Rodwell House

Local restaurants

Live Bait on Kalk Bay’s harbour (+27 (0)21 788 5755) is a fantastic seafood restaurant with a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Ask for a corner table overlooking the sea. Harbour House is another good bet for fresh fish; it’s just above Live Bait. At 134 Main Road, Olympia Café in Kalk Bay (+27 (0)21 788 6396) is a tiny, bustling eatery. Don't be deterred by its humble appearance – it's hugely characterful and popular. You might have to queue for a table, but it's well worth it for the fresh ingredients and fantastic bread baked on site by chef Kenneth McClarty.

Local bars

In Kalk Bay, The Polana restaurant on the harbour (+27 (0)21 788 7162) has huge windows overlooking the wave-lashed rocks. It has a very chilled-out bar area with big leather sofas that’s a favourite with cocktail-sipping, backgammon-playing locals. Have a few Portuguese-influenced starters and an eyeful of ocean for mains (or nip next door to Live Bait for dinner).

Local cafes

The surfers, bikers and ageing rockers at 1960s hangout Muizenberg Village make stopping at one of the little ice-cream bars and cafés a people-watching dream come true.

For a full list of eating and drinking recommendations in Cape Town, check out our Cape Town eating & drinking guide

Worth getting out of bed for

Rodwell House co-owner Robin will take time to get to know you, and suggest activities and sights that you’ll really enjoy. A fairly obvious thing to begin with would be a tour of his amazing cellar and some wine-tasting classes.

You’re right on the coast – Muizenberg, Fishhoek and Dalebrook beaches are all close – so swimming, kayaking, body-boarding and kite surfing are on offer nearby (all the relevant kit can be hired locally).

You could potter down to Kalk Bay and poke about in the little crafts and antiques shops, or try birdwatching in Rodwell House’s gardens or in one of two local bird sanctuaries. Walk a little down the coast and swim in the remarkable tidal rock pools at Dalebrooke – if you want, Rodwell House can arrange for a marine biologist to come with you and talk you through the secret life of the sea; honestly, it’s fascinating. Or just ask for a picnic and take that along instead.

Stretch your legs and enjoy the spectacular view from the top of Table Mountain. There are many routes up, but the route from Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (+27 (0)21 799 8783) will make you glad you huffed and puffed your way up there.

For a full list of recommended activities in Cape Town, check out our Cape Town destination guide