Seafood Restaurants Cape Town: 11 Top Picks

Cape Town has a rich culinary scene. But, a visit to the coastal city couldn’t be complete without enjoying delicious seafood. From bustling harbour markets and Waterfront delights to award-winning fine-dining establishments, visitors and locals are spoiled for choice.

Fresh-caught oysters, exquisite linefish, juicy prawns, and great sushi are all part of the sumptuous offering. To help you decide on where to feast, I present a roundup of 11 of the best seafood restaurants in Cape Town (plus 6 honourary mentions) to help you find your seafood pleasure, whatever you’re seeking.

1. Best In The Waterfront – Baia Seafood Restaurant

• Address: 19 Breakwater Blvd, the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
• Hours:
  • Mon to Sun: 6 pm – 10 pm
  • Fri to Sun: 12 pm – 3.30 pm
• Menu pick: Tre Pesca – 3 flavours of fish, grilled in olive oil and served with pan-fried mushrooms, red onions, capsicum, and more (R300).

There’s something special about eating fresh seafood while looking out over the sea. And in Cape Town, you’re often spoiled with views of the sea and the mountain! The terrace at Baia is no exception and affords a gorgeous view of Table Bay and Table Mountain.

This casual, sophisticated seafood restaurant has been a standout performer in the V&A Waterfront since 2001.

Baia leans into a Portuguese influence. This is something I’m happy to go with, even if it means I can’t decide between the Portuguese-style prawns or grilled sardines for starters. Obviously, I had to sample both and can report they are equally excellent.

The service here is smooth and accommodating and an extensive wine list presents wines from the region’s leading estates, including Buitenverwachting and Boschendal.

Baia is not just the best seafood restaurant in the Waterfront but one of the best in Cape Town.

Book in advance to get a seat on the terrace with the best views.

2. Best For Fine-Dining Asian Cuisine – Nobu, Cape Town

• Address: One&Only Hotel, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
• Hours: 6 pm – 11 pm
• Menu picks:
  • Salmon with Shiso Salsa (R480)
  • Chilean Seabass Amazu Ponzu (R360)
  • Sushi

For a dash of international panache, Nobu fits the bill. The Cape Town representative of this world-renowned name (co-owned by Robert de Niro) is hosted in the prestigious One&Only Hotel. Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, the master chef behind the Nobu name, holds Michelin stars for several of his ventures.

The style of this restaurant blends Japanese with Peruvian and Western influences to conjure unexpected flavours and innovative presentations. The cuisine is very good to occasionally sublime. The Omakase Chef’s Choice features an excellent vegetarian menu.

Nobu is committed to sustainable local sourcing wherever possible.

In comparative terms, the prices in this swanky setting are almost budget compared to eating at a Nobu elsewhere in the world.

Note: When you make a booking, you’ll be asked to pay a deposit of several hundred rands, which will be deducted from your bill.

Tip: Check out the upstairs lounge and indulge in a sake or two!

3. Best For Location – Harbour House, Kalk Bay

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• Address: Kalk Bay Harbour, Main Road, Kalk Bay, Cape Town.
• Hours: 12 pm – 10 pm
• Menu Picks:
  • Miso mirin seabass marinated in yellow miso and rice wine (R450)
  • Loch Duart salmon with wasabi aioli and green beans with pickled ginger (R585)

One day while I was visiting the working fishing village of Kalk Bay, I watched the local fishermen landing their day’s haul at the picturesque harbour. Seeing this convinced me that the fish served at Harbour House – Kalk Bay’s premier seafood restaurant – must be the freshest in town.

Harbour House, Kalk Bay has a sublime waters-edge location. It seems to float over the sea, like the prow of a ship. Panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the harbour, the ocean, and the surrounding mountains. The restaurant is airy and stylish, featuring whites, sea-blues, and softwoods.

The menu features a variety that spoils one for choice. There is also a separate Sushi Menu and decadent gin-braised oysters. The cocktails and desserts here are pretty decadent too.

The original Harbour House, Kalk Bay has delighted seafood aficionados for well over a dozen years. A second Harbour House operates from the V&A Waterfront and is also top-tier. Reservations are advisable.

4. Best For Fish And Chips – Kalkys, Kalk Bay

• Address: Harbour, Kalk Bay, Cape Town
• Hours: 10 am – 7 pm
• Menu Picks:
  • Grilled yellow tail and chips (R200)
  • Peri-peril prawns (R150)
  • Tender calamari and chips (R125)

Local, casual, cheerful, affordable, fresh, tasty, and ‘lekker’. These are the words used to describe Kalkys. This chirpy fish and chips joint by the harbour has been delivering the goods for decades. The freshest linefish virtually topples off from the boats and hits your (polystyrene) plate nicely grilled or with a crispy batter. Warm golden chips complete the parcel of happiness!

The fish selections include snoek, tuna, kob, yellowtail, kingklip and hake. If you fancy a splurge, tuck into a whole grilled crayfish (when available) and chips for a little over R300. Place your order and wait for a server to shout your number when it’s ready. While you wait, grab a beer or cold drink and soak in the buzz of the lively quay in the meantime.

