We’ve rounded up 20 seafront restaurants (and by that we mean you literally cannot get closer to the water without eating on a boat) all over South Africa. These restaurants offer everything we love about a day by the sea ─ the sight, sound and smell of the ocean ─ and delicious food and drinks to top it all off.
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DIE STRANDLOPER – LANGEBAAN
Die Strandloper offers amazing views of the Langebaan Lagoon with the sand between your toes and the blue skies above. This open air restaurant has a set menu and dishes are served over the course of the afternoon or evening. Linefish, rock lobster on the fire, fish curry, freshly baked bread, koeksisters and many other treats await.
Please note that booking is essential for your laid-back outdoor dining experience at Die Strandloper.
+2722 772 2490 | strandlopers@mweb.co.za | 33°04’25.1″S 18°02’31.5″E
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AFRO’S CHICKEN SHOP – DURBAN
Afro’s Chicken Shop has a couple of outlets in and around Durban, but our favourite is the “Beach Shack” on the parade at South Beach. If you’re looking for mouth-watering chicken and chips paired with an ocean view and sand underfoot, then this is it.
This shop is open from Monday to Sunday, 07:00 to 17:00.
+2731 303 1455 | info@afroschicken.co.za | 29°51’34.6″S 31°02’18.3″E
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THE GRAND CAFé AND BEACH – GRANGER BAY
The Grand Café and Beach is situated on a private beach in Granger Bay which is part of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. This elegant beachfront restaurant has a large wooden deck for alfresco dining, 2 beach bars and a VIP beach area. If the weather isn’t playing along, there is also café seating indoors with a chill lounge.
This restaurant is open Monday to Sunday, noon until late (subject to season).
+2721 425 0551 | beach@grandafrica.com | 33°54’06.5″S 18°24’50.0″E
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BLUE WATERS CAFé – PORT ELIZABETH
Blue Waters Café is situated in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth and offers views of the harbour, the famous pier and the unspoilt beach. The café has extensive breakfast, lunch, dinner and sushi menus so you can indulge in beachfront dining any time of day.
+2741 583 4110 | bluewaters@iafrica.com | 33°58’49.5″S 25°39’18.2″E
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DUNES RESTAURANT – HOUT BAY
Dunes Restaurant and Beach bar is on Hout Bay Beach and boasts beautiful views of Chapman’s Peak, the surrounding mountains and, of course, the ocean. The restaurant also has a popular children’s playground, so it’s ideal for a family outing. Their extensive menu allows you to join them for breakfast, lunch, dinner or sundowners with a sea view.
+2721 790 1876 | info@dunesrestaurant.co.za | 34°02’44.5″S 18°21’21.6″E
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THE MILKWOOD RESTAURANT – HERMANUS
The Milkwood Bistro Restaurant and Beach Hut is perfect if you love a meal with a view. The restaurant is located on Onrus Beach close to Hermanus, so you can witness all the fun on the beach while indulging in their wide range of tapas, meals and drinks.
+278 316 1516 | info@themilkwood.co.za | 34°25’06.6″S 19°10’43.1″E
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THE LOWER DECK BISTRO, BLUE PETER HOTEL – BLOUBERGSTRAND
Blouberg Beach has some of the best views of Table Mountain across the bay, but it is also home to a great pizza and sundowners spot – The Lower Deck Bistro at Blue Peter Hotel. On weekends when the weather is fine, the place is crowded with fun-loving Capetonians and tourists which makes for a vibrant atmosphere.
+2721 554 1956 | info@bluepeter.co.za | 33°47’46.7″S 18°27’23.8″E
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THE BUNGALOW – CLIFTON
The Bungalow is situated on the water’s edge in Clifton, Cape Town. It has a unique vibe and approachable menu with everything from seafood to burgers. The baby kingklip is their signature dish, so be sure to give it a try. If drinks are all you’re after, you’re not at the wrong place either! Their wide range of cocktails and other beverages are sure to satisfy. All in all, it’s the ideal chic beach experience.
