Summary: Live music Cape Town restaurants include venues offering jazz, acoustic performances, singer-songwriters, bands, DJs and themed music nights alongside dinner and drinks. Popular areas include the City Bowl, V&A Waterfront, Sea Point, Hout Bay and the Southern Suburbs. Music schedules vary by venue, so diners should confirm performance times, booking requirements and any cover charges before visiting.
Looking for the best live music Cape Town restaurants have to offer? Cape Town’s dining scene is not only about great food and wine. Across the city, restaurants, bars and hotel venues regularly combine their menus with live performances, creating an easy way to turn dinner into a full evening out. From acoustic sets and jazz to singer-songwriters, DJs, cover bands and laid-back Sunday sessions, restaurants with live music in Cape Town offer something for a wide range of moods. Some venues focus on intimate performances during dinner, while others create a more energetic atmosphere later in the evening. Popular areas for live music Cape Town restaurants include the City Bowl, Kloof Street, Bree Street, the V&A Waterfront, Sea Point, Hout Bay, the Southern Suburbs and parts of the Northern Suburbs. The style of music can differ just as much as the food, with everything from contemporary local acts and jazz to classic hits, acoustic covers and themed entertainment nights.
Live music can make a restaurant especially appealing for date nights, birthday dinners, group outings or relaxed weekend plans. Instead of choosing between dinner and entertainment, diners can enjoy both in the same place, often with cocktails, wine or sharing plates adding to the experience. Some restaurants offer live music on specific nights of the week, while others host performances as part of special events, Sunday lunches, sunset sessions or seasonal programmes. Hotel restaurants and rooftop venues may also combine live entertainment with views over the city or Atlantic Seaboard, making them popular for sundowners followed by dinner.
The best option depends on the kind of evening you are looking for. A casual acoustic set may suit a relaxed dinner, while a lively band or DJ can be better for groups wanting to stay out later. Jazz evenings and more intimate performances are also popular for diners looking for a quieter, more atmospheric night out. Many Cape Town restaurants with live music also run food or drink promotions alongside their entertainment. These may include happy-hour cocktails, set menus, sharing platters, wine specials or dinner packages linked to a particular performance. Because live entertainment schedules can change from week to week, it is always worth checking the latest programme before visiting. Start times, cover charges and booking requirements can vary, and some performances may only run on selected dates.
Popular live music venues can also fill up quickly, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings, so reservations are recommended where possible. Browse the latest live music Cape Town restaurants below to discover upcoming performances, regular music nights and restaurant events across the city.
Shake your tail feather. La Barra is a Spanish tapas and pinxtos bar with South African flair, in the heart of the Cape Town foodie scene. It’s not just for after work drinks – grab a morning breakfast and coffee to start your day in the right way. In true La Barra style, come and…
Come and listen to the smooth sounds. Franschhoek Cellar completes the winelands experience of wonderful wine tasting, dining on decadent food and lounging on rolling lawns with regular live music events to suit every taste. Come and bring your rhythm and appetite for evenings of good food, great wine and the best local talent. On…
It’s going to be spectacular. What’s better than picnics, wine and good food? Picnics, wine, good food and MUSIC. Backsberg Wine Estate is at it again with their annual Picnic Concert series, where guests get to relax in the winelands sun and enjoy local talent and fine produce. The Bottomles Coffee Band is kicking off…
Come and belt it out. Great food and entertainment make The 2 Eves a firm local favourite. Have some cake and coffee or a craft beer or gin with your burger. But if you have beer with your cake, we won’t tell. Bring your inner diva to their karaoke night on Saturday, 30 November, from…
Happy hours with live music! The Korner is a vibrant new restaurant in the heart of Cape Town that serves luxury comfort food and creative cocktails. Loaded fries, prawn, beef brisket and a selection of sauces or gravy and tasty burgers and breakfasts. Catch sibling duo Tiltman at The Korner this First Thursday, 7 November,…
Lovers, listen closely. Valentines Day is far away, right? Or is it? That’s what we said about Christmas and we’re almost there! Plan ahead for Valentines Day spoils for your loved one on 14 February 2020 with a romantic concert at Franschhoek Cellar. Go for lunch ahead of time at The Garden Restaurant and spend…
A night of culinary and musical experience. The Mount Nelson Hotel offers old world glamour and style in the form of their classic Lord Nelson Restaurant, Planet Bar, afternoon high tea and luxurious spa. Guinea fowl terrine, prawn cocktail, scones and cream, rich chocolate cake and more wait to greet you at the Mount Nelson…
With the pricking of my thumb . . . Shimmy Beach Club is the forerunner of luxurious partying and some of the biggest names in music have graced the Shimmy stage. Throw in some great food and premium drink and it’s no wonder it’s everyone go-to for a great night out. Fancy a Halloween party…
Are you brave enough? Lou Lou’s dark, mysterious interiors are quite enough to beckon you even without the added taste symphonies that are their biltong and nut snack platter perfectly paired with their fine whiskeys and malts, spaghetti vongole with baby clams, chicken schnitzel or wagyu beef burger. With all this darkness, it’s the perfect…
It’s another great afternoon out. Not sure what to do with your Saturdays? Why not come down to Century City Square for some tapas and snacks at Tiger’s Milk and La Parada? Like Matthew Mole on 9 November! Plus Michael Sutton and DJ Rene the Frenchman to keep you jamming well into the night. There…
Don’t miss this multi-talented artist. The Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village hosts an array of stores for outdoor, beauty, clothing and grocery needs, as well as a fitness centre and a spread of great restaurants. They also have a stage in the square that has seen some ridiculous talent performing for the expectant crowds. Book a…
It’s summer sunset sessions. Blowfish restaurant should be your go-to for the summer months. Perched above the sparkling Atlantic and offering everything from burgers and steak to sushi and seafood, and delicious desserts, they also now bring to you some amazing South African talent in the form of Niyaaz Arendse. Niyaaz, a well-presented and energetic…
