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Fresh Off the Sea: 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Cape Town
Cape Town’s seafood scene thrives thanks to its coastal location along the Atlantic Ocean, offering fresh seafood year-round. With such a diverse culinary landscape, the city has become a hub for seafood—from traditional fish and chips to dishes with global flavours.
As I explored the city, I found seafood restaurants on every corner, and my only challenge was choosing where to eat.
If you’re facing the same dilemma, join me on my quest to discover the best local seafood spots, where the freshest, most delicious dishes await!
Baía Seafood Restaurant
Media From: baiaseafoodrestaurant
Address: Shop Number 7226, V&A Waterfront
Phone: +27 214 210 935
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Thursday to Sunday – 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: http://baiarestaurant.co.za/
Price Range: RRR
Start off with Baía Seafood Restaurant—one of those spots where you can tuck into delicious seafood while soaking up views of the harbour, Table Mountain, and the ocean. The nautical-themed decor and calming blue tones make the whole experience feel even more special.
Baía is known for its Portuguese-inspired menu, with fresh ingredients sourced right here in South Africa. Think seafood platters, grilled lobsters, and perfectly seared scallops. There’s something for every seafood lover.
It’s also a great spot for a date. I took my wife there once, and we tried the baby kingklip. It came with a lemon-garlic butter sauce and was lightly cooked. At R500, it’s worth every cent. The fish was tender and flaky, with just the right balance of zest and natural sweetness.
Tip: Pair that kingklip with an Iona Monopole Sauvignon Blanc. Its lime and green apple notes, with a touch of minerality, cut through the richness of the dish beautifully. |
Harbour House
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Address: V&A Waterfront, Quay Four, Dock Rd
Phone: +27 214 184 744
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Website: https://www.harbourhouse.co.za/
Price Range: RRR
Harbour House is an elegant yet relaxed spot that’s hard to miss. Its large glass walls frame stunning views of the harbour and Table Mountain.
From appetizers to desserts, there is something on the menu for everyone. If the weather’s good, grab a seat outside and take in the view while you eat.
I tried the grilled hake here for R200, and it was perfectly cooked—flaky, tender, and full of flavour. The creamy chardonnay sauce added just the right touch of richness.
Tip: Don’t miss their 2 courses for R350 deal! For starters, you can choose from grilled calamari, fish cakes, or sushi rolls. Mains include options like grilled hake or seafood pasta—great value for a delicious meal. |
Codfather Seafood & Sushi
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Address: 37 The Dr, Camps Bay
Phone: +27 214 380 782
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Website: http://www.codfather.co.za/
Price Range: RR
For a fun, interactive dining experience, Codfather Seafood & Sushi is a must-visit. The setup feels like a fish market: you pick your seafood straight from a fresh display. And the views of the ocean and mountains make it even better!
There’s no set menu, but you can count on top-quality, fresh seafood every time.
I discovered this gem while exploring Cape Town and tried the grilled scallops for R150. They were perfectly cooked, bringing out their natural sweetness. The light butter sauce added a delicate touch without overpowering the dish.
Tip: Go with a friend. The portions are generous, so sharing is the way to go! |
SeaBreeze Fish & Shell
Media From: seabreezefishandshell
Address: 213 Bree St
Phone: +27 747 939 349
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Website: http://www.seabreezecapetown.co.za/
Price Range: RR
If you’re looking for a spot that celebrates Cape Town’s seafood heritage, Seabreeze Fish & Shell is a must-visit. It’s run by Alex and Ruth Grahame, who created a space dedicated to fresh, locally sourced seafood.
You won’t get marina views here, but the vibe is just as charming. The restaurant is set in two heritage buildings with a bold aqua-blue exterior that hints at its coastal inspiration.
The menu is diverse, offering oysters, calamari, and less common options like carpenter fish.
When I visited, I tried the carpenter fish for R200. Its mild, delicate flavour paired perfectly with the pea velouté. The creamy sweetness of the velouté was balanced by a touch of spice and smokiness from the chorizo.
Tip: Don’t miss their SugarBird Wine Bar where you can explore South Africa’s top Cap Classique wines. |
Knysna Oyster Company
Media From: knysnaoystercompany
Address: Shop 1, Wine Centre Building, 35 Dock Rd
Phone: +27 871 474 618
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Thursday to Sunday – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: http://www.oystersonline.co.za/
Price Range: RR
For fresh oysters and a laid-back coastal vibe, check out Knysna Oyster Company.
The menu is all about fresh, locally sourced seafood, from oysters to fish. Particularly noteworthy are their Japanese Pacific oysters, prized for their smooth shells and rich flavour.
I’m a fan of their Oysters Rockefeller. Four medium-sized oysters come baked with creamy spinach and blue cheese sauce for R140. The rich, savoury sauce brings out the natural sweetness of the oysters. It’s a winner in my book!
