Cape Town truly is any seafood lover’s dream destination. Besides the fact that the Mother City is considered the culinary capital of Africa, it’s also the best place to enjoy sensational seafood.
Cape Town is surrounded on three sides by stretches of coastline, boasting a thriving marine eco-system and making it one of the best places in the world to find fresh seafood.
From authentic local fish and chips spots, laid-back harbourfront eateries and renowned seafood restaurants, the Mother City has something for every seafood lover to enjoy.
Here are some of the top places to enjoy the best seafood in Cape Town.
Worlfgat
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One of the best restaurants in the world, Wolfgat is widely known for its sensational fresh seafood. Voted the Best Off-Map Destination & Restaurant of the Year in the internationally acclaimed 2019 World Restaurant Awards, the restaurant has certainly taken the local and global culinary world by storm.
This tiny beach restaurant opened their doors just 2 years ago in a 130-year-old cottage and cave on the beach at Paternoster. Headed up by talented Chef Kobus van der Merwe and his six mostly female staff that have no real formal training (making this achievement even more remarkable). Wolfgat offers a truly authentic local culinary experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
At Wolfgat it’s all about sustainable, back-to-basics cooking. So much so that the staff, along with Chef Kobus van der Merwe, goes out everyday foraging for fresh ingredients, herbs, succulents and dune spinach on the wild Atlantic shore of the Western Cape to be incorporated into the delicious dishes. Talk about passion and dedication to their craft. This is one Cape West Coast culinary gem that deserves to be on every foodie’s bucket-list and is one of the very best places to enjoy seafood in Cape Town.
Die Strandloper Restaurant, Langebaan
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Die Strandloper is another Cape West Coast seafood gem that should without a doubt be on every seafood lover’s bucket-list. This laid-back beach restaurant situated in the beautiful coastal town of Langebaan is about as authentic as they come. At Die Strandloper it’s all about traditional fresh west coast seafood prepared the real local west coast way by real west coast locals. And it’s sensational!
It’s therefore safe to say that Die Strandloper is local, authentic West Coast cuisine at its finest. Visitors to this top Cape Town seafood restaurant can expect to enjoy a delicious seafood feast consisting of a variety of courses prepared in true west coast style. From fresh fish curry, mussel pots, freshly baked breads and grilled Weskus Haarders to braaied snoek, Crayfish, smoked Angelfish, sweet potatoes and traditional local Moer Koffiie, the list goes on and on.
Besides a truly sensational seafood feast, Die Strandloper’s beautiful, beachy setting is what makes this Cape Town seafood experience extra special. Positioned right on the beach, you can feel free to chuck your shoes aside from the moment you arrive. Plus, it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local experience. Picture white soft sand beneath your feet, the sound of gently lapping waves in the background, seagulls flying above, a ceiling of heavy fishing nets, the smell of braai wood, sea spray, and fresh roosterkoek perfuming the air. You simply won’t find a more quintessential West Coast experience anywhere else.
At Die Strandloper It’s all about good food, good people and good, old-fashioned West Coast hospitality. You’ll surely feel it from the very moment you arrive. You can even bring your drinks and ice along. Or if that’s not quite your style, they have a Beach Bar ready and waiting to serve.
Kalkys
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There truly is nothing like enjoying a traditional fish and chips feast made the real local Cape Town way, and Kalkys is one of the best harbourfront fish and chips spots in the entire city. It’s a great place to enjoy the best seafood in Cape Town. Situated in the trendy coastal town of Kalk Bay, Kalkys has become one of the most beloved local fish and chips eateries in the Mother City. Located right at the Kalk Bay Harbour, it is also somewhat of a local Cape Town hidden gem. If you’re die-hard lover of traditional down-right delicious fish and chips, you should visit Kalkys during your holiday.
Kalkys truly is local Cape Town fish and chips at its very best. No fancy trimmings. No experimental and inventive flavour combinations. Just a laid back, back-to-basics eating area. Big display menu on the wall above the ‘place your order here’ sign. And traditional fish and chips wrapped in a newspaper with a hefty dose of delicious salt and vinegar. Because that’s the way we do it in Cape Town. Paired with a stunning harbourfront ocean view and a few Seagulls flying about, it’s pure bliss!
Panama Jacks
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Situated just outside of the vibrant V&A Waterfront, but still within the harbour area, you’ll find one of Cape Town’s best seafood restaurants. As their seafood is widely known as being some of the best in the entire Mother City. Boasting a laid-back fisher-man style setting, relaxed vibe and a warm and welcoming atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home from the moment you arrive.
