This is a MUST-VISIT on your Cape Town and South African Trip, regardless of how long you’re visiting or the purpose of your trip.We simply can’t say enough about how much we loved spending Christmas Day/Dinner at Mzansi. If you like getting to know the actual people and culture of your trips, then joining Mama Nomonde and her family for dinner is an absolute must. They treat you like family, and bring to life the history of Cape Town, the country and the people of South Africa. Given they are #1 on TripAdvisor, there is much to read and see from the thousands of people that have made Mzansi part of their trips, so here are a few top things to know about this truly unique find:1) Don’t listen to your concierge, Uber driver, etc. about being scared to go to the Langa Township for this dinner. They will try to talk you out of going there, but it’s unlikely that they have even been to any of the Townships, which means that they haven’t experienced the joy and warmth of Mzansi. Let’s be clear: you’re probably not going to want to walk around the restaurant or neighborhood, as this is not the shiny, protected area of Cape Town that is made for Tourists.2) The residents of Langa have not had a fair shake, but they are resilient, hopeful people who are trying to make their community a better place. Unemployment is close to 30%, so supporting this restaurant helps to raise up the entire community. We were there on Christmas Day and they welcomed us into their home with open arms, big smiles and love. The entire neighborhood was celebrating, singing and enjoying life.3) Reserve your place ahead of time, and please, if anything comes up, be sure to let them know as soon as possible if you need to cancel or postpone. They make all of the food to order in anticipation of the reservations for that night (there are no walk-ups), so if something comes up, let them know so that they don’t waste any food. (We had some folks that were running late, so don’t be ashamed to come late - it’s way better to be late than to stiff them!)The food was fantastic. It was real, it was really tasty and there’s no chance that anyone went home hungry. (I’m still dreaming of the chicken and the dessert pudding!)The families, band and service are unreal - they make you feel at home right from the start, and they will do anything to make your visit and night better. It’s a fun night and it will not be just another dinner on your trip.There was NEVER a moment where we felt unsafe. The restaurant isn’t too deep into the Township and they make sure that everyone feels like a welcomed and special guest to the entire neighborhood. Plan your visit around when you can get a table here, and get ready for an unforgettable night!

An amazing place to go. They have delicious food that is made from scratch and is used from local ingredients. The desert there is so good. The whole environment is family friendly, with a local band playing for your entertainment. Despite the location being in Langa, the area is friendly and have people around the area watching your car. Highly recommend to visit.

Had a beautiful reception from Mama, She welcomed us with so much love and warmth. The food was 5 Star, she is the best African restaurant I have ever been. Great food, entertainment and hospitality.

First time and it was spectacular! I enjoy jazz music and this is just the place to be for old school jazz and the perfect place to enjoy a real township vibe. I am a tour guide and my American guests asked that I take them to this awesome venue. We booked for dinner and we received such warm hospitality from the amazing family that own the restaurant. You are not only invited into their restaurant, but a home in which you learn more about the family and all that inspires them. I will most definitely take my guests there again for a real township experience and authentic, traditional Xhosa dishes.

Amazing food, lovely staff. And beautiful view of table mountain from the roof top. Ill definitely come back soon!

Highly recommend this home (restaurant). Located in a township, but do not pay attention to those who say this area is dangerous. The owner (Mama) will make sure you feel safe and welcome.If you are looking for a place that is authentic and great this is the place. The seating is a family style table, so you can expect to converse with the person to your left, right and front.You will also be introduced to the live band players and receive a heart warming story of how the restaurant came to be.Calling in advanced is recommended.

Our evening at Mzansi was magical, full of love and filled with great authentic food. We listened to live music, heard the story of how the restaurant came to be and many of us shed some tears of joy to see how far this township restaurant has come! A place you must visit if you would like to really experience the townships of South Africa.

This is not your run-of-the-mill place to visit. Nestled deep in the heart of Langa, a couple kilometers off downtown Cape Town, Mzansi Restaurant is a definite stop for everyone visiting the city. You will be met by the owner of the place, a very warm hearted woman entrepreneur, who will share with you the entire history and background of the restaurant along with her success and struggles of running the place.One has to make a prior booking before going there. Dont miss visiting this place to get a real glimpse of life as a black person in Cape Town. The food is great and so is the live music and dancing.

Very jovial atmosphere , fresh and tasty food affordable prices.

We went to have a dinner at Mzantsi Restaurant after my brothers graduation on Friday, 9 April. We didnt know what to expect, because none of us visited the place before. I can tell you that we had a ball, we filled our stomachs with the diverse menu provided by the buffet, we had a moment to share gifts for the graduate and then we were up & dancing with the Marimba band. The service level is excellent, the food is divine. Go visit this place when you visit CT. Well done Mzantsi Restaurant Team!!