If dining inside isn’t your thing, grab a spot outdoors and enjoy stunning views of the harbour and Table Mountain.
Tip: Buy a wine or champagne to get 12 oysters for half the price. |
Sevruga Restaurant
Media From: sevruga_restaurant
Address: Shop 4, Quay 5, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Phone: +27 214 215 134
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: http://www.sevruga.co.za/
Price Range: RRR
For seafood with a touch of Asian flair, Sevruga Restaurant is a solid pick. Their menu has something for everyone, from sushi to grilled fish and even meat dishes. The newly renovated interior blends classic fine dining with a modern twist, creating a stylish yet welcoming vibe.
They’ve got a great selection of cocktails and South African wines. If you’re up for some fresh air, grab a seat on the harbour-side terrace. It’s perfect for taking in views of the marina and Table Mountain.
My go-to dish here is the grilled linefish for R220. I can’t even remember how many times I’ve placed that order. The fish is always perfectly cooked, with crispy skin that’s just right every time.
Tip: Don’t skip their spicy edamame beans! They’re seasoned with seven spices and served with a ponzu teriyaki dressing—great for snacking or sharing. |
Cape Town Fish Market
Media From: ctfmsa
Address: G12, Clock Tower V&A Waterfront
Phone: +27 214 185 977
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday to Saturday – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Sunday – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Website: https://www.ctfm.co.za/
Price Range: RR
If you’re after a relaxed spot with fresh seafood, Cape Town Fish Market is the place to be. They’ve been serving up fresh seafood and sushi since 1997. The decor has a nautical feel, and you’ll spot historical photos of local fishing communities on the walls.
As it’s located on the ground floor of the Clock Tower, you can enjoy stunning outdoor views, especially at sunset.
Since they source seafood locally, you’re always getting the freshest ingredients—whether you’re after traditional South African seafood or Japanese sushi.
The place is a hit with families, making it ideal for family gatherings. I brought mine here once and ordered one of the best seafood platters I’ve had for R450. The prawns, calamari, mussels, and linefish were all cooked to perfection, letting their natural flavours shine.
Tip: Visit the nearby seafood market to purchase some fresh fish on your way home. |
Den Anker
Media From: den_anker
Address: Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Phone: +27 214 190 249
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Website: http://www.denanker.co.za/
Price Range: RR
Den Anker is the spot if you’re after some of the best mussels in town. This Cape Town gem has been around for nearly 30 years, offering fresh seafood like crayfish and shrimp flown in from Europe.
And the view? You’re right by the Atlantic Ocean!
As soon as you step in, you’re greeted by wall-to-wall windows, giving you breathtaking views of Table Mountain and the bustling harbour. Whether you choose to sit on the terrace or indoors, the decor reflects the nautical vibe, with cool touches like an upturned hull from a historic sloop serving as part of the bar.
For me, the standout was their Moulles Marinieres for R98. You get a generous serving of one kilogram of mussels. They’re tender and succulent, and the broth has a perfect balance of shallot sweetness and garlic aroma.
Tip: Pair your food with any of their Belgian beers to cleanse the palate, preparing you for each new flavour in your meal. |
Galjoen
Media From: galjoen_cpt
Address: 99 Harrington St, District Six
Phone: +27 790 930 559
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday – 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: https://www.galjoencpt.co.za/
Price Range: RRR
If you’re into seafood that changes with the seasons, Galjoen is a must-try. This restaurant offers a set tasting menu that evolves throughout the year, showcasing fresh, local ingredients. They’re big on sustainability, serving only responsibly caught fish from South African waters.
The venue has a semi-industrial feel, with subtle nautical touches that give it a harbour vibe. While it doesn’t offer stunning views, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it perfect for an intimate dining experience.
The tasting menu is inspired by the chefs’ childhood beach memories and their love for coastal cuisine.
For me, the highlight was the chub mackerel, priced at R850. The fish had a smoky flavour from being grilled over an open flame, and it was perfectly paired with tangy chutney and fresh salsa.
Tip: When pairing wine, go for something light like Chenin Blanc or Rosé MCC. These won’t overpower the seafood’s delicate flavours. |
Salsify at The Roundhouse
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Address: Roundhouse, Round House Rd, Camps Bay
Phone: +27 210 106 444
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday – 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Website: https://salsify.co.za/
Price Range: RRR
If you’re after a historical dining experience, Salsify at The Roundhouse is a must. The building itself dates back to 1786, and the restaurant’s eclectic decor adds to its charm. The upper level offers a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions.
Salsify focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, whether from land or sea. They also have a tasting menu for R1,000, featuring several courses that let you explore a range of flavours and textures.
For me, the standout was the pine needle gravlax. The earthy notes of the pine needles paired so well with the tangy fermented amasi (made from milk). It also has a kick to it, brought by the hot mustard apple, making it both delicious and intriguing to my taste.
Tip: Be ready to splurge here. A meal for two can easily cost around R7,000! |