The seafood is the real star of the show at Panama Jacks, and the Seafood Platter is one of the top local favourites. Not to mention the fact that Shellfish is their speciality. So, if you’re a lobster or prawns fanatic, Panama Jacks is definitely the place to be.
SeaBreeze Fish & Shell
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Located on the trendy Bree Street in the vibrant inner-city, SeaBreeze is also a great place to enjoy seafood in Cape Town. Specialising in fresh and exciting versions of traditional fish. This cool Cape Town seafood restaurant is putting its unique twist on traditional seafood favourites, giving people something flavour-filled to enjoy.
Think hake ceviche with cream cheese and squid ink mayo, a fresh line-caught tuna burger with crispy onions, squid-ink prawn pasta or phyllo fish pie. Sounds pretty spectacular right! The only way to know for sure, is to try it for yourself of course! The fresh oysters at SeaBreeze are also known to be a real drawcard. Served plump and fresh with a shallot vinaigrette, it truly is the perfect Cape Town seafood hotspot for all oyster lovers. SeaBreeze also regularly runs an oyster happy hour where oyster lovers can enjoy this seafood delicacy for only R10 per oyster.
Marine’s Wharf
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Every Cape Town local knows that no visit to Hout Bay is complete without a stop at this Cape Town seafood gem. Besides being one of the most famous local seafood spots in Cape Town, Marine’s Wharf is a beloved Hout Bay restaurant that has been around for decades. Acting as both a sit-down restaurant and on-the-go takeaway. Marine’s Wharf is known for it’s simple, yet incredibly delicious, hake and chips, snoek, calamari, fish combos and family feasts. All available at very affordable prices.
If you choose to sit outside on their wooden picnic tables, your delicious seafood feast will come paired with a stunning Hout Bay harbourfront view, a fresh ocean breeze, a vibrant atmosphere and perhaps even a few Cape Fur Seal sightings. How amazing is that? Not to mention the fact that the beautiful Hout Bay beach is right next to you.The lively Hout Bay Harbour and market are also worth exploring. A visit to Marine’s Wharf in Hout Bay therefore not only ensures you get to enjoy some of the best seafood Cape Town has to offer. But a fun day out for the whole family too.
Baia Seafood Restaurant
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Located in the vibrant V&A Waterfront, Baia Seafood Restaurant has established itself as one of the most sought-after seafood hotspots in the Mother City. It is an upmarket Portuguese-influenced seafood eatery that has built up a well-deserved reputation for serving up some of the highest quality, fresh seafood and fish in the Mother City.
Their flavour-filled and exciting menu truly has something for every seafood lover at heart. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be much of seafood fanatic, after a visit to this sought-after Cape Town seafood eatery, you might just be. From fresh oysters, sushi, grilled linefish, Norwegian salmon and Portuguese-inspired prawns and langoustines to a Portuguese-style casserole of prawns, mussels, calamari, and linefish. Baia Seafood Restaurant will steal your seafood loving heart from the very first bite.
Chapman’s Peak Restaurant
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Another Hout Bay seafood gem is the famous Chapman’s Peak Restaurant located in the beautiful coastal town of Hout Bay. Opened over 25 years ago, it is considered the grand old lady of outdoor seafood restaurants in Cape Town. With a truly formidable reputation, Chapman’s Peak Restaurant is not only known as one of the top restaurants in Cape Town. But for their sensational fresh seafood that ranges from calamari and West Coast crayfish to prawns and fresh-caught linefish.
However, if you’re not a seafood lover, don’t worry, they certainly have a variety of incredible menu choices lined-up for you too. On a beautiful summer’s day, be sure to take advantage of their stunning sun-bathed terrace. Boasting spectacular beach, harbour, and ocean views. It promises to be a truly unforgettable culinary experience in one of the most beautiful settings in Cape Town. If you’re looking to experience something truly special, be sure to make a booking for just before sunset. Chapmans’ Peak and the renowned Chapman’s Peak Restaurant and Hotel isn’t known as one of the best sunset spots in the city for nothing.
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Harbour House
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With sought-after locations in both the V&A Waterfront and Kalk Bay, Harbour House has established itself as one of the top culinary hotspots in Cape Town. Widely known and celebrated for their sensational seafood. The renowned Harbour House is one of the best seafood restaurants in Cape Town for locals and travellers alike. Although the West Coast mussels and seafood platters are firm favourites, they have constantly rotating specials and an exceptional menu that boasts sensational and flavour-filled menu options for everyone to enjoy.