Ive been to Cape Town twice, and Im so glad I found out about Mzansi Restaurant this time. I dont even know where to begin, but let me assure you this is the best restaurant experience Ive had anywhere in my travels around the world, because the food is THE BEST, then ambiance is authentic, and the owner and staff are so genuine and welcoming.Lets begin with the food. Im a VERY picky eater and am known amongst my family and friends as being an extremely tough food critic. When we got out our tour van and walked across the street in the Langa district, you could smell the food and spice emanating from the restaurant. Once inside, you can see a vast array of different local and traditional African fare. Each dish has its own style, colors, and flavor which compliment each other so well. You can see what Im talking about from the pictures below. But hands down, the food here is so amazing because you can tell not a single dish was made from frozen ingredients. Everything was completely fresh. Even the woman in our group who barely ate anything on her plates at other restaurants, completely cleaned her plate at Mzansi.If you want REALLY FANTASTIC and FRESH, AUTHENTIC, TRADITIONALLY AFRICAN food, in a cozy down to earth atmosphere thats not on the tourist path, then MZANSI is a must!!!!Secondly, lets discuss the ambiance and service, which are equally phenomenal and heart-warming. As you can see from the video below, Nomonde is the graceful and honorable owner of the establishment. In my video, she is introducing the very talented Marimba band. She took the time to explain how the Mzansi restaurant started from humble beginnings as an idea to make a difference in her community and obtain more financial freedom, whilst providing a service that allows tourists to experience the true local culture and give back to the community while indulging in the what I can only call foodie perfection.Anyway, if you really want to experience South Africa in its purest and most delicious form, then Mzansi is truly what you seek. Its off the beaten path, and going there to eat truly supports the community there by giving locals jobs that they need to support their families.Ms. Nomonde, we LOVE your spirit and hope you have much much success!!!

Great place to eat - but its so much more than that. Mzansi is a great place to learn about hope, respect and love and to get a glimpse of how life in a township is. Youll leave Mzansi with your heart filled with wonderful impressions and your stomach filled with great mama style food. Oh, and yes, its absolutely safe to go there.

Come for the amazing and authentic food and music, leave with your hearts melted by the stories and sincerity of the host. This restaurant is in a safe area of the township.

Amazing dining experience! I did not know what I was going into, as another person had made the booking in my party; and on the way, the Uber driver was hesitant to take us to this dangerous neighbourhood. Im so glad we went! We were welcomed into a small restaurant/ home, where we enjoyed an evening that felt truly special, as the family and band shared their stories and their beautiful craft. Strongly recommended!

Words cannot describe e just how awesome this experience is. Whether you are a local or international visitor you have to do this. Its perfectly safe to go there as its at the entrance to Langa. Nomonde the òwner takes care of you from the time you arrive in your car and park to when you leave. She is car guard, cook, manager, entertainment and everything else, a sheer joy to be around. After supper she shares her journey with you in such a fun and inspiring way. She cooks as well and its lime eating a home cooked meal. YOU HAVE TO TRY THIS!!!!!!

Awesome experience! Music, good local food and nice story from this family. Thank you so much!

This place is the REAL DEAL! sooo alive! Incredible food and the spirit... glorious!

Fantastic night of great food, great music and great loving company from Mamma Mzansi

Extreamly euthentic as a local South African it was an awesome experience #mzansi #langa#goodfood#lovely people

Wow wow wow! Such an amazing experience! Food was delicious, the music was uplifting and the story inspiring. I went with my 75 year old mother and we didnt feel unsafe for a moment. Our driver drove us straight to the door where they have security meet you and take you straight inside. This is an absolute must do while in Cape Town!

An amazing dinner experience in a true Township

Amazing home authentic African food made with love and lots of skills. This is something that should be as a recommendation while visiting Cape Town.Lovely mama and rest of the family will make you feel like home.Great entertainment and you will have a chance to try your skills of playing on their instruments.Dont be put off by the Township area.

Had an incredible time here earlier this year!! Mzansi makes you feel like you’re at home with family. If you’re looking for delicious, authentic food and lively music I couldn’t recommend this place more.

Top quality food and service

Took our school group there and the kids loved it... all hundred of them!Lovely food, music singalong and hosting! Many thanks.

Amazing place authentic and delicious food in a local community. Totally unexpected place I the middle of a quiet street. One of the best African jazz music. Exceptional service and great food. Warm atmosphere and great music. A must visit place if you want to engage with the local community. Friendly and personal service.

