VarsityStart Advice Guide
University of Cape Town

UCT student guide

Places to eat

Stay safe: check a place before you go, and if you can, avoid new places alone.

Read recent reviews, ask other students, and confirm the address, opening hours and the area. If possible, avoid going to new places alone, especially at night. We know that is not always an option, so if you do go alone: tell someone where you are and when you expect to be back, use e-hailing after dark, and keep to busy, well-lit places. We list places for information. A listing is not a guarantee that a place or area is safe.

RatingAny rating

Obz Cafe for budget-friendly meals and a laid-back vibe, and Queen of Tarts for coffee and cake.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 18 hours ago

Cocoa Cha Chi

Observatory

Cafe open daily from 7am to 11pm with a low-priced coffee special in the early morning. Good for studying.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 17 hours ago

Sonder Cafe

Observatory

Community cafe with bagels and sourdough sandwiches, open Monday to Saturday in the daytime.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 17 hours ago

Burgers, wraps and pizza at 79 Lower Main Rd.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 17 hours ago

Obs Cafe

Observatory

Known for boerewors rolls.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 17 hours ago

Weekend food market. Closing times differ between sources, so check before you travel.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 17 hours ago

Weekly market that moved to the V&A Waterfront in December 2025: Wednesday evening and weekend mornings. Confirm current hours.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 17 hours ago

Pancho's

Observatory

Lower Main Road Mexican spot known for chilli poppers, burritos and nachos, with large portions and good prices. UCT News advises booking early.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 14 hours ago

Health-focused breakfast and lunch at 105 Lower Main Road with gluten-free options, praised for value.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 14 hours ago

Love and Sugar

Observatory

Observatory cafe where every item is listed under R20.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 14 hours ago

Coffee roastery in Observatory with strong coffee and an eclectic vibe.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 14 hours ago

Rock and roll bistro at 86 Lower Main Road with sailor decor and simple, full-flavoured food.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 14 hours ago

Cafe bordering Rondebosch Common with views toward Devil's Peak.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 14 hours ago

Sushi restaurant on Dreyer Street recommended in UCT News food guide, with options for non-sushi eaters.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 14 hours ago

Food court on UCT Upper Campus with options from fresh produce to slap chips.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 14 hours ago

Performing Arts Theater near the Upper Campus Rondebosch campus. Rated 4.6 from 6692 Google reviews. Check opening hours and prices before you go.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 13 hours ago

Restaurant near the Upper Campus Rondebosch campus. Rated 4.5 from 1843 Google reviews. Check opening hours and prices before you go.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 13 hours ago

District Cafe

Woodstock

Steak House near the Observatory Health Sciences campus. Rated 4.4 from 1589 Google reviews. Check opening hours and prices before you go.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 13 hours ago

Italian Restaurant near the Observatory Health Sciences campus. Rated 4.5 from 1493 Google reviews. Check opening hours and prices before you go.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 13 hours ago

Golden Spur

Rondebosch

Family Restaurant near the Upper Campus Rondebosch campus. Rated 4.1 from 1245 Google reviews. Check opening hours and prices before you go.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 13 hours ago

Garden Center near the Upper Campus Rondebosch campus. Rated 4.4 from 864 Google reviews. Check opening hours and prices before you go.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 13 hours ago

Linko Restaurant

Observatory

Asian Restaurant near the Observatory Health Sciences campus. Rated 4.4 from 699 Google reviews. Check opening hours and prices before you go.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 13 hours ago

Springbok Arms

Observatory

Sports Bar near the Observatory Health Sciences campus. Rated 4.5 from 548 Google reviews. Check opening hours and prices before you go.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 13 hours ago

Pizza Restaurant near the Observatory Health Sciences campus. Rated 4.4 from 436 Google reviews. Check opening hours and prices before you go.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 13 hours ago

Restaurant near the Upper Campus Rondebosch campus. Rated 4.7 from 404 Google reviews. Check opening hours and prices before you go.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 13 hours ago

Restaurant near the Observatory Health Sciences campus. Rated 4.8 from 404 Google reviews. Check opening hours and prices before you go.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 13 hours ago

CAFE 51

Woodstock

Family Restaurant near the Observatory Health Sciences campus. Rated 4.4 from 366 Google reviews. Check opening hours and prices before you go.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 13 hours ago

Greek Restaurant near the Observatory Health Sciences campus. Rated 4.6 from 350 Google reviews. Check opening hours and prices before you go.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 13 hours ago

Restaurant near the Upper Campus Rondebosch campus. Rated 4.3 from 260 Google reviews. Check opening hours and prices before you go.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 13 hours ago

Restaurant near the Observatory Health Sciences campus. Rated 4.7 from 181 Google reviews. Check opening hours and prices before you go.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 13 hours ago

CRUST Bakery

Rondebosch

Bakery near the Upper Campus Rondebosch campus. Rated 4.8 from 113 Google reviews. Check opening hours and prices before you go.

Comments
VarsityStart team · 13 hours ago

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