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.
The Parlotones set The Franschhoek Cellar alight in 2017 with their sold-out show. This will be no different on the 25th of February 2018! The Parlotones are Kahn Morbee, Neil Pauw and brothers Glen and Paul Hodgson. They formed over 10 years ago and achieved massive success in their home country of South Africa, as […] More
Serving up your Sunday with ice-cold margaritas deals, inflatable fun, Shimmy sushi platters specials and a beaching line-up of live DJs all day. Sand between your toes, an icy cold margarita in your hand, sushi platters for days and musical bliss emanating from a line-up of Cape Town’s finest local, as well as international guest […] More
Looking for great food, cold beers and smooth tunes during mid-week? The Taproom only sources the freshest local produce for an exciting menu. Established favourites include the famous cheese burger, cider-glazed smoked pork belly and scrumptious bar snacks – each designed to enhance your beer drinking experience. Year-round beers include Devil’s Peak Lager, Devil’s Peak Pale […] More
Pascal & Pearce will lead everyone into the sunset with their signature grooves, as the Havana Club cocktails designed by the World Class bartenders at Cafe Caprice cause you to believe that even you, can dance like Diego Luna. Pair your unique cocktail with one of Arturo Fuente’s cigars to enhance your experience of the […] More
Harringtons Cocktail Lounge has partnered with Dewar’s Whisky and the curator from Vinyl DIGZ, Pierre -Estienne to bring you a night of vinyl beats with a feel of everything Funk, Jazz, Soul & Eclectic cool every Wednesday. The standard Tapas menu will be available 5-10pm, as well as some carefully crafted cocktails highlighting the best […] More
December sees another exciting musical lineup at Cape Town hangout Bay Harbour Market. As the days get longer and the summer weather starts to settle in, lovers of Cape Town’s favourite market can soak up the likes of Oceans Riff, 3 Tons of Fun and the Dixie Swingers over on the KWV Soundstage this month. […] More
Celebrate Summer Sundays in Cape Town by the sea at Vista Marina, sipping on a bespoke Bloody Mary with oysters to cure the hangover, followed by a decadent two course lunch, whilst listening to the cool beats of SA’s world renowned chart-topper DJs Pascal & Pearce. For R295 per person the Sunday sessions will kick […] More
THESE BUFFETS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE! Look at these two magnificent buffet menus available at Tobago’s Restaurant. I mean, when I started thinking about this blogpost, I was going to talk about the convenience of a braai or seaside grill without the hassle. But that’s not good enough – this is no plain old home […] More
Come and join Cape Quarter for another Jazz event in the courtyard! On the 25th of October, starting at 11:30 and ending at 14:30, it’s a day promised to be filled with soulful music and delicious food. Restaurants will be offering delicious specials to make the day even more memorable. Be sure not to miss […] More
Grand Africa Café and Beach is ready to celebrate another summer with you. They will be kicking off season in true Grand style with an opening party that will be bigger and better than ever before. The day will start at 2pm on Saturday 4th November, with a line up that includes international musical genius […] More
Join Erinvale for a night of music under the stars. Every Friday, Erinvale is hosting #FeelGoodFridays and with summer having finally arrived, the fun is moving outside. Call to book your table and join the restaurant from 6pm ’til late! When posting a selfie and using #feelgoodfridays on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, you also stand the […] More
Mantra Cafe are very excited to host Sxollie Sessions every Wednesday evening during the summer. Mantra Cafe have teamed up with Sxollie Cider bringing a big line-up of local musicians to Camps Bay. Every Wednesday evening during the summer season, join the Camps Bay restaurant for live acoustic beats and feast on their incredible new […] More