Strolla: Sea Point's Hidden Sea View Deck and Kids Play Room

Restaurant + bar with a space and meal for every moment of the day (plus see how they re-did the deck and pool)

At Strolla, in Sea Point, sporty types pile in from 7am to get their coffee fix (for only R20) from a cute kiosk on a deck, and breakfast, lunch and dinner are popular because the menu is so full of good-value favourites. The feather in its cap, though, is the newly refreshed deck with epic sea views and – music to parents’ ears – there’s an epic playroom, with a child minder.

This deck is the perfect spot for a bit of sunny chillaxing – plus it overlooks even more blue, the cute hotel pool. Image: @perry_tyukala

BRING THE KIDS; DOGS ARE WELCOME, TOO

This is a real find for families. There’s a dedicated room for children filled with board games, DVDs, an Xbox, Lego and bean bags. There are also activities, such as arts and crafts, and kids can also make their own pizzas, from rolling the dough to choosing the toppings. It’s then popped in the oven and served. There’s also always a childminder present, so parents can relax knowing their kids are safe.

The kids playroom has Xbox, movies, board games and popcorn. Need we say more? Credit: Strolla

Soon there’ll be another incentive for families (and others). Strolla is expanding into the restaurant next to the pool. This means that young ones (and adults, too) can have access to the area, as long as the family is dining there. Also, dogs are welcome in the bar and on the deck.

BLISS OUT ON DAIQUIRIS ON SUNSET DECK

Everyone at Strolla calls the Heineken deck, which has just had a refresh, “the sunset deck”. The reason is obvious – the view, especially at sunset, is epic. Sitting in the fresh air under some shade with a glass of wine, you can bliss out on the sight of the wide ocean beyond, swaying palms and a huge fir tree. The best thing, says owner Brandon Crew, is that when there’s a south-easter, it’s perfectly calm on the deck – “not a breath of air” – because of the Peninsula Hotel, which  wraps around it. 

Strolla’s sushi, like the rest of its food, is fresh and the quality is high. Image: Strolla

The bar, situated on the level below the deck, will bring up great classic cocktails – daiquiris (try the chilli version), margaritas, mojitos and cosmopolitans – along with draught beer and the usual drinks. From lunchtime, the breakfast kiosk nearby converts to a sushi kitchen, so you can also snack on tastes fresh from the sea.

FIND FAVES FROM BURGERS TO TORTILLAS + SALADS

Strolla’s menu focuses on the kind of dishes from across the globe that everyone loves: pizza, tortillas and nachos, burgers, grilled chicken, epic salads, small plates of snacks. Brendon says the goal at Strolla is to offer popular foods of a consistent, high quality that regulars can rely on. It delivers on that promise. 

The nachos here are not overdone, a spicey, more-ish snack. Image: Strolla

The pizza bases are thin and filling and toppings aren’t overloaded – mushroom and goats milk cheese made with caramelised onions, a caprese with buffalo bocconcini and fresh vine tomatoes is simple and perfect. 

The pizzas are excellent, with lovely combinations of interesting flavours (plus kids can make their own). Image: Strolla

The quinoa-and-feta salad is popular, and for good reason. It includes crisp broccoli, chickpeas in a tomato relish, homemade pickled beetroot and loads more deliciousness and is big enough for a main meal. The deep-fried tentacles with lime and chilli dressing is  perfection. Strolla also features a brilliant special, the rotisserie chicken at half price on Wednesdays.

This rotisserie chicken is a real win. Comes with buttered corn, chips and sauces. Image: Strolla

KEEP WARM BY THE FIRE OR WATCH SPORTS 

There are four spaces at Strolla, the bar, the deck, the restaurant and the kiosk and sushi bar. The outdoor bar, which can seat around 50, becomes very festive, especially when major sports matches are happening. Close to it is the kiosk, which hums in the morning with orders of coffee, pastries and freshly-squeezed juices. From 12pm it converts to a sushi kitchen.

We love the sports bar, which is outdoors, has big screens, and it allows dogs. Video: Strolla

The restaurant is a wide, open space as you walk into the hotel, with a long pink banquette placed in front of an elevated area, where there are more tables and a fireplace. It’s great for winter, as it keeps the entire space nice and cosy. In summer, the sliding doors are opened up onto the bar area. This entire area will soon be expanded to include the pool. 

LISTEN TO MUSIC VIBES ON THE WEEKEND

Fridays and Saturdays are when the deck and the pool area will vibe with fabulous music. Cape Town’s best DJs spin the decks, playing Café del Mar-style beats, to help you shake off the work week and ease into weekend fun.

On Saturday, the focus is on reggae. Live bands, such as the Rivertones, will set up on a deck close to the pool, so both the deck and the restaurant will benefit from the show.

There’ll also be live music every weekend – grab a table by the pool. Image: Strolla

WHEN + WHERE TO GO  

Strolla is open: Monday to Sundays, 7am to 11pm

Find it: 313 Beach Road | Sea Point | Cape Town (next to the Peninsula Hotel, opposite Queens Beach MyCiTi bus station)

Contact it on: 021 430 7778, info@strolla.co.za, Instagram: @strollact, Facebook: @strollact

MORE SPOTS GOOD FOR SUMMER DAYS

It’s always worth keeping a list handy of fabulous sundowner spots across the city.

If it’s a restaurant with a good sea view you’re after, look no further.

If you prefer to DIY when it comes to food, here is where you can take a picnic.

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