Cape Town’s seafood scene is as rich and diverse as its coastline, offering everything from world-class fine dining with panoramic ocean views to iconic harbourside fish and chips shacks . The Mother City’s location at the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans provides an abundance of fresh, sustainable seafood that chefs transform into culinary masterpieces.
Whether you are seeking a sophisticated tasting menu, a casual beachfront lunch, or the freshest oysters with a view of Table Mountain, this guide highlights twenty-five of the best seafood restaurants in Cape Town based on reputation, quality, and dining experience.
Top 25 Seafood Restaurants in Cape Town
1. Amura
Located at the iconic Mount Nelson Hotel in Gardens, Amura is a bold new chapter in Cape Town’s seafood scene, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Ángel León, renowned for his innovative approach to sustainable seafood at the ground-breaking Aponiente in Spain . The restaurant explores the oceans of the Cape through an immersive marine-dining menu, celebrating everything from delicate plankton and halophyte plants to humble by-catch fish, elevated through fire-cooking, fermentation, and spice .
Dishes include umami flavour bombs such as prawn toast, yellowtail chorizo, squid-ink croquettes, sublime oysters, and beautifully fresh yellowtail with a green escabeche sauce . The glamorous interiors, designed by award-winning architect Tristan du Plessis, mirror the moody mystery of the Cape’s kelp forest with deep greens, warm timbers, and bronze accents . Open Friday to Sunday for lunch and Monday to Sunday for dinner.
2. COY
Situated on the edge of the harbour at the iconic V&A Waterfront, COY is one of Cape Town’s most exciting modern dining destinations . With Table Mountain rising behind the marina and the working harbour in view, the restaurant offers a setting that feels distinctly Cape Town . Led by chef Ryan Cole, COY has quickly built a reputation for its seafood-led tasting menu that celebrates Africa’s coastlines and culinary heritage, exploring indigenous ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and the flavours of the continent’s shores through a seven-course experience.
It was named Casual Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year at the Luxe Restaurant Awards and previously won New Restaurant of the Year and Two Luxe Stars . Its focus on sustainability and locality has also earned global recognition, including Best Seafood Cuisine in South Africa at the Haute Grandeur Global Awards.
3. Galjoen
Located on Harrington Street in the East City Precinct, Galjoen is built around a core philosophy of serving only responsibly caught local seafood. Named after South Africa’s national fish, this intimate 30-seater restaurant is run by the Belly Restaurant Group and head chef Isca Viljoen, who treats local seafood as the entire point of the dining experience . The set tasting menu changes constantly, featuring fresh local fish, shellfish, and foraged sea vegetables sourced from a tight network of responsible suppliers.
The winter set menu runs from 1 May to the end of July and features dishes like yellowfin tuna chilli bites, crispy curry leaves, warm roosterbrood with mussel pot, and a deceptively simple beer-battered or grilled hake dish called lekker vis, chips en slaai. Lunch is R450 per person, dinner is R850 per person, and optional wine pairing is R225 per person. Open for lunch Thursday to Saturday and dinner Monday to Saturday.
4. Nobu Cape Town
Situated at the One&Only Cape Town in the V&A Waterfront, Nobu delivers world-class Japanese-Peruvian cuisine in a sleek, double-volume space overlooking the waterways to Table Mountain. The signature black cod miso is legendary, while Chef Nicky King adds to the Nobu ethos with inspiration from South Africa’s diverse culinary heritage.
For the ultimate experience, try the omakase tasting menu to explore her unique take on local ingredients and botanicals, with vegan and vegetarian options available. The sushi counter offers classics such as scallop and smelt egg hand rolls, eel and cucumber maki, and yellowtail sashimi. Open daily for dinner.
5. Pier
Pier, part of the acclaimed La Colombe restaurant family, delivers a sublime multi-course tasting menu conceived as an ode to the ocean. Located in the Pierhead Building at the V&A Waterfront, 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 traverses a thread between theatrics, molecular gastronomy, and classic French technique, creating a memorable experience that even overshadows the floor-to-ceiling harbour vistas. There is also a vegetarian tasting menu available. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
6. Baía Seafood Restaurant
A V&A Waterfront institution since 2001, Baía has earned a reputation as the place to indulge in the finest seafood platter in the Cape. The restaurant offers its Portuguese-inspired seafood menu featuring fresh oysters, abalone, linefish sashimi, prawn and langoustine ceviche, chargrilled sardines, whole baby kingklip, and West Coast rock lobster. A house speciality is the cataplana of Portuguese influence – a feast of prawns, langoustines, mussels, calamari, and line fish . Open for lunch Thursday to Sunday and dinner Monday to Sunday.
