Outdoor restaurants with a sea view in Cape Town and surrounds

A guide to Mother City eateries with refreshing ocean views

Last updated: 26 March 2024

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. From those that boast sweeping panoramic vistas of our naturally beautiful coastline to those located right on the beach but metres away from lapping ocean waves, there are a whole host of seaside eateries ideal for drinking in the good life. Here’s a selection of beachside dining spots where those in the know choose to go.

FRESH SEAFOOD AND DUTCH CUISINE

Within walking distance of Grotto Beach sits a whimsical family eatery that’s all about sushi, seafood and sunsets. Whether you choose a sharing platter, sushi or traditional hake and chips, all the seafood is freshly-fantastic. Paired with a cocktail, boozy shake or glass of wine, guests can dine outside under a milkwood tree after a swim at Dutchies in Hermanus.

Tip: There’s a jazz evening every last Friday of the month, from 6pm to 8pm.

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

CHEEKY COCKTAILS, PINCHOS & SWIMMING

Ficks Restaurant is a rare gem of a restaurant that many will only get to enjoy once in a lifetime. It’s carved into the cliffs of a historic tidal pool in Hermanus, with cheeky cocktails, boozy milkshakes and Spanish pinchos (tapas) like salmon ceviche, lamb rack cutlets or paella flammkuchen. See the must tries at Ficks, a fabulous seaside restaurant. 

Tip: Hermanus is a popular whale-spotting area from June to November (dolphins have been spotted from Ficks, too)

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

DINE ON TOP OF THIS KID-FRIENDLY LAGOON

This seaside eatery is the ultimate beach day experience – fresh fish, curious cocktails, local beer and wine, plus it’s located on top of a lagoon at Onrus Beach. Try the Rainbow Rolls or Rock Shrimp sushi and pair it with an Onrus Ale. Or go for the classic Hake and Chips at Milk on the Beach.

Tip: Pop by the Waffle Shack, with a “build-your-own” counter, loaded hot dogs and a Dog Bowl cocktail.

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

COME STRAIGHT OFF THE BEACH AND ONTO THE DECK

Build your own breakfast over coffee, snack on a biltong and fig salad in the afternoon or enjoy a grilled ostrich steak with a Blooming Protea or Aperol spritz as the sun sets over Camps Bay Beach. And there’s no need to dress up – sandy slops are welcome at The 41 in Camps Bay. 

TIP: All classic cocktails are half-price during their happy hour from 3pm to 5pm every day

41 Victoria Road | Camps Bay | info@the41.co.za | +27 (0)21 437 0558

EPIC VIEWS, SURFBOARD TABLE AND YOUR FEET IN THE WATER

Crocodile tail pie with pineapple-chilli salsa. R&R cocktail with Mozambican rum. Red velvet beetroot cheesecake. And your feet dangling in the shallow water below your Corona surfboard table. As far as beach restaurants go, this is by far our favourite hidden gem. Discover moyo at Eden on The Bay.

TIP: Come on a Friday, between 12pm and 6pm, for R25 draughts and R39 cocktails during moyo’s drink specials.

Eden On The Bay Mall | Otto Du Plessis Dr | Big Bay/Blouberg | blouberg@moyo.com | +27 (0)21 286 0662

CHECK OUT THE SUNDECK

You don’t get more local or lekker than this seaside eatery. Perched like a cheeky seagull on the edge of the Peninsula Hotel along Sea Point’s Platinum Mile, this 140-seater venue boasts a fresh and fuss-free menu that caters for everyone. And did we mention that Strolla is a lot more than just kid-friendly? There’s a Kiddies Corner where the little ones can build their own pizzas, complete with their own aprons, little chef’s hats and a childminder to guide their creativity.

Tip: Go midweek and get their awesome half-price rotisserie half chicken every Wednesday. What about the weekend? Also, check out the Saturday Reggae Nights at Strolla. 

313 Beach Road | Sea Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 430 7778

WINE AND DINE AT SOTANO

With a sweeping view of the Mouille Point promenade as one of its main draw cards and the iconic candy stripe lighthouse as its beacon, Sotano is the ideal spot to drop anchor and disembark for a culinary adventure through the tantalising tastes of the Mediterranean. Let your taste buds explore a delicious selection of starters and mains (think fresh flatbreads, grilled calamari and beef tartare), while your eyes traverse the beautiful sea view before you. The name ‘Sotano’ means ‘cellar’ in Spanish and this theme is pulled through in the wood-dominated décor and neutral colour palette of the casual and comfortable eatery as well as in the extensive wine list. Pop in for a quick bite to eat with friends and let the mouth-watering food do the talking while you take in the dazzling sunset, glass of red or white in hand.

Tip: Every Wednesday there's a 2-for-1 burger special

121 Beach Road | Mouille Point | City Bowl | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 433 1757 

THE SALTY SEA DOG

Established in 1925 as a fish market, this popular Simon’s Town fish and chips joint has stayed true to its original purpose by serving up simple and honest seafood caught fresh from the adjacent ocean. Located near the harbour, the laid-back eatery is a model spot to enjoy the accompanying taste of tomato sauce and tingle of vinegar while watching the boats come and go. On clear summer days when the weather is fine and the food even finer, take your meal outside on the protected patio and languish in the sun, or when the sea breeze is chilly, keep warm inside the rustic but endearing restaurant. With cold beer on tap and only the freshest seafood on offer, The Salty Sea Dog promises an authentic seaside experience.

2 Wharf St  | Simon’s Town  | Cape Town  | +27 (0) 21 786 1918

GAAITJIE IN PATERNOSTER

Do not be deceived by this very unassuming 70-year-old fisherman’s cottage. Its rustic appeal and Asian-infused menu provide its patrons with the idyllic escape from the mundane hum-drum of city dining. All of its produce is locally sourced to provide diners with a fresh and delectable meal, rendering this an unforgettable dining experience. Reservations are essential to have a meal at Paternoster’s hidden gem.

Off Sampson Street | Paternoster | Western Cape | + 27 (0)22 752 2242

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