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.
Join Ginja on the 29th of October for a picnic at the V&A Waterfront! Watershed will be performing for the 3rd year running at Ginja restaurant, V&A Waterfront. They will ease you into your rustic Sunday picnic and have you dancing to songs from their new album. Booking is essential. Directions to Ginja Restaurant Victoria…
Come and indulge yourself, your family and friends at the 1st My Karoo Buurman Oktoberfees! A wine, craft beer and music festival. Your children can enjoy beautiful activities laid on especially for them, while you relax, absorbing the music of our artists who’ll be performing throughout the day. Sample the locally produced Craft beer of…
Join Cuvee Restaurant for a wonderful evening of food & music on the 22nd of September! Together with Africa’s premiere opera company, Cape Town Opera, Simonsig would like to invite you to an evening of fine wine, good food, and world-class entertainment. An annual highlight in our event calendar, the concert consists of arias and…
The Slug & Lettuce Kloof Street is a cosy restaurant & bar situated on Kloof Street in the beautiful Mother City of Cape Town.The space has recently undergone renovations and was closed during the last two months. But they’re back and to celebrate, Slug & Lettuce on Kloof Street is celebrating with six brand new…
It’s party time at Skelligs every Friday evening! As we welcome Spring and say goodbye to the Winter Blues, let Erinvale give a proper send off to the event that has been keeping everyone lively, warm and entertained during winter; Feel Good Fridays! Join Skelligs at Erinvale for the last month of Feel Good Fridays: Winter…
Battle of the Bands is back at Quay Four by popular demand! Bands from all over Cape Town will battle it out at Quay Four from May – August every Tuesday evening with the finale happening on the 29th of August 2017. The winning band will receive R20,000 cash compliments of Castle Lager along with…
September is going to be huge at Barristers! In this tribute, The Dusty Rhodes Band will recreate the unique sounds of Neil Young. Featuring songs such as Alabama, Harvest, Old Man, Southern Man, Teach your Children, Heart of Gold, and many more. There are only 50 seats available, which includes a three dinner and the…
With Women’s Day on 9 August, what better way is there to celebrate than with HQ’s first official Girls Night Out event on Tuesday 8 August as part of the famous, #HQDateNight celebrations, where you and your bestie receive their iconic starter salad, steak and chips, served with a glass of Boschendal Red, each for…
An event for all the beautiful woman of Cape Town! In celebration of Woman’s Day this year, you are invited to come and enjoy a few small spoils at Harrington’s Cocktail Lounge. They have partnered with scar and Allée Bleue Wine Estate to offer a CandyFloss & #Gloss experience like no other! From 16h30 – 19h00, they will be offering complimentary candy floss…
Join The Grand Africa on the 12 of August for a Women’s Month celebration that recognizes that talented women in South Africa’s electronic music scene. ‘FEMME’ is an all-female lineup event brought to you by Johannesburg’s premium boutique events brand, Hot On Top. Having created memorable party experiences in Johannesburg and Durban, Hot On Top…
HQ has always been known for its weekend festivities, and with ‘The Original Fridays’ at HQ, you’re sure to be in for a treat – every Friday, starting 21 July! DJ René is back at HQ! After a short time away, DJ René is back at his original spot to start the weekend off with…
The 41 is a beautiful and upbeat restaurant that serves incredible Mediterranean cuisine in Camps Bay! The 41 is hosting Jazz Live Sunset taking place on Saturday, July 22 from 5pm to 7pm. At the event you can enjoy a glass of wine, cocktails, and great food while listening amazing Jazz music by the famous…
