When the wind picks up and the clouds roll in, Cape Town turns from sun-soaked to snug—and honestly, it’s kind of magical. There’s something deeply comforting about retreating into a warm space, settling into a couch or corner booth, and feeling the flicker of firelight while the world carries on outside.
From wine bars tucked away in vineyards to city eateries designed for long, lingering evenings, here are five of our favourite spots to get toasty in the Mother City.
1. Aubergine Restaurant
Fine dining meets fireplace comfort at Aubergine, a Cape Town institution that manages to be elegant without ever feeling cold or stuffy. The softly lit interior, with its dark wooden beams and crackling fire, is a warm contrast to the winter chill outside.
While the menu shifts with the seasons, expect inventive dishes with a global touch—from Karoo lamb to Cape seafood, all beautifully plated. The wine list is also award-winning and full of local gems.
This is the kind of place where you linger over dessert, sip something red and silky, and feel like time’s slowed down in the best possible way.
Note: Aubergine is closed for lunch during the winter period, so don’t count on spending the afternoon there!
Location: 39 Barnet Street, Gardens
2. The Leopard Bar
Perched between mountain and sea, the Leopard Bar is a winter favourite thanks to its plush armchairs, panoramic views, and roaring fireplace that’s always going when the chill sets in.
By day, it’s a great spot for high tea or a scenic coffee. But come evening, the fire takes centre stage. Pair that with one of their signature cocktails or a glass of bubbly, and it’s hard to beat for date night or post-hike wind-down.
And if you’re lucky enough to catch one of those clear winter sunsets from the balcony, you’ll be warm inside and out.
Location: Victoria Road, Camps Bay
3.Café Paradiso
Café Paradiso is the kind of place that wraps you up like a blanket. Housed in a heritage building with wooden floors, vintage details, and a blazing hearth in the centre of the main room, it’s the definition of cosy.
The menu leans toward Mediterranean comfort food like pastas, risottos, and rich meat dishes. And the vibe is super relaxed. There’s no pressure to rush, so grab a table near the fire and let your afternoon or evening unfold slowly.
It’s ideal for casual catch-ups or solo book-and-a-glass-of-wine missions. And yes, their cake game is strong.
Location: 110 Kloof Street, Gardens
4. The Wine Lounge at Culture Wine Bar
Hidden above Heritage Square, Culture Wine Bar is a must for wine lovers looking to escape the cold. Inside, the vibe is low-lit and intimate, with a fireplace that keeps things toasty and couches that beg you to sink in and stay awhile.
The curated selection focuses on boutique and natural wines, mostly local, and the staff are more than happy to guide you if you’re not sure where to start.
This is more than just a bar—it’s a proper wine experience. One with velvet seats, good music, and the kind of atmosphere you’ll want to bottle up and take home.
Location: 103 Bree Street, CBD
5. Rick’s Café Américain
A Cape Town classic with Casablanca-inspired décor and bags of character, Rick’s Café Américain feels like walking into an old friend’s home… if that friend had great taste in cocktails and a fireplace that never goes out.
They’ve recently relocated to a stunning heritage building, with multiple fireplaces dotted throughout the space. Whether you’re posted up in the main bar, on a cosy couch in the lounge, or in one of the quiet corners upstairs, the whole place just oozes warmth.
The menu is global, the drinks are strong, and the mood is always just right.
Location: 103 Kloof Street, Gardens
Cosy Nights Start at O’Two Hotel
After a fireside meal or drinks in town, there’s nothing better than returning to the plush comfort of O’Two Hotel. Whether you’re soaking in the views from your suite, enjoying a nightcap on the rooftop deck, or slipping into bed after a long day of exploring, O’Two is your luxurious home base through Cape Town’s cooler months.
Winter might mean fewer beach days, but it brings a charm all its own—one that smells like woodsmoke, tastes like red wine, and feels like cashmere.
So lean into it. Get cosy.
