The V&A Waterfront is Cape Town’s premier dining destination, offering an impressive array of restaurants with stunning views of the harbour, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean . From world-class fine dining establishments and trendy rooftop venues to casual seafood taverns and vibrant food markets, the Waterfront caters to every taste and occasion . This guide highlights twenty-five of the best waterfront restaurants in Cape Town, based on reputation, quality, and dining experience.
Top 25 Waterfront Restaurants in Cape Town
1. COY Restaurant
Located at the V&A Waterfront’s Scherwyn Pavilion, COY is the latest fine-dining destination from award-winning chef Ryan Cole, celebrating the ocean with a seafood-inspired menu that showcases underused local ingredients. The seven-course tasting menu features dishes like tuna tartare with sugarcane and caramelised pineapple, chargrilled squid with pearl barley, and mussels with fennel, all prepared using Southern African cooking methods.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request, and each dish can be paired with a carefully selected South African wine. The moody interior features locally designed and manufactured furniture and lighting, allowing the food and views to take centre stage. Open for lunch from 12pm to 2:30pm and dinner from 6pm to 8:30pm daily, with waterside terrace seating for sundowners.
2. Marble Restaurant
Occupying the entire rooftop of the historic Union Castle Building, Marble brings acclaimed chef David Higgs’ fire-focused philosophy to the V&A Waterfront with breathtaking 360-degree views of Table Mountain and the harbour . The menu celebrates live-fire cooking with signature starters like snoek pâté with magwenya, lamb and beef tartare with pickled waterblommetjies, and the celebrated wood-fired Chalmar ribeye.
New Cape Town creations include mussel paella and line fish with burnt leeks and roasted fish bone sauce, while desserts feature the famous granadilla lolly inspired by the Mother City. The wraparound balcony and scene-stealing bar make it a glamorous destination, with walk-ins possible for drinks only. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with a top-notch wine list curated by sommelier Wikus Human.
3. Pier Restaurant
Part of the acclaimed La Colombe restaurant family, Pier delivers a sublime multi-course tasting menu conceived as an ode to the ocean from its Pierhead Building location. Head Chef John Norris-Rogers creates a visual and palate-enticing journey with dishes like curried hake butter, octopus with salsa matcha, snoek takoyaki made tableside, and Tandoori-style yellowfin tuna . The polished service team combines theatrics, molecular gastronomy, and classic French technique, creating a memorable experience that overshadows the floor-to-ceiling harbour vistas.
The between-course nibbles and palate cleansers, astonishingly beautiful crockery, and glittering harbour views ensure a full-on immersive dining experience. Children under 8 are not permitted, and the vegetarian tasting menu is also available . Open daily for lunch and dinner, with reservations essential.
4. Heirloom Restaurant
Located at the iconic Cape Grace Hotel overlooking the marina with views of Table Mountain, Heirloom offers contemporary South African dining that reimagines nostalgic dishes with refined technique . The seasonal menu draws inspiration from local ingredients and heritage recipes, featuring a luxury breakfast harvest table with freshly baked pastries and seasonal fruits, as well as a refined à la carte lunch and dinner menu.
The elegant setting is perfect for leisurely weekend breakfasts with the Linger Longer experience until 12pm, refined business lunches, and romantic evening dinners with sommelier-led wine tastings. Private dining is available for up to 10 guests with bespoke menus tailored for special occasions. Open daily for breakfast 6:30am to 10am, lunch 12pm to 2pm, and dinner 6:30pm to 9pm.
5. Nobu Cape Town
Located at the One&Only Cape Town hotel, Nobu is the first African outpost of master chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s global empire, offering world-class Japanese-Peruvian cuisine since 2009. The signature black cod miso is legendary, while Chef Nicky King adds inspiration from South Africa’s diverse culinary heritage, creating dishes like sake roast whitefish with jalapeno and the chocolate bento box with dark chocolate fondant . The omakase tasting menu allows diners to explore her unique take on local ingredients and botanicals, with vegan and vegetarian options available.
The sushi counter offers classics including scallop and smelt egg hand rolls, eel and cucumber maki, and yellowtail sashimi, while the lounge serves Japanese beer and sake-based cocktails. Open daily for dinner in a sleek, double-volume space overlooking the waterways to Table Mountain.
6. Sevruga Restaurant
Named after one of the world’s most expensive types of caviar, Sevruga offers a refined dining experience by the harbour with stunning sunset views over the water. The menu features seafood, sushi, and Asian-fusion dishes served in an elegant setting that is popular for romantic dinners and special celebrations . The sushi is particularly praised, and the terrace provides serene views that make for gorgeous summer days and memorable sunset dining experiences.
