Cape Town‘s V&A Waterfront is a lively center for culture, shopping, and dining, featuring some of South Africa‘s top culinary experiences. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Waterfront‘s variety of restaurants is a must-visit. From fine dining to casual eateries, there’s something for everyone. This guide will introduce you to the 15 best restaurants at the V&A Waterfront, offering personal insights, detailed reviews, and essential information to enhance your dining experience.
Why the V&A Waterfront is a Food Lover’s Paradise
The V&A Waterfront isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience. The combination of stunning views, lively atmosphere, and world-class cuisine makes it a food lover’s dream. With over 80 restaurants and cafes, the Waterfront caters to every taste and budget. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, authentic Asian cuisine, or a hearty steak, you’ll find it here.
Listed below are the 15 best restaurants on the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town
1. Pier
Cuisine: Modern South African
Price Range: $$$$
Highlights: Oceanfront dining, seasonal tasting menus
Pier offers a high-end dining experience in a stunning harbourside setting, part of Scot Kirton’s La Colombe restaurant family. Chef John Norris-Rogers creates multi-course tasting menus inspired by the ocean, featuring visually stunning and delicious dishes like curried hake butter, octopus with salsa matcha, quail with langoustine, and snoek takayaki. The service is polished and engaging, blending theatrics, molecular gastronomy, and classic French techniques. There is also a vegetarian tasting menu available. Downstairs is The Waterside, a more casual fine dining restaurant led by chef Roxy Mudie.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 1pm (last seating) and 6.30pm – 8.30pm (last seating)
Contact: 021 879 6328, [email protected]
Location: Pierhead Building, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Pros:
- Stunning views of the harbor
- Impeccable service
- Creative, seasonal dishes
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited seating
Menu Link: Pier Menu
Instagram: @PierCT
2. Coy
Cuisine: Japanese-Peruvian Fusion
Price Range: $$$
Highlights: Nikkei cuisine, vibrant ambiance
Award-winning chef Ryan Cole, renowned for his work at Salsify, introduces Coy, a new restaurant at the V&A Waterfront, adjacent to the Bascule Bridge. Coy offers stunning views of the harbor, yacht basin, and Table Mountain. Head chefs Geoffrey Abrahams and Teenola Govender emphasize sustainable, ethical, and locally sourced ingredients, drawing inspiration from the ocean. The restaurant offers two menu options: a seven-course Coy Experience tasting menu, which explores African produce and traditional preparation techniques, and The Twos, featuring two dishes from the main menu for a quick lunch. The moody chiaroscuro interiors and relaxed fine dining atmosphere impressed us, as did the linefish sashimi with sugar cane and caramelized coconut served in a ceramic shell, and the melt-in-your-mouth ox tongue with earthy ras el hanout spices and black rice, which won over even the most reluctant offal eaters.
Park at the Portswood parking garage and walk towards the Bascule Bridge.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 8.30pm
Contact: 021 207 3278, [email protected]
Location: The Scherwyn Pavilion Building, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Pros:
- Unique flavor combinations
- Lively atmosphere
- Great for groups
Cons:
- Can get noisy
- Portions are small
Menu Link: Coy Menu
Instagram: @CoyCT
3. ROOI
Cuisine: Contemporary South African
Price Range: $$$
Highlights: Rooftop dining, craft cocktails
Fire is the central theme of One&Only Cape Town’s new restaurant, ROOI (Afrikaans for red), embodying the energy of flames and the essence of life. The new dining space is exquisitely designed to reflect the warmth, community, and conversation of our traditional braai, enhanced with a sophisticated touch of rich colors and local design. The fire-themed grillroom menu features sustainably and ethically sourced South African ingredients, including various cuts of South African wagyu beef, aged mutton, Kalahari venison, and masala-spiced kingklip. Fire-cooked vegetables, grilled South Coast rock lobster, and flame-grilled tuna also highlight the menu, with flavors and spices narrating the stories of South Africa’s diverse cuisines and cultures. A bespoke cap classique cart offers a curated selection of bubblies, a magnificent mixology menu of signature cocktails, and sommelier Luvo Ntezo’s hand-picked winelist encourages bespoke pairings to suit every palate, regardless of your meal choice.
