Several Cape Peninsula restaurants combine two of the best holiday-feel activities – dining out and being by the sea. Some of these seafood, health food, patisserie, and Cuban locales even offer a second or third feature – a swim right there in a tidal pool, live music performances, Cuban cigars, and even a theatre. Explore our top spots for indulging the senses with this round-up of Cape Peninsula restaurants on the water’s edge.
The Black Marlin: Tidal Pool Swimming, Whale Watching & Sumptuous Seafood Platters
The Black Marlin sits up on the hill above the Millers Point Tidal Pool, making this another tempting spot to combine a swim in the ocean with a delicious meal. Its high vantage point also makes it prime whale-watching territory, while the large variety of seafood platters, vegetarian options, and a superb wine list seal its place in Cape Peninsula itineraries.
Where: Millers Point, Simon’s Town
Website: blackmarlin.co.za
Email: reservations@blackmarlin.co.za
Tel: 021 786 1621
Seaforth Restaurant: Beach Swimming, Vast Vistas & Varied Group Dining
Seaforth Restaurant is wedged between the ocean and the beach in Simonstown, neighbouring Boulders. A large deck looks towards the beach and coastline on one side and drops down to the sea on the other. The soft-sanded beach, which is free to use and often visited by the local penguins, provides the perfect way to work up an appetite – with a swim and a sunbathing session. While seafood is where the restaurant shines, vegan and gluten-free light meals, as well as a variety of other starters and mains, make Seaforth Restaurant a great choice for a varied group of diners, too.
It should be noted that the restaurant is only open between 12pm and 4pm (daily).
Where: Seaforth Beach, Seaforth Road, Simon’s Town
Website: www.seaforthrestaurant.co.za
Email: info@seaforthrestaurant.co.za
Tel: 021 786 4810
Bertha’s: Top-Notch Seafood in Historic Simonstown Harbour
Bertha’s is a well-known seafood restaurant set right on the water of the Simonstown Harbour. Prime views of both the sea and the busy local community – fishermen, crafts people, and buskers – are complemented by a reputation for great food and service. Named after the “Berthas” of the Mississippi, this restaurant at the very heart of Simon’s Town makes it a top choice for lunch on a day out exploring the town.
Where: Quayside Centre, 1 Wharf St, Simon’s Town
Website: berthas.co.za
Email: reservations@berthas.co.za
Tel: 021 786 2138
Dixies: False Bay Views your Family & Furry Friend will Enjoy Too
Dixies, set on the Glencairn hillside two minutes from Simonstown, boasts a large terrace with panoramic views over False Bay. Often caressed by a fresh sea breeze and providing a bit of shade in the afternoon, this is the perfect place to cool off with the family while you enjoy your choice of seafood, grill, or pizza. This family-run, historic venue is also known for its array of popular South African wines, and being pet-friendly.
Where: 134 Main Road, Glencairn
Website: www.dixiesrestaurant.co.za
Tel: 021 786 2105 / 021 786 3309
Live Bait: Laid-Back Sushi at the Sea
Set right beneath Harbour House, Live Bait offers a more laid-back setting – including nooks with cushions – and a well-priced menu in a very similar environment. Guests are more likely to enjoy some sea spray in the face on a windy day – as the waves are simply that much closer, sometimes even crashing against the glass on one side. Sushi and cocktails take centre stage, while everything on the menu is also reliably fresh and delicious.
Where: Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalk Bay
Website: livebait.co.za
Email: kalkbay@livebait.co.za
Tel: 021 788 4133 / 021 788 5755
Harbour House: Fine Dining & Fabulous Views
Harbour House is up close and personal with the sea, and yet elevated… This fine dining locale for seafood and sushi lovers sits on the first floor of a building at the edge of the Kalk Bay harbour, with waves crashing beneath on one side, and the boat-filled harbour and pier stretched out on the other. With its top-notch service, unique setting, and generous menu (including an impressive wine list), Harbour House is a must-try for culinary enthusiasts with a taste for the romantic.
Where: Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalk Bay
Website: www.harbourhouse.co.za
Email: kalkbay@harbourhouse.co.za
Tel: 021 788 4133
Cape to Cuba & Hemingway Bar: Cocktails, Cigars, & Live Music with a View
This maximalist-styled Cuban restaurant and adjacent beach bar have become popular watering holes for the local community, with remarkable cocktails, authentic Cuban dishes, Cuban cigars, and a seafront-facing balcony. Of all the restaurants on the water, there are few places in Cape Town that so perfectly epitomise a “tropical holiday”. Sitting on the balcony, guests can take in views of the Kalk Bay Harbour and Kalk Bay Beach, often dotted with families still swimming as the sun sets. DJs and live music – often with a Caribbean feel – complete the experience.
Where: 165 Main Road, Kalk Bay
Website: www.capetocuba.com
Email: kalkbay@capetocuba.com
Tel: +27 21 788 1566
Brass Bell: Tidal Pool Swimming, Live Theatre & Bands
Originally built in 1939 as a council-run “tea room”, this now modern and thriving complex of pubs and dining venues (9 in total) was one the first places in the area to offer a restaurant on the water’s edge. Besides the wonderful proximity to the ocean (we’re talking sea spray in your hair or possibly getting splashed on, depending on where you sit) several unique features set Brass Bell apart. Most notable is its enticing tidal pool (guests can easily enjoy a meal in between swims), as well as the Kalk Bay Theatre on the premises (which stands on its own as a bucket list entertainment venue in Kalk Bay) and the frequent live events that place here (mostly rock and pop bands).
Where: Main Road, Kalk Bay
Website: www.brassbell.co.za
Email: info@brassbell.co.za
Tel: 021 788 5455
Dalebrook Café / Chardonnay Deli: Tidal Pool Swimming & Pastry Shop/Health Bar
Ever longed for a piece of cake or a vegetarian lunch after a good swim? Set directly across the road from the Dalebrook Tidal Pool, Chardonnay Deli (aka Dalebrook Café) had already made a name for itself at its Constantia branch. These days, guests can enjoy the heaven of all things pastry and deli in Kalk Bay, including an impressive number of smoothies, and vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free items – as well as starters and mains. A pretty courtyard offers both shady and sunny patches, and a bench placed perfectly for people-watching.
Where: 20 Main Road, Kalk Bay
Website: www.chardonnaydeli.co.za/kalk-bay
Email: managerKB@chardonnaydeli.co.za
Tel: 021 300 6011
The Commons: Surf, Sip, & Sway to Live Jazz at this Vegan-Friendly Venue
This restaurant, live music venue, and (occasionally) club overlooking the Muizenberg beachfront provides something decidedly different. Created with unity between cultures in mind and serving fresh vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes, The Commons has quickly gained a devoted following among artists, musicians, and health enthusiasts alike. While the space inside glows with colourful art and comfy couches, the long balcony offers arguably the best spot for watching the surfers at play, complete with a healthy breakfast. However, it’s the world-class jazz concerts held here, followed by a drink over the ocean, that cement The Commons’ unique place in the South Peninsula.
Where: Surfers Corner, Beach Road, Muizenberg
Website: thecommons.co.za
Email: thecommons.muizenberg@gmail.com
Tel: +27 83 799 8294
