Where should YOU eat at the Waterfront?
We'll Share Our Hot Spots
Welcome to our Waterfront restaurant guide! Best restaurant guides have their place, but this page is not it...
We'll just recommend what we've tried and liked :)
I don't pretend to be a food and wine connoisseur. But I do know the restaurants we love at the V & A and why we love them.
We'd be flattered if our favourites appealed to you. If they don't, send us your rave restaurants and we'll add you as an expert here!
We're sure you'll find a restaurant that charms because there are sooo many to choose from!
Here's our list of places we'd recommend without blinking.
Evening Choices that Charm Us
- Royal Sushi Bar at Balducci's is first choice for us 'cos we're sushi fiends! It's pricey, so we save it for VERY special occasions. Outstanding sushi, outstanding service.
A word of warning - it's not great for younger children because there's no room to wriggle! Try the Cape Town Fish Market rather - it's more spacious.
- Morton's on the Wharf - it has a New Orleans feel and Cajun creole dishes are a speciality. Once again upstairs and overlooking the Victoria Basin, this time with a view of Table Mountain thrown in. It's spectacular on languid summer evenings.
- Belthazar specialises in steaks and seafood. We can vouch for the steaks! They also have a huge and renowned wine list. Be sure to sit outside and enjoy it al fresco.
the Hildebrand is a great Italian and seafood restaurant and it is in a peach of a location, even by Waterfront standards. It's right on the Pierhead with the boats moored alongside, a real winner.
Casual, vibey tavern atmosphere
- Ferryman's is THE original tavern in the Waterfront. When I moved to Cape Town it was the only eatery in the docks and had some very dodgy neighbours!
- the Green Dolphin is "Dedicated to the preservation of jazz" and the big drawcard here is live jazz performances 7 days a week! New Orleans-type cuisine again and a very vibey atmosphere.
- Cantina Tequila is great, right by the water's edge and close to the action.
Day-time light meals
- we love to brunch at the Mugg & Bean. It's indoors, so alas no sea view, but they have an enormous menu and are pretty indulgent with the whims of younger patrons (need I say more?).
We've also noticed that they have got busier and busier since we became regulars - many Capetonians voting with their feet...?
- the Ocean Basket does flapping-fresh fish and chips as well as virtually every other sea food available in South Africa. It's upstairs with a lovely view over the Victoria Basin. It can be a little tricky to find (we're trying to keep it a secret from the tourists, aren't we?) so ask at Information for directions
Fast Food Options
- we go for Steers every time - Proudly South African, and the best burgers and chips in the world! They do great steak rolls and grilled chicken too.
- Quay Four for the best, tender, take-away deep-fried calamari and chips!
- Friends swear by the Dodge Diner, but that overly-retro checquered floor puts me off my food! Don't say I didn't warm you ;)
Now that you've 'picked' our brains - go and take your pick!
Bon appetit!
You may find the following related pages helpful:
Water Front Overview
Cape Town Aquarium
12 Cape Town Waterfront Activities
V & A Shopping
Boat cruises at the Waterfront
Our best Waterfront Restaurants
From Waterfront Restaurants to the Homepage