Opening times: 6pm – 11pm (last seating at 9pm)
Contact: 021 431 5888, [email protected]
Location: One&Only Cape Town, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Pros:
- Spectacular views
- Creative cocktails
- Friendly staff
Cons:
- Limited vegetarian options
- Can be windy
Menu Link: ROOI Menu
Instagram: @ROOICT
4. The Waterside
Cuisine: International
Price Range: $$
Highlights: Family-friendly, diverse menu
The La Colombe family of restaurants is renowned for its exceptional dining experiences. Among its seven establishments is a harborside gem at the V&A Waterfront, offering a light, stylish ambiance with a deck that feels like a superyacht. This venue provides sophisticated and creative fine dining in the La Colombe style, albeit in a more relaxed atmosphere compared to its upstairs sibling, Pier. The five-course Chef’s Menu showcases beautifully plated dishes, starting with a unique milk bun bread stack and moving through seafood, beef, pork belly, and vegetarian options, culminating in a “treasure chest” of bonbons for a delightful finish.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 2pm; 6.30pm – 8.30pm (last seating)
Contact: 021 879 6328, [email protected]
Location: Pierhead Building, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Pros:
- Affordable
- Kid-friendly
- Great location
Cons:
- Can get crowded
- Basic decor
Menu Link: The Waterside Menu
Instagram: @TheWatersideCT
5. Terrarium
Cuisine: Vegan & Vegetarian
Price Range: $$
Highlights: Plant-based dishes, eco-friendly
Chef Chris Erasmus’ dedication to sustainable, organic cuisine, from farm and forest to plate, is legendary (we’ve missed him since Foliage in Franschhoek closed). We’re thrilled about the new restaurant he’s leading at the Queen Victoria Hotel. Terrarium is an intimate space nestled above the V&A Waterfront, boasting stunning views and a kitchen garden of indigenous plants and herbs. The name reflects a focus on regeneration, community, and produce sourced from small, family-owned fisheries, butcheries, smokers, and beekeepers. Alongside head chef Anlou Erasmus (no relation) and sommelier Marlvin Gwese, Chris is redefining fine dining with a creative twist on sophisticated and sustainable flavor combinations. The menu features an à la carte selection of small plates and the eight-course Fauna or Flora dinner menus, offering meat-based or plant-based options respectively.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 9.30pm
Contact: 021 419 6677, [email protected]
Location: Queen Victoria Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Pros:
- Healthy options
- Sustainable practices
- Cozy ambiance
Cons:
- Limited protein options
- Small portions
Menu Link: Terrarium Menu
Instagram: @TerrariumCT
6. Nobu
Cuisine: Japanese
Price Range: $$$$
Highlights: World-renowned sushi, luxurious setting
Nobu Cape Town, with its sleek double-volume interiors and stylish backlit bar, offers breathtaking views of the waterside and Table Mountain, creating a stunning backdrop for an exceptional seafood dining experience. Known for its flawless blend of Japanese culinary traditions, Peruvian flavors, and South African flair, Nobu is entering an exciting new era with the appointment of its first female head chef, Nicky King. Guests can look forward to innovative takes on classic dishes such as miso black cod and Kingcrab Amazu Ponzu, featured on both the omakase and à la carte menus, as well as new creations that highlight Cape Town’s local produce, including sustainably sourced seafood, native botanicals, and the region’s finest wines. For a more intimate experience, the sushi counter serves signature classics like the scallop and smelt egg hand roll, eel and cucumber maki, and yellowtail sashimi. Nobu is the perfect venue for celebrating special occasions.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 6pm – 10pm
Contact: 021 431 5888, [email protected]
Location: One&Only Cape Town, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Pros:
- Exquisite dishes
- Elegant ambiance
- Excellent wine list
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Reservations required
Menu Link: Nobu Menu
Instagram: @NobuCT
7. Heirloom
Cuisine: Farm-to-Table
Price Range: $$$
Highlights: Organic ingredients, rustic charm
Personal Insight: “Heirloom’s farm-to-table concept is refreshing. Their roasted beetroot salad and grass-fed beef burger are highlights.”
