by GarethWhen visiting a new city, food is one of the best ways to experience its culture. For international travellers exploring our beautiful Mother City, finding a place that offers history, authentic South African dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere can feel like striking gold. That’s where Foresters Arms, affectionately known as Forries, steps in. With a heritage stretching back to 1852, a warm community feel, and a menu that caters to all tastes, Forries is a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike. If you’re looking for the best dining in Cape Town, this Newlands gem offers everything you need: hearty meals, vegetarian and gluten-friendly options, beer on tap, alcohol-free drinks, and one of the city’s most loved beer gardens.
The Heritage Behind Forries
Few restaurants can claim such a rich history as Forries. Established in 1852, it has stood the test of time as one of Cape Town’s oldest pubs. Its enduring appeal lies in more than just food and drink. It is the sense of community and tradition that radiates from the wooden interiors, cosy fireplaces, and leafy outdoor spaces. Travellers searching for authentic experiences will find themselves part of a long-standing Cape Town story when they dine here.
The Best Dining in Cape Town with Steaks, Vegetarian Choices, and Gluten-Friendly Options
When it comes to food, Foresters Arms has something for everyone. If you’re on the hunt for the best steak in Cape Town, Forries’ grill menu is sure to satisfy. Perfectly seared cuts, paired with sides like crispy chips or fresh vegetables, make it a steak-lover’s dream. But what sets us apart is our intentional inclusivity. Vegetarians can opt for dishes like the Forries omelette or fresh salads bursting with seasonal ingredients. Those avoiding gluten will also find options to suit their needs, ensuring nobody is left out of the feast. This thoughtful balance is part of why we continue to stand out among tourists searching for the most versatile dining spots.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Forries
One of the reasons Forries is loved by tourists is because of our extensive opening hours, making it easy to slot into any exciting itinerary. Whether you’re heading out for a morning hike or winding down after sightseeing, there’s always a great meal waiting. Breakfast is a particular highlight, with options like flapjacks drizzled in maple syrup, salmon benedict with poached eggs and hollandaise, or fresh avocado toast with chilli and lime. It’s the perfect fuel before a day of exploring.
At midday, visitors can enjoy hearty plates that cement us as offering the best lunch in Cape Town – think crisp salads, burgers, and pizzas perfect for sharing. By evening, the menu shifts into comfort mode with wood-fired grills, hearty steaks, heartier vegetarian options, and many other gluten-friendly dishes that make it clear why this spot is consistently recommended for travellers with some of the best food in Cape Town.
We are open on:
Monday: 11H30 – 23H00
Tuesday: 11H30 – 23H00
Wednesday: 11H30 – 23H00
Thursday: 11H30 – 23H00
Friday: 11H30 – 00H00
Saturday: 09H00 – 23H00
Sunday: 09H00 – 21H00
Beer on Tap, Alcohol-Free Drinks, and the Outdoor Beer Garden
No visit to Forries is complete without stepping into our stunning outdoor beer garden. Beneath towering shady trees, the garden is alive with conversation, laughter, and the clink of glasses. Here, you can savour a wide range of beers on tap, from crisp lagers to bold ales, giving you a true taste of South African brewing culture.
For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, there are plenty of options too. Alcohol-free beers, creative mocktails, craft sodas, fresh juices, and a full coffee and tea menu mean everyone can enjoy something refreshing. This combination of choice and atmosphere makes us one of the good places to eat in Cape Town if you’re looking for an establishment that ticks all the boxes.
The Best Dining Spot in Cape Town for Atmosphere and Community
Food and drink are just part of the story; atmosphere is what makes a restaurant memorable. Foresters Arms shines here, offering an environment where tourists can instantly feel at home. In winter, the crackling fireplaces make it a cosy escape from the cool Cape evenings, while in balmy summer, the beer garden becomes a lively hub filled with families, students, and groups of friends. The big screens that broadcast live sports add to the energy, while quieter corners provide space for those wanting to experience the action from a quieter corner. It’s no wonder that visitors often describe us as one of the best restaurants in Cape Town for our unique balance of tradition and vibrancy.
Forries as Part of the Best Restaurants in Cape Town South Africa
The city is filled with culinary gems, but Forries has secured its place as one of the best restaurants in Cape Town South Africa thanks to our heritage, consistent quality, and the warm welcome we extend to every guest. While many restaurants cater exclusively to either locals or tourists, Forries is a rare place where both groups naturally come together. It’s the kind of restaurant that travellers talk about long after their trip, not just because of the food, but because of the experience of being part of the Cape Town community.
Best Restaurants in Cape Town with a View: Why Forries is Unique
Cape Town is known for its scenic beauty, and Forries is perfectly placed to complement it. Nestled in green, leafy Newlands, it sits at the foot of Table Mountain and within easy reach of Newlands Forest. Guests can relax in the beer garden, soaking up the views of towering trees and mountain slopes. For this reason, it holds its own among the best restaurants in Cape Town with a view, blending natural surroundings with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
From Day to Night: Best Dinner in Cape Town at Forries
As the sun dips behind Table Mountain, Forries transforms from a bustling day spot to a cosy evening destination. Visitors looking for the best dinner in Cape Town will find it here: think sizzling steaks, wood-fired pizzas, comforting pub classics, and lighter meals for those who prefer something different. In winter, the fireplaces set the tone for intimate meals, while in summer, the garden buzzes with laughter and the clinking of glasses. From romantic dinners to large group celebrations, Forries captures the spirit of Cape Town dining at its best.
Experience the best at Forries
For international travellers, dining at Forries offers a chance to savour authentic South African food, sip a cold beer (or a creative alcohol-free alternative), and enjoy the lively yet welcoming atmosphere of a true Cape Town institution. Whether you’re here for breakfast before a hike, a long lazy lunch in the garden, or a hearty dinner by the fire, Forries is where heritage, community, and flavour come together. If you’re searching for the best dining in Cape Town, look no further. This is where your authentic local experience begins. Book your table today on our Dineplan site.
