GINJA Restaurant: Views + Seafood for the Soul

There’s hardly a more beautiful view of the Waterfront’s Pierhead and Table Mountain than from the verandah of the GINJA Restaurant. Here you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy the balmy sea breeze. You can even catch a glimpse of a seal flapping around in the water right in front of you. Talk about Instagrammable moments.

Fresh catch

But, the idyllic location aside, GINJA’s updated menu is really the delicious topic of discussion. Inspired by its seaside location, GINJA added a few more exciting seafood dishes to its usual offering. Don’t worry though – their firm favourites are still right up there on the menu: the tempura-battered hake with citrus aioli, peas and hand-cut fries; and the Prawn Special for two – a kilogram of chilli-and-garlic queen prawns, served with toasted ciabatta, hand-cut fries, a table salad and a bottle of Iona Sauvignon Blanc – a steal at R595.

Scrumptious new main courses include creamy fish curry with coconut rice; grilled sesame-glazed salmon; and calamari grilled in a garlic and chilli sauce.

Small plates, big flavours

If you’re keen to try one of the new meals on the menu but prefer a smaller plate, the seared tuna or the tear-and-share flatbread are great choices. The mussels drenched in coconut cream, lemongrass, chilli and garlic served with an aniseed bun is also a delicious new fishy treat.

An even lighter option is the beetroot and goat’s cheese croquettes salad. Yes, there is a lovely selection of salads too! All of these are small enough for sharing and perfect as a meal with a drink at sundowners.

Talking of drinks, there’s no shortage here! GINJA offers an extensive curated list of wines, inventive cocktails, healthy juices and smoothies, a long list of local craft gins and eight local craft beers on draught tap.

Vegetarian options

Recognising the growing need for more vegetarian options, the team created a Meat-Free Meals section on the menu – although this is by no means the only place where vegetarian dishes feature.

Ever heard of a green pancake? It’s a beautiful dish made using spinach, egg, coriander, chili, feta and avocado.The lentil-and-artichoke bake with goat’s cheese, carrot, cumin and a spinach and onion bajji (an Indian dish of vegetables deep-fried in batter) is another popular item. Insider tip: ditch the knife and fork and eat the bajji with your hands – it’s finger-licking good.

Décor to soothe the senses

GINJA caters to Victoria & Alfred Hotel guests and to the general public too, so whether you want to unwind after a long trip or simply relax at the bar before being seated for your meal, the lounge area with its large, soft leather couches is a perfect space to do just that. Warm wood panelling, beautiful bonsai trees and soft lighting throughout the restaurant make for an understated yet chic ambience. Laidback and comfortable seating options are available on the window side and more traditional table settings towards the centre.

Sweet delights

For those with a sweet tooth, there’s no shortage of delicious desserts! The Cape-inspired Falooda yoghurt panna cotta with vanilla ice cream, and the chocolate fondant with peanuts, marshmallow ice cream and strawberry jam are highly recommended. But, it’s the crème brûlée with its berry gelato and chocolate ganache on biscotti topped with the sweetest of edible flowers that stole this guest’s heart. Try it.

The end of the story? Not quite – if you are an early bird, pop into the city side of the restaurant from 6.30 in the morning and treat yourself to a delicious freshly baked pastry and a cup of artisanal coffee at the Native Coffee Bar. What a way to start your day.

Opening times Daily, 6:30am
12pm – 11pm (all day dining menu)
Contact details 021 419 6677, reservations@newmarkhotels.com
Address Pierhead, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Book through DinePlan

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