Heirloom, Cape Grace’s newly revamped signature restaurant, offers a luxurious ambiance that perfectly complements the breathtaking views of Table Mountain over the marina. Chef Asher Abramowitz draws inspiration from South Africa’s rich heritage and abundant terroir, presenting an elegant à la carte menu that blends tradition with innovation and evolves with the seasons. The menu features refined dishes such as smoked snoek with roast apricot, kudu tartare, Cape Malay mussel pot with pickled spekboom, braai lamb rack, millet risotto, veld-raised beef fillet, and charcoal roasted rock lobster tail with seafood bisque. Additionally, the hotel’s iconic Bascule Bar downstairs boasts a sophisticated new ambiance.
Good to know: Heirloom is open from Monday to Sunday, 6.30pm to 9pm. For reservations, contact 021 410 7068 or email [email protected]. The restaurant is located at Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.
Pros:
- Fresh, organic ingredients
- Cozy atmosphere
- Great for brunch
Cons:
- Limited seating
- Slightly pricey
Address: Silo District, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM (Daily)
Menu Link: Heirloom Menu
Instagram: @HeirloomCT
8. Willoughby & Co
Cuisine: Seafood
Price Range: $$
Highlights: Fresh sushi, casual vibe
Personal Insight: “Willoughby & Co is a local favorite for a reason. Their sushi platters are generous and reasonably priced.”
Willoughby & Co at the V&A Waterfront is a must-visit for sushi lovers, with a perpetual line of eager diners. The sushi here is consistently outstanding, thanks to the skilled chefs under the guidance of owner Jens Tibshraeny. The menu is a treasure trove of Japanese and traditional seafood dishes, making it difficult to pick a favorite. However, the signature 4×4 dish stands out, featuring creamy rock-shrimp maki and Rainbow Reloaded rolls topped with deep-fried prawns in a spicy chilli-bean mayonnaise. Despite being in a mall, the restaurant exudes charm with its pale-wood furniture and cozy padded booths. For a quick bite, the counter seating offers a view of the chefs at work. With no bookings, the service is swift and efficient, making the wait for a table manageable.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact: 021 418 6115
Location: Shop 6132, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Pros:
- Affordable sushi
- Quick service
- Great location
Cons:
- Can get crowded
- Basic decor
Menu Link: Willoughby & Co Menu
Instagram: @WilloughbyCT
9. Marble
Cuisine: South African Braai
Price Range: $$$
Highlights: Fire-cooked dishes, stylish setting
Personal Insight: “Marble’s open-fire cooking is a feast for the senses. The lamb chops and peri-peri prawns are unforgettable.”
Chef David Higgs has ignited a culinary celebration in Cape Town, bringing his renowned fire-cooking expertise to the city. Perched atop the beautifully restored Union Castle building, Marble offers breathtaking views of Table Mountain, the bustling V&A Waterfront, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. This glamorous rooftop venue promises to be the go-to spot for sundowners this summer. With a stunning 220-seat restaurant, Marble continues its signature fire-cooking tradition, infused with a unique Cape Town twist. The menu features new additions like snoek paté with magwenya and lamb and beef tartare with pickled waterblommetjies. Signature dishes such as Marble’s celebrated wood-fired Chalmar ribeye are complemented by innovative creations like mussel paella and line fish with burnt leeks and roasted fish bone sauce. Leading the new Marble team is chef Matt van Niekerk, who believes that while live-fire cooking may not be a novel concept, Marble’s approach always delivers a fresh and exciting experience. “That’s what excites us about Cape Town,” he says. “Fire has a way of bringing people together—it’s where stories are shared, ideas come to life, and connections are made.”
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 9.30pm
Contact: 021 002 8484, [email protected]
Where to find it: Union Castle Building, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Pros:
- Unique cooking style
- Stunning views
- Great for meat lovers
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited vegetarian options
Menu Link: Marble Menu
Instagram: @MarbleCT
10. Baia Seafood Restaurant
Cuisine: Seafood
Price Range: $$$
Highlights: Fresh seafood, harbor views
Personal Insight: “Baia’s seafood platter is a must-try. The oysters and calamari are incredibly fresh.”
