery, and storytelling.
Saturday: Beers, Bites, and 80s Moves
Saturday was more laid-back. My uncle took us to Woodstock Brewery, where Jeremy tried the Danzn, a refreshing weiss, while I went for the Californicator, a bold IPA. My uncle had his favourite Mr Brown Stone which is a hazelnut brown ale with a rich chocolatey twist. Jeremy also sampled the Moose Hammer, a new hazy pale ale bursting with juicy fruit notes. It’s safe to say the beer lovers were satisfied.
We grabbed lunch at Vasco da Gama FC, a Portuguese sports bar. I had grilled calamari and chips (perfection), and Jeremy had a pork fillet topped with mushrooms and chilli, paired with milho frito, a deliciously crunchy cornmeal side dish.
That evening we headed to Danskraal, a dance hall famous for its sokkies, a style of dance that is unique to Southern Africa and popular mostly with Afrikaners, and langarm. It was an 80s-themed birthday celebration so think legwarmers, scrunchies and fishnet gloves. People brought their own snacks and cooler boxes filled with drink (yes, really), and despite some repeated songs and a DJ yelling out, “Who wants to get pregnant??” (??), we had an absolute blast. Jeremy, ever the Englishman, said watching the langarm dancers was like watching a washing machine going round and round 😂
Sunday: Bloubergstrand and Bittersweet Goodbyes
Sunday was quieter. We drove to Bloubergstrand for lunch at the Blue Peter Hotel. Bloubergstrand Beach is a place that holds deep meaning for our family as it’s where my maternal grandmother’s ashes were scattered. Being there with my maternal family felt grounding, like a moment of presence in the whirlwind of change. I had fried calamari and chips and Jeremy had the hake and calamari combo and while the food was good, the company and the sea breeze were better.
After lunch and heartfelt goodbyes, we headed back for a final family gathering, this time with my paternal side. We had a proper South African braai, filled with laughter, boerewors, chops, ribs, and my grandmother’s famous potato salad. The smoky smell of the fire, the crackle of wood, and the familiar rhythm of family stories and jokes filled the evening air. It was the perfect way to close out our last weekend in Cape Town being surrounded by the people who helped raise me, shape me, and made sure to send us off with full bellies and fuller hearts.
Monday: Last Goodbyes and a Gatsby Send-Off
Our last day was spent visiting more family, packing, and preparing ourselves for the 2-hour plane ride back to Durban. And before we left, Jeremy had his very first Gatsby. For the uninitiated, a Gatsby is Cape Town’s ultimate sandwich made up of a giant roll stuffed with meat or fish, lettuce, and chilli sauce. We grabbed ours from Golden Dish and had the masala steak and chicken tikka. Both were massive. Both were glorious. Both were delicious!
With our bellies full, we boarded our flight and said goodbye to Cape Town. It may be a while before we’re back, but this week gave us a treasure trove of memories to carry across oceans.
Until next time, Mother City.
Chante JVR 
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