I heard great things about this restaurant before going but I never thought itd be as amazing as it was! Mama our host and owner provided such a relaxing environment. The musicians, the painter and Mama were all very welcoming. The food was delicious!!!! If you want to experience authenticity then this is definitely the place to go!

Just a wonderful experience. Lots of veggie dishes to eat! Fellow restaurant patrons very nice too.

BEST FOOD EVER! As an American, this was my first interaction with authentic South Africa food and I absolutely loved it!

Life changing experience! Beautiful family, incredibly tasty food, magical art, and angelic music that truly warms your heart. A story from a beautiful family I will never forget! IF YOU EVER FIND YOURSELF IN CAPE TOWN, THIS PLACE IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST! Much love from Utah!

Oh what a place!!! Mzansi township style with class. The food was too delicious.The music soothing. What a way to celebrate such a milestone- my daughters graduation and my birthday. Thank you Lelape restaurant.

Tourist scamFood 4/5Music: 1/5 too loud, you can barely thinkVibe: 0/5 speech of 45min, about nothing? The only sentence I remember is: And then we saw the dollarsigns, so now youre here

Very nice host with a story of how she built such a high rating restaurant in a neighbouhood and a house that are not comparable to those at the V&A by any measures

The staff was so welcoming and energetic! Our entire study abroad group of 30 was nicely accommodated and made to feel overwhelmingly welcomed. Here, it feels as though you are eating at someones home as opposed to a restaurant and it is truly an amazing experience!

Great atmosphere and lovely food. The lady of the house is very entertaining and a good host. Fantastic marimba band!

This was such a special experience with amazing food and music. I loved every minute.

Wonderful food and great service. A very enjoyable experience.

Took an Uber from Cape Town to visit this restaurant. Great authentic food and a fantastic live band. Dont miss it !

An eye-opening experience, definitely worth a visit to explore something different. The beef stew is excellent, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. The idea of the restaurant is original, located right in the house of the owner, who is hospitable and very welcoming.

The food was just amazingly good. The music was on another level, totally loved it.

Great personal experience and good authentic food.

Had a lovely evening, enjoyed homely food. Wow what a wonderful experience. Mnqusho👍spinach👍Thanks for the hospitality.

Best food ever, best music ever, best hosts ever, made to truly feel at home as a loved pet of the family. Amazing experience you won’t regret.

Most amazing experience i have ever had in cape town

Amazing local food and atmospheric experience! The live music added that extra african flavor to the experience. A must do when in cape town.Even though we had a rental we took an uber back and forth. And that i would recommend everyone to do!

Just had a fabulous evening at Mzansi. Wonderful welcoming people who told to treat the evening as if you are in someones home,which you are. Great food, live music and dancing. Like the best dinner party youve ever been to and as safe as houses.

Very disappointing. Located in an insecure neighborhood. 180 rand per person is definitely over priced for the buffet considering the food quality and services (drinks and tips not included). Owners story was never going to end and its like a very boring lecturing. The only thing you are going to enjoy is the dynamic live music and interesting multi-national customers. Not recommended at all.

Mzansi is not just about the fantastic local cuisine, its a full experience where the host essentially welcomes you into her home. The band were brilliant and are all from the township in which this restaurant resides. Its also good to know that the money you spend at Mzansis stays in the community which certainly cant be said for the majority of Cape towns restaurants.

It sounds like a dangerous place to go to when you discovered its in Langa but its actually quite safe. If you are driving they will look after your car, and if you take Uber its even easier.The food is surprisingly delicious, its like a fixed price per head for all the food and they all use local food so its quite fresh.Theres a gallery inside as well with a band whose members are all from the local community.Recommended to pay a visit, the food and all other elements worth the money

I like that place because its beautiful,i like their decorations and its well organized. they have a mouth watering food and they play nice African music with marimbas,drums,shakers etc..😉

Thank you Mama for a wonderfully authentic local meal, great band and cold beer. If you eat anywhere in Cape Town this place is a must.Suburb is a bit dodgy but it was all good. Uber in and out ..no problem.