Nestled in the vibrant V&A Waterfront, this upscale restaurant is a haven for seafood enthusiasts. The menu boasts an array of exquisite dishes, from fresh oysters and linefish sashimi to oven-baked linefish, Portuguese-inspired prawns, and langoustines, topped off with Norwegian salmon. A standout is the cataplana, a Portuguese-style casserole brimming with prawns, mussels, calamari, and various linefish, offering a divine culinary experience.
Note: Baia’s main location at the front of the Victoria Wharf centre is undergoing extensive renovations in 2025. In the meantime, they have a pop-up space on the same floor, located at the back opposite Louis Vuitton.
Opening hours:
* Monday – Wednesday: 6pm – 10pm
* Thursday – Sunday: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
For reservations or inquiries, contact 021 421 0935 or email [email protected].
Find it at Shop 6262, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.
Pros:
- Fresh seafood
- Beautiful views
- Great service
Cons:
- Can be pricey
- Limited parking
Menu Link: Baia Menu
Instagram: @BaiaCT
11. Den Anker
Cuisine: Belgian
Price Range: $$
Highlights: Belgian beers, hearty dishes
Personal Insight: “Den Anker’s mussels and fries are a classic. Pair it with a Belgian beer for the ultimate experience.”
Den Anker, often praised as the most popular Belgian restaurant at the Waterfront, might just be the most frequented dining spot overall. This isn’t surprising given its consistently outstanding cuisine, professional service, upscale ambiance, and stunning views. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Den Anker is ideally located on the quayside with a breathtaking view of Table Mountain, where seagulls glide, seals lounge in the sun, and yachts and rowing boats add to the maritime charm. The menu features classics like moules marinières, accompanied by delicious shoestring fries and mayo, steak au poivre, bitterballen, and house waffles, along with a diverse selection of Belgian beers sourced from small breweries in the Benelux region.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 9am – 10.30pm
Contact: 021 419 0249, [email protected]
Location: Pierhead, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Pros:
- Authentic Belgian cuisine
- Great beer selection
- Waterfront location
Cons:
- Can get busy
- Limited vegetarian options
Menu Link: Den Anker Menu
Instagram: @DenAnkerCT
12. The Granary Café at The Silo Hotel
Cuisine: Contemporary
Price Range: $$$$
Highlights: Luxurious setting, gourmet dishes
Personal Insight: “The Granary Café is the epitome of elegance. Their high tea is a delightful experience.”
The Silo Hotel’s Granary Café offers a uniquely luxurious retreat above the bustling Waterfront, boasting stunning views through its multi-faceted goldfish-bowl glass walls. Chef Veronica Canha-Hibbert’s elevated bistro menu is both heartily delicious and unfussy. For lunch, we savored perfectly cooked sea bass with peas, roast garlic velouté, and chimichurri, along with braised beef shortrib with pumpkin purée and a zesty tatsoi salad. The classic steak frites, seafood curry, and a sandwich menu featuring a juicy smash burger are also noteworthy. The dinner menu expands to include starters and mains like lamb rack, sticky pork belly, and fish pie, all interpreted with flair. As we reluctantly left the captivating scenes of swooping seagulls, yachts gliding through the Bascule Bridge, and shipyard dry dock activity, preparations for afternoon tea were underway with an irresistible array of patisserie.
Good to know: Sunday brunches (12pm – 2pm) are open to non-resident guests with a booking. You can also book lunch at the rooftop bar (the highest point in the Waterfront), which offers a relaxed bar-snack menu of burgers, poke bowls, salads, and sandwiches.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 9.30pm
Contact: 021 670 0500, [email protected]
Where to find it: The Silo Hotel, Silo District, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Pros:
- Stunning decor
- Gourmet dishes
- Impeccable service
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Reservations required
Address: Silo District, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Hours: 7 AM – 10 PM (Daily)
Menu Link: Granary Café Menu
Instagram: @GranaryCafeCT
13. Tang
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Price Range: $$$
Highlights: Creative dishes, chic ambiance
Personal Insight: “Tang’s dim sum and cocktails are a perfect pairing. The modern decor adds to the experience.”