The portions here are generous, though vegetarian pickings are slim (there is a menu item involving spinach pie, potatoes, and salad).

Even when Kalk Bay is busy, parking is usually available within 100 metres of the harbour.

Note: Kalkys only takes cash. For convenience, there is an ATM on site.

5. Best For Oysters – Mussel Monger and Oyster Bar

• Address: 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town
• Hours: 11 am – 10 pm
• Menu pick: 6 large oysters with a glass of bubbly (R220)

There are places you resolve to visit at least once to see what all the fuss is about. And after you’ve visited the first time, you keep returning! Mussel Monger is one of those treats.

Specialising in the finest oysters and mussels that have been sustainably harvested in Saldana, Mussel Monger is a must-visit for anyone who relishes these jewels from the sea. Pull up a chair like you’re family in this Sea Point hangout and prepare for a taste trip. I’d suggest trying the tempura mussels with vetkoek (because you can, and it’s not a combo you’ll see every day!).

The oysters are served fresh and shucked on order. A glass or two of bubbly is always a fab accompaniment.

The team at this cheerful venue is excellent and buzzing with knowledge and enthusiasm. Mussel Monger is located in Mojo Market, a lifestyle and food space that trades in good food and great vibes, which include live music. The setting suits the restaurant to a tee.

Mussel Monger operates a second restaurant in Stellenboscjh and also does home deliveries.

6. Best On The West Coast – Damhuis Restaurant

• Address: 32 Beach Rd, Melkbosstrand, Cape Town
• Hours: Tues to Sun: 9 am – 11 pm
• Menu picks:
  • Damhuis mussel chowder (R100)
  • Cape Malay seafood curry (R180)

Housed in a South African heritage building and with views of Table Moutain and the bay, Damhuis fully justifies a short trip up the West Coast road to Melkbosstrand.

Damhuis is not only one of the best seafood restaurants in Cape Town, but it also serves hearty South African comfort fare like oxtail, ribs, and lamb shank. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are gladly catered for too.

The pretty whitewashed stone building is delightfully laid out. Diners can choose between a chilled outdoor terrace, a cosy interior, or the swish Fisherman’s Tent – very cool and ideally geared for the changing Cape seasons.

Mussels in white wine & blue cheese and Damhuis Fisherman’s Casserole are among the dishes that draw seafood lovers from miles around.

Passion shines through in the service and presentation. The vibe in this affordable venue is casual and family-friendly, including for those in wheelchairs.

Tip: This restaurant is popular, so a reservation is recommended. If Damhuis can’t accommodate you, Cafe Orca is another quality seafood restaurant a little further along Beach Road.

7. Best For Calamari – Chapmans Peak Hotel Restaurant

• Address: Chapmans Peak Drive, Hout Bay, Cape Town
• Hours: 10 am – 10 pm or later
• Menu picks:
  • Grilled sardines (R70)
  • Calamari and prawn pan (R220)

The Chapmans Peak Hotel Restaurant is a local legend. Situated in a sunny corner with marvellous views across Hout Bay, this renowned hotel restaurant might be ageing a tad but the food is still fresh and mouthwatering.

When a restaurant is renowned for serving the best calamari in Cape Town, it must continually up its game to stay ahead of the competition. I’m pleased to say the calamari here is still delicious. The prawn & calamari pan and calamari & Portuguese streak combos are both winners. The seafood menu also serves crayfish, prawns, hake, and linefish of the day.

Come for a sundowner and stay for excellent seafood and fine wines (you can even venture into the cellar to choose your vintage). Heck, why don’t you check into the lovely hotel, and stay the night? It’s a good base from which to explore Hout Bay’s beach, wharfside, and local shops.

8. Best Seafood In The Winelands – Chefs Warehouse At Beau Constantia

• Address: Beau Constantia Wine Farm, 1043 Constantia Main Road, Constantia, Cape Town
• Hours:
  • Lunch: 12 pm- 2 pm
  • Dinner: 6 pm – 8 pm
  • There is no Sunday dinner
• Menu picks:
  • Yellowfin tuna with Balinese mint sambal
  • Smoked snoek and churros

Trust me, you don’t need to be overlooking the sea to enjoy fine fish. Relaxing on Chefs Warehouse’s chic deck, gazing out over expansive vineyards, and marvelling at the flavours of my smoked snoek and churros was one of my most memorable dining experiences. Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia is a stylish, contemporary venue set above the Constantia Wine Valley.

This masterful production is a collaboration between Chef Ivor Jones from TTK/The Test Kitchen and Liam Tomlin (2017’s Chef of the Year).

The menu changes periodically, but the chefs are always doing something playful, adventurous, and exciting with fish.

An expertly curated wine list features bottles from the Beau Constantia farm, as well as the larger region and some of South Africa’s favourite estates.

Reservations are advised.

9. Best Hidden Gem – Millers Thumb

• Address: 10B Kloof Nek Rd, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
• Hours:
  • 12.30 pm – 2 pm
  • 6.30 pm – 9 pm
  • Closed on Sunday
• Menu picks:
  • Cajun linefish of the day
  • Red jambalaya (R215)

Miller’s Thumb is a family-owned seafood restaurant in Tamboerskloof, on the fringes of the CBD.