The blend of modern flavours and the sophisticated atmosphere create a sense of occasion, with the restaurant being a major tourist attraction at the V&A Waterfront. Open daily for lunch and dinner, the venue is perfect for those seeking fine dining with a view. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for sunset times.
7. Belthazar Restaurant
Boasting one of the largest selections of wines by the glass in the world, Belthazar is recommended for its consistently good if pricey steak and seafood offerings . The menu features delicious venison options like springbok fillet with chocolate-chilli sauce and Chicago-cut beef that is more than a pound of on-the-bone heaven.
Mozambican seafood options like prawns and langoustines are also popular, and a team of sommeliers can recommend the perfect wine match for your meal. Enjoy gorgeous Table Mountain and harbour views from the all-weather outdoor seating at lunch, or the moodier interior at dinner. Open daily for lunch and dinner, this restaurant combines an impressive wine experience with consistently good food in a prime Waterfront location.
8. Den Anker Restaurant
This Belgian-style eatery on the quayside has been a Cape Town institution since 1994, offering a front-row seat to harbour life with postcard views of Table Mountain. The menu features European classics and seafood including pepper-encrusted tuna au poivre, beer-battered hake, moules et frites, and North Sea Shrimps imported from Europe.
An impressive selection of Belgian beers on tap complements the food, making it a unique dining experience in the Waterfront. The glassed-in Belgian-themed space with a fireplace in winter enjoys lovely harbour and mountain views whether you sit inside or out . Open daily from 10am to midnight, it is perfect for people-watching and seal-watching while enjoying authentic Belgian cuisine.
9. Harbour House V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront branch of the acclaimed Kalk Bay restaurant offers the same fresh and tasty seafood menu from an enviable spot overlooking the harbour. Fresh fish of the day, grilled to perfection, is always a good bet, with a variety of options including seafood risotto, seafood pasta, and platters with a bit of everything.
Sushi and cocktails are served upstairs, from which vantage you can also get views of the mountain and sunset, while the downstairs offers a top-class culinary experience. The Travellers’ Choice 2025 award reflects its popularity, with the upper deck providing sweeping views and sumptuous small platters, the perfect escape from mall madness . Open daily from 12pm to 11pm, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
10. Quay Four
One of the mainstays at the V&A Waterfront for over a decade, Quay Four is a favourite with folks from all walks of life, offering a lively tavern atmosphere downstairs and more refined seafood dining upstairs . The downstairs tavern serves casual seafood, burgers, and beers on tap, perfect for a relaxed lunch or late afternoon meal with harbour breezes and views of seals near the quay.
Upstairs offers a more refined seafood experience including seafood platters and grilled dishes, with plenty of screens for sports games, making it ideal for watching the action. The dock-side dining makes for an unbeatable Capetonian experience, combining great food with the vibrant atmosphere of the working harbour . Open daily for lunch and dinner, it is a Waterfront staple that has stood the test of time.
11. Willoughby and Co
This buzzing hive of activity in the V&A shopping mall consistently churns out what many say is the city’s best sushi along with an array of other Japanese dishes and seafood favourites . The 4×4 dish, featuring four pieces of creamy rock-shrimp maki and four pieces of Rainbow Reloaded rolls topped with deep-fried prawns in chilli-bean mayonnaise, is a signature.
Despite being inside a mall, there will almost inevitably be a line during dinner hours, creating a fast-turnaround feel instead of a relaxing meal vibe. They do not accept reservations, but service is quick and efficient, and you will be seated quicker if you ask to sit at the sushi bar. Open daily from 12pm to 10pm, the pale wood décor and padded booths create a unique atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors.
12. Seven Colours Eatery
Located at Battery Park by the canal, Chef Nolu Dube-Cele has created one of Cape Town’s must-try restaurants where you can enjoy traditional South African dishes that haven’t yet made their way from home kitchens to restaurant menus .
The menu features chicken sosaties, meat potjie, tripe, and the crowd-pleasing roadrunner free-range chicken cooked slowly in its own juices, alongside a great selection of vegan dishes . The eponymous seven colours is a nickname for meals traditionally served at special gatherings, with an assortment of differently coloured foods on the plate like yellow rice, orange pumpkin, green spinach, red beetroot, and brown meat.