+2721 438 2018 | info@thebungalow.co.za | 33°56’34.3″S 18°22’20.2″E
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COFFEE ON THE ROCKS – DE KELDERS
Coffee on the Rocks is situated on the cliffs of De Kelders between Stanford and Gansbaai. This family run restaurant serves home-cooked meals on a deck that offers expansive views over Walker Bay. Don’t be surprised if you spot a dolphin or whale while enjoying your meal!
The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00, for breakfast and lunch.
+27 28 384 2017 | 34°33’16.1″S 19°21’49.0″E
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EAST HEAD CAFé – KNYSNA
East Head Café is located on Knysna’s famous Eastern Head with unparalleled views of the Knysna Heads and the lagoon. The food at this landmark is a match for the view and visitors can look forward to a delicious breakfast or lunch at this daytime spot.
The East Head Café is open from 08:00 to 15:30, Monday to Sunday. (Please note that they don’t take reservations.)
+2744 384 0933 | jerome@easthead.co.za | 34°04’35.6″S 23°03’30.3″E
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RISTORANTE ENRICO – KEURBOOMSTRAND
Thanks to Enrico’s passion, this seaside restaurant is steeped in Italian tradition and goodness. Enrico’s expansive terrace in Keurboomstrand, Plettenberg Bay, is a picturesque setting for everything from breakfast to dinner. With such tasty food, the ocean view is certainly not the only thing to get excited about.
Please note that Ristorante Enrico is closed on Mondays.
+2744 535 9818 | info@enricorestaurant.co.za | 34°00’12.1″S 23°27’32.9″E
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PEARLY’S RESTAURANT – LANGEBAAN
Pearly’s Restaurant is situated right on the beach in Langebaan. If you’re looking for a relaxed, casual and family friendly spot, look no further. The restaurant is Langebaan’s longest established top restaurant and open 7 days a week – it’s quite a landmark in this popular West Coast town!
+2722 772 2734 | info@pearlys.co.za | 33°05’29.0″S 18°01’42.9″E
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MUISBOSSKERM – LAMBERT’S BAY
Muisbosskerm Open-Air Restaurant is situated 5 km south of Lambert’s Bay on the Elands Bay Road on the West Coast. A visit to Muisbosskerm is a true experience of West Coast hospitality where you will be treated to a 2 – 3 hour buffet meal with everything from potato yeast bread fresh from the clay oven to fresh fish.
They offer a selection of wines and beer, but it’s best to bring your own drinks. Bookings are essential, because the restaurant is only open if enough bookings are made.
+2727 432 1017 | muisbosskerm@kingsley.co.za | 32°08’01.0″S 18°18’12.2″E
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KAAI 4 – MOSSEL BAY
Kaai 4 is an informal “braai” restaurant in Mossel Bay where proper South African dishes are prepared over an open fire. Even more famous than the delicious, hearty food is the stupendous view of the ocean.
This fun restaurant is open from 10:00 until late 7 days a week.
+2744 691 0056 | 34°10’43.0″S 22°08’22.9″E
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BRASS BELL – KALK BAY
Brass Bell is an absolute favourite in trendy Kalk Bay. You can enjoy everything from breakfast, to lunch, to dinner or a drink at the Bikini Bar while the waves crash in full view and the summery scent of the ocean fills your lungs.
Weekends and holidays are generally busy, so bookings are strongly recommended.
+2721 788 5455 | info@brassbell.co.za | 34°07’34.4″S 18°26’51.2″E
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SOMETHING GOOD ROADHOUSE – PORT ELIZABETH
Something Good Roadhouse on the beach in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth specializes in good ol’ classic American food. If burger and beach sounds like a good combo to you, we suggest you head to this popular beachfront spot.
The restaurant is casual, family friendly and open 7 days a week.
+2741 583 6986 | laura@somethinggoodpe.co.za | 33°59’04.7″S 25°40’06.5″E
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KITCHEN WINDOWS – JEFFREYS BAY
Kitchen Windows is chock-full of Jeffreys Bay charm and famous for it’s view of the surf and prime location on the beach. They serve a selection of salads, burgers, pizzas, prime beef cuts and, of course, fresh seafood.
This charming restaurant is also family friendly with a kiddies menu and kiddies chairs to cater for the young ones. Kitchen Windows is open 7 days a week from 11:00 to 21:30, but only until 15:00 on Sundays.
