There is no shortage of seafood restaurants in Cape Town, which celebrate the bounty of the ocean. From fine dining to rustic beachside feasts, the Mother City’s seafood scene is diverse and delicious. These top 12 seafood experiences in Cape Town include Wolfgat, Nobu, Kalky’s, and more. You’ll leave craving more after these culinary adventures, whether you’re a local or visitor.
1. Wolfgat: A West Coast Dream
“Dining at Wolfgat feels like stepping into a dream. The restaurant‘s remote location in Paternoster, paired with Chef Kobus van der Merwe’s innovative Strandveld cuisine, creates an unforgettable experience.”
Wolfgat is more than a restaurant; it’s a celebration of the West Coast’s natural beauty and culinary heritage. Chef Kobus van der Merwe’s seven-course tasting menu is a masterpiece of foraged botanicals, fresh seafood, and indigenous flavors. Each dish tells a story, paying homage to the San hunter-gatherers and the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Foraged seaweed, mussels, and linefish.
- Ambiance: A rustic, intimate setting with panoramic ocean views.
- Sustainability: Focused on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.
Good to Know:
- Booking: Essential, with a long waitlist.
- Opening Times: Wednesday – Sunday, 12.30pm; Friday + Saturday, 6.30pm.
- Contact: [email protected].
- Location: 10 Sampson Street, Kliprug, Paternoster.
2. Nobu: Japanese-Peruvian Excellence
“Nobu is where luxury meets flavor. The black cod miso is legendary, and the omakase tasting menu is a journey through the finest Japanese-Peruvian cuisine.”
Located at the One&Only Cape Town, Nobu is a world-class dining destination. The sleek interiors, impeccable service, and innovative dishes make it a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Black cod miso, yellowtail sashimi, scallop hand rolls.
- Ambiance: Sophisticated and modern, with a stunning waterfront view.
- Special Features: Omakase tasting menu and sushi counter experience.
Good to Know:
- Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 6pm – 10pm.
- Contact: 021 431 5888, [email protected].
- Location: One&Only Cape Town, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront.
3. Kalky’s: A Local Institution
“Kalky’s is where you go for no-frills, delicious fish and chips. The bustling atmosphere and fresh catch make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.”
Perched on the Kalk Bay quay, Kalky’s is a beloved seafood spot known for its hearty portions and casual vibe.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Battered hake and chips, snoek and chips.
- Ambiance: Lively and family-friendly, with plastic-covered tables.
- Value: Affordable and generous portions.
Good to Know:
- Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 7pm.
- Contact: 021 788 1726, [email protected].
- Location: Kalk Bay Harbour, Main Road, Kalk Bay.
4. Veld and Sea: Foraging and Feasting
“Veld and Sea is a unique experience that connects you with nature. Foraging for seaweed and mussels, then cooking them into a feast, is both educational and delicious.”
Led by foraging expert Roushanna Gray, this hands-on course takes you from the beach to the table, creating a meal from sustainably sourced ingredients.
Highlights:
- Activities: Foraging, cooking, and enjoying a beachside lunch.
- Special Features: Seaweed face masks and outdoor dining.
- Cost: R1,400 per person, R700 per child.
Good to Know:
- Contact: [email protected].
- Location: Good Hope Gardens Nursery, Plateau Road, Cape Point.
5. Harbour House Kalk Bay: Luxury with a View
“Harbour House offers a dining experience that’s as breathtaking as the view. The seafood platter is a must-try, and table 40 is the best seat in the house.”
Perched above the Kalk Bay fishing pier, Harbour House combines fresh seafood with stunning ocean views.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Seafood platter, grilled crayfish, tuna tartare.
- Ambiance: Elegant and romantic, with panoramic views of False Bay.
- Special Features: Outdoor balcony seating (table 40).
Good to Know:
- Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 12am.
- Contact: 021 788 4136, [email protected].
- Location: Kalk Bay Harbour, Main Road, Kalk Bay.
6. Hōseki: Japanese Kaiseki Dining
“Hōseki is a culinary journey through Japan, with each dish a work of art. The miso black cod is a standout, and the kaiseki experience is unforgettable.”
Located at Delaire Graff Estate, Hōseki offers an elevated Japanese dining experience.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Miso black cod, crab tempura, sushi.