Tucked just off Kloof Nek Road, the eatery would be easy to miss were it not for its colourful orange and green exterior.

Entering the converted cottage, you’ll find a warm, welcoming space with a casual bistro-style ambience. It’s a local City Bowl gem, suited to both a candlelit dinner or a lively catch-up with friends.

And the food? Pretty darn good all around. Cajun and Moroccan flavours and influences bring the magic. Try the Cajun prawn skewer with a Moroccan grilled kingklip, or Mozambican curry (prawns, cashew, and chicken).

Millers Thumb might be one of the lesser-known seafood restaurants in Cape Town, but it is passionately appreciated by those in the know!

Tip: The house is on a tight corner. If you’re lucky, you may find parking around the corner. Alternatively, there are side streets off Kloof Nek Road where you should find a spot pretty close by.

10. Best For Variety – Codfather Seafood & Sushi

• Address: 37 The Drive, Camps Bay, Cape Town
• Hours: 12 pm to late
• Take your pick: Crayfish, shellfish, calamari, langoustines, butterfish, sardines, kingklip, sushi, and more

Most of the restaurants in this guide have glorious views or trendy surroundings. Codfather Seafood & Sushi overlooks a parking lot. Yet, this Camps Bay institution is one of the most popular seafood restaurants around. The secret is rich variety and a satisfying concept. At Codfather, you choose your fresh fish and shellfish from the counter, have it weighed, and relax while it’s prepared to perfection.

A huge selection of fish and price points give you plenty of choice. You are quoted a price when the fish is weighed. If it’s too expensive, feel free to ask for a smaller portion – or perhaps combine that with a cheaper fish.

Enjoy your meal in the buzzy restaurant with tasty side offerings of rice, chips, vegetables, and sauces. A good selection of wines and beers is also available.

Tip: Talking of wines, if you want some privacy, or for a group booking, you can arrange a table in the exclusive wine cellar (it’s the kind of place the original Godfather might hold his meetings!).

11. Best for Fine Dining – The Azure Restaurant

• Address: Queen Victoria St, Oudekraal (Nature Reserve), Cape Town
• Hours:
  • Breakfast: 7 am – 10.30 am
  • Lunch: 12.30 pm – 3.30 pm
  • Dinner: 6 pm – 10 pm
• Menu picks:
  • Line fish crudo (R230)
  • West Coast fish stew (R260)

The elegantly glamourous 12 Apostles Hotel occupies a pristine stretch of Atlantic Ocean shorefront, overlooking the sea and backed by the majestic 12 Apostles mountains. The Azure Restaurant is the hotel’s jewel in the crown. This fabulous dining destination was voted South Africa’s Best Hotel Restaurant in 2020.

While Azure isn’t exclusively a fish restaurant, the bounty of the seas is always celebrated. Sourcing sustainably, Executive Chef Christo Pretorius presents a wonderful array of seafood dishes. Delicacies like crayfish, oysters, mussels, and langoustines feature prominently.

As you would expect, the restaurant has amazing views and the vegetarian and meat dishes are also impressive.

Note: Azure’s semi-formal dress code requires trousers and closed shoes for men.

Tip: If you visit the hotel, indulge in a cocktail or sundowner at the classy Leopard Bar.

Honourary Mentions – 6 More Great Seafood Restaurants

A consideration of the best seafood restaurants in Cape Town overflows with exciting possibilities. Here are 6 more:

1. SeaBreeze Fish&Shell offers a variety of creative dishes from the kitchen of this small bistro eatery in Bree Street, Cape Town central.
2. On The Rocks has been serving quality seafood cuisine and good vibes on the water’s edge in Bloubergstrand for 60 years and is well worth a visit.
3. Located on Quay 5 in the Waterfront, Sevruga serves delectable seafood and sushi in lovely surroundings.
4. Fish On The Rocks, like Kalkys on the other side of the mountain, does cheerful home-style fish and chips in Hout Bay harbour. The views are terrific.
5. Mariner’s Wharf is another institution in Hout Bay harbour. This popular seafood emporium offers tasty fish and shellfish in different eateries on the wharf.
6. Galjoen is a newish venue in the City Bowl that is making waves with tasting menus that feature local catches prepared tantalizingly over open coals.

FAQs

Where is the best sushi in Cape Town?

There is plenty of great sushi in Cape Town. Obi, Kyoto Garden, Sushi Box Constantia, Willoughby & Co, Nobu, Harbour House, and Aiko are among the city’s top sushi spots.

What are the top seafood restaurants in the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town?

There are many highly rated seafood restaurants in Cape Town’s famous Waterfront. Harbour House, Cape Town Fish Market, Willoughby & Co, Nobu, Baia, and Sevruga are some of the favourites.

What seafood is good to eat in Cape Town?

Tuna, kingklip, snoek, yellow tail, prawns, mussels, calamari, and crayfish are among the popular delicacies found in the Cape’s waters.