Best Cheap Eats in Cape Town
Hello, food lovers! Planning a trip to Cape Town usually involves thinking about fine dining and top-tier wines – and the city absolutely delivers on that. But what many visitors don’t expect is just how good the food can be without spending much at all. Cape Town is a true mix of flavours, and its cheap eats scene shows off the city’s diversity and character in the best way.
We’re talking about full-flavoured dishes locals keep coming back for – from sizzling street snacks to generous plates of homestyle food. Think of this as your local guide to where to eat well and affordably across the city.
Why You Should Explore Cape Town’s Cheap Eats
Cape Town’s best low-cost food spots often serve the most genuine local dishes. Many of these recipes have been handed down for years and tell a deeper story about the communities that created them. When you eat here, you’re not just filling up – you’re getting a real taste of local life.
And you’ll be surprised at how far your money can go. Most places on this list offer large portions at very low prices. That means you can try more than one place, sample different dishes, and enjoy yourself without worrying about your budget.
Many of these spots are casual, friendly, and packed with locals. They’re places where the smell of spices and the sound of busy kitchens fill the air. It’s one of the easiest ways to get closer to the real Cape Town – through its food.
Our Top Budget-Friendly Restaurants in the Mother City
1. Eastern Food Bazaar – A Feast for the Senses
Cuisine Focus: Turkish, Arabic, Indian, and Chinese favourites. Think shawarmas, dosas, biryanis, kebabs, tandoori chicken and rich curries.
Typical Price Range: Most full meals – with sides and a drink – cost under R60. Larger portions land in the R50–R90 range.
Vibe & Must-Try: A lively CBD food court with fast service, colourful signage, and the smells of spice wafting from dozens of counters. Locals love the Butter Chicken, Bunny Chow, and Bombay Crush. The space reflects Cape Town’s multicultural spirit and is a hit with both tourists and locals.
2. Kalky’s Fish & Chips – Seaside Classic
Cuisine Focus: Old-school fish and chips with options like hake, snoek, and calamari.
Typical Price Range: R50–R80. A large portion of calamari and chips sits just over R50.
Vibe & Must-Try: Found in Kalk Bay harbour, this spot is packed with families, locals and hungry visitors. No-frills – just vinegar bottles, plastic trays and unbeatable seafood. Try the hake or snoek with chips. It’s casual, coastal and always busy for a reason.
3. Fish on the Rocks – Hout Bay Favourite
Cuisine Focus: Fried seafood classics, with calamari and chips being the go-to order.
Typical Price Range: R50–R70 for a generous meal.
Vibe & Must-Try: A Hout Bay institution. Grab a bench, take in the ocean air, and enjoy seriously fresh seafood. Their calamari and chips are legendary.
4. Narona – Pizza, Pasta, and Casual Plates
Cuisine Focus: Pizza, pasta, burgers, pies – including vegan options.
Typical Price Range: Pizzas and pies start from around R52–R70. Burgers from R58. Pasta from R60.
Vibe & Must-Try: Two relaxed city spots – one in Observatory and one in Gardens. Good for a quick, laid-back bite. Try the penne pasta or the cheese and bacon burger. Great for groups and easy meals.
5. Café Extrablatt – German Touch, Local Prices
Cuisine Focus: Meaty mains, burgers, pizza, seafood, and their standout currywurst.
Typical Price Range: R80 for dishes like currywurst or pesto pasta.
Vibe & Must-Try: Located in Green Point, this café mixes classic and modern in a relaxed setting. Grab a window seat and enjoy something hearty and filling.
6. Food Lover’s Market – Fast and Fresh
Cuisine Focus: Ready-made meals, fresh produce, wraps, snacks, baked goods.
Typical Price Range: Affordable lunch deals and combo specials daily.
Vibe & Must-Try: Big, busy and convenient. You’ll find locations near offices across town. Head to the deli counter and fill a box with hot food – or grab a salad or smoothie for the road.
7. Nando’s (V&A Waterfront) – Peri-Peri Fix
Cuisine Focus: Grilled peri-peri chicken, burgers, wraps and spicy sides.
Typical Price Range: Around R145 for a half chicken.
Vibe & Must-Try: Cheaper than in the UK, with more menu choices too. The V&A branch has harbour views and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a chain, but in South Africa, Nando’s is a local staple.
8. Spur Santa Ana (V&A Waterfront) – Steakhouse with a View
Cuisine Focus: Burgers, ribs, steaks – South African-style grill plates.
Typical Price Range: R180 for a sirloin, R195 for a 350g T-bone.
Vibe & Must-Try: Classic family spot, often used for birthdays and celebrations. Sit on the terrace if it’s sunny. Look out for weekday 2-for-1 burger deals.
9. Oranjezicht City Farm Market – Organic & Local
Cuisine Focus: Fresh produce, vegan plates, wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, smoothies and baked treats.
Typical Price Range: Most dishes fall between R100–R150.
Vibe & Must-Try: Open on weekends near the V&A. Very popular, very social, and full of great smells. Go early to avoid queues. Grab a pistachio croissant, steamed bun or smoothie – or all three.
10. Mojo Market – Food & Live Music
Cuisine Focus: A mix of local and global eats – sushi, poke bowls, burgers, cocktails.
Typical Price Range: Affordable. Lots of vendors mean plenty of choice.
Vibe & Must-Try: Indoor food hall in Sea Point. Open every day, with live bands and DJs most evenings. Good for groups, casual bites and a drink or two.
Budget Bites at a Glance
Savor Cape Town’s Flavours, Affordably
You don’t need to spend a lot to eat well in Cape Town. Whether you’re after street food, seaside fish and chips, wood-fired pizza or spicy chicken, there’s something here for every taste – and every budget.
So skip the overpriced tourist traps. Head where the locals go. Eat more, spend less, and enjoy every bite.
