Review Timbuktu Cafe - Cape Town Central

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.

The decor is over-stuffed quirky pub, and in fact when the Ethiopian restaurant took over from the pub that was first here they didn’t change anything but the menu. It makes for a very charming vibe. Very friendly people, with decent food. Not the absolute best Ethiopian food I’ve had, but decent, and worth it for the overall experience.

Never had Ethiopian food before, but the waiter made an excellent recommendation and it was delicious. Looks very unassuming from the front, but once inside it’s a lot bigger than I thought it would be, and very cozy and quaint. Rapid and attentive service too. Glad I popped in.

**Vegan review** I absolutely love this restaurant! The food is consistently delicious and affordable. We always take the vegan veggie sampler👌 Bring your own wine!!

We had a lovely 'first' for Ethiopian food at Timbuktu. Surprised at the tangy taste of the injera but it mixed well with the rest of the meal. Initial service was a bit slow and the prices can be quite expensive for the portions of protein that you get. I would say this is a must try for anyone keen to experience new cuisines.

Food there is delicious, portions are good and prices are fair. The environment and the experience of eating with your hands makes it unique. The team is always very kind and helpful.

I really Enjoyed my time here, I was warmly welcomed by Solomon, my first time partaking in Ethiopian cuisine was really good, the spices that they use had alot of dynamic, and depth to the dishes, i will definitely continue to support

Love the quant look of this place aside from the AWESOME Ethiopian food! 😍👌

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<br/><br/>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.

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. <br/><br/>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. <br/><br/>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. <br/><br/>Come for a visit - bring your own bottle of something something and feel like you have left the country for a bit. <br/>

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.

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.<br/><br/>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."<br/><br/>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!

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. <br/><br/>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 🙈<br/><br/>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 💅 <br/><br/>The music and atmosphere is incredibly quaint and the staff are genuine and attentive. <br/><br/>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)

Decided to give Timbuktu a try after a Sunday morning hike, so glad we did the food was full of flavour and great for sharing, my partner and I had the veggie platter and key wot to share. Great food and experience. The restaurant has a unique style, the staff are very friendly and helpful!!

My new favourite chill spot. This place has a great ambiance and an authentic feeling. The food is crafted with love and the staff are great. They have a beautiful outside area that is a beautiful spot to unwind. They don't sell alcohol but they do let you bring in your own wine. All in all a great place for a new and authentic experience. Just be ready to eat with your hands.

This is the sister restaurant of my favourite Ethiopian restaurant in Cape Town, Madam Taitu. Timbuktu has an equally eclectic interior, as if the restaurant opened in some old people's living room after they passed away and left all their decor and belongings behind. It gives it a quirky feel. Unfortunately, though, I found the food not quite as good, and the portion sizes much smaller. Also, their not licensed, which we didn't realize until we were seated, so if you want to have a drink, do take your own. Friendly service, though very laid back.

I adore this place! One of Cape Towns hidden gems. The service, staff and ambience is just perfect. Timbuktu is very small and intimate. I love the outside seating under the ivy and vines. The Ethiopian coffee is a must try and the food is good too. It is certainly no fine dining place, but instead a cozy and warm restaurant. The staff and owners are such genuine people. Timbuktu is literally one of my favorite spots in Observatory.

The service was amazing, could not fault it (super polite and kind). The place has magical and rustic feel as though you’ve traveled to some distant « Alice in wonderland » type scene. <br/><br/>However... the filter coffee tasted like water (terrible). The food was not enticing to look at and the taste was not too great either (especially the hard bacon). The only thing that saved the meal for me were the eggs. I also only received condiments after asking for them which isn’t great service. <br/><br/>I went hoping to have a cultural experience, but the menu didn’t have any Ethiopian meals on it which made me even more sad. Was there a page I didn’t see?🤔<br/><br/>All in all I was just super disappointed 😢.<br/><br/>Also they don’t sell alcohol.😱

Lovely spot in Lower Obs. Went on a sunny Saturday afternoon. The waiter was very kind, he offered to go purchase a bottle of wine for us at a store close by as they do not charge corkage. Ethiopian food is like a traditional meal away from home, fresh, wholesome and filling! We had a platter which was more than enough for 3, I'm sure it could even feed 5 people. Platter is a great way to go to try a variety of dishes. Definitely a must try restaurant!

Quite possibly the best value for money meal in Observatory with the most wonderful setting and staff. An unmissable experience! All meals here are made to be shared and eaten with your hands - so get ready to dig in and get your hands into some delicious genuinely African food.

I love this little place! Everything about Timbuktu Cafe is great - quirky vintage decor, wonderfully friendly service (hey, Philip Mon! - And sorry if I misspelled that!), generous portions of flavourful food, and pocket-friendly prices. And yes, free corkage, which is why my husband and I can be found here almost every other Friday evening with a wine bottle for company (not that we provide sub-par company for each other but hey, wine wins) till our food arrives. The food takes its time coming as it's a small, homey establishment and most items are freshly prepared or put together.<br/><br/>All the little plus points aside, what keeps drawing us back is the FOOD. Extraordinary, flavourful, wholesome food. I'm mostly vegetarian (I'll taste meat from others' plates if they rave about it) and bland veggie food just puts me off. At Timbuktu, everything has just so much distinctive taste. I swear by the colourful veggie sampler while my meat-loving husband pairs the heavenly kitfo, which he can't not order, with one of the other dishes. The dishes are not very spicy, but you can ask for mitmita on the side to add more heat.<br/><br/>Highly recommend this place!

