Meet new people over dinner: The Cape Town social experience changing the way we connect
Meeting like-minded people over a meal is a great way to make new connections.
Image: Freepik
If you’ve recently moved to a new city or find it hard to connect with people beyond a screen, you’re not alone.
While dating apps offer a quick way to meet someone, what happens if you're just looking for a good conversation and a memorable night out with like-minded strangers?
Enter DinnerMatch, a fresh concept from Cape Town native Jody De Mink, designed to help people meet new faces and enjoy a shared meal, without the awkward small talk of forced social events.
“I created DinnerMatch for myself because it’s something I would use personally,” says De Mink, 27.
“It’s just so easy to get sucked into the routine of staying home and doing nothing. I think we’re all craving some more adventure, excitement and even connection. I know I was, so I decided to create a solution.”
It’s a simple but powerful concept.
All people have to do is take a short personality quiz on the DinnerMatch website, buy a ticket, and be matched with five others to form a group of six.
The goal? A relaxed, enjoyable dinner with people you're likely to click with, minus the pressure or awkward silences.
“We chose six because it’s the magic number,” De Mink explains.
“It’s big enough that you’re likely to find one person you’ll really click with, but not so big that it’s pure chaos.”
Though it might sound like something designed for singles in their 20s, DinnerMatch is attracting a wide variety of people.
DinnerMatch is a new way to meet people.
Image: DinnerMatch / Screenshot
“We’ve had people from all walks of life and across a wide age range sign up,” says De Mink.
“Since groups are matched based on personality and age compatibility, everyone ends up at a table where the conversation flows naturally.”
In fact, it’s not just singles looking for connection. “We have married people, single people, people in situationships, you name it,” he says.
“As long as you’re open-minded, kind, and up for trying something new, you’re welcome.”
From choosing the venue to making the booking, DinnerMatch handles all the logistics.
“All you need to do is show up, take a seat, and enjoy the experience,” De Mink says.
Right now, the service is only available in Cape Town, but interest is pouring in from Johannesburg, Durban, and even abroad.
“We launched in Cape Town because it’s home, and I know the city and the people,” says De Mink.
“But the demand has already gone way beyond that. Expanding is absolutely on the cards.”
Cape Town often gets a reputation for being "clique-y", which is something De Mink has heard many times but doesn’t entirely buy into.
“In my experience, most people here want to meet new people. They just don’t always know how to take that first step. That’s exactly where DinnerMatch comes in. It removes the awkwardness and fear of rejection,” he says.
“When you show up, you already know everyone else wants to meet new people, too,” he adds.
“That shared intention creates a completely different energy, one where it’s safe to be curious, friendly, and real.”
In a world that often feels more disconnected than ever, this service might just be the kind of old-school social interaction we didn’t know we needed.
IOL Lifestyle