One of the coolest, most authentic travel experiences weve ever had. You eat in this perfectly safe home (yes fellow Americans, I was nervous too, but despite what we read in our travel guides, you can eat in a township and be 100% fine), where the owner has lived for 50+ years. She cooks you a great meal, and you listen to her familys story, her neighborhoods story (her husband imprisoned at the same time as Mandela fighting for the same cause), and this humble woman with an authentic heart and soul, makes you feel like family. Shell tell you about her seemingly impossible business success, and the great people in the neighborhood (and around the world) whove helped make her mothers dream of a family meal in their kitchen... into one of the top rated restaurants in all of South Africa. So glad we brought our kids (ages 10 and 5). People from Italy, Brazil, Spain, Mexico, and our group (from Vegas and Salt Lake), all having dinner with a family and friends from S. Africa, listening to an awesome local band playing traditional instruments, and eating home-cooked food. Such a great experience.

A must do when in Cape Town. Authentic food, great hospitality and incredible music.

You cant go to Cape Town and not go to this restaurant. Delicious food and beautiful moments shared with amazing music and profound must-hear stories. Want to go back!

Best restaurant in town! Cant get a better dining experience than this in the Cape. Nomonde is an amazing host, such a kind-hearted woman! Great live music from a local Langa band and D E L I C I O U S food!

Fantastic friendly restaurant, fabulous food, great for kids and adults alike. Dont be put off by it being in a township- we never felt anything but safe and welcome. One not to miss...

Excellent food and friendly people

My clients had a great with good food and music

The band, the food, the story. All unforgettable. Thanks for the great night!

Amazing food and atmosphere, great live music and a very welcoming and talented chef! Would love to come again.

Great Experience! The food was divine and the music really fantastic! Definitely worth a visit!

I have to admit that when my Uber neared Mzansi my heart sank a little, then we turned onto the street and it sank more; I thought, this cant be it. Lo and behold, that was it...IT WAS INCREDIBLE!!! The food was amazing, the band was too as well as the hospitality from mamma. I cant say enough good things about this place! My best advice is to go out of your comfort zone and try it!

Great food and ambience.

If you want nice local vibe,good food and good music then this is the place to be. Its located in one of the oldest if not the oldest township in Cape Town,Langa.

Firstly GREAT service from all staff members!Amazing variety from the menu,

Unforgettable last meal after an incredible two month long stay in Cape Town. Food and wine were in no short supply. Lots of love in this place.

A welcoming and great experience. Good food and music as well!

You will learn a lot by dining at Mzansi, you will leave with your stomach full, eyes open, and heart warm. A must visit when in Cape Town.

Come check this spot out - Monica and crew are awesome. + you can get TooMuchWifi here for fast internet access.

Great food and music. A lovely evening!

Best place to eat, super safe and amazing experience! Thanks for the wonderful evening :)

If you have the opportunity to got to Mzansi, take it!! The food is delicious, the experience is enriching, the music is virtuosic. Langa is a vibrant community, not a dangerous place, which is merely a racist degradation. You wont forget your time here.

A warm welcome for an authentic meal with background music using wooden instruments that produce amazing sounds ... The meal was served in the form of a buffet and self serving. Alongside the meal, the host hosted a fascinating life that we think added to the experience

Mama Mzanzis home cooked African food was delicious with 8 veggie dishes and 2 meat. The live African music with a twist of jazz was fantastic.

Lovely authentic dinner, great music, and such a compelling story. My wife and I had a fantastic time, truly do not be afraid of the location, here you are all family!

So far, the truest place we have visited in South Africa, along with the townships. Good food, great music and nice stories.

Mzansi was a great experience had best time ever Id visit again...

Great African dinning experience.By far the best South African Traditional Place.Food is amazing and the perfomance by the band just caps off the amazing dinner.

Family restaurant in a township with friendly folks, local music and homemade food.

They are professional and they have good customer service and a great atmosphere

Yes, Nomondes (the owner) speech is geared more towards tourists, and yes, it can get a bit long-winded if you are a repeat customer or a local. But thats really the only gripe I have. Theres nothing tourist-y about the charm of the place, the hostess and her staff, the food and the feeling of being in someones home. Even kids are welcome here and all 6 kids that went with us loved it. They were even invited to play marimba with the band. Book a tour of Langa in the morning with Ubizo (the touring company founded by Nomondes son, Sabu), then return in the evening (and kids are very welcome) to experience Mzansis delicious home-cooked fare. Reservations required but it is really worth it. Excellent food, great music and lots of authentic charm. Its not only for tourists!

Great place! Awesome food very accommodating to western tourists!

From the 12 dishes in the buffet I tried 10 (two of them had coriander sick i dont eat) and they were ALL delicious. Everybody in this place - mama, the waiters, the musicians, the resident artist and our fellow guests - had good vibes.If I really had to be picky, Id say that the music was a tad loud and it was impossible to have a conversation. But in the other hand the music was so awesome that it didnt matter!Make sure you book ahead. Getting there by uber / taxify is not a problem. If you come in your own car, they will watch it for you.I still have a few weeks ahead of me in CPT and intend to go back to Mzansi.

