The Best Seafood Restaurants in Cape Town
There’s nothing quite like a seafood supper, it has an air of luxury to it and always makes you feel light and healthy. We’re lucky to have some amazing local seafood in Cape Town, as well as great restaurants that serve it. Here are our picks for the best seafood restaurants in Cape Town.
Seafood Restaurants in CBD & Gardens
Try these amazing seafood spots in the heart of Cape Town.
Balena Blu Seafood Italian Bistro
The Pesce Azzurro famiglia decided to come back with a new name and restaurant location — Balena Blu. The menu changes often, depending on what is available. Their Catch of the Day is served three ways: All’ Acqua Pazza (poached), Siciliana or grilled. You can always bank on their deliciously fresh pasta — personally, we love the Frutti di Mare pasta.
Location: 50 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre
Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs-Sat: 11h00-22h00 | Wed: 11h00-23h00 | Closed Sun
Good to know: they have vegan and gluten-free pasta options available.
Contact: 079 376 0511
SeaBreeze
SeaBreeze on upper Bree Street is an ode to the Mother City’s rich seafood heritage. The menu highlights everything there is to love about local and sustainable seafood, so you can expect to find an ever-changing menu featuring often-overlooked fish. Rumour has it that their tuna burger is out of this world!
Location: 213 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00–21h30
Good to know: they have a great oysters (Saldanha/Knysna) and MCC bar
Contact: 074 793 9349
seabreezecapetown.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Kyoto Garden Japanese Restaurant
Apart from the spectacular seafood, the atmosphere at Kyoto Garden is just as tasteful. This restaurant serves award-winning Japanese-inspired cuisine. Kyoto Garden really pushes the envelope with their inventive dishes. Their menu is eclectic and features some interesting sea creatures like abalone, Mozambican conch, eel, sea urchin, Alaskan king crab, deep-sea scallops and wild salmon. But, what you really want to try is their signature clear broth, ‘the sea’ or their crayfish miso soup.
Location: 11 Kloof Nek Rd, Gardens
Hours: Mon-Sat: 12h00-23h00 | Closed Sun
Good to know: Kyoto Garden is the ultimate restaurant for an intimate celebration. Whiskey lovers will go wild for their drinks selection.
Contact: 021 422 2001
kyotogarden.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Seafood Restaurants in the V&A Waterfront
Take a break from shopping and enjoy these seafood spots at the Waterfront.
Baia
One of the seafood stalwarts in Cape Town, Baia has been keeping Waterfront visitors well-fed for ages. The menu features all the seafood favourites, with a distinctly Portuguese flair. Their scallop and langoustine sashimi is to-die-for, as is their pumpkin-seed-crusted salmon. They also have a wide range of meaty dishes, in case you need more options.
Location: Victoria Wharf, First Level, V & A Waterfront
Hours: Fri-Sun (Lunch): 12h00-15h30 | Mon-Sun (Dinner): 18h30-22h00
Good to know: a great post-shopping meal with a side of Waterfront views.
Contact: 021 421 0935
Quay Four Restaurant
If you’re at the Waterfront and have a hankering for seafood — nothing hits the spot like Quay Four Tavern. Everything, from the harbour views to the seafood, is idyllic. It’s also a great spot for dining with family or friends, as they have a delicious seafood platters. You can expect a variety of hake, calamari (rings/strips), prawns and mussels in creamy garlic sauce for their platters.
Location: Quay, 4 Dock Rd, V & A Waterfront
Hours: Mon-Sun: 08h00-23h00
Good to know: you don’t want to miss out on their oyster and bubbly specials.
Contact: 021 419 2008
quay4.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Den Anker
If you ever have a late-night seafood craving, then Den Anker’s is the spot. They offer some of the best seafood in the city and they’re open till late. Their moules marinières is a real scene-stealer, but they also have a number of Kingklip dishes and fantastic fresh tuna on the menu.
