Are you looking to try authentic local cuisine while in South Africa? Check out GOLD, the best African restaurant in Cape Town!

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Review of GOLD Restaurant

Most of Cape Town’s delights scream for attention: the towering flat-topped mountain in the middle of the city, the turquoise water visible from every vantage point, the laidback yet electric energy that makes the city irresistible. But tucked into an unassuming alley steps from Cape Town’s V/A Waterfront, behind a windowless brick wall and blue carriage doors, is the most magical experience that the city has to offer – an evening at GOLD, the best African restaurant in Cape Town.

The entrance to GOLD

When my mom and I and our travel friend, Megan, were greeted by a wall lined with African face masks and a giant ebony statue in a head dress, I had my doubts. It felt like we had entered into African Disney World. When I saw the room lined with long tables made for tour buses and corporate parties, my doubts grew stronger. But by the end of that evening, our last in South Africa, I could not have wanted to spend it any other way.

Djembe Drum Welcome

GOLD is far more than just an African restaurant. It is that, and we’ll talk about that famous 14-course menu later. But more than an immersion into African cuisine, GOLD is a celebration of the music, cultures, and traditions that make Africa’s nations unique from other parts of the world. And there is perhaps no instrument that sets the continent apart more than the Djembe drum.

When we arrived at our table, one set for four in the balcony area, overlooking the rest of the dining room, there was a drum on each of our seats. I naively thought it was just for us to look at, until the master Djembe player got on stage and told us to put them on our laps. What proceeded was a 30-minute lesson in how to play the drum, its history, and how one becomes a “master.” My hands were red and throbbing by the end of it, but we had all been so enthralled by the energy and sheer fun of copying his rhythms that it didn’t matter.

Djembe drums on display in the lobby

Performances

The drum introduction was merely the first of many musical interludes, however. Because while GOLD seeks to introduce diners to traditional cuisines from all of the continent, it is also a celebration of African music, dance, and storytelling.

There are regular interludes between food courses of performances of Zulu dancers and Xhosa singers dressed in traditional outfits. The fast-moving barefoot dancers twirl around the stage in their colorful geometric dresses, beaded necklaces, grass skirts, and collars. At some points, they even came up onto the balconies to ensure every diner had a front row seat to the performances.

As if that weren’t enough, there was the added captivating addition of Malian puppets, tall human-like characters directed by dancers concealed by robes, each designed to convey another aspect of African storytelling.

A Xhosa singer and a puppet behind her

That 14-Course Menu

While the performances were an unexpected pleasant addition to the evening, GOLD is famous for one thing more than anything else: that 14-course lineup of dishes from all over the African continent.

First up was a grilled ostrich filet from Namibia, served on a spinach and beetroot salad, and Moroccan Zeilook, a dip made with eggplant and tomato. We had ostrich a few times while in South Africa, but this was by far the best version. It was followed by a fried sweet potato dumpling originally from Malawi and chicken wings with a chili sauce from Mozambique.

In case you’re wondering how anyone is supposed to eat 14 different courses without having to roll out of the restaurant like the Pillsbury Dough Boy, fear not – the first 6 or 7 dishes were big enough for just one or two bites.

Among the heartier courses was a Namibian venison pie made with springbok, the national animal of South Africa, a prawn and fish curry from Zanzibar, and a side of sorghum grains, the grain made to use the spongy Ethiopian bread, injera.

Sorghum grains, fish curry, Congo mango chicken

At this point, we were feeling completely stuffed, even if each course had been a manageable size. But we certainly were able to find room for a bowl of Cape Town cardamon ice cream with an African-shaped Cape Malay biscuit spiced with cardamon and orange zest.

Look at that cute biscuit!

Final Verdict

There are, of course, many African restaurants in Cape Town. But only one earns the title as the best of them all. GOLD is an unforgettable experience. Come for the endless courses of African dishes, each of which is more delicious and interesting than the last. But stay for the incredible performances, the warm hospitality, and the immersion into African culture. GOLD deserves a well-earned spot on your South African itinerary. Book your reservation here.

If you want to explore even more of Cape Town’s incredible restaurants, consider this amazing food tour.

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