+2742 293 4230 | goodtimes@kitchenwindows.co.za | 34°03’02.8″S 24°55’21.5″E
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THE LOOKOUT DECK AND RESTAURANT – PLETTENBERG BAY
The Lookout Deck is an absolute treat on the Garden Route. The deck is two stories higher than the Indian Ocean, offering expansive sea views and a casual dining experience.
This beachfront restaurant is open Monday to Sunday from 09:00 until 21:00.
+2744 533 1379 | lookout@lookout.co.za | 34°03’06.8″S 23°22’29.9″E
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MARINERS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT – MARGATE
Mariners is a comfortable and casual restaurant on Marina Beach, Margate. The restaurant’s location is excellent and the patrons in beach wear, relaxed atmosphere and swims between meals will make you feel like you’re on an island paradise.
Mariners Seafood Restaurant is open from Monday to Sunday, 09:00 until late.
+2739 313 0448 | mariners@gmail.com | 30°56’23.5″S 30°18’02.8″E
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BEL PUNTO – UMDLOTI
Bel Punto is a stylish spot with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and Umdloti Beach. Enjoy authentic Italian food, including seafood, steaks, poultry, game and Italian specialities with your sea view.
The restaurant is open 7 days a week during high season.
+2731 568 2407 | info@belpunto.co.za | 29°40’17.0″S 31°06’54.1″E
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SHIMMY BEACH CLUB – CAPE TOWN
Shimmy Beach Club is the crème de la crème of beachfront dining in the Mother City. This fine dining restaurant with its whisky and vodka tasting rooms, bars, beautiful deck, infinity pool and private beach is located in the V&A Waterfront and boasts panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. This is the perfect spot if you fancy a beachfront party after your delicious meal.
The restaurant is open 7 days a week from 11:00 until 02:00 at the latest, but please note the kitchen closes at 23:00.
+2721 200 7778 | info@shimmybeachclub.co.za | 33°54’16.7″S 18°25’38.9″E
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BEACH BUMS RESTAURANT – TONGAAT
This island paradise is situated right on the shore of KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast. This restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and, as their slogan reads, it’s a place where “life is forever chilled”. At Beach Bums restaurant you can enjoy the sunset with a good meal, a cocktail and your feet in the sand.
The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to close.
+2732 943 1132 | beachbums@mweb.co.za | 29°36’13.6″S 31°08’17.1″E
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DIE WALSKIPPER RESTAURANT – JEFFREYS BAY
Die Walskipper Restaurant is situated right next to the ocean between Jeffreys Bay and Aston Bay. Apart from its stellar location, the restaurant is known for authentic South African flavours and meals prepared on open fires or gas cookers.
The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday 12:00 to 20:00 and on Sunday from 12:00 to 15:00.
+2742 292 0005 | info@walskipper.co.za | 34°04’34.3″S 24°55’09.2″E
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SANDOWN BLUES RESTAURANT – KLEINMOND
Sandown Blues Restaurant, Café and Cocktail Bar is known for its picturesque view of the Kleinmond blue flag beach and honest pub-style and seafood dishes. Sandown Blues Restaurant is also the perfect spot for sundowners if you’re in the area.
During the holiday season they are open Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 21:00 and out of season their hours on Sunday are from 09:00 to 16:00.
+2782 566 4368 | sandownblues@gmail.com | 34°20’31.1″S 19°02’03.9″E
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BURGUNDY RESTAURANT – HERMANUS
You’ll find the Burgundy Restaurant on the edge of the bay a few metres from the old Hermanus harbour. You can enjoy the view any time of day, because Burgundy is perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Burgundy Restaurant offers everything from eggs Benedict to scrumptious salads, burgers and fresh seafood.
The restaurant’s trading hours are 08:00 to 21:00 from Monday to Sunday.
+2721 200 7778 | info@shimmybeachclub.co.za | 29°52’11.1″S 31°02’57.5″E
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Which of these seafront spots is your favourite? Feel free to suggest other great seaside dining experiences in the comments below!
Feature image: Bas Leenders (Flickr)
