Cape Town has it all: mountains, land and sea… And with arguably some of the best coastline found anywhere in the world, this city wholeheartedly tempts its residents and tourists to enjoy all the seaside beauty it has on offer.
And, if you are keen to dine by the sea, the Mother City has an equally wonderful array of sea-facing restaurants, which either hug the shoreline or offer not-too-distant ocean views… talk about dreamy!
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Without further ado, here are the top seaside restaurants in Cape Town:
#1 Cucina Labia at Casa Labia
If you are looking for an incredibly elegant restaurant, which drips quality, beauty and class, and offers ocean views to die for – then Cucina Labia should be just about first on your list.
Especially as Chef Andrea Foulkes and her culinary team offer guests incredible brunch, lunch and afternoon tea in one of the city’s most beautiful spaces.
Whether you wish to dine in true class, enjoy a romantic lunch date or spoil your ladies with an afternoon tea to remember, Cucina Labia in Muizenberg will wow you in every way – not least of all with Casa Labia’s stunning garden and breathtaking ocean views.
Contact: +27 (021) 788 6062, cucinalabia@dishfood.co.za
Website: www.casalabia.co.za/cucina-labia
Address: Cucina Labia, Casa Labia, 192 Main Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#2 La Perla
Not only is La Perla one of the city’s most time-honoured Sea Point eateries but its good reputation and excellent food and dining experience still ring true as much today as they did when it first opened.
Popular among both locals and tourists, this restaurant offers lovely indoor and outdoor seating. But, if you can, book ahead and reserve a table outside – you will be so glad you did because the sea views are stunning!
So, soak up this eatery’s warm atmosphere, beautiful ocean views and consistently good service, as you enjoy a special meal with those you love.
Contact: +27 (021) 439 9538, laperla@mweb.co.za
Website: www.laperla.co.za
Address: La Perla, Beach Road, Sea Point, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#3 Lily’s Restaurant
Despite being a relative newcomer to the Mother City, Lily’s Restaurant has quickly and firmly cemented itself as a Cape Town favourite.
Not only is Lily’s oh-so-tastefully decked out inside and out but it offers a reassuringly peaceful atmosphere, gorgeous Atlantic Ocean views and great food to boot.
This all-day eatery, courtesy of the Kove Collection, provides creative contemporary cuisine, a soothing seaside setting and incredible meals year-round, whether pop by for breakfast, lunch, cocktails or sunset suppers…
Contact:+27 (021) 204 8545, info@lilysrestaurant.co.za
Website: lilysrestaurant.co.za
Address: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#4 Azure Restaurant
As one of the most famous restaurants with killer sea views, Azure Restaurant at the 12 Apostles Hotel needs little introduction.
While the restaurant offers everything from seafood to vegetarian options, it makes for particularly spectacular sunset dinners, as you dine out on the ocean-view terrace, with the twilight skies above awash with vivid colours.
Add to that delicious, well-presented food, good service and beautiful interiors and diners can enjoy the ultimate level of comfort and quality at Azure Restaurant no matter the time of their visit. Oh and again, let’s not forget about those breathtaking views of the Atlantic…
Contact: +27 (021) 437 9029
Website: https://www.12apostleshotel.com/food-and-drink/azure-restaurant
Address: Azure Restaurant, 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#5 Salsify at the Roundhouse
Fronted by Chef Ryan Cole, Salsify at the Roundhouse is one of the most entrancing new restaurants to hit the Cape Town food scene.
And much like the ocean viewed from within its walls, this fine restaurant knows how to make a splash… With the highest quality of food, service and stunning settings possible.
The second dining room, the Sea Room, is a particularly marvellous place to enjoy the incredible indoor and outdoor beauty that this Camps Bay restaurant has to offer.
Note: Bookings are essential and can be made on the first of each month at 08:30 South African time for the following month. No email reservations are permitted.
Contact: +27 (021) 010 6444, reservations@salsify.co.za
Website: salsify.co.za
Address: Salisfy at the Roundhouse, Roundhouse Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#6 Grand Africa Cafe and Beach
Not only is Grand Africa Cafe and Beach one of the coolest spots in the Mother City – but it also happens to offer some of the best Cape Town harbour views around.
With the ocean, its own beach and plenty of playful and stylish decor, this lovely eatery is a sight for sore eyes and a thrill through and through. Best of all, it has both good service and food too.
But seriously, with views like these, you will certainly while away the hours in a state of contented city bliss.
Contact: +27 (021) 425 0551, beach@GrandAfrica.com
Website: www.grandafrica.com/grand-africa-cafe-beach/grand-africa-cafe-beach-home
Address: Grand Africa Cafe and Beach, Haul Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#7 Chapman’s Peak Hotel Restaurant
If you are looking for a special place to go for dinner or drinks in the Mother City, Chapman’s Peak Hotel Restaurant, another long-standing favourite, is arguably one of the best choices around. (And as a bonus, you can drive along the world-famous Chappies Drive before or after your meal!)
With its sunny terrace, which offers incredible ocean and beach views, visitors can enjoy the beauty of Hout Bay and the Atlantic.
Add to that, a delicious menu – which has a strong seafood influence – and great service… and a memorable meal overlooking the sea is a guarantee.
Contact: +27 (021) 790 1036, info@chapmanspeakhotel.co.za
Website: www.chapmanspeakhotel.co.za/restaurant-e.htm
Address: Chapman’s Peak Hotel Restaurant, Chapman’s Peak Hotel, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#8 Den Anker
This popular Belgian restaurant overlooks the scenic V&A Waterfront’s marina, ensuring a unique eating experience. Especially as this area, close to the V&A Waterfront, Cape Wheel and Clock Tower, is always a buzz of fun and entertainment, with curio shops, markets and interesting sights to explore just nearby.
Plus, Den Anker has excellent food, top-class beer, beautiful, elegant interiors and quality service making it a real quayside gem… And best of all, a short walk around the Waterfront and its surrounds provides you with unparalled views of the glorious Atlantic too.
Contact: +27(021) 419 0249, denanker@mweb.co.za
Website: www.denanker.co.za
Address: Den Anker, Pierhead, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#9 Bilboa
This Camps Bay beauty – also introduced to the city by the Kove Collection – offers an airy, gorgeous restaurant space, positively gorgeous ocean views and some great cuisine and service.
With a contemporary Mediterranean seafood-inspired menu, clean, elegant seating areas and service with a smile, Bilboa ensures visitors enjoy a truly good dining experience near the sea.
Best of all? You can sit inside or out and soak up the views in equally generous doses!
Contact:+27 (021) 286 5155
Website: bilboa.co.za
Address: Bilboa Restaurant, The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#10 Harbour House Kalk Bay
Saving one of the best till last, we finally have the ever-popular, eternally beautiful Harbour House Kalk Bay.
This grand dame offers lovely views of the ocean and nearby Kalk Bay Harbour, while also ensuring its guests have the very finest in food, service and restaurant interiors in the city.
It has stood the test of time and even inspired a newer V&A Watrerfront branch – and it will always be one of the most special ocean-facing restaurants in Cape Town… with good reason!
Contact: +27 (021) 788 4136, kalkbay@harbourhouse.co.za
Website: www.harbourhouse.co.za
Address: Harbour House Kalk Bay, Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalk Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
These are just a few of the best restaurants where you can eat by the sea in Cape Town. Have you got a personal preference among them?
Tip: Afristay also has superb self catering in Cape Town.