What a nice experience. Service was really good. Felt so welcome in the restaurant. And the ambiance is perfect. Will definitely go there again.

The atmosphere is great and the service is good but I was extremely disappointed by the lack of meat in the Doro wat dish. You get one drumstick and njera bread for R95 , either add more meat to the dish or make the dish R40

Absolutely amazing!!! I've been to some of the "best" restaurants in Cape Town but this extraordinary culinary experience puts them to shame! A Christopher Columbus tour for your taste buds....be bold...be adventurous...experience life!

Very cute little space in lower main in Obs.<br/>Nice layout, friendly staff and corkage is free which is always nice. Food is well priced and delicious, unfortunately I'm just not really a Ethiopian fan. But if you like rolling weird pancake rice with some mince... Go my son!

After a long day at the beach and walking around Capetown, a few friends and I happened upon this restraunt excited to try something new. We were blown away by the exceptional service and food alike. They do not skimp on portion size or flavor and provide plenty of options for all kinds of tastes. It is an authentic experience and I recommend anyone to give this place a try. Be sure to get their exquisite coffee and don't be afraid too get messy! <br/>

Always used to pass this place but last night decided we should go in. The atmosphere was breathtaking. I really wasn't expecting it. The food was amazing. The lamb tibs especially. It was overally a great dinner experience ☺.

Cute authentic Ethiopian restaurant in a beautiful spot in Observatory.<br/>The Foods layout is gorgeous, tasty and the portions are filling.<br/>You also don't have to pay corkage so that saves a bundle for those group outings.<br/>

Very disappointed when we arrived there for a cup of coffee (and maybe some dinner), but we were turned away with the reason that they don't "only" serve coffee that time of the afternoon (6pm) as they reserve the space for "dinner only". Ironically only one table was occupied and they sent away potential customers.

This is one of my favourite restaurants in Obs. the service is always awesome and friendly, the atmosphere is so colourful. its basically a time warp and the food is beyond amazing. so flavourful and colourful.The best part is telling your waiter what you are in the mood for and them letting them create a platter for you!I recommend this to everyone and anyone!

Three of us popped into Timbuktu last night for an early dinner. Great relaxed atmosphere with good authentic Ethiopian fare. The Tibbs and Veggie Sampler were excellent - I may even dare to suggest that the Tibbs was better than what I tried in Ethiopia. The Gored Gored was okay but not great. <br/>The restaurant is not licensed so be sure to take along a bottle of wine.

I had an excellent meal here tonight. It's now my favourite Ethiopian restaurant. The food was delicious, which is good because the portions are big. It's very reasonably priced. The atmosphere is relaxed and the decor rustic, which makes for a comfortable experience. The only downside is that they don't have a liquor licence yet but the spiced tea makes up for it.

Delicious, healthy, amazing atmosphere, lovely staff. They're ready to prepare vegan options of veg dishes if you ask your waitron. I wish more people knew about this place!

We came here for a birthday with 7 people for dinner and were welcomed into what is a unique, warm atmosphere. We sat outside in a cornered off terrace built around a true Ethiopian vibe and asked the waiter for suggestions on what to order. Our food order consisted of platter with samples of everything on the menu and needless to say there was very little left after we had finished.<br/><br/>The food is flavoursome, authentic and is certainly the best Ethiopian cuisine I've tried in Cape Town. Expect great hospitality and an experience that you will never forget. <br/><br/>Would highly recommend to anyone!

One of my favourite restaurants in Cape Town. BYOB for now, no corkage. Bring cash. Combine the veggie sampler and one of their meat dishes for a delicious, spicy, healthy meal. I love settling onto the couches and getting lost in whatever jazz they play that day. Highly recommended.

The first thing you need to know about Timbuktu is that (at the time of writing) it does not yet have a liquor licence. It says they serve alcohol, but they don't. We had already taken seats and were ready to order drinks when we were told this. My dining companion then legged it across to the Pick 'n Pay to get some wine (for which there is no corkage) so, be warned if you want anything stronger than coffee or soft drinks with your dinner. <br/><br/>The inside of the place is charming, eclectic without being overwhelming - think Afro-Oriental. Our waiter/ maître d' kept up a nice selection of BB King going while we were there, which was very pleasant indeed. <br/><br/>The food was, as I expected from having been to their sister restaurant in town, very tasty, hot and plentiful. We had more than we could eat, in fact. <br/><br/>A final point - this restaurant accepts cash payments or payments via Zapper. <br/><br/>We shall return here, but they are perhaps not quite ready for prime time just yet.

Welcome to Obz Ethiopia! Great new place, same brilliant food as the Madam Taitou family. <br/><br/>We had the veggie sampler. Great vegan options available.