With “Tang,” you will experience a burst of flavor that will enliven your palate. It also alludes to the Ancient Chinese dynasty, that was known for its appreciation of sensory delights and its creativity. A vibrant array of Asian flavors, stunning presentation, and meticulous attention to detail await you at this restaurant. In keeping with its waterfront location, the Cape Town branch of this renowned Joburg hotspot boasts an elaborate, modern-tropical aesthetic, perfectly complementing its lavish modern-tropical interior. A contemporary twist on traditional Asian dishes is found on the menu, which draws inspiration from Cantonese cuisine and Japanese izakayas. These dishes are prepared in woks and on a robata grill, while seafood takes center stage (think black cod miso, sashimi, sushi, etc.). This is a luxurious sensory experience, enhanced even further by the unique charm of the clientele that visits the restaurant.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 11pm
Contact: 076 652 8972 (also available on WhatsApp), [email protected]
Location: Shop 153, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Pros:
- Unique fusion dishes
- Stylish setting
- Great for dates
Cons:
- Expensive
- Small portions
Menu Link: Tang Menu
Instagram: @TangCT
14. Harbour House
Cuisine: Seafood
Price Range: $$$
Highlights: Fresh seafood, ocean views
Personal Insight: “Harbour House’s seafood platter is a feast for the senses. The views of the ocean are breathtaking.”
Nestled on a jetty near the Victoria & Alfred Mall, this Harbour House location embraces its nautical theme, offering exceptional seafood dishes that match the freshness of the ocean breeze. The white-washed interior extends to an outdoor deck, perfect for enjoying the harborside ambiance. For a unique experience, head to the upper deck featuring a sushi bar, small plates menu, and an inventive array of cocktails. The diverse main menu boasts a variety of fish, including Norwegian salmon, swordfish, kingklip, seabass, and yellowtail, all depending on the day’s fresh catch, served with a selection of sauces and pairings. Indulge in crayfish, calamari, seafood pasta, and lavish seafood platters. Meat enthusiasts can savor rib-eye steak or rack of lamb, while vegetarians can enjoy roasted king-oyster mushrooms or artichoke gnocchi.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 11pm
Contact: 021 418 4744, [email protected]
Location: Quay Four, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Pros:
- Fresh seafood
- Stunning views
- Great service
Cons:
- Can be pricey
- Limited parking
Menu Link: Harbour House Menu
Instagram: @HarbourHouseCT
15. Belthazar
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Price Range: $$$
Highlights: World-class steaks, extensive wine list
Personal Insight: “Belthazar’s ribeye steak is the best I’ve ever had. The wine list is equally impressive.”
The refined New York atmosphere of this celebrated V&A steakhouse and wine bar is heightened by the sight of wine boxes stacked above, showcasing the venue’s impressive wine collection. The elegant setting features white tablecloths, Riedel stemware, and impeccable service from knowledgeable waiters in white jackets and bow ties. The terrace tables offer stunning views of the harbor and Table Mountain, adding to the charm. With 250 wines available by the glass and up to 600 in total, this is a haven for wine enthusiasts. The menu focuses on steak, offering a vast selection of high-quality, 28-day matured meat, including grain-fed Karan beef, Karoo wagyu, and free-range, grass-fed beef from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Grilled seafood is another standout, and for the adventurous, there’s a menu of game steaks, from crocodile to wildebeest.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact: 021 421 3753, [email protected]
Location: Shop 154, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Pros:
- Excellent steaks
- Extensive wine list
- Great ambiance
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can get noisy
Menu Link: Belthazar Menu
Instagram: @BelthazarCT
FAQs
Q: What is the best restaurant for seafood at the V&A Waterfront?
A: Baia Seafood Restaurant and Harbour House are top choices for fresh seafood.
Q: Are there vegetarian-friendly restaurants at the V&A Waterfront?
A: Yes, Terrarium and Heirloom offer excellent vegetarian and vegan options.
Q: Which restaurant has the best views?
A: ROOI and Pier offer stunning views of the harbor and Table Mountain.
Final Th
The V&A Waterfront is a culinary paradise that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, casual eats, or vegan delights, you’ll find it here. I hope this guide helps you navigate the Waterfront’s vibrant food scene and discover your new favorite restaurant.
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.
