Let’s get straight to the Points!
The Atlantic Seaboard has loads going for it: the ocean, the promenade, a vast urban park, and an ever-expanding sea of eateries, which are as eclectic as the suburb’s motley mix of residents and locals. From fine-dining classics and family-run trattorias to delis by the dozen, a raw-food joint, an artisanal bakery, ramen bar, and even an Indian tapas restaurant, you’re sure to find something that appeals in one of the three points. These are our favourite restaurants in Sea Point, Green Point and Mouille Point. And, as usual, if we’ve left out one of your top picks, please add it in the comments below.
Sea Point
1. La Mouette
Husband-and-wife team Henry and Mari Vigar, along with their good friend Gerrit Bruwer, have established an elegant, modern restaurant in a quaint old Tudor manor house on Regent Road in Sea Point. Here you’re always guaranteed excellent, seasonally inspired dishes, superb service, and a meticulous selection of wines.
In collaboration with chef Henry, new head chef Themba Bawuti creates fresh and flavourful cooking, with a hint of Mediterranean thrown in, epitomising a