Best fish and chips eateries that locals love

From Athlone to Kalk Bay, locals vouch for these spots

Last updated: Wednesday, 20 April 2022

Eating fish and chips is as Capetonian as Table Mountain itself. Locals always know best, and we’re here to give you the inside scoop on some of the best fish spots in the Cape. From creamy mussels and calamari to the OG fishy gatsby and chip roll, these 7 spots will have you salivating. Here are some of the best fish eateries chosen by our very own readers. 

EAT ON THE HARBOUR AT THIS KALK BAY FAVOURITE

Starting us off is a Kalk Bay favourite, which has been serving great fish and chips for years. Kalky’s never disappoints, with fresh offerings such as tender calamari, grilled crayfish, a classic chip roll or “melt in the mouth hake”, according to Gameda Samsodien. Plus, you can eat your takeaway on the harbour (the views are insane). 

Hours: Daily, 10am - 6pm; Thursdays, 10am - 7pm

Harbour | Kalk Bay | 021 788 1726 | Instagram: @kalky’s_restaurant | Image: Stephanus Petrus

OPT FOR A VIEW OF CHAPPIES

This bustling shop in Hout Bay has had a loyal following for decades, partly because of the incredible quality of the food, and partly because of the gorgeous view. It’s on the sea with a stunning backdrop of Chapmans Peak and passing fishing boats. Karen Gelderbloem said she will eat at Fish on the Rocks for breakfast, lunch and supper. 

Hours: Daily, 9am - 8.30pm

1 Harbour Road | Hout Bay | 021 790 0001 | Image: Eat Lekker

DINE IN A CONVERTED FISHERMAN'S COTTAGE

You will love the intimate and vibey atmosphere at this historical fisherman’s cottage. This space on Hermanus Town Square offers a rich variety of seafood; it’s unbeatable, say many locals. Order creamy West Coast mussels, crayfish pasta or seafood curry at Fisherman’s Cottage. 

Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 5pm - 9pm; Friday & Saturday, 10am - 9pm; Sunday, 10am - 2pm

3A Harbour Road | Hermanus | 028 312 3642 | Instagram: @fishermanscottagerestaurant | Image: Fisherman’s Cottage

TRY THESE HEFTY COMBOS IN MUIZENBERG

This gem in Muizenberg has people lining up for some amazing combo deals ( great portions and prices). Order the 3-piece snoek and chips, a calamari-and-prawn combo, classic fish and chips, a gatsby or chip rolls. Rene Jacobs and a bunch of other readers agree that Lucky Fish and Chips is the place to go. 

Hours: Daily, 11am - 7pm

80 Beach Road | Muizenberg | 021 788 7162 | Instagram: @luckyfishandchips | Image: Lucky Fish and Chips

WATCH SUNSETS ON THE STOEP AT GORDON'S BAY

You must visit Trawlers Seafood in Gordan’s Bay, says Sue Ramgathi. This rustic landmark eatery is famous for its seafood platters and calamari burgers, and is set right on the beach. “My dad, who visits from Durban, has to get their snoek and chips when visiting,” says CapeTownMag’s Operations Manager. 

Hours: Daily, 11am - 7.45pm

35 Beach Road | Gordons Bay | 021 856 2790 | Instagram: @trawlersseafood | Image: Trawlers Seafood

TRY THE GATSBIES AT THIS GEM IN ATHLONE

When in Athlone, you have to visit Super Fisheries. You’ll find everything from the classic gatsby to a fish or calamari gatsby. It’s a great lunch spot for our friends in the flats. Super Fisheries is “always fresh and never disappoints”, says Natheer Ramjan. 

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8am - 6pm; Friday, 8.30am - 6.30pm; Saturday, 8am - 3pm

63 Old Klipfontein Road | Athlone | 021 696 9833 | Image: Irman Karim

DINE IN A HISTORIC HARBOUR HOUSE

The Salty Sea Dog, right on Simon’s Town harbour, is well known for its good quality, affordable seafood. It might not look like much from the outside, but the building was actually the fish-sorting house for the harbour (where all the fish were weighed and processed). Karin Vasell and many other readers agree that Salties is a must.

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am - 9pm; Sundays, 10am - 4.30pm

2 Wharf Street | Simon's Town | 021 786 1918 | Image: Girshwin Cloete 

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