Cape Town’s Best Waterfront Restaurants & Bars

One of South Africa’s best coastal cities, Cape Town is famed for its spectacular ocean views, sun-drenched decks, and magnificent sunsets. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the Mother City is packed with amazing restaurants and bars that offer sweeping panoramic vistas. Whether you are looking for fine dining establishments, casual beachside eateries, or laid-back bars located right on the beach, here is a list of the best waterfront restaurants and bars in Cape Town.

1 Firefish

waterfront restaurants and bars in Cape Town

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Firefish is one of the newer additions to the Waterfront’s restaurant scene. Overlooking the V&A harbor, this fabulous restaurant focuses mostly on seafood dishes including favorites such as tuna tartare, sushi, and oysters.  Sharing dishes like wraps and dim sum can also be found on their extensive menu. Firefish offers both indoor and outdoor seating with spectacular harbor views.

2 Shimmy Beach Club

waterfront restaurants and bars in Cape Town

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One of the most popular outdoor beach clubs in the city, Shimmy Beach Club is blessed with magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. This trendy spot attracts both locals and tourists who come here to enjoy everything from artisan cocktails and tasty foods to sunbathing on the sand. Order a portion of lamp lollipops or go for the mouthwatering bacon-wrapped sliders. If you prefer vegan cuisine, the wild mushroom risotto is extremely tasty.

3 Azure Restaurant

waterfront restaurants and bars in Cape Town

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Are you looking for waterfront restaurants and bars in Cape Town? Head out to the fabulous Azure Restaurant which offers breathtaking views of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. The restaurant’s open-air deck provides an ideal setting for a quiet evening with that special someone. As for the sunset views, they are simply amazing. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Azure Restaurant offers a memorable dining experience with 4 different tasting menus and a seasonal a la carte menu. Did we mention their seriously awesome wine list?



4 Bilboa

waterfront restaurants and bars in Cape Town

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Located in Camps Bay, Bilboa is a stylish beachfront restaurant with a nice shaded deck. There is also the indoor area fitted with both areas and leather seats from which you can enjoy magnificent views of the beach. As for the food menu, Bilboa offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes with plenty of seafood options available. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and features an extensive drinks menu. Keep in mind that Bilboa is a popular destination for sunset views, especially on the weekends.

5 Grand Africa Café & Beach

waterfront restaurants and bars in Cape Town

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Situated inside a former warehouse at the V&A Waterfront, Grand Africa Café & Beach is definitely one of the best waterfront restaurants and bars in Cape Town. From magnificent ocean views and a choice of 5 different bars to a range of both indoor and outdoor seating options, this place has it all. Apart from views of the Atlantic Ocean, Signal Hill, Table Mountain, and Robben Island, Grand Africa Café & Beach offers a memorable dining experience with both local and international food delicacies.

6 Live Bait

waterfront restaurants and bars in Cape Town

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With two locations in Kalk Bay and Muizenberg, Live Bait offers breathtaking mountain and ocean views. If you are looking for fresh seafood dishes and mezze-style meals, this vibrant restaurant has got you covered. Make sure to try their signature hake and chips which is delicious. When it comes to the interior, the restaurant’s rustic elements give it a laid-back vibe.



7 Tobago’s Bar & Terrace

waterfront restaurants and bars in Cape Town

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Tobago’s Bar & Terrace is one of those Cape Town places that you instantly fall in love with. Perfect for sunset cocktails, the chic Tobago Bar & Terrace boasts panoramic views of the ocean shoreline and has an extensive list of wine, MCC, and artisan cocktails including the signature Watermelon Cosmopolitan. In summer, you can go for a dip in their rim-flow pool.


Looking for more help finding waterfront restaurants in Cape Town for unique culinary experiences? Get in touch with us today! Check out our destination guides to find out more about popular areas to stay in the Mother City. You can also contact us if you would like to learn more about accommodation on offer in the city. We will help you plan your stay, booking the world-class restaurants in Cape Town along with tour activities, car hire and everything else you could ever need.

We’d also love to hear from you – tell us your best Cape Town restaurants to wine and dine? Share your tips and ideas below and let us know! 

About The Author: Dejan

I love writing about Cape Town, and all it has to offer. What a pleasure to be able to share this beautiful Mother City with aspiring travellers and visitors from near and far. Come and visit us soon, and when you do, make sure to book with cometocapetown.com :)
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