Our Story
Since 1995, pan-African cuisine
Cape Town's first authentic Pan-African restaurant, where culture, music, flavour, and connection come alive under one roof.
Heritage
Experience the true taste of Africa
Mama Africa Restaurant was established in 1995 as a celebration of South Africa's new democracy and the vibrant diversity and hospitality of the African continent. Since opening, Mama has served as an oasis for tourists and locals alike to meet, eat, drink, and interact in a warm and welcoming environment.
The kitchen is well-known for serving hearty and uniquely African meals, including an unmissable mixed grill of Crocodile, Ostrich, Eland, Kudu, and Zebra. Enjoyed alongside the in-house band that plays a lively mix of traditional and modern music, Mama Africa is the ideal spot for those looking to taste African cuisine and experience its cultures.
At Mama's, the philosophy is that guests should leave with a full tummy and a happy heart.
Mission & Values
What we stand for
Authenticity
Real recipes, real ingredients, real stories — never a caricature of Africa.
Warmth
Everyone who walks through the door is welcomed the way Mama intended.
Community
We employ, source and celebrate locally, from our musicians to our farmers.
Timeline
Three decades on Long Street
1995
The doors open
Mama Africa opens on Long Street as Cape Town's first authentic Pan-African restaurant.
2001
The marimba band
Live marimba becomes a nightly ritual, and the room never quiets down again.
2010
A World Cup welcome
The world arrives in Cape Town and Mama Africa becomes a meeting place for visitors from every continent.
2018
Game meat legacy
Our game platter is recognised as one of the city's signature dining experiences.
Today
Still Mama's table
Three decades on, the food, music and welcome remain unmistakably Mama Africa.