Location: Pierhead, V & A Waterfront
Hours: Mon-Sun: 10h00-23h00
Good to know: if you’re hosting out-of-towners this is a great spot to take them for views of the Waterfront and Table Mountain.
Contact: 021 419 0249
denanker.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Firefish
As the name suggests, Firefish is a combo of a grill and seafood restaurant. Located at the V&A Waterfront, it has stunning views over the bustling harbour space and Table Mountain. The seafood selection is great, with several options on the starter menu such as Oysters on the Half Shell fresh from Saldanha Bay Pacific, Steamed Black Mussels served with cream and ciabatta and Crispy Fried Baby Squid. The main selection is also creative and varied, including their Grilled Kingklip with pink pepper and citrus rice and Pan Fried Sea Bass, which we can highly recommend.
Location: Shop 154, Victoria Wharf, Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront
Good to know: lots of interesting sushi signatures on the menu, try their Ultra Philly sushi donut.
Hours: Mon-Fri: 16h00-23h00 | Sat : 12h00-23h00 | Sun: 12h00-18h00 (Lunch Only)
Contact: 021 286 4933
firefishrestaurant.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Seafood Restaurants in the Sea Point & Camps Bay
Seafood by the ocean? Yes please!
Grand Pavillion
If you’re looking for a great seafood experience go big and dine at Grand Pavillion. Grand Pavillion is set on the Sea Point strip and apart from views, they have a fantastic menu. For starters you’ll want to try their line fish, mussels, poached prawn and calamari ceviche. As for mains, their Mozambican-style Prawns with chilli, garlic, bay leaf and brandy are unmatched. Not to mention — the sushi selection is divine.
Location: 277 Beach Rd, Sea Point
Hours: Mon-Sun: 11h00-02h00
Good to know: a great spot if you’re planning a celebratory dinner with friends or family, they cater large groups.
Contact: 021 206 6360
grandpavillion.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Paranga
Located on the Camps Bay strip, Paranga is a great spot for gorgeous ocean views and fantastic seafood. Their menu has a selection of small-plates including Kataifi Crusted Langoustines, Spicy Black Mussels and Tuna Sashimi. If you’re looking for some meatier seafood options, have at their Tiger King Prawns in umami butter sauce. Looking for a bigger fish? Their Fresh Norwegian Salmon with Teriyaki glaze and sticky rice is always a winner.
Location: Shop 1, The Promenade, Victoria Rd, Camps Bay
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00-23h00
Good to know: they have a superb sushi menu.
Contact: 021 438 0404
paranga.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Bilboa Restaurant
Bilboa offers the ultimate seafood experience. Their menu has a mouthwatering selection of seafood appetisers featuring au natural Oysters, Crispy Prawns in chilli pepper syrup, as well as Black Mussels with harissa and white wine crème. The mains feature an equally delicious variety of shellfish, like langoustine and prawns. Bilboa’s fish specialities include some authentic and diverse flavour pairings like Crispy Skin Salmon with Tzatziki, Pine Nut & Pistachio Crusted Kingklip, Seared Tuna with a Tahini Crust and Sumac-seasoned Grilled Calamari.
Location: Victoria Rd Shop 120, First Floor, The Promenade, Camps Bay
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00-23h00
Good to know: Bilboa, Surfshack, Firefish and Paranga are all part of The Kove Collection which makes sense because they all serve consistently good seafood.
Contact: 021 286 5155
bilboa.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Surfshack
There’s no better pairing than a good vibes and great food and Surfshack offers just that. Surfshack is the perfect spot if you’re looking to dine on a sunny day. They have ‘shareables’ on their menu like Tempura Crab Claw, Seared Ahi Tuna with Truffle Aioli and Rice Crispy Prawns. Their shucked Oyster comes with fresh accoutrements like lime, lemon grass and ginger. Send your tastebuds to seafood heaven and try their Blackened Cajun Salmon Skewers or their Seafood Feast for two!
