With the harbour within arm’s reach and the abundance of freshly caught seafood in its restaurants, the V&A Waterfront is the most scenic eating spot in Cape Town. We’ve narrowed down to our top 10 spots to eat.
Mitchell’s Scottish Ale House
Restaurant, American, South African
This house of fun has the best of everything: food, location, atmosphere and friendly staff. Known as the place to party, Mitchell’s always has plenty of food and drink to fill even the vastest appetite. Why not have a glass of wine while enjoying their infamous jalapeño poppers and the stunning view of the harbour and Table Mountain? If you fancy something a bit more wild, go down for an evening booze cruise and get down on the dance floor with a bit of karaoke. Don’t worry about your wallet, it may come away lighter but not by much in this excellently priced venue. Cava Mezze Platter|©snowpea&bokchoi/Flickr
The Greek Fisherman
Winner of the International Trophy for Quality, the Greek Fisherman is one of the oldest restaurants on the V&A Waterfront having been founded in 1992. Since opening, the restaurant has strived to keep the perfect balance between traditional Greek and Mediterranean dishes and the demands of the modern customer. Famous for its vast variety of mezze platters (more than 25) and its signature, succulent ‘lamb in the oven’, the Greek Fisherman’s menu is so extensive you could take days exploring its delicious depths. A particularly recommended dish is the seafood platter feast which consists of grilled crayfish, prawns, calamari, mussels and line fish, all served on savory rice and served with hot, golden chips.
Willoughby and Co.
Restaurant, Sushi
So popular that there are near constant queues around the block for it, Willoughby and Co is the Japanese kitchen to go to in Cape Town. A little bit fancy but very good value for money, this restaurant was given the ‘Best Seafood Restaurant for 2007/8’ by the V&A Waterfront Restaurant Guide – a high commendation given the level of competition in the Waterfront. With original recipes such as the flash-grilled Salmon Saikyo Miso Yaki there is always something new and a bit different to try out in this, the finest sushi restaurant in town.
The Cape Town Comedy Club
Restaurant, Halal
In the historic Pumphouse in the centre of the V&A Waterfront, there lies the gem of the South African comedy scene; the Cape Town Comedy Club. If you’re feeling peckish, there is a range of theatre foods to choose from including burgers, steaks, salads and pizzas – all of it halaal friendly – so everyone will be kept happy. If you feel like enjoying a drink with the show instead of a meal, there are a variety of shooters, beers, wines, co*cktails and spirits to enjoy – the Pina Colada comes highly recommended.
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Seelan Restaurant and Bar
Bar, Restaurant, Steakhouse, Seafood, European
With a simple and laid-back atmosphere, Seelan Restaurant and Bar offers sophisticated seaside dining on the waterfront pier. Soak up the scenic views of the Big Wheel and the Clock Tower, all of which is set against the beautiful silhouette of Table Mountain. Seelan serves up chic Italian cuisine with the merest hint of the spices of Africa and India, all on the beautifully pristine white linen that adorns every table. The bar section of the restaurant supplies a number of boutique wines as well as perfectly selected local wines. To accompany these carefully selected vintages are Seelan’s sumptuous signature dishes like the locally loved Beef Tagliata and the world-renowned South Indian Prawn curry.
Cape Grace Hotel’s Signal Restaurant
Bar, Restaurant, European, Contemporary
In the luxurious and refined Cape Grace Hotel, you’ll find the Signal Restaurant. With sumptuous breakfasts, lunches, dinners and lighter bites, this hotel has it all. There’s even a bar, the Bascule Whiskey Bar, completely separate from the restaurant so you can enjoy a quiet drink. The cuisine in the Signal Restaurant, which is slightly more expensive than your average chain restaurant, is fresh as well as fancy. The chefs utilize the locally available ingredients from regional farms and from the sea surrounding them. The recipes, which change seasonally, celebrate the establishments Cape Dutch heritage with dishes such as bobotie-spiced springbok with butternut risotto.
Stonebreakers Restaurant
Restaurant, South African
With a cheerful and colorful ambiance, Stonebreakers Restaurant is the epitome of cosiness and comfort. This is likewise displayed in their food which is hearty, light and packed full of flavor. There are number of taste experiments that have resulted in amazing pizza innovations. Their tuna and prawn pizza, for example, which comes with a variety of additional toppings including mushrooms, spring onions and lemon zest, is an instant seafood-themed hit.
