Cape Town is a city best known for its Instagram-worthy landscapes and a rich culinary offering. In fact, there are few better ways to enjoy both of these things at once than by dining at a restaurant with views overlooking the glistening sea. Whether it’s right in the heart of the city or in one of the outlying regions, Cape Town has no shortage of fantastic seaside spots. Take your pick from our list of the best sea view restaurants in Cape Town…

Lily’s

This all-day eatery serves up a wide selection of contemporary tapas and mains in a trendy spot on Mouille Point’s ‘Golden Mile’. With a gorgeous seaside view and fashion-forward decor, the restaurant is well loved amongst locals. Its meal options are varied but all of them are tasty. Pop in for breakfast, lunch or cocktails to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and attentive service. Their sesame crusted tuna is delectable and for those with a sweet tooth, the Death By Chocolate dessert is a must-try.

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 07:30 – 22:30

Contact: +27 (0) 21 204 8545 | [email protected]

Reservations are taken from 11:00

Where to find it: Shop 1, East-West Building, corner Beach Rd and Surrey Place, Mouille Point, Cape Town

Den Anker

Situated in the quayside of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, this restaurant has impressive views of both the ocean and Table Mountain. It is popular all year round amongst locals and tourists alike. On a clear day, pick a seat outside or next to the window to take in the surroundings within minimalist decor and accompanied by sumptuous Belgian cuisine. Restaurant patrons recommend cheese croquettes, Anker beer and of course, their famous kilo of mussels in white wine (drool-worthy, we promise you).

Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 11:00 – midnight

Contact: 021 419 0249 | [email protected]

Where to find it: Pierhead, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Grand Africa Café & Beach

 This has long been one of Cape Town’s most well-recognised destinations for casual dining, functions, and nightlife. The space forms part of the restaurant’s private beach – think tables stretching out onto the sand amidst palm trees and the Atlantic Ocean at your feet, with Table Mountain in the background. Yup, it’s paradise. So it’s no surprise that Grand Africa is one of the most sought after spots in the city. In the summertime, a seasonal menu and DJ lineup from 4pm attract large, trendy crowds for sundowners and post-work celebrations. Plus, there are an array of dining options –  guests can choose from seated dining right on the beach or a covered deck. The outdoor beach bar also has its own Grand Beach menu. To add shimmer to shine, there is a ‘Bordeaux’ deck for functions where guests can have a semi-private celebration, complete with their own dance floor and bar. This fun, stylish spot is perfect for groups and festive functions.

Opening hours: Thursday 12:00-21:00, Friday & Saturday 12:00-22:00, Sunday 12:00-17:00

Contact: 021 425 0551 | [email protected].
WhatsApp reservations to 071 382 7044

Where to find it: 4 Haul Road, V&A Waterfront, Granger Bay, Cape Town

Harbour House (Kalk Bay)

 This fine dining establishment is situated on the water’s edge of Kalk Bay harbour and offers stunning panoramic views of the working harbour, False Bay as well as the Hottentots Mountain Range. Book a seat near the window to fully absorb the ocean waves as they hit the side of the historic building the restaurant is housed in. Harbour House also prides itself on its world-class seafood; guests adore the sushi, grilled prawns and seafood pasta – a sure contender on the list of best sea view restaurants in Cape Town!

Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 11:30 – 10:00

Contact: 021 788 4136 | [email protected]

Where to find it: Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalk Bay

Two Oceans Restaurant

Cape Point boasts some of the most striking views in the country and is a national wonder. Two Oceans Restaurant, housed in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, is the prime spot to take in the destination’s scenery. It is extremely popular amongst South Africans and tourists, both for its sea view and its delightfully classic menu. With the sea all around you, as well as flora and fauna such as local birds from the surrounding mountains, there are few places as serene as the Two Oceans Restaurant. The menu is seasonal and the ingredients always ultra-fresh. If you are visiting in a group, the shellfish platters are delicious and offer good value for money.

Opening hours: Breakfast 09:00 – 11:00; Lunch 12:00 – 16:30

Contact: 021 780 9200 | [email protected]

Where to find it: Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Point.  

Note, there is a mandatory entrance fee charged to enter this South African National Park (irrespective of whether you are dining at Two Oceans Restaurant)

Wolfgat

The tranquil seaside town of Paternoster is home to a number of seaside eateries, but perhaps none are more charming or popular than Wolfgat. This pocket-sized restaurant was named the ‘Best Restaurant in the World’ at The World Restaurant Awards in Paris in February 2019. Since then (and unsurprisingly), bookings have been hard to come by, with spots filling up months in advance. But if you are lucky enough to snag a reservation, you will be in for a treat by acclaimed chef and feted forager Kobus van der Merwe. With a capacity to host 20 people per sitting, the focus at Wolfgat is sustainability and freshness, with food made up using locally-sourced ingredients. It will no doubt be an experience of a lifetime – or at the very least – of 2019.

Opening hours: Lunch – Wednesday to Saturday from 12:30; Sundays from 12:00

Dinner – Friday and Saturday from 18:30 for 19:00

Contact: Book online

Where to find it: Off Sampson Street, Paternoster

So the next time you’re in search of a beautiful ocean view paired with great food, be sure to try out one of these best sea view restaurants in Cape Town.  Looking for other dining suggestions? Send us a message and one of our experts will make sure your culinary dreams come true.