Location: The Promenade, Victoria Rd, Camps Bay
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00-23h00
Good to know: Surfshack serves experimental flavours and all around good vibes.
Contact: 021 437 1802
surfshackdiner.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Codfather
One of the original and best, The Codfather is a nod to old-world dining, with a menu that includes a wide range of fish and shellfish. Most of the preparations are fairly simple and allow the flavour of the fresh fish to shine. While there is a limited range of sushi available, the menu takes on a mostly Mediterranean feel.
Location: 37 The Drive, Camps Bay
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00–22h30
Good to know: they have a lovely bar for pre-drinks or sundowners.
Contact: 021 438 0782
codfather.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Seafood Restaurants in the Cape Peninsula
Nothing beats seafood by the harbour.
Chapman’s Peak Restaurant
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times – Chapman’s Peak Restaurant is one of the best places in Cape Town to enjoy the scenery and seafood. Their pans of prawns can’t be beaten and we love that they serve the often under-appreciated hake. Make sure you get in early to get a spot on the outdoor veranda to catch the sunset.
Location: Chapmans Peak Hotel, Main Rd, Hout Bay
Hours: Mon-Sun: 10h00–20h00
Good to know: their succulent calamari is to-die-for!
Contact: 021 790 1036
Brass Bell Restaurant & Pub
Surrounded by the rolling waves, the restaurant complex of terraced dining is nestled between tidal pool walls, Brass Bell offers visitors a beautiful seafood dining experience. The Brass Bell has an impressive seafood menu filled with local seafood winners. Their starter menu includes Perlemoen Croquettes and Saldanha Bay Oysters. Their Kalk Bay Fisherman’s Soup with sustainably-sourced fish in a bouillabaisse is utterly delicious.
Location: Main Rd, Kalk Bay
Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:00-22h00
Good to know: you can tell whether a seafood restaurant is any good by their fish and chips and the Brass Bell’s is quite the catch!
Contact: 021 788 5455
brassbell.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Harbour House
The original Harbour House in Kalk Bay is the little seafood restaurant that started it all. The group has a branch located in Kalk Bay and the V&A Waterfront. The seafood is legendary with a mix of quality sushi offerings, as well as classic and contemporary seafood dishes.
Location: Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalk Bay | Quay Four, Ground Floor, V&A Waterfront
Hours: Mon–Sun: 11h00–23h00
Good to know: you’ll love the crispy calamari, endless views (both branches) and local MCC.
Contact: 021 418 4744 | 021 788 4136
harbourhouse.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Live Bait
Live Bait has been serving some of the freshest fish in Kalk Bay for a while now. Staying true to their name, they promise daily catches and keep things fresh with their serving suggestions. Catch some seaside standards like Fresh West Coast Mussels in white wine, good old fish and chips or some good ‘ol surf-and-turf. Other mains include Pan Fried Smoked Paprika Calamari, Grilled Prawns and their delicious Linguine Seafood Pasta.
Location: Kalk Bay Harbour, Beneath Harbour House Restaurant
Hours: Kalk Bay: Mon–Sun: 10h00-22h00.
Good to know: they offer some really tasty sushi.
Contact: 021 788 2705
livebait.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Seafood Restaurants in Surrounding Areas
Seafood in the ‘burbs anyone…?
Saltwater Grill
The Saltwater Grill in Durbanville produces stellar seafood food. The menu is well-put-together and diverse in cuisine. You’ll find Japanese, Thai, Hawaiian and Italian-inspired dishes, as well as some seafood classics like their Signature Spanish Seafood Stew and local Fresh Cape Hake.
Location: 33 Oxford St, Durbanville
Hours: Mon-Sat: 12h00-22h30 | Sun: 11h30-17h00
Good to know: they have some exciting vegan options and a smashing menu overall.
Contact: 081 558 6450
saltwatergrillsa.com | Facebook | Instagram
Enjoyed checking out the best seafood restaurants in Cape Town? How about cooking your own? Read up more about local fish available and then how to make an amazing seafood meal.
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