The Most Delicious Salads in Cape Town

Let me introduce you to the top 10 salads in town that will satisfy your cravings.

Salads have come a long way from the simple greens and dressing combination. Chefs have evolved the art of salad-making, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create gourmet masterpieces. They experiment with unique flavor combinations and surprise you with their creativity. Allow me to suggest some of the most delectable options…

1. Gourmet Waldorf Salad at Osumo

What’s in it: Lettuce, rosa tomatoes, celery, apple, mozzarella, goji berries, walnuts in a tangy dressing.

Cost: R57.

What I love: This salad puts a healthy spin on a classic dish, and the goji berries give it a tangy kick. But I do wish they would roast the walnuts.

X-factor: The combination of the sweet apple and the creamy dressing is absolutely delicious.

Note: Unfortunately, this salad is no longer on the menu, but if you ask for it, they’ll happily make it for you.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm, Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

Contact: You can reach them at 021 683 0353 or cavendish@osumo.co.za.

Location: It’s located on Dreyer Street in Claremont, Cape Town.

Guess what’s in this delightful salad at the Babylonstoren’s garden-to-table restaurant. Brace yourself for a medley of flavors, starting with edible flowers, followed by a carpaccio of pineapple, grilled and fresh sweet corn, fresh butternut, granadilla, carrots, and papino. And the dressing? A tantalizing blend of citrus, cinnamon, and medjool dates. Talk about a burst of freshness!

But that’s not all. What sets this salad apart is that every single ingredient comes straight from the restaurant’s very own eight-acre garden. You can’t get any fresher than that!

Now, here’s the X-factor. The star of the show is the papino, citrus, cinnamon, and medjool-date dressing. Trust me, you won’t find this mouthwatering combination anywhere else.

When can you visit? The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday, and they start serving at 8:30 am.

How can you get there? Just make your way to Babylonstoren in Franschhoek. If you need to get in touch, their number is 021 863 3852.

Image Credit: Figs Flowers Food

3. Salad Buffet, Olami – previously Sababa Kitchen & Deli, Bree Street

Let me tell you about the amazing salad options you can find in Cape Town. One of my favorites is the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern buffet at Tal Smith’s restaurant. She prepares 12 different salads every day, each bursting with incredible flavors. The best part? You can choose three salads for just R50 or four salads for R65.

What makes Tal Smith’s salads so special? For starters, the variety is impressive. You’ll find a range of options to cater to different tastes. But what really sets these salads apart is their freshness. Every ingredient is carefully selected and prepared to perfection.

If you’re looking for a standout salad, I highly recommend trying the brinjal and tahini salad. The combination of flavors is simply divine. Another must-try is the seared fillet. It’s cooked to perfection and pairs perfectly with the other salad ingredients.

Tal Smith’s restaurant is open from Monday to Friday, between 7am and 4pm. If you’re craving falafels, Thursday evenings are the perfect time to visit as they serve them from 6pm to 9pm. For more information or to make a reservation, you can reach them at 021 424 7480. The restaurant is conveniently located at Olami Cape Town.

Another fantastic salad option in Cape Town is the Warm Crunchy Quinoa Salad at Four & Twenty Café and Pantry.

This salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The crispy pan-fried quinoa, griddled chorizo, paprika and ginger-dusted calamari, green chili, fennel, orange segments, caramelized apples, toasted almonds, fresh rocket, and lime dressing create a symphony of taste in your mouth. And if you’re vegetarian, you can simply leave off the chorizo and calamari.

What sets this salad apart is that it’s served warm, which is a nice change of pace from traditional cold salads. The warmth enhances the flavors and makes it even more satisfying.

Four & Twenty Café and Pantry is not just a regular café. It’s also a pantry run by two highly skilled Cordon Bleus chefs. They offer a range of fresh daily pastries and hand-crafted confectionery that are simply divine.

