Camps Bay, a stunning part of the Western Cape, is experiencing a significant culinary boom. Over the past year, several new restaurants and cafes have opened, attracting both residents and visitors. These new establishments are diversifying the dining scene, creating jobs within the community, and enhancing Camps Bay's appeal as a vibrant place to live and visit.
Camps Bay's Taste Buds Are Tingling: Fresh Flavours Arrive!
The number of new places that have opened in Camps Bay lately is remarkable. The dining landscape now extends beyond traditional seafood and Mediterranean options. Local business owners report a strong demand for diverse food experiences. The Camps Bay Times has reported that this wave of new businesses indicates a buzzing local economy. The arrival of these new establishments is creating excitement.
One of the notable new spots is 'The Spice Route Eatery', which opened its doors on Victoria Road in late 2025. It offers contemporary South African food with an Asian twist, and has become popular due to its creative menu and lively atmosphere. Mr. Thabo Mkhize, co-owner of The Spice Route Eatery, stated, "We saw an opportunity to bring something truly different to Camps Bay. Our goal is to celebrate local ingredients while exploring global flavours, providing guests with a unique food adventure." He also confirmed that the eatery has created 15 full-time and 10 part-time jobs since its inception.
Another addition is 'Café Aurora', a charming coffee shop and patisserie that launched early in 2026 on Beach Road. It caters to those who appreciate artisanal coffee, fresh pastries, and light lunches. Many of its ingredients are sourced from other Western Cape producers. Ms. Lena van der Merwe, owner of Café Aurora, shared, "Camps Bay residents truly appreciate quality and good craftsmanship. The welcome received has been positive, and it is clear people desired a special place to enjoy amazing coffee and pastries in a relaxed setting." Café Aurora employs eight staff members, predominantly from the local neighbourhood.
These new establishments are part of a broader trend of food innovation in Camps Bay, with other smaller cafes and specialty food shops also emerging. This development is not merely about expanding food options; it is about strengthening and invigorating the community, according to local officials. It represents a collective effort for a better Camps Bay.
Supporting Local: Where Food Comes From
The origin of ingredients is a significant focus for many new eateries. The Spice Route Eatery, for example, sources 80% of its fresh produce from farms within 100 kilometres of Camps Bay. This practice benefits local farmers and ensures money circulates within the Western Cape. This commitment to local supply chains strengthens the regional economy and promotes sustainable business practices.
Good News for the Economy: Jobs and Growth!
The expansion of Camps Bay's food scene is having a tangible, positive impact on the local economy. New restaurants and cafes generate employment opportunities for chefs, waiters, suppliers, and administrative staff. The Camps Bay Business Forum estimates that approximately 50 new jobs have been created in the hospitality sector over the last year, directly attributable to these new ventures. These businesses are thriving even with the occasional City of Cape Town electricity updates.
Mr. Robert Petersen, a spokesperson for the Camps Bay Business Forum, elaborated on the wider implications. "These diverse new eateries do not just create jobs; they also attract more visitors to Camps Bay, leading to increased foot traffic and patronage for other local businesses, such as shops and guesthouses. This creates a positive ripple effect throughout the local economy," Mr. Petersen said. He noted that the forum has observed a 10% increase in overall business activity in the area, with a significant portion of that growth attributed to improved dining options. Meanwhile, the latest Cape Town water dam levels indicate a healthy supply, which is beneficial for businesses.
Furthermore, these new businesses often choose to procure from local suppliers, supporting Western Cape farmers, fishermen, and artisans. The Spice Route Eatery, for instance, sources most of its produce locally. This commitment to local supply chains further strengthens the regional economy and promotes sustainable business practices.
Community Embraces More Choices
The community's reaction to these new food options has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents are enjoying the increased variety and quality of dining establishments in Camps Bay. The Promenade is noticeably more vibrant. Ms. Sarah Jenkins, a long-time resident of Camps Bay, told the Camps Bay Times, "It is wonderful to have so many new places to try. Previously, we often had to travel to The Waterfront or further into the city for specific cuisines. Now, Camps Bay itself is becoming a food hotspot! The Spice Route Eatery's lamb curry is exceptional, and Café Aurora has become a regular stop for my morning coffee." Ms. Jenkins also observed that these new spots have made evenings feel much more lively.
Another resident, Mr. David Botha, highlighted the increased convenience and enjoyment. "The diversity is fantastic. My family and I enjoy trying different places each week. It means more choice and less travel, which is a significant advantage for families like ours." Mr. Botha specifically mentioned the family-friendly nature of many new cafes, making them suitable for all ages. It is pleasant to see Table Mountain from a favourite new coffee spot.
Looking ahead, the Camps Bay food scene is expected to continue its growth and improvement. The success of these initial establishments is likely to encourage further investment and variety, solidifying Camps Bay's reputation as a dynamic and attractive place for both residents and tourists seeking top-notch dining. The Camps Bay Business Forum predicts another 5% growth in the hospitality sector next year, building on this excitement. This continued growth will make the area even stronger and culturally richer.
Camps Bay: More Than Just a Pretty View
These new culinary spots are not just about offering more food; they are about making Camps Bay even more appealing as a destination. The wide range of food, from modern South African dishes to delicious artisanal coffee and pastries, attracts diverse visitors and residents. This enhances the area's competitiveness within the Western Cape's bustling tourism market. It is not just the stunning sunsets or the consistent electricity supply that draws people here anymore.
Tourism experts suggest that destinations with unique and high-quality food experiences tend to attract tourists who stay longer and spend more. The increased variety in Camps Bay's dining scene significantly contributes to this appeal. The Western Cape Tourism Board recently highlighted Camps Bay as a key area for food tourism, citing recent community developments as a primary reason. This demonstrates the importance of these new businesses, not only for the local economy but also for positioning Camps Bay as a significant player in regional tourism. Even when the Cape Doctor wind blows, the restaurants remain busy.
The ongoing investment in the food sector also reflects confidence in Camps Bay's future as a vibrant, liveable community. This confidence, shared by both local business owners and community leaders, reinforces the positive direction the area is heading. Camps Bay's transformation into a more diverse food hub is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit within the community and its commitment to offering quality experiences. Local is truly excellent.
-- Originally published on PR Daddy (https://prdaddy.com).
