The backdrop of Table Mountain in all its moods and the long views over the city and harbour from the upper slopes are an ever-present feature of Oranjezicht.
Stretching up from the CBD between Gardens and Vredehoek, Oranjezicht is popular with families because of its large and often lavish homes with gardens, top schools nearby, tree-lined avenues and peaceful residential feel. It’s also close to the buzz of the CBD. “It feels like living in a European city, rather than suburbia,” says long-time resident, Mel Hagen. “We’re really close to everything, within walking distance of CBD down Government Avenue, and the MyCiTi bus operates out of the Gardens Station if you want to go further afield.”
Small and intimate with a village feel, Gardens Shopping Centre has a wonderful selection of shops and boutiques including La Crémerie specialist cheese shop, Raith Gourmet, and Cassis for tempting patisserie and macarons. De Waal Park is a community hub bridging Gardens and Oranjezicht, a place for dog-walkers, runners, kids to enjoy green space and another lovely view of the mountain. Free summer concerts, a Victorian bandstand where you might find Run Rabbit Run Coffee Roastery on a Sunday, and a lawn tennis club all add to the appeal. Another green paradise is the Oranjezicht City Farm next to Homestead Park, a thriving vegetable garden supplying the market of the same name, where locals can volunteer, or just visit and wander through the paths between beds of flowers and organic veggies.
While the suburb itself only has a sprinkling of cafes and restaurants within its borders, nearby Kloof Street has a huge variety of foodie destinations, Wembley Square’s cafes and Virgin Active gym are just over the road, and the whole of the CBD is on your doorstep.
I walk everywhere and couldn’t be better placed. Walking is a wonderful adventure – always discovering new nooks and crannies and meeting amazing people along the way.
Mel Hagen, resident
Best in food:
- La Frasca Restaurant and Pizzeria: for pizza and a vibey atmosphere
- Marika’s: for authentic Greek food and cosy family feel
- Chef Pon’s Asian Kitchen: for South Asian food
- Gallagher’s Restaurant: for elegant contemporary dining
- Will’s Cafe & Deli, (formerly Carlucci’s): for coffee and sandwiches
Things to do:
- Summer concerts and dog-walking in De Waal Park
- Hike up Table Mountain.
- Volunteer at Oranjezicht City Farm or stroll through the paths.
- Shop in Gardens Shopping Centre.
- Jog around the Molteno Reservoir.
Top schools:
- St Cyprians
- Herzlia Middle School
- Stepping Stones Montessori Pre-school
- German International School
- Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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