In addition to superb seafood, Harbour House boasts magnificent views all around. While Harbour House at the V&A Waterfront showcases some of the most beautiful harbourfront, ocean and Table Mountain views. Harbour House in Kalk Bay is equally spectacular. Perched on the rocks in the Kalk Bay harbour, boasting stunning sea views and the sounds of crashing waves on the shoreline. It truly is the perfect setting for an afternoon or evening of exceptional cuisine accompanied by an equally incredible atmosphere and backdrop. It’s therefore no surprise that Harbour House has established itself as one of the top restaurants and culinary seafood hotspots in the Mother City for people from all around the world.
The Codfather Seafood & Sushi
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Situated in the beautiful and sought-after Camps Bay, the Codfather Seafood & Sushi has been up and running since 1998. The restaurant forms quite an integral part of Cape Town’s vibrant culinary and seafood scene. If you consider yourself to be a seafood and/or sushi lover. This renowned Camps Bay restaurant is definitely the perfect place to enjoy an exceptional culinary experience in Cape Town. Serving a huge variety of fresh and grilled seafood and sushi, ranging from the usual Norwegian salmon and yellowfin tuna to eel, Cape salmon, yellowtail, butterfish, and more. There truly is something for every seafood and sushi lover.
But by far the one thing that sets the Codfather Seafood and Sushi apart from all the other seafood and sushi restaurants in Cape Town is the fact that they have no standard sushi menus. The talented chefs purely create their works of sushi art as inspiration strikes. Then what ever you like the look of or appeals to your taste buds, you simply take off the conveyer belt, eat and enjoy. Paired with beautiful sea views and an incredible atmosphere, the Codfather Seafood and Sushi is undoubtedly one of the top sushi and seafood restaurants in Cape Town.
Blowfish Restaurant at the Dolphin Beach Hotel
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This sought-after Cape Town restaurants invites you to break away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can escape to the beautiful Bloubergstrand for an exceptional seafood dining experience. The Blowfish Restaurant boasts one of the most sensational views in the city too. You are therefore invited to sit back, relax and admire the stunning sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain from this beautiful seaside setting. All while enjoying some of the best seafood Cape Town has to offer.
Boasting a truly superb menu, the Blowfish Restaurant prides themselves on only using the very best produce from land and sea. Thereby making it a top spot for any local or global culinary enthusiast. Not to mention the fact that their signature sushi and seafood counter (where the fresh catch of the day is grilled to perfection) will have seafood lovers savouring every bite. Paired with a great drink selection, warm and welcoming atmosphere and an incredible view of Table Mountain and beyond. The Blowfish Restaurant is certainly one of the best places to enjoy seafood in Cape Town.
Den Anker
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Located right in the heart of lively V&A Waterfront, Den Anker is one of Cape Town’s favourite local seafood restaurants and top culinary spots in town. With a stellar reputation of serving up some of the very best seafood in the city. It’s no surprise that it has become a culinary hotspot for seafood lovers and avid foodies from around the world. The fact that they’ve been serving up exceptional cuisine for the last 24 years just further proves their sought-after culinary status. Perched right on the quayside of the Waterfront, where seagulls swoop, seals bask in the sun, and passing yachts and rowing boats enhance the nautical vibe. Den Anker truly gives diner’s the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Cape Town’s local harbourfront vibe.
In addition to their laid-back waterfront atmosphere, stunning interiors, sensational harbour and Table Mountain views. Den Anker is widely known for their incredible, fresh and indulgent seafood dishes. Their mussels, variety of Kingklip options as well as their stellar seafood stew are certainly some of the local seafood favourites. So, be sure to give them a try while you’re there. Paired with a glass of Cape vino or cool and refreshing local craft beer, it’s pure Cape Town harbourfront bliss!
Café Orca
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Located in the beautiful Cape west coast coastal town of Melkbosstrand, Café Orca has fast become one of Cape Town’s favourite west coast seafood spots. Situated right on the Melkbosstrand beachfront, boasting uninterrupted ocean views. It truly is the perfect seaside escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There truly is nothing better than sitting on Café Orca’s beachfront patio, soaking up all the scenic ocean views, with a glass of Cape vino in hand. All while indulging in every bite of one of their sensational seafood dishes. It’s pure beachfront bliss!
So, sit back, relax and enjoy their creamy garlic and white wine mussels paired with a bottle of Cape Town’s finest white wine. Their fish of the day is also known to be fresh and always cooked to perfection. Besides these indulgent options, Café Orca has a wide variety of exceptional seafood and non-seafood options available for everyone to enjoy.
