Because money talks, and we should be speaking loudly!
South Africa is the most unequal country in the world. That’s not me being dramatic, that’s an actual ranking according to the World Bank. The legacy of apartheid didn’t just vanish in 1994 — it shaped who owns land, who owns businesses, and who has most of the money.
Cape Town is objectively stunning. Mountains, beaches, wine farms, sunsets all layered on each other in the most delicious platter. Most of the visible wealth is still concentrated in white hands, while many Black communities live far from the tourist zones, with fewer resources and opportunities.
So yes, let’s enjoy the beauty. And also let’s be intentional with where we spend our money.
Here are some Black-owned spots in Cape Town that deserve your time, attention, and Rands.
Restaurants
Lola’s Eatery
Right on Long Street, this is a cute diner with classic breakfast options. I got a breakfast croissant for under R100 (about $5 USD), and they had live music playing on a random weekday at 1 PM. Good food, good vibes, no stressRight on Long Street, this is a cute diner with classic breakfast options. I got a breakfast croissant for under R100 (about $5 USD), and they had live music playing on a random weekday at 1 PM. Good food, good vibes, no stress
Mama Africa
I love the concept of this place. They feature African dishes from all over the continent, mostly Southern Africa. You can order platters to try a bunch of things — like Zambian dovi, or even mopane worms from Namibia. Cultural education, but make it delicious.
Siba’s Deli
Siba has her own cooking show, which already tells you everything. Her fine dining restaurant is under construction near the V&A Waterfront, but she’s currently featured in the Time Out Market and just opened this deli off Kloof Street. When I visited, she happened to be there, she was absolutely lovely inside and out, and we should all support her. Casual, high-quality, and run by a culinary icon.
Seven Colours Eatery
Nestled near the V&A Waterfront with a view of… a river? A canal? A body of water. Either way, the food is rooted in traditional South African flavors, and the setting is peaceful.
Therapy
This place gave me DC vibes and made me homesick. I had lamb ribs that fell off the bone. Indoor and outdoor seating, a DJ, hookah, good energy. You know the vibes.
Nolz Kitchen
Nolz specializes in South African classics: braai mix, lamb shank, tripe, inyama yentloko (don’t ask me, just eat), chicken feet, and more. I tried their oxtail — elite. They’re on Uber Eats, but if you go in person, order a glass of wine. The pour was GENEROUS.
Pahari African Restaurant
Solid African comfort food, friendly atmosphere, and consistently good reviews. Worth a visit if you want something filling and familiar.
The Happy Uncles
One of Cape Town’s first truly Halaal fine dining experiences. Tucked away in Salt River, not exactly tourist-central, but worth the journey.
They offer:
4-course: R850
6-course: R1050
8-course: R1500
Wine
Wine is a huge part of South African tourism, but Black ownership in the wine industry is still rare due to land dispossession and generational exclusion from farming and capital. So when you find Black-owned wine spaces, support them loudly.
Aslina Wines
Founded by Ntsiki Biyela, a trailblazing winemaker who came from a background where her mother worked as a domestic worker on farms. Now she owns her own brand. Her wines are elegant, grounded in African heritage, and internationally respected.
Klein Goederust Wine Farm
One of the only Black-owned wine farms in South Africa (with some historical asterisks). The owner’s mother worked on the land, and he later bought the farm from the Dutch owners, keeping the original name. We did a tasting here — solid wines, lamb braii, and powerful story.
Nkula Wine Bar
Right next to Mama Africa, and they feature only Black winemakers. Simple, intentional, and a great place to explore wines you won’t see in most tourist spots.
Novel Wine Bar
This spot doubles as a café and co-working space during the day, wine bar at night. They feature new winemakers of all backgrounds, as long as they’re emerging. I tried a wine made from the Verdelho grape by someone who’d only been making wine for four years. It was incredible.
Hidden Valley Farm
Owned by Patrice Motsepe, South Africa’s first Black billionaire. His investment in wine is significant, especially in a region historically dominated by white ownership.
Seven Sisters Winery
Owned by seven Coloured sisters. In South Africa, “Coloured” is a specific racial category with its own history, not the same as Black. Their story, family legacy, and presence in the wine industry are still meaningful in a country shaped by racial classification.
Coffee
I’ve asked around and wasn’t able to land on a Black-owned coffee shop in Cape Town, but please let me know if they exist!
Sihles Brew
Black-owned coffee brand with no brick-and-mortar location right now, but their products are online. Support them, especially if you care about ethical sourcing and representation in the coffee industry.