General Business Links

Carne SA

Vegetarians might want to avoid Carne which is of course Italian for meat (also, physical needs and desires - coincidence? We don't think so). Some people get squeamish, but for carnivores, the show and tell platters of the different and more unusual cuts available, like hanger steak, are helpful and could lead to you ordering something other than the usual filler or...

Savoy Cabbage

This is a great place for gracious fine dining without the stuffiness — the double volume space seamlessly fuses cabbage motifs and chandeliers with steel and exposed wall. The menu changes often but what remains constant is a dedication to sublime flavour combinations and an emphasis on meaty dishes, with lots of game. The signature tomato tart is legendary - all sweet...

Bizerca Bistro

Run by French chef Laurent Deslandes and his South African-born wife Cyrillia, this bistro burst onto the local restaurant scene two years ago and has been consistently scooping up awards ever since. Laurent's focus is on traditional French bistro fare, which changes seasonally, and he is already famous for his signature dish of pig trotters, shredded and parcelled in...

The Rainbow Experience

This lovely store's design is dedicated to the life and struggles of Nelson Mandela. Here you will find everything from South African writing to leather handbags, jewellery, be ad work, paintings, clothes and more. It's the perfect place to buy souvenirs to take back home, or to find something special for yourself- It's also the perfect opportunity to give something back...

Loud on Long

Pop by this trendy little local-loving shop for goodies that are not just your run-of-the-mill, tacky curios. What originally started as a music store is now a hip haven of Afro streetwear and designer crafts (with a focus on goods made from recycled materials), but you'll also find a selection of local tunes. Look out for the surreal greeting gards and stock up on cheeky...

African Image

You’ll find all types of African craft at this emporium – everything from rubber chickens to tin cars, photographic prints and township-inspired keepsakes. But if you're looking for more valuable keepsakes and collectibles, you will most certainly find them here. Just ask owner Harry Sithole: he has a wealth of knowledge about what is hip and happening on the continent....

African Music Store

For a taste of the sounds that rock the continent, head for this fascinating store that celebrates South African sounds along with a myriad artists from around Africa. A great stop if you're looking for a souvenir that won't take up a lot of space. Hours: 9.00am-6.00pm Mon-Fri; 9.00am-2.00pm Sat.

African Women's Trading Market

This authentic market is awash with African crafts, trinkets and collectibles — from jewellery to masks, carvings and drums. Look out for sculptures to take home, tin toys and ornaments and cloths from further up north too. Hours: 9.00am-8.00pm daily. No: Credit Cards are accepted.

210 on Long

Combining fair trade and independent retail principles, this charming little shopping precinct is a feel- and do-good destination. At shops like the much-loved local label Hemporium to places like the Imba Yehvu Art Initiative and Beer Monkey, with its cheeky tees, shoppers help small businesses realise their potential. Hours: 10.00am-6.00pm Mon-Fri; 10.00am-4.00pm Sat.

The Long Street Antique Arcade

This wiggly windy 'mall' plays host to a myriad different antiques and collectibles stores bearing a diverse range of potential gifts ranging from maritime ephemera to books, jewellery, crystal glassware and crockery. There's pretty silverware and porcelain knick-knacks - so all magpies out there beware! On Fridays the market outside adds an extra bargain-hunting element...

Rhubarb Room

For quality decor, fashion and lifestyle spoils, often with a romantic or country edge, visit this lovely store situated on the edge of the Bo-Kaap, easily recognizable for its cheerful red and white striped awning, look out for items from pretty scented candles to wonky edged ceramics, beribboned jars of bath salts and vintage stationery. A good stop if you're shopping...

Imagenius

This through-the-looking-glass type space is crammed full of owner Jacqui Hunter's delightful finds — from turn-the-key collectible tin animals to hand-hewn ceramics, Tord Boontje flatpack metal garlands, jewellery by top local talents and kitsch and quirky doodads to make you smile. A Long Street delight! Hours: 9.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri; 9.30am-1.30pm Sat.

Church

The owners and crew at this zany shop on historical Church Square believe in the old adage: ‘A change is as good as a holiday’. Set up by a renowned local design group and owned by Peet Pienaar and Hannerie Visser, this gift shop is no run-of-the-mill. Catering for a large range of people, their stock is widely sourced and guaranteed to surprise. They also change the look...

Avoova

Enjoying prime location on the corner of Shortmarket and Bree, this shop showcases the A fro-contemporary creations of Cape- and Karoo-based artists and designers, most notably intricate, mosaic pieces made with shards of ostrich egg shells salvaged from farmers. Hours: 9.00am-5.00pm Mon-Fri; 9.00am-1.00pm Sat.

Mali South

If a taste of Africa is what you want to inject into your wardrobe, then make a beeline for this authentic store where bespoke suits, shirts and ensembles are made up for you in a slew of Malian fabrics by Meiga abdulaye and his team. Plain shirts take 24 hours tocomplete while you’re looking at around two or three days if you'd like one embroidered.