Nobu at the One&Only
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Since opening their doors Nobu at the One&Only has become one of the most sought-after dining experiences in Cape Town. Known for its world-famous fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine invented by Michelin-starred master chef, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. Nobu offers diners a truly unparalleled culinary experience paired with a spectacular view of the iconic Table Mountain. Its world-renowned culinary status makes this high-end Japanese restaurant the perfect place for a special occasion.
Known for their truly exceptional sushi, beautifully crafted sharing platters and a menu filled with flavour, exciting culinary creations and indulgent offerings. Nobu at the One&Only offers an unparalleled culinary experience unlike any other. Thereby undoubtedly making Nobu Lounge one of the most highly sought-after and exclusive sushi restaurants in Cape Town.
Fish on the Rocks
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Situated in the quaint and charismatic fishing village of Hout Bay, this tiny ramshackle fish and chips shop has been serving up some of the most delicious seafood in Cape Town for decades. Perched right on a jettison of rocks at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Fish on the Rocks is widely known for their down-right delicious takeaway and eat-in seafood that is freshly caught every single morning.
But what can you expect when visiting this Hout Bay seafood gem? Fresh local seafood prepared the fresh local way. Hake and chips, calamari and chips, yellowtail and chips, snoek and chips. You name it, they’ve got it! It’s therefore no surprise that Fish on the Rocks has become a top must-visit spot for anyone visiting Hout Bay. And it sure is worth every single bite! Paired with a stunning Hout Bay Harbourfront and ocean view, there’s nothing quite like it. Not to mention the fact that you’ll have the opportunity to spot a few Cape Fur Seal sunbathing and strolling about. And maybe even a few other members of the Marine Big 5.
On the Rocks
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With 56 years under its belt, this shore-hugging eatery is considered somewhat of an institution in Blouberg. Situated in the breath-taking Bloubergstrand, On the Rocks boasts one of the most spectacular views of the beautiful Table Mountain in the entire city. Paired with a sensational sea view, stellar seafood and an exceptional wine list, it’s no surprise that On the Rocks has become one of the most sought-after oceanfront escapes and top seafood restaurants in Cape Town for locals and travellers alike.
Boasting a varied menu including everything from fresh oysters, mussels, fish cakes, salt-and-pepper squid, West Coast seafood soup and Cape Malay seafood curry to poached or grilled linefish, seafood paella, seared salmon and so much more. On the Rocks truly has something for every seafood lover at heart. And the lovely sea breeze offers the perfect companion to a refreshing cocktail, G&T or glass of wine. Not to mention the fact that on a clear day the view of Table Mountain truly is postcard perfect. What more can you ask for?
Surfshack Diner
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Camps Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Situated right on Camps Bay’s stunning golden mile is where you’ll find this sought-after Cape Town seafood spot known as the Surfshack Diner. Besides its prime Camps Bay locations and sensational oceanfront views, Surfshack Diner is a contemporary seaside diner that serves up absolutely delicious diner classics. With their own unique twist of course! Think lobster rolls, seared ahi tuna buns, barbeque lamb chops, hot honey fried chicken burger, pizzas and so much more.
The Surfshack Diner has something for everyone to savour and enjoy. All served in a rustic yet stylishly decorated venue. With a vibrant atmosphere and lively laid-back vibe that fills the air. It truly is the perfect Camps Bay hangout spot. Not to mention the fact that you get a front row seats to one of the best sunset spots in Cape Town. Now if that doesn’t convince you to pay this cool Cape Town seafood spot a visit, we’re not sure what will!
The fact that the Mother City is home to so many incredible places to enjoy the best seafood in Cape Town, truly makes it any seafood lover and avid foodies dream destination. The best thing is, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy! Therefore, the only thing you’ll have trouble with, is deciding which one of these top Cape Town seafood restaurants to try first. But regardless of which sought-after spot you choose, one thing is for certain – your seafood journey through the Mother City promises to be both delicious and memorable in every way.
Looking for more help finding seafood restaurants in Cape Town? 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 seafood 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 the most notable Cape Town restaurants to wine and dine in 2020? Share your tips and ideas below and let us know!
![Best Restaurants in Cape Town: 2017 Edition [Part 2]](http://www.cometocapetown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Best-Restaurants-in-Cape-Town-2017-Edition-Part-2.jpg "Best Restaurants in Cape Town: 2017 Edition [Part 2]")
