National Grilled Cheese Day is an unofficial food holiday observed on 12 April each year. It is a day dedicated to celebrating and indulging in the beloved toastie.
National Grilled Cheese Day is a day to appreciate the simplicity and deliciousness of this classic sandwich, whether you prefer a classic or a gourmet version.
Here are 10 local eateries that are ideal for celebrating National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day in Cape Town:
1. Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room
Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room is a well-known restaurant in Cape Town, South Africa.
It provides a modern and chic dining experience that is inspired by both local and international cuisine. The restaurant is well-known for its welcoming atmosphere, which is reflected in the pared-down decor and friendly service.
The menu includes a variety of dishes ranging from classic favourites to modern twists on traditional recipes, but for this special occasion, toasted cheese and tomato soup are a must.
- Location: 133 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
- Times: Monday, 7am to 4pm | Tuesday to Friday: 7am to 10pm | Saturday, 8am to 10pm | Sunday, 8am to 3pm
- Contact: 087 470 0165 | info@manfood.co.za
- Website: clarkesdining.co.za
2. Kleinsky’s Delicatessen
Kleinsky’s Delicatessen is a popular Jewish-style deli in Cape Town’s Sea Point neighbourhood. It is a family-run establishment that specialises in traditional Jewish fares such as bagels, lox and pastrami sandwiches.
Kleinsky’s Delicatessen is known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, making it ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely brunch with friends.
Kleinsky’s Delicatessen offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options, as well as homemade baked goods and desserts.
The smoked salmon bagel, the Reuben sandwich, the matzo ball soup and, of course, the grilled cheese are among the most popular items on the menu.
- Location: 92 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 8am to 5pm
- Contact: 021 433 2871 | info@kleinskys.co.za
- Website: kleinskys.com
3. The Electric
The Electric is known for its fresh juice and nutmilk selection, but when the sun sets, it transforms into a striking location for evening events.
The Electric, located two minutes from the District Six Museum, shares a corner with many of Cape Town’s favourite restaurants, but its grilled cheese and tomato soup is one of the best on the block.
- Location: 48 Canterbury Street, District Six, Cape Town
- Times: Monday, 8am to 5pm | Tuesday, 8am to 7pm | Wednesday, 8am to 5pm | Thursday and Friday, 8am to 8pm | Saturday, 8am to 2:30pm
- Contact: 021 461 0916 | theelectricsa@gmail.com
- Website: the-electric.com
4. Melt Café
Melt Café is a South African restaurant located in the heart of Cape Town. It is located in the lively and trendy Bree Street neighbourhood, which is known for its many restaurants and bars.
Melt Café is well-known for its delicious food, friendly service and laid-back atmosphere. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience in Cape Town.
Melt Café’s speciality is toasted sandwiches, so don’t even think about ordering anything other than one on this day of days.
- Location: 235 Long Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm | Saturday, 10am to 5pm
- Contact: 021 422 1603 | info@meltcafe.co.za
- Website: meltcafe.co.za
5. Arthur’s Mini Super
Arthur’s Mini Super in Sea Point is a café/bar/grocer that takes the basic look and feel of an American diner and then outdoes it with insane food and quirky decor.
A cheese toastie dipped in tomato soup at Arthur’s is a delicious and comforting combination to be enjoyed any time of the year.
- Location: 15 Arthurs Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
- Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 8am to 2pm | Monday, 7am to 12:30pm
- Contact: 087 702 7470 | steph@arthursminisuper.co.za | will@arthursminisuper.co.za
- Website: arthursminisuper.co.za
6. fable cocktail lounge
The allure of fable cocktail lounge comes not only from its cocktails, which push the boundaries in terms of flavour and the expertise with which they’re crafted, but also because the entire venue, like its drinks, exudes the promise of mystery and enjoyment.
Just like the way its cocktails push the boundaries, Fable’s grilled cheese is not your standard toastie. It is made with brioche bread and bitters-infused butter, making it rich, ever so slightly alcoholic and completely delicious.
- Location: Corner of Bree and Wale Street, Cape Town, South Africa
- Times: Tuesday to Thursday, 5pm to 2am | Friday and Saturday, 4pm to 2am
- Contact: 066 009 7786 | info@fablecocktailbar.capetown
- Website: fablecocktailbar.capetown
7. Café Frank
Café Frank is a fast-casual restaurant that opened in 2009 in Cape Town. It serves fresh, healthy food that is made from scratch every day using seasonal, local and sustainable ingredients.
Café Frank’s approach is to strip down traditional restaurant dining to offer something more honest. Its food is fresh, fast, simple, responsible and fuss-free, and its nourishing homemade soups have the option of coming with a side of cheese toastie on whole wheat sourdough or ciabatta.
- Location: 160 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
- Times: Tuesday to Thursday, 7am to 3pm
- Contact: 062 667 4633 | 021 423 0360 | info@cafefrank.com
- Website: cafefrank.com
8. Fynkos Kirstenbosch Tea Room
The Fynkos Kirstenbosch Tea Room, which opened in 1924 and was rebuilt in 2003, serves breakfast, lunch and picnics in one of Africa’s most beautiful gardens.
Enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich, and then stroll through the beautiful gardens afterwards.
- Location: Gate 2, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Rhodes Drive, Newlands
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm
- Contact: 021 797 4883 | 074 142 1100 | info@fynkos.co.za
- Website: fynkos.co.za
9. Picnic Café and Deli
Picnic Café and Deli is located in a lovely, leafy setting.
Its deli serves the best espresso coffees, smoothies, delicious snacks, sandwiches (yes, toasted cheeses, too) and baked treats to enjoy in the comfortable seating area or one of the Montebello estate’s shady picnic spots.
- Location: Monte Bello View, 31 Newlands Avenue, Newlands, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 7am to 4pm
- Contact: 084 516 0530 | picniccafeanddeli@gmail.com
- Website: picniccafe.co.za
10. The Company’s Garden Restaurant
A restaurant designed for children, families and visitors alike can be found in the heart of the Mother City, within the richly historical Company’s Garden. This gentle space, inspired by nature and stories from the past, provides a respite in the midst of a bustling urban metropolis.
From early in the morning until late in the afternoon, the restaurant serves a variety of light meals, teatime favourites and traditional South African fare. Enjoy a classic toasted cheese, or mix it up and add ham, tomato, bacon or whatever you want, but keep an eye out for a hungry squirrel or resident pigeon.
- Location: 15 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 8am to 5:30pm
- Contact: 021 423 2919 | gardens@madamezingara.com
- Website: thecompanysgarden.com
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Written by Sarah du Toit for Cape {town} Etc.
