Mama Africa

Mama Africa has been part of the Long Street scene for many years, and it remains one of the city centre's most lively places to eat. Long Street is Cape Town's best-known nightlife strip, lined with Victorian buildings with wrought-iron balconies, bars, backpacker hostels and restaurants, and Mama Africa sits in the middle of the action.

The kitchen cooks pan-African food, and game is the main reason many visitors come. The menu includes springbok, kudu, ostrich, crocodile, zebra, eland and goat, often served as grills or as mixed platters for sharing, alongside curries, stews and more familiar dishes for anyone less adventurous. A platter is a good way for a group to try several meats in one sitting.

Music is the other half of the experience. A resident band performs live marimba, drumming and dance every night, starting at 19:00, and the atmosphere becomes noisy and festive as the evening goes on. It is not the place for a quiet conversation, but it suits groups of friends, families with older children and visitors who want a sociable, energetic night out.

Mama Africa opens every day from 12:00 until midnight, and the kitchen closes at 23:00. For the full atmosphere, book a table for after 19:00 through the reservations link on the website or by sending a WhatsApp message to the restaurant's number. Read the booking and cancellation policy on the website, particularly for larger groups. Allow two to three hours if you want to enjoy the music properly.

Long Street is busy at night, with plenty of bars nearby if you want to continue the evening, but it is best to take a taxi or ride-hailing service to and from your hotel rather than walking long distances after dark. During the day, the street is also worth exploring for its architecture, shops and cafés, and Greenmarket Square and the Bo-Kaap are within walking distance.

Game meat is leaner than beef and is generally best cooked no further than medium so that it stays tender. If you are unsure, ask the staff how each meat is best prepared, or choose a mixed platter to compare several at once.