7. Harbour House
Located on the Camps Bay strip, Harbour House offers an unforgettable fine dining seafood experience at a stunning beachfront location. The menu features expertly prepared, locally sourced seafood in season, including grilled prawns, seafood pastas, and a variety of other options.
The interior combines warm lighting, natural textures, and soft neutral tones with modern coastal elegance, while large glass windows frame the ocean views. The establishment’s coastal atmosphere features white tablecloths, smooth wooden finishes, and ocean-inspired accents. Open daily from 12pm to 10pm.
8. The Codfather Seafood and Sushi
Established in Camps Bay in 1998, The Codfather offers a unique dining experience without a printed menu.
Inspired by a fish market, the restaurant displays its fresh seafood in a sizeable counter, allowing guests to choose their desired fish by weight, with prices clearly visible before cooking . The selection changes daily and includes sole, sardines, kingklip, calamari, butterflied king prawns, and a central sushi belt. The space is homely and always packed, featuring a wine cellar stacked floor-to-ceiling with thousands of bottles. Open daily from 12pm till late.
9. Willoughby and Co
Located in the V&A Waterfront, Willoughby and Co is a perennial favourite for sushi and seafood, with a queue of eager diners always waiting outside for good reason. The sushi here is consistently delicious, with an extensive menu featuring beautifully made Japanese and traditional seafood dishes.
A signature is the 4×4 dish: four pieces of creamy rock-shrimp maki and four pieces of Rainbow Reloaded rolls topped with deep-fried prawns in chilli-bean mayonnaise. Despite being in a mall, the pale wood décor and padded booths create a unique atmosphere. They do not accept reservations, but service is quick and efficient . Open daily from 12pm to 10pm.
10. Live Bait
Situated directly below Harbour House in Kalk Bay, Live Bait is not only on the breakwater but one of its walls actually is the breakwater of Kalk Bay Harbour, offering the closest dining experience to the sea. The casual banquette seating and colourful harbour atmosphere make Live Bait the perfect place to enjoy a lazy lunch by the sea . Open daily from 12pm to 10pm.
11. Den Anker
Set on the quayside of the V&A Waterfront, Den Anker has been a Cape Town institution since 1994, offering a front-row seat to harbour life with postcard views of Table Mountain. This Belgian-inspired eatery serves European classics and seafood with a side of ocean breeze, including pepper-encrusted tuna au poivre, beer-battered hake, and North Sea Shrimps imported from Europe. The restaurant also boasts an impressive selection of Belgian beers on tap . Open daily from 10am to midnight.
12. Paranga
Paranga, the flagship beachfront restaurant from Kove Collection on Camps Bay beachfront, embodies the essence of Camps Bay: laid-back high society meets Cape Town casual . Since opening in 2002, it has been the spot for walk-off-the-beach lunches that often turn into impromptu dinners, with bottomless champagne and stylish vibes. The menu features crispy salt and pepper squid, poached crab with avocado, and a range of seafood classics. The atmosphere is effortlessly chic with views overlooking the piercing blue Atlantic.
13. The Greek Fisherman
Located on Regent Road in Sea Point, The Greek Fisherman transports diners to the shores of Greece with a menu brimming with freshly sourced seafood and grill delights served in a divine setting. The philosophy here is simple: serve fresh, honest food prepared with simple techniques, celebrating seasonal produce and the quality of the ingredients. The menu features filleted line fish served island-style, a Chef’s Platter for four with two whole crayfish, and traditional Greek dishes. The homely setting with blue details, hanging lights, and nostalgic wooden chairs makes you feel like you have sat down for lunch with the whole family. Open Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 10:30pm.
14. Olympia Café
Olympia Café in Kalk Bay is known for its cavernous bakery, good coffee, and stupendous seafood. The daily blackboard features the legendary seafood linguine (tomato-based, loaded with prawns, mussels, calamari, tuna, and white fish), along with kingklip, yellowtail, and mussels in cream and white wine. The café is packed with chipper customers, many of whom have been coming here for years, and the atmosphere feels like love made visible. Open daily from 7am to 10pm.
15. Mariner’s Wharf
Located in Hout Bay, Mariner’s Wharf combines fresh seafood with one of the city’s best casual dining views. From calamari and grilled fish to seafood platters, everything is served in a relaxed, friendly environment right on the working harbour. It is ideal for a leisurely lunch or a sundowner dinner by the water, best enjoyed with a window table for the views.
