The Little 'Hood That Could

There’s a rare kind of magic to Cape Town’s Little Mowbray, a neighbourhood wedged between the frenzy of Main Road and the snoozy suburbia of Pinelands. Best thing about it? The solid line-up of eateries within strolling distance

- Little Mowbray

1 THE FAT CACTUS

For a guaranteed good time

When Mandy Karpierz and her late husband David opened The Fat Cactus 23 years ago, they could hardly have predicted its staying power, carrying patrons through from their tequila-shooting twenties to their laptop wielding forties with ease. Now one of three restaurants, the OG Tex-Mex eatery’s menu still satisfies with the original crowdpleasers such as chilli poppers and cheesy nachos, but has also evolved to include the, quite frankly inspired, Amazeballs – crumbed chorizo, jalapeño and feta risotto balls. You can still order your margaritas shaken or frozen, but now there’s also a house-made (soon to be retailed) Gingerdead tequila, served with orange and cinnamon. 47 Durban Road, Mowbray; tel: [phone], fatcactus.co.za, @fatcactuscafe

2 DIDI’S MEXICAN

For burritos, baby!

Owners Didi and Jacques Strauss launched Didi’s Bitchin Burritos food truck in 2013. The wheels of the truck are still turning for catering events, and the soul of the vintage VW AutoVilla thrives in this spot. Old takeaway faithful include the chicken burrito stuffed with cheese, bean paste, spiced rice and lime crema, and the crispy fish tacos (don’t miss out on Taco Tuesdays: buy one portion, get one free). But really anything on the menu is a sure thing. A special shout out goes to Didi’s Street Corn, pan-fried in garlic oil and cumin and topped with feta and spring onion. 83 Durban Rd, Mowbray; tel: [phone], didismexican. co.za, @didismexican

3 BRUEGELS

For thin-crust pizza (and crayons)