The food and service is amazing. I loved the eccentric vintage feel of the decor and shared platters. Definitely an experience worth trying.
I’ve only ever seen you-tubers trying platters like the one in the picture and have always been curious to try the cuisine. It was a first time for me trying Ethiopian food and I was very impressed. The food was fresh and full of flavor. The portions are very big and great for sharing, which, for Ethiopians is the perfect way to eat these dishes.
I've been here several times over the past few years and I'm never disappointed. The staff are friendly, the setting is relaxed and inviting and the food is always exciting and delicious. This is especially good for group meals! I could eat here every day
Edit: I don't know what's wrong with Zomato's algorithm but 3.9 when 8 of their 10 latest reviews are a "5" doesn't make sense and they deserve way more
Honestly, the best Ethiopian place I've been to in both Cape Town and Joburg. The atmosphere is cosy (with an amazing music playlist), the service is excellent, the food is full of flavour and you'll definitely get your money's worth. Rich in quality and quantity. I would highly recommend.
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I’ve passed this spot a few times but never stopped for a meal. That changed and I’m glad I visited. This place can best be described as an experience.
The inside has Madame Zingara vibes with the mix of eclectic items. Once you sit down and settle you notice the 70’s Jazz music playing in the background making for and interesting mix.
I had no idea what to order to be honest so I started with a pot of tea and was directed to a half and half plate for two that was a mix of veggies and beef. The food was an interesting affair as I’ve never eaten with my hands. You are encouraged to eat your way towards the center of the plate. One thing is for sure you won’t leave hungry - I felt kinda bad leaving so much behind but I honestly ate myself last full tank. The flavors where basic but interesting and definitely something new for me. I liked the bread - it has a sour dough note to it.
Come for a visit - bring your own bottle of something something and feel like you have left the country for a bit.
Such lovely staff and their juices are to die for! My friend and I popped in here after a long day of shopping and it was such a joy to speak to the owner who told us all about his restaurant and how it worked. He made us a special recipe juice and then invited us to sit down and have a little rest. Such a wonderful vibe there and the food he gave us was also delicious! Will definitely be visiting again.
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Let's get one thing straight: I have been visiting Timbuktu for nearly three years now (I think it switched ownership, or management within that time). Same meal every single time – the vegan sampler. Never have I ever been disappointed by the quality and sheer quantity of food. There was one afternoon when I was given a look of polite disappointment because of my unfinished plate of food that I requested to take home. So the following visit I made sure to finish it and felt myself swell with pride (and a full, happy tummy) at our waiter's approval. A strange feeling to have at a restaurant. But it isn't just a restaurant.
I was in Joburg a couple of months ago and bought some Ethiopian food there. It was tasty and filling but not too special. A few days after landing back in Cape Town I made a beeline to Timbuktu where I was greeted with the most sincere excitement and warmth. The manager laughed at my story of Johannesburg's offering, simply stating: "it's like you're back home."
P.S. I urge everyone to try the vegan samplers at least one.
Such a wonderful evening with my family. Amazing service from the one and only Waiter on duty (shame!!! Poor guy) absolutely loved the food and the whole experience. Easier also very knowledgeable!
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After years of walking past Timbuktu, I decided to try out this Obz gem with a close friend. Firstly, I was pleased to see some bits of Amharic at the restaurant. Also, there was 70s jazz playing in the background. Timbuktu feels like you’re visiting an older relative: there’s eccentric bits of furniture and a huge bar inside, but the ambience is genuinely heart-warming. Oh, yes, the restaurant does not have a liquor license! However, you’re welcome to bring your own bottle of wine or champers at zero corkage. (My friend accidentally brought a bottle of gin!) Also, make a reservation beforehand - the restaurant is always packed in the evening.
My friend and I decided to order a meat platter and a vegetable platter - apparently, it serves four people, but we were famished! The food took about 20 minutes and my word, it was worth the wait. Ethiopian food (which is vegan-friendly) is traditionally served on injera - it’s gluten-free and made out of teff flour - also, you eat with your hands. The meat platter was absolutely DIVINE - we couldn’t stop raving about how delicious and well-seasoned it was. Also, the vegetable dishes were fantastic and reasonably-priced. Although there’s only one waiter, he’s really friendly and attentive to customer requests. (Most importantly, Timbuktu has free WiFi!) Overall, Timbuktu is a wonderful experience and I’m hooked on Ethiopian food!
Such a gem of a restaurant that few know about 🙈
So authentic! You don’t even feel like you’re in a restaurant- you feel like you’re a guest in a home 😎 the food is absolutely incredible and extremely well priced for the quality and amount of food that ya get 💅
The music and atmosphere is incredibly quaint and the staff are genuine and attentive.
Order the lamb tibs- you’ll never forget it! Make sure to wash your hands 😉 (and also bring your own alcohol, as they don’t serve any)
Still have vivid dreams about how good this place was half a decade later. Visited it almost weekly, never found another Ethiopian restaurant this good again. Super friendly staff even shared some of the spices required for shiro wot.
Wonderful experience , the various and tasty delicious food prepared and served with ... Love !
I higly recommand the platters (big enough for 3/4 people) to discover a mix of different dishes
Certainly a very intriguing yet romantic place. The food was exotic and delicious.
The Ethiopian pot coffee was divine. I would love to return to taste the rest of the menu. Ethiopian cuisine is an absolute my try.
Worth the experience, would definitely do it again. A cultural experience best shared with friends. Try a meat tibs platter and veg sampler to share.
Wow wow wow. We love this place. A real taste of ethiopia. Beautiful food, lovely atmosphere and friendly staff.
Advice...change the music to more traditional ethiopian music to make the experience even more authentic.
The Timbuktu vibe is great.. Not only is it a quiet place with a great rustic feel to it, the hosts are amazing and very welcoming and make you feel at home. The food is an amazing East African cuisine that boasts of an large portions with plenty of healthy options. DEFINITELY WORTH THE MONEY!
It was me and my wife's first time eating Ethiopian food and we LOVED the experience and will definitely eat here again.
Beautiful restaurant with lovely garden. Veggie sampler and fresh juice were delicious. Service super friendly
I had such a great date at Timbuktu Café with my girlfriend. The atmosphere was incredible, the music was devine, the service was exceptional. We loved the food too! Wonderful romantic experience.
Absolute delight! Great restaurant with delicious vegetarian and gluten-free options. The quaint decor and great service just add to the beauty of the experience.
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