- Ambiance: Elegant and serene, with mountain views.
- Special Features: Chef’s tasting menu and à la carte options.
Good to Know:
- Contact: 021 885 8160, [email protected].
- Location: Delaire Graff Estate, Helshoogte Road, Stellenbosch.
7. Chapman’s Peak Hotel Restaurant: Nostalgic Flavors
“Chapman’s Peak Hotel is a timeless classic. The fried calamari is a must, and the views of Hout Bay are simply stunning.”
This iconic restaurant offers a mix of nostalgia and fresh seafood.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Fried calamari, piri piri prawns, kingklip.
- Ambiance: Casual and family-friendly, with terrace seating.
- Special Features: Beachside location and ocean views.
Good to Know:
- Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 9pm.
- Contact: 021 790 1036, [email protected].
- Location: Chapmans Peak Drive, Hout Bay.
8. Explore Collection: A West Coast Seafood Feast
“Flying to Saldanha Bay for a seafood feast is the ultimate bucket-list experience. The mussels and oysters are fresh, and the setting is magical.”
This helicopter-and-feast experience is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Highlights:
- Activities: Helicopter ride, beachside seafood feast.
- Special Features: Fresh oysters, mussels, and smoked fish.
- Cost: R24,000 per person.
Good to Know:
- Booking: 72 hours in advance.
- Times: Daily, 10.30am – 3.30pm.
- Location: 36 East Pier Road, V&A Waterfront.
9. Die Strandloper: A Beachside Feast
“Die Strandloper is a celebration of West Coast hospitality. The 10-course seafood feast is a marathon of flavors, best enjoyed with sand between your toes.”
This rustic beachside boma offers a true taste of the West Coast.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Braaied snoek, mussels, crayfish.
- Ambiance: Casual and festive, with fire-cooked dishes.
- Special Features: BYO drinks and cash bar.
Good to Know:
- Opening Times: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday (12pm); Saturday (12pm + 6pm).
- Contact: 083 227 7195, [email protected].
- Location: Jan Olfsen Street, Leentjiesklip, Langebaan.
10. Delicious Fish: A Seafood Emporium
“Delicious Fish is a hidden gem in Sea Point. The tuna biltong and snoek paté are unique finds, and the fish and chips are unbeatable.”
This fishmonger and deli offers a wide range of seafood delights.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Hake and chips, snoek samosas, seared tuna.
- Ambiance: Casual and bustling, with limited seating.
- Special Features: Eco-friendly packaging and promenade dining.
Good to Know:
- Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 8am – 8pm.
- Contact: 066 363 1438.
- Location: 89 Regent Road, Sea Point.
11. De Vette Mossel: A Lagoon-Side Feast
“De Vette Mossel is all about indulgence. The seafood buffet is a feast for the senses, and the lagoon views are the cherry on top.”
This open-air restaurant near Hermanus offers a hearty seafood buffet.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Mussels, grilled snoek, seafood potjies.
- Ambiance: Rustic and relaxed, with sand underfoot.
- Special Features: All-you-can-eat buffet and lagoon views.
Good to Know:
- Opening Times: Sunday, 12pm – 3pm; December daily.
- Contact: 064 552 6627.
- Location: Prawn Flats, R43, Voelklip, Hermanus.
12. The Codfather: Camps Bay‘s Seafood Icon
“The Codfather is a Camps Bay institution. The no-menu concept ensures the freshest catch, and the sushi conveyor belt is a fun twist.”
This iconic seafood restaurant is a must-visit for its fresh offerings and lively atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Yellowfin tuna, Mozambican langoustines, crayfish.
- Ambiance: Casual and bustling, with ocean glimpses.
- Special Features: No-menu concept and sushi conveyor belt.
Good to Know:
- Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10.30pm.
- Contact: 021 438 0782/3, [email protected].
- Location: 37 The Drive, Camps Bay.
FAQs
Q: What is the best seafood restaurant in Cape Town?
A: Wolfgat is widely regarded as the best for its unique Strandveld cuisine and sustainability focus.
Q: Where can I find affordable seafood in Cape Town?
A: Kalky’s offers delicious fish and chips at great value.
Q: What is the most unique seafood experience in Cape Town?
A: Veld and Sea’s foraging and cooking course is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Disclaimer
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.
