Paternoster – a foodie haven

The gourmet capital of the West Coast

The West Coast is dotted with small seaside towns, but Paternoster is, without a doubt, the best place to go for food lovers. From simply prepared crayfish fresh from the sea to pizza topped with smoked snoek and bokkoms there is something to suit all tastes. Here’s our pick of Paternoster eateries, make sure you book beforehand as they fill up quickly.

Gaaitjie

Run by Suzi Holtzhausen this little restaurant (‘Gaaitjie’ means ‘small hole’ in Afrikaans) focuses on local food with a creative twist. The décor is simple and comfortable, and this renovated fisherman’s cottage offers an unbeatable view of the sea. Phone well in advance to request a table, opt for one inside, next to the fire on cold nights or outside on the stoep during summer. The menu changes regularly with Suzi serving up innovative dishes showcasing some of the less well-known local fish and other delicacies.

Must-try: The angelfish bobotie springrollstarter and the crisp pork belly main.
Opening times: Thursday-Monday: 12:30pm-2pm| 6:30pm-8:30pm. Booking essential.
Sampson Street | Paternoster | West Coast | Western Cape | +27 (0)22 752 2242      

The Noisy Oyster

This is South African modern fine-dining at its best. Sit in the courtyard for the romantic fairy lights in the trees and quirky décor; make sure to get a table near the open fires on cold nights. The setting dictates that seafood is prominent on the constantly changing menu but there are plenty of other choices, including vegetarian options.

Must-try: Freshoysters and the Thai seafood curry.
Opening times: Wednesday-Saturday: 12pm-3pm | 6pm-9pm | Sunday:12pm-3pm. Booking essential.
St Augustine Road | Paternoster | West Coast | Western Cape | +27 (0)22 752-2196      

Voorstrandt

Enjoy the best of West Coast hospitality right on the beach in a 114-year-old red and green tin house. The stoep is an ideal place to eat the fresh seafood, or steak for the meat lovers, while you watch the waves or catch a sunset. Book a table inside the cosy restaurant on cold nights. There’s also a small bar where you can enjoy pre- or post-dinner drinks.

Must-try: Catch of the day or try the Malay seafood curry with sambals.
Opening times: Monday-Sunday:10am-10pm. Booking essential.
Strandloper Street | Paternoster | West Coast | Western Cape | +27 (0)22 7522 038

Blikkie Pizzeria

A 110-year-old fisherman’s cottage may not seem like the most obvious place for an authentic Italian meal but at Blikkie Pizzeria that’s exactly what you’ll get. Sit inside to take in the quirky, vintage décor or have a seat outside for the uninterrupted view of the sea. The pizzas are cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven and the bases are made using an old Sicilian family recipe. The toppings are inspired by local ingredients, resulting in some interesting creations, such as the braised oxtail pizza. Blikkie Pizzeria had two of these inventions go through to the South African finals of the Global Pizza Challenge.

Must-try: The 'Paternoster' pizza, with locally sourced smoked snoek, marinated bokkoms (dried haarders - resembling anchovies), onions and peppadews.
Opening times: Tuesday-Thursday: 12pm-8pm | Friday-Saturday: 12pm-9pm
32 St Augustine Road | Paternoster | West Coast | Western Cape | +27 (0)22 752 2246      

By Lindsay Callaghan

Two more exciting restaurants we also visited are Oep ve Koep and Saffron Restaurant.

Check out our list of places to stay in Paternoster, from campsites with no electricity to guesthouses complete with hot tubs, or view our Facebook album to see what we found when we visited this small seaside town.

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