True cultural experience!! We love it!

Great experience with music and food

True authentic South African home cultural experience. A must visit for Cape Town !

This is easily the best meal in all of Cape Town. Beautiful food, beautiful atmosphere, incredible music, awesome art, all around perfect experience. Go go go go go to Mzansi.

An amazing restaurant where you will leave full of delicious food and new inspiration. Mzansi feels like coming home

A must go! Amazing atmosphere, live band, great food and staff!

Home made foot with live music in Township very lovely people in typical house

Delicious African dish and good marimba music. Well done and keep it up.

I still have tears in my eyes, this was one of the best nights of my life... please please please don’t be scare mongered into not coming here like people tried to do to us....what can I say,just go!!!

A wonderful day, excellent atmosphere 👍

I searched TripAdvisor for the best restaurant in Cape Town and saw Mzansi as #1. It had good prices so without reading any user reviews I jotted down the address for our evening dinner. Evening came around, I inputted the address into Waze and off we drove with our rental car. When Waze directed us to the Langa Township I figured something had gone wrong. It was getting dark and we were driving into a sketchy neighborhood. Wife was not happy, and I was getting nervous, so we stopped to verify the address online (had internet-connected phone). Indeed Cape Towns #1 restaurant appeared to be located in this neighborhood. Against my skittish wifes wishes, I suggested we do a quick drive-by. If the #1 restaurant is in this neighborhood, we were bound to have one heck of an unusual experience.... starting with us, two white foreigners, driving through a couple of dark alleys. Through big windows we saw a private terrace and home full of tourists chatting comfortably over live music from a marimba-style band. We were greeted and invited inside by the owner and friendly staff. It was the beginning of a wonderful culinary and cultural experience - great food, interesting tourists, awesome live music, a passionate talk given by the owner who shared her apartheid experiences and history of this unusually-located restaurant, and singing and dancing led by the owners husband. Just an all-around delightful and unique experience. We recommend it highly and strongly encourage folks to not be frightened by the intimidating location. (As they explained, the restaurant employs many local residents, so nobody messes with the business or its clients). 5-star experience!

Fabulous venue, excellent service and yummy food!!! True Mzantsi experience

Lovely place, very good food.Atmosphere and good music. Highly recomeded.

I came across Msanzi on Google when I went looking for what I hoped to be an authentic South African dining experience for my family and I during our trip to Cape Town. I am very glad I arranged our dining there and the experience was absolutely terrific. The owner and hostess of the restaurant goes to great lengths to make everyone feel welcomed and personally attended to, and it is worth noting that this establishment is also her home. She has a fascinating story to tell visitors about her life under apartheid and Mandela, and how she came to own both her home and the restaurant she now operates. The night of dining includes fantastic live music by a group of local musicians.So how was the food? It was in a word, incredibly good. Everything tasted homemade, and I say that knowing it is a cliche, but that is the best way I can put it. Its like eating at your favorite grandmothers house. The food is served buffet style and includes a variety of dishes, including some local to South Africa and Cape Town. Everything we tried was delicious. Dessert was malva pudding (Google it) and was scrumptious.It is important to make a reservation before arriving here.There are a few things you should know before you go so you are not surprised by them when you arrive:1) The restaurant is located in the Langa township. There are a lot stories about how the township is incredibly dangerous and crime-ridden. It may look alarming to some when they first see it. Avoid rushing to judgement here and give this place a chance. We drove a rented SUV to the Msanzi and parked it on the street outside, where it was watched by attendants associated with the business. Nothing was lost and our car was fine, and we all returned alive. The rumors of the dangers of Langa are extremely overblown and while should always exercise common sense any time you travel, this is no more dangerous a place to visit than any other part of Cape Town.2) Msanzi is not a conventional restaurant. It is operated in the owners home, and the seating is communal. You will get a lot more out of the experience if you make the effort to talk to the other guests whom will probably be visiting from all around the globe.3) This is more of an experience than just a place to eat. The hostess will tell you her story after the meal, which is really worth a listen. There will also be a lot of time for music. I would recommend you expect the evening to run 2-3 hours.4) I strongly advise you consider leaving a tip for the musicians, restaurant employees and the people watching your car. While this isnt required it really helps them out.You really should not pass up the opportunity to try this place if you are in Cape Town.

Love love love...Awesome Africa experience...keep it up Mum Nomonde!!

The best food in langa

Good food and service