This is everything necessary to get properly acquainted with the real-deal gastronomy of South Africa in a lovely waterfront setting . Open daily for lunch and dinner, with roosterkoek breakfast buns also available.
13. Cape Town Fish Market
Located in the Clock Tower Precinct at G12, the Cape Town Fish Market has been serving fresh seafood since 1997 and the newly refurbished restaurant is quickly becoming the chain’s flagship venue. The story of the restaurant is one of creating a great experience built on fresh ingredients, a relaxing atmosphere, and great-tasting seafood and sushi, with the waterfront location making for excellent waterside dining.
The menu features a variety of seafood dishes including fish stew, kingklip, West Coast potjie, Malay fish curry, and prawn curry, with the location being perfect for enjoying sushi and seafood. While some reviews note that food quality can vary and cocktails are average, others praise the friendly service and relaxed atmosphere. Open daily for lunch and dinner, it is a convenient option for waterside dining in the Clock Tower area.
14. Ferrymans Tavern
Right next to Mitchells, Ferrymans is another staple at the V&A and for good reason, being the first tenant of the Waterfront and still going strong . The tavern offers a wide variety of beers, food, and big screen TVs for the games, making it a reliable choice for sports fans and casual diners alike . The lively atmosphere and waterfront location make it a great place to enjoy a meal and drinks while soaking in the vibrant energy of the Waterfront.
It is a classic pub-style venue that has stood the test of time, offering hearty pub fare and a welcoming environment. Open daily for lunch and dinner, it is a great spot for watching the game with friends over a cold beer.
15. Mitchells Scottish Ale House
You are always guaranteed a pleasantly rowdy atmosphere at Mitchells, and come game day it makes for a great place to cheer on your team at this Waterfront staple . With large TVs, great food, and plenty of beer on tap, this Scottish-themed pub offers a fun and lively dining experience in a prime waterfront location . The hearty pub fare and friendly service make it a popular choice for both locals and tourists seeking a casual meal and drinks.
The venue is known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during sports events, making it a go-to spot for those looking for a lively night out. Open daily for lunch and dinner, it is one of the Waterfront’s longest-standing establishments and continues to draw crowds.
16. Mondiall Kitchen and Bar
Claiming a sweet spot at the V&A Waterfront with fabulous harbour and mountain views, Mondiall is a versatile eatery focusing on updated versions of global classics. From fish tacos to a Wagyu beef cheeseburger to salade Niçoise, dishes that you would not normally expect to see on the same menu are harmonized by shared traits of freshness, flavour, and quality.
The sleek, warehouse-inspired interior and outside seating maximize its position overlooking both Table Mountain and the harbour, making it a highly agreeable culinary stop. Open all day, this modern brasserie is a welcome addition to the Waterfront’s dining scene, offering a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience . Reservations are recommended for the best tables with a view.
17. Grand Africa Café and Beach
In a restored warehouse near the V&A Waterfront, this trendy operation has turned a once-derelict piece of land into a private beach space with several bars and comfortable covered seating areas. The food includes huge rectangular pizzas, colourful salads, Wagyu burgers, seafood platters, steaks, fish-and-chips, and sushi, all slightly overpriced but you are paying for the view and the toes-in-the-sand vibe . This is simply a beautiful place to have a cocktail and create memorable moments with a like-minded tribe of partiers and carefree pleasure-seekers.
The private beach setting and lively atmosphere make it one of the most unique dining experiences in the Waterfront. Open daily for lunch and dinner, it is perfect for those seeking a fun, social dining experience with a view.
18. Ginja Restaurant
A stone’s throw from the water’s edge in the heart of the V&A Waterfront, Ginja exudes a wonderful atmosphere enhanced by its contemporary interior and superb views of Table Mountain . Located at the Victoria and Alfred Hotel on the Waterfront Pierhead, the menu comprises a wide selection of dishes inspired by various cuisine styles to satisfy all palates.
The fish and chips are highly recommended, and the squid with dips is excellent, while the spectacular setting encourages guests to savour the moment to the fullest. Native Espresso Bar within the restaurant further offers a sensational coffee fix and on-the-go baguettes for breakfast or lunch. Open daily, it is ideal for enjoying a cup of coffee with colleagues, a meal with family, or a sundowner with friends.
19. The Granary Cafe
Nestled within the luxurious Silo Hotel at the V&A Waterfront, The Granary Cafe offers a brunch experience that tantalizes both the palate and the senses in a stunning setting. On Sundays, guests can indulge in a delightful brunch featuring live entertainment, welcome drinks, and an enticing selection of savoury snacks presented on an etagere. The menu features world-class cuisine including chilli prawn pasta and beef tartare, with stunning views of Lions Head and the V&A Waterfront.