16. Kalky’s
No list of Cape Town seafood would be complete without Kalky’s, the iconic fish and chips shack sitting right on the Kalk Bay harbour. This no-frills eatery serves generous portions of battered or grilled hake, calamari, snoek, and chips, with the charm lying in its simplicity: picnic tables, seagulls, and the sea breeze. It is a favourite with locals and tourists alike, so go early to secure a spot. Kalky’s is cash only.
17. Fish Hoek Fisheries
For dependable fish and chips in a traditional setting, Fish Hoek Fisheries delivers every time. Hake, snoek, calamari, and generous chips are the staples here, and locals swear by the quality and consistency. It is casual, often busy, and perfect for a takeaway meal to enjoy on the beach. Arrive with cash and a hearty appetite, as portions are generous.
18. Lusitania Fisheries
If you are in the city centre with a hankering for fish and chips, head straight for Lusitania Fisheries on bustling Waterkant Street. This beloved institution has been delighting locals since the 1940s, drawing crowds during lunch hours eager to savor their renowned deep-fried hake served with hand-cut slap chips. It is a popular choice with local office workers, and at lunchtime you will find a queue out the door. The service is curt and the shop lacks frills, but there is an old-school charm to this traditional chippie. The hake parcels are perfect for an easy meal on the go.
19. Palace Fisheries
Tucked away in Salt River, Palace Fisheries stands as a beloved gem in Cape Town’s fish and chip scene since 1955. This charming eatery is renowned for its generous portions of hake and chips, which are the star attraction on their menu . What sets Palace Fisheries apart is its unique method of cooking; they use wood fires to heat the oil, a technique that many loyal customers claim enhances the flavor of their meals . They offer excellent value, with portions of hake and chips available from R60. The staff are friendly, and it is a must-visit when in Cape Town, hungry and low on cash.
20. Manny’s Fish Shop
Located in Claremont, Manny’s Fish Shop is highly regarded as one of the top fish and chips restaurants in Cape Town, with a 4.6 rating from 670 reviews. The size of the fish servings is generous and cooked to a perfect texture, while the chips have a rich flavour and ideal consistency. They also offer battered calamari and grilled in olive oil options for those seeking something different. The service is friendly and efficient, and they offer gluten-free fishcakes upon request. It might just be the best fish and chips Cape Town has to offer, according to regulars.
21. Zest
Zest is where fresh ingredients and global flavours come together under the vision of Chef Pavel, centred around a wood-fired grill that brings out the best in locally sourced seafood, meat, and seasonal vegetables. Set above Sea Point’s buzz on the 2nd floor of the Newkings Boutique Hotel, it offers views of the Atlantic and a less-is-more dining approach with both small and large plates. Open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 11pm and Sunday from 7am to 10pm.
22. Revelas Fisheries
Revelas Fisheries on Long Street offers an affordable and delicious seafood experience with generous portion sizes and friendly service. A great fried fish and calamari with chips combo is available for only R100, and the fish is described as fresh and delicious . Locals recommend it for its fair prices and authentic local atmosphere, and it has been serving the community for almost 30 years . The venue is neat, clean, and well-priced with reasonable portions.
23. The Lookout Hout Bay
Situated right on the water’s edge in Hout Bay Harbour, The Lookout is home to some of the finest oysters in Cape Town, carefully sourced and freshly shucked to order. The menu also features freshly caught fillet of local fish, pan-fried prawns, Cajun squid, and seafood platters fit for a hungry group. The restaurant boasts breathtaking mountain and ocean views where you can enjoy sundowners and cocktails, often accompanied by live music.
24. Seaforth Restaurant
Located at Seaforth Beach, this restaurant offers stunning beachfront views alongside a menu of fresh seafood classics. It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals seeking a relaxed seafood meal with beautiful ocean vistas. The restaurant focuses on quality seafood and a comfortable, laid-back dining experience by the sea.
25. Brassbell
Located in Kalk Bay, Brassbell offers a unique seafood dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s coastal setting and quality menu make it a worthy addition to Cape Town’s seafood scene, known for its commitment to fresh seafood and a pleasant dining atmosphere.
Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Cuisine Focus | Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amura | Sustainable Fine Dining | Mount Nelson, Gardens | Michelin-starred chef, plankton and by-catch |
| COY | Seafood Tasting Menu | V&A Waterfront | Indigenous ingredients, seven-course experience |
| Galjoen | Sustainable Local Seafood | Harrington St, City | Set menu, local-only sourcing |
| Nobu | Japanese-Peruvian | One&Only, V&A | Global brand, omakase experience |
| Pier | Multi-course Tasting | V&A Waterfront | La Colombe group, theatrical dining |
| Baía | Portuguese-Inspired | V&A Waterfront | Seafood platters, cataplana |
| Harbour House | Mediterranean Seafood | Camps Bay/Kalk Bay | Ocean views, fresh daily catch |
| The Codfather | Interactive Seafood | Camps Bay | No menu, choose by weight |
| Willoughby and Co | Sushi | V&A Waterfront | No reservations, consistently good |
| Live Bait | Casual Seafood | Kalk Bay | On the breakwater, harbour views |
| Den Anker | Belgian/Seafood | V&A Waterfront | Belgian beers, harbour views |
| Paranga | Seafood | Camps Bay | Beachfront, bottomless champagne |
| The Greek Fisherman | Greek Seafood | Sea Point | Open charcoal grills, Greek flavours |
| Olympia Café | Seafood | Kalk Bay | Legendary seafood linguine |
| Mariner’s Wharf | Seafood | Hout Bay | Working harbour views |
| Kalky’s | Fish and Chips | Kalk Bay | Iconic harbourside shack |
| Fish Hoek Fisheries | Fish and Chips | Fish Hoek | Traditional, generous portions |
| Lusitania Fisheries | Fish and Chips | City Centre | Since 1940s, office favourite |
| Palace Fisheries | Fish and Chips | Salt River | Since 1955, wood-fired oil cooking |
| Manny’s Fish Shop | Fish and Chips | Claremont | Fresh fish, gluten-free options |
| Zest | Global Seafood | Sea Point | Wood-fired grill, ocean views |
| Revelas Fisheries | Fish and Chips | Long Street | Affordable, generous portions |
| The Lookout | Oysters/Seafood | Hout Bay | Harbour views, live music |
| Seaforth | Seafood | Seaforth Beach | Beachfront, ocean views |
| Brassbell | Seafood | Kalk Bay | Coastal setting, quality ingredients |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Bookings are Essential: For fine dining establishments like Amura, COY, Nobu, Pier, Galjoen, and Harbour House, reservations are strongly recommended, often weeks in advance. Galjoen bookings open on the first day of each month for the following month . Willoughby and Co does not accept reservations, so arrive early to avoid queues .
Dress Codes: Fine dining venues like Amura, Nobu, Pier, and Baía expect smart casual or formal attire. Casual spots like Kalky’s, Fish Hoek Fisheries, and Mariner’s Wharf are more relaxed.
Budget Expectations: Prices vary widely. Fine dining tasting menus at Pier and Galjoen range from R450 to R850 per person . Willoughby and Co offers mid-range sushi, while Kalky’s, Fish Hoek Fisheries, Palace Fisheries (R60 for hake and chips), and Revelas Fisheries (R100 for fish and calamari combo) are affordable fish and chips options . Most casual spots offer good value for quality seafood.
Cash-Only Establishments: Kalky’s and Fish Hoek Fisheries are cash-only, so arrive prepared to avoid disappointment.
Location Grouping: Seafood restaurants are concentrated in several areas: V&A Waterfront (Baía, Nobu, Pier, Willoughby, Den Anker), Kalk Bay (Harbour House, Live Bait, Olympia Café, Kalky’s), Camps Bay (Codfather, Paranga, Harbour House), and Hout Bay (Lookout, Mariner’s Wharf). This makes it easy to plan a seaside culinary tour.
Sustainability Focus: Several restaurants, including Amura, COY, and Galjoen, place a strong emphasis on sustainability and locally sourced, responsibly caught seafood . Amura, for instance, highlights often-overlooked marine species and draws on local kelp and coastal ingredients.
Conclusion
Cape Town’s seafood scene is a celebration of the ocean’s bounty, offering everything from the world-class fine dining of Amura, COY, Nobu, and Pier to the iconic harbourside fish and chips at Kalky’s, Fish Hoek Fisheries, Palace Fisheries, and Lusitania Fisheries.
The city’s restaurants showcase the freshest local catches with global influences, whether through Japanese-Peruvian fusion at Nobu, sustainable and locally sourced tasting menus at Galjoen, or the Portuguese-inspired platters at Baía. With sustainability at the forefront of many of these establishments and a diverse range of venues to suit every budget and occasion, the Mother City delivers unforgettable seafood experiences that capture the true spirit of its coastal setting.