Few people know Cape Town quite so well as Ellerman House Head Concierge Yassir Ebrahim. As one of the city’s most respected concierges, he has spent his career helping visitors unlock the very best of Cape Town.
With his recent induction into Les Clefs d’Or – the prestigious society of concierges recognised by the Golden Keys on his lapel – he joins an elite global network of trusted insiders devoted to creating exceptional stays and seamless experiences for travellers.
In between helping out guests at the Ellerman House reception, we asked Yassir to share his personal playbook for making the most of summer in the Mother City…
Best beaches
The Ellerman House pool and gardens are truly spectacular, but you should definitely spend some time on Cape Town’s beautiful beaches as well. For guests looking to enjoy breathtaking scenery and white sands, I recommend starting at Clifton 4th. It’s Blue Flag certified, and the setting of granite boulders and aquamarine seas framed by Table Mountain and the famous Twelve Apostles is simply incredible. Families usually prefer Camps Bay, though, which offers more space and easy access to cafés, restaurants … and ice cream!
Image courtesy of Stephan Louis
If you’re after something quieter, Beta Beach in Bakoven is a favourite for sunset picnics on the rocks, while Llandudno feels wonderfully local and wild. For gentle waves, warmer water and surf lessons, Muizenberg on the False Bay side is well worth the trip.
Best walks
I always suggest guests start with the Sea Point Promenade, especially if they’ve landed after a long flight. It’s flat, safe and just a short drive from Ellerman House. It’s also perfect for a morning jog or an evening stroll, and a great way to enjoy a moment of local life.
Image courtesy of Stephan Louis
If you are up for a hike, Lion’s Head is iconic. For something less strenuous, the Pipe Track above Camps Bay offers beautiful walking in indigenous fynbos. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens also has wonderful shady paths that are less strenuous. Just remember that summer in Cape Town is hot, so I recommend an early start, taking plenty of water, and going with an accredited mountain guide.
Sundowner spots
For sundowners in Cape Town, you honestly can’t beat our own terrace at Ellerman House. Guests love the canapés and gin trolley! But I also understand guests like to explore, so I often book them into beachfront restaurants in Camps Bay or Clifton, or arrange a guide to drive them to Signal Hill for city and ocean views.
Cocktail bars
Cape Town’s cocktail scene is really on fire at the moment, and the debut Cape Town Cocktail Week took place this December. To really get a sense of the city’s mixology scene the inner-city is best. ANTHM is one of my current favourites, but I also love Cape Brandy Bar at the V&A Waterfront, with cocktails built around Cape Town’s oceans, fynbos and vineyards. I also love Talking to Strangers, Tommy’s Chop Shop and The Drinkery. There are so many great options, so tell me if you’re a martini person, a negroni lover or into low-ABV spritzes, and I’ll match you with the right bar and the right bartender. We’ll also arrange the transfers so you can simply relax and enjoy the night.
Favourite new restaurants
Well, of course, Curate at Ellerman House is one of the most exciting new restaurants to open in the city this year, and in-house guests are really enjoying both the Wine Gallery setting and the menus from chef Kieran. The restaurant scene in Cape Town moves quickly, so there is always somewhere new for returning guests to discover.
In the city, Seebamboes has quickly become a standout, offering an intimate 16-seat counter where surf-and-turf is reimagined in inventive and surprising ways. At the V&A Waterfront, I look forward to visiting Le Bistrot de JAN, which brings Jan Hendrik’s French-South African bistro style to Cape Town. For something a bit more daring, East City Grill & Yakiniku delivers a lively, fire-forward experience, blending South African grilling traditions with Japanese yakiniku for guests who enjoy smoky flavours and interactive dining. Depending on your stay, I usually combine one or two of these new venues with established Cape Town favourites, so you get both the excitement of the latest openings and a taste of the city’s signature chefs. Summer is peak season, and reservations are vital, so my team and I typically start planning your dinners before you arrive.
Best outings for families
A big hit at the moment is the Museum of Illusions: it’s interactive, playful and great for teens and tweens. I often pair that with time at the V&A Waterfront for boat trips, the Cape Wheel and the Two Oceans Aquarium. On a different day, Norval Foundation or another sculpture garden gives you art, lawns and space to run around. And of course, a simple formula never fails: a morning on the beach, lunch somewhere casual by the sea, and then back to Ellerman House for pool time and dinner on the terrace at OneEighty.
Best markets
The Oranjezicht City Farm Market is a must-visit. It’s recently reopened in a larger venue, but with the same mix of local producers, artisan products, excellent street food, and a good blend of locals and visitors. Time Out Market at the V&A Waterfront is another favourite for guests wanting to sample multiple chefs under one roof. Depending on when you’re free, I also recommend smaller neighbourhood markets so you can experience more of everyday Cape Town life.