The café is open from Tuesday to Saturday, between 8am and 5pm. The hot kitchen is open from 8:30am to 3:30pm. On Sundays, the café is open from 9am to 4pm, with the hot kitchen closing at 2:30pm.

If you’re planning to visit Four & Twenty Café and Pantry, keep in mind that reservations are required for tables of six or more. However, they don’t accept reservations on Saturdays. To get in touch, call them at 021 762 0975. You’ll find the café in Wynberg.

5. Tabbouleh & Halloumi Salad, Tashas

What’s inside Bulgar wheat, fresh tomato, mint, parsley, red onion, lemon, olive oil, lettuce and micro greens, grilled halloumi and baby marrows. Everything finely chopped so that no single flavor overpowers another.

Price R72 (half), R94 (full)

Why we love it Tashas’ ingredients are delivered fresh every morning, so you can be sure you’re getting top-notch quality. Plus, they serve generous portions of halloumi and offer a half portion for when you’re not too hungry.

X-factor Every bite bursts with freshness. Each salad is made to order, and even the herbs are sliced fresh for each dish.

Open hours

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 7am – 9pm
• Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 7am – 10pm
• Sundays and public holidays: 8am – 9pm

Contact 021 794 5449

Location Tashas, Constantia

6. Delicious Seared Tuna Niçoise at Sotano

Hey there! Have you ever tried seared tuna Niçoise? If you haven’t, let me tell you all about this mouth-watering dish that Sotano has to offer.

Picture this: a perfectly seared piece of tuna, cooked to perfection. It’s tender and juicy on the inside, with a flavorful crust on the outside. This dish is all about the balance of flavors and textures.

Just imagine taking a bite of the seared tuna and feeling the explosion of flavors in your mouth. The richness of the tuna is complemented by the freshness of the vegetables. You’ve got vibrant green beans, ripe cherry tomatoes, and briny olives, all coming together in perfect harmony.

But that’s not all. Sotano takes this classic dish to the next level by adding their own twist. They use a tangy mustard vinaigrette to dress the salad, giving it an extra punch of flavor. It’s the perfect contrast to the richness of the tuna.

When you try the seared tuna Niçoise at Sotano, you can expect a culinary experience like no other. Every bite is a burst of delightful flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. And the best part? You don’t have to be a food connoisseur to appreciate it. This dish is accessible to everyone.

So, if you’re looking for a truly memorable dining experience, I highly recommend giving the seared tuna Niçoise at Sotano a try. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked. Don’t miss out on this incredible dish that will elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. Book your table at Sotano today and get ready to indulge in a culinary masterpiece.

Image Credit: Newmark Hotels

What’s in it: Seared tuna, new baby potatoes, green beans, olives, poached egg.
Cost: R99
What I love: This salad takes a modern and simple approach to a traditional classic.
What makes it special: You won’t find any tinned tuna here; instead, the salad is made with fresh fish that tastes as if it just came out of the sea. Plus, you get to enjoy a stunning view of the Mouille Point promenade and the beautiful ocean beyond.
When can I have it: You can enjoy this salad every day of the week, from 7am to 10.30pm.
How can I get it: Contact Sotano at 021 433 1757 or book your table through DinePlan.
Where is it: You can find this delicious salad at Sotano, located in Mouille Point.

7. Powerhouse Salad, Nü

Image Credit: Nü

What’s in it: This salad is made with roasted beetroot, red onion, feta, avocado, sweet corn, celery, rosa tomatoes, toasted sesame seeds, alfalfa sprouts, and a homemade lemon-and-olive-oil dressing.
Cost: It is priced at R52.
What we love: We truly appreciate the fact that each salad is served with its nutritional information.
X-factor: The beetroot in this salad is prepared in a way that makes it crunchy and absolutely delicious.
Opening hours: The restaurant is open from Monday to Friday, from 7am to 7pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 7.30am to 7pm.
Contact: For more information or to place an order, you can call them at 021 439 7269.
Location: You can find this salad at Nü Sea Point.

8. Salad of the day, Plant Café Vegan Restaurant