Outdoor restaurants with a sea view in Cape Town and surrounds

A guide to Mother City eateries with refreshing ocean views

Last updated: Thursday, 24 April 2025

Sun-drenched decks, glistening crystal waves and moreish morsels to munch on are as good a summer concoction as any bright-hued cooling cocktail. In Cape Town, we are spoilt for choice with a vast array of outdoor restaurants with spectacular sea views. Here’s a selection of beachside dining spots where those in the know choose to go.

INVENTIVE PLATES BY THE SEA 

This tiny Hermanus bistro has inventive dishes like root veg gnocchi with carrot purée and goat’s cheese, or kingklip and prawns with carrot and coconut cream. Drinks are best enjoyed outside, overlooking the sea, with a mix of local wines, cocktails, and kombucha. Here’s more reasons to love the seaside eatery, Pear Tree. 

Tip: Pear Tree is right by the Cliff Paths, so it’s easy to wander off for a walk after your meal

Hermanus Waterfront | Marine Drive | Hermanus | @peartreehermanus | Image: Pear Tree

WHEN IN ONRUS: MILK ON THE BEACH  

Overlooking the blue flag Onrus Beach and lagoon, this beach bar is a go-to for long days and lazy dinners. There are poké bowls, vegan sushi, and of course, fresh fish and sushi, along with potstickers and eight-week-old matured sirloin steak. Kids go crazy for the hotdogs and build-your-own waffles at the waffle shack downstairs from Milk on the Beach, just off Hermanus. 

Tip: There's a daily happy hour from 5pm to 6pm (with local wine at R45 a glass) 

1 Atlantic Drive | Onrus River | 028 316 1516 | @milk_onthebeach | Image: Milk on the Beach

DUTCH CUISINE ALONG THE BEACH

This Hermanus eatery has made its name as a local must-try. Dutchies is all about fresh seafood, Dutch cuisine, and boozy milkshakes like Cookies & Crazy. There’s also a mix of classic and creative cocktails like the Pineapple Sunset (vodka, pineapple and orange juice). These are just a few reasons why Dutchies in Hermanus is a family must-visit.

Tip: There’s a jazz evening every last Friday of the month

1 Grotto Street | Voelklip | Hermanus | @dutchiesrestaurant | Image: Dutchies

IN THE CLIFFS OF A TIDAL POOL 

This is the ultimate place to go when you visit Hermanus. Ficks has a staircase that leads down to a tidal pool where you can spend the day sunbathing. The restaurant has Spanish pinchos like patatas bravas (potato in a homemade tomato sauce and aioli) and cheeky cocktails like MILF (gin, lime juice, apple juice and sour mix). See the must-try foods and drinks at Ficks Restaurant. 

Tip: Keep your eye out for whales and dolphins, they’ve been spotted from Ficks

8 Marine Drive | Westcliff | Hermanus | @ficksrestaurant | Image: Ficks Restaurant

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