The exceptional service in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a memorable brunch experience . Open Sundays from 12pm to 9:30pm, it is the perfect spot for a leisurely weekend treat with a view.
20. Pure Good Café
The V&A Waterfront’s newest hot spot, Pure Good Café, is flipping the script on eco-eating with an aesthetic you have never seen before, located right next to Africa Padel . Over 98% of the café was built using salvaged materials, with furniture and décor made entirely from upcycled, second-hand, or landfill-bound items . The food is affordable and pure good, making it a destination for environmentally conscious diners who do not want to compromise on taste.
This unique concept café combines sustainability with great food in a prime Waterfront location, offering a dining experience that is both ethical and enjoyable. Open daily, it is a must-visit for those seeking something different and meaningful.
21. Time Out Market
Located at the V&A’s cruise terminal, Time Out Market is a food hall with more than a dozen kitchens and four bars, almost entirely comprised of outposts of the Cape’s most popular restaurants . For immaculate sushi, try Sushiya where Chef Peter Tempelhoff collaborated with a Michelin-star chef from Japan, or visit Barakat for Cape Malay cuisine . Milo offers sish’nyama from Chef Vusi Ndlovu, while How Bao Now serves Asian street food, Siba Deli offers celebrity chef Siba Mtongana’s cooking, and Unframed serves the best ice cream in town.
Most stalls get going at 11am, with Nosh opening for breakfast at 8am, and the market stays open well into the night with occasional parties and live music . It is the ultimate destination for variety and quality in one vibrant space.
22. Cooked The Watershed
Located in the vibrant Watershed at the V&A Waterfront, Cooked offers delicious and nourishing food with efficient and friendly service for both quick take-away and leisurely sit-down meals. The menu features Middle Eastern-inspired dishes like the breakfast khoubiz, Halloumi Bagel, chicken schnitzel bagel, falafel, and bacon-egg-cheese toastie, all made in-house with authentic flavours.
The cozy and inviting atmosphere, combined with warm service from friendly staff, makes it a delightful spot to enjoy a meal while exploring the Watershed. A wide variety of options caters to everyone’s taste buds, with generous portions and freshly prepared food. Open daily from 9am to 6pm, it is a hidden gem for a quick and satisfying bite.
23. SPYCED Restaurant
Located in the Silo District, SPYCED is all about showcasing the essence of Cape flavours in every form, with food that tells a story using spices from different parts of the world . Lunch serves up small plates with a Cape Malay-inspired à la carte menu and spice-forward cocktails, while dinner includes an optional djembe drumming session before an aromatic set menu accompanied by live jazz . Choices such as mosbolletjies, pani puri with Malay foam, kingklip with turmeric, and koesisters make this South African restaurant menu a real treat for visitors from near and far.
SPYCED also offers cooking classes during the day, where guests are welcomed with a rooibos cocktail before immersing themselves in the kitchen with cooking instructor Fayruza Abrahams. Open for lunch and dinner, it offers a culturally immersive dining experience.
24. Bascule Bar and Lounge
,The Bascule Bar has been a Cape Town institution for nearly 30 years, recently renovated into a contemporary space with luxurious velvet banquettes and lounge-type nooks inside, as well as patio seating with views of the marina and Table Mountain. This is the place to meet for after-work drinks and special celebrations, with over 500 different whiskies from around the globe and signature cocktails like the Augustus and Amber Martini.
The extensive wine list and uncomplicated food menu offer more flavours for all palates, while the vibrant art collection with nearly 30 artworks by established and emerging South African artists adds cultural depth. Open daily, it is the sophisticated speakeasy aesthetic destination for Cape Town’s best cocktails with a view.
25. Panama Jack’s
In a raw-timber structure in the heart of the docks, about three miles north of other V&A venues, tourists come in droves to gorge on fresh seafood at this lively, no-frills establishment . Expect to pay for local crayfish, large prawns, and scarce wild abalone, but there is plenty of less expensive seafood and daily specials such as baby squid and local line-caught fish at competitive prices.
The music is loud, the tables are crowded, and the decor is non-existent, but this is more of a tourist destination than a destination restaurant for those seeking an authentic dockside experience . Lunch specials are more reasonable, making it a popular choice for those wanting to sample fresh seafood in a lively, unpretentious setting . Open daily for lunch and dinner, it offers a unique dockside dining experience.
Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Cuisine Focus | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| COY | Ocean-Inspired Fine Dining | Seven-course tasting menu, African pantry | Special occasions |
| Marble | Live-Fire Cooking | Rooftop location, 360-degree views | Sunset dining |
| Pier | Multi-course Tasting | La Colombe group, theatrical dining | Food connoisseurs |
| Heirloom | Modern South African | Cape Grace hotel, marina views | Breakfast and special occasions |
| Nobu | Japanese-Peruvian | Global brand, omakase experience | Luxury dining |
| Sevruga | Seafood and Sushi | Fine dining, sunset views | Romantic dinners |
| Belthazar | Steak and Seafood | 250+ wines by the glass | Wine lovers |
| Den Anker | Belgian/Seafood | Belgian beers, moules et frites | Casual harbour dining |
| Harbour House | Seafood | Fresh fish, upstairs sushi | Seafood lovers |
| Quay Four | Seafood/Pub | Tavern downstairs, refined upstairs | Casual and refined dining |
| Willoughby and Co | Sushi | No reservations, consistently good | Sushi enthusiasts |
| Seven Colours Eatery | Traditional South African | Seven colours plate, vegan options | Authentic SA food |
| Cape Town Fish Market | Seafood | Clock Tower location | Family dining |
| Ferrymans Tavern | Pub Fare | First Waterfront tenant | Sports viewing |
| Mitchells Ale House | Pub Fare | Scottish theme, lively atmosphere | Game days |
| Mondiall | Global Classics | Warehouse-inspired interior | All-day dining |
| Grand Africa | International | Private beach, toes-in-the-sand | Fun social dining |
| Ginja | International | Victoria and Alfred Hotel | Sundowners |
| Granary Cafe | Brunch | Silo Hotel, Sunday brunch | Weekend treats |
| Pure Good Café | Eco-Conscious | 98% upcycled materials | Sustainable dining |
| Time Out Market | Varied Food Hall | 12+ kitchens, live music | Trying a variety |
| Cooked | Middle Eastern | Watershed location | Quick bites |
| SPYCED | Cape Malay | Cooking classes, djembe drumming | Cultural experience |
| Bascule Bar | Cocktails/Whisky | 500+ whiskies, art collection | After-work drinks |
| Panama Jack’s | Seafood | Dockside, no-frills | Casual dockside experience |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Bookings are Essential: For top establishments like COY, Marble, Pier, Heirloom, and Nobu, reservations are strongly recommended, often days or weeks in advance. The Silo Hotel’s restaurants and fine dining venues fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season.
Budget Expectations: Prices vary widely. Quay Four and Ferrymans Tavern offer affordable pub fare, while COY, Marble, Pier, and Nobu are premium fine dining experiences. Time Out Market and Cooked offer budget-friendly options, while Grand Africa Café is mid-range but slightly overpriced for the view.
Location Grouping: Restaurants are spread across the Waterfront: Silo District (Marble, SPYCED, The Granary Cafe), Pierhead Area (COY, Ginja, Pier), Clock Tower Area (Cape Town Fish Market, Den Anker), Battery Park (Seven Colours Eatery, Pure Good Café), and the main mall (Willoughby and Co, Belthazar, Harbour House V&A). This makes it easy to plan a culinary tour of the Waterfront.
Sunset Dining: For the best sunset views, Marble, Sevruga, COY, and Den Anker are top choices. Arrive early to secure a prime table on the terrace or balcony.
Casual vs. Refined: The Waterfront offers both ends of the spectrum. For casual dining, Quay Four, Ferrymans Tavern, Mitchells, and Time Out Market are excellent choices. For fine dining, COY, Pier, Heirloom, and Nobu are standouts.
Parking: Secure parking is available at the Portswood Garage and various other parking areas around the Waterfront. MyCiTi bus stops are also nearby for those using public transport.
Conclusion
The V&A Waterfront offers one of the most diverse and exciting dining scenes in Cape Town, with restaurants ranging from world-class fine dining establishments like COY, Pier, and Marble to casual taverns like Quay Four and Mitchells. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion with a seven-course tasting menu overlooking the harbour, enjoying a sunset cocktail at Marble’s rooftop bar, or grabbing a quick bite at Time Out Market, the Waterfront delivers exceptional dining experiences.
With stunning views of Table Mountain, the marina, and the Atlantic Ocean, combined with fresh local ingredients and world-class culinary talent, these twenty-five restaurants represent the best of Cape Town’s waterfront dining scene.