Are you tired of all the same old restaurants day in and day out? Well, there’s no better time than now to break out of your rut and try something new! Cape Town is home to some arbitrary and amazing restaurants that really break boundaries – a “must try” – ESPECIALLY for those who live so close by. Here are some great restaurants “with a twist” to try in the mother City:

I Love My Laundry

“I Love My Laundry” is South Africa’s first destination Laundromat – one that combines several business ventures under one roof. Not your usual “run of the mill” Laundromat, “I Love My Laundry” combines a laundry service, a coffee shop, a wine distribution agent, as well as an art gallery to provide Cape Town with a completely unique concept to something usually so. very. ordinary. Although it only opened in March 2012, it’s already brimming with loyal customers from far and wide who seek the individuality of its services.

While walking past, you may mistake it for just another trendy Cape Town café, but inside you will find something exceptional. First and foremost, a Laundromat with a difference – here you can get your things washed, ironed, and dried with organic products, and there are 15 seamstresses waiting to do any alterations you may need. All services are tailored to the customer, so if you are picky about the way you fold your socks, rest assured that they will have it covered.  As co-owner, Clayton Howard so aptly puts it: “We’ll do your laundry the way you like it, the way your mother probably did it for years”. While waiting for your laundry, enjoy a cup of the best Brazilian coffee at “Joga Joga Café”, and if you’re into the Chinese delicacy, Dim Sum, you can get your fix here from 7am to 7pm. They have an incredible special – 8 pieces of Dim Sum, a cup of coffee or a glass of wine for R40. Priding itself as a wine distributor, “I Love My Laundry” also offers “I Love My Wine” which provides delicious blends of wine at cellar door prices.

Pop by on Wednesday evenings for the weekly “laundry parties” where you can enjoy free wine tasting and food pairing. These parties serve as a launching pad for local artists who are encouraged to display their products. Currently, there’s a mix of colourful canvases, charcoal etchings, and designer cushions on display. With such diversity out there today, “I Love My Laundry” is somewhat revolutionary – a notch above the rest.

You will find “I Love My Laundry” at 59 Buitengracht Street, Heritage Square in the Cape Town CBD. For more information, call 084 660 0777. Need a place to stay? Ailsa’s Apartment is a lovely self-catering apartment nearby. Click here for more information.

The Bombay Bicycle Club

This bustling restaurant is the oldest gentleman’s club in the world and offers a bit of “Cape Town Crazy”. Here you can step into another (circus-like) world, with a little too much of everything – from bedazzled tigers, to frames, trumpets, antiques, and whatever you can imagine hanging from the ceilings or poking out from behind the indoor plants. This is The Bombay Bicycle Club, Cape Town’s bohemian den where pretty much ANYTHING is possible. Created by Madam Zingara and Jonny Cavanaugh, the Bombay is a “representation of our colourful history and an expression of our eclectic past” – a place where you are expected to “let your hair down and stay up way past your bedtime”.

It’s really something special with a relaxed atmosphere, colourfully cluttered interior, and friendly waiters who are all dressed for the part. Whether you dine placidly on the mezzanine level, or prefer the bustling downstairs dining or bar area, you are always guaranteed a good time. The food is reasonably priced – you can try the unusual kataifi-wrapped prawns served with apricot sweet chili sauce, or the filo pastries stuffed with spinach, chicken and mozzarella with a creamy wild mushroom sauce. For desert, the fried chocolate-filled cigars with ice cream are a no-brainer. If you’d like a couple of drinks to make you merry, make sure you’re here between 4pm and 6pm (or after 10pm) for Happy Hour.

You will find The Bombay Bicycle Club at 158 Kloof Street, in Gardens. For more information, call 021 423 6805. Need a place to stay? Ashanti Gardens is a superb guest house in the vicinity. Click here for more information.

On a Roll Dog Kitchen

If you’re looking for somewhere fun and unique to eat, you’re in luck – On a Roll is one of the funkiest restaurants in the Southern Suburbs. They have taken a step away from “fine dining” and moved towards “fun dining” with great value for money. Here you can sit back and enjoy the bustling atmosphere while you await your order from “Dog Kitchen”.

There are 14 gourmet hotdogs to choose from such as the “German Shepherd” – Bockwurst Sausage with German mustard, Granny Smith apple and sauerkraut; the “Puppy” – a small wiener with a double dose of tomato sauce; the “Naked” – a wiener flying solo with caramelised onion; and the “Thoroughbred” – Rosemary and pepper-dew beef sausage with pepper-dew aioli. Each hotdog is served with fries, chilli and garlic paste, gherkin relish, and Portuguese Prego sauce. If an adventurous hotdog won’t fill you, there are a variety of sides such as roast veggies and salads to add to the mix. After dinner, why not try a funky “Killer Shake” – vodka with a choice of hazelnut, cherry or ginger liqueur?

A jukebox playing Golden Oldies from the 50s, 60s, and 70s adds to the vibey atmosphere, and the foosball tables provide hours of fun – great for working off that hotdog! If you love the place so much you don’t want to leave – you can host your party or function here too. “On a Roll” is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 12pm to late, and on Sundays from 12pm “until the chef’s had enough beer”.

You will find “On a Roll” at 78 Durban Road in Little Mowbray. For more information, call 084 660 0777. Need a place to stay? Medindi Manor is a wonderful B&B in the area. Click here for more information.

With such unusual restaurants available in Cape Town, there’s no reason dining should be a bore! Let us know your favourite funky spots to eat out.

Main and Third Image – The Bombay Bicycle Club Website

Second Image – I Love my Laundry Facebook Page

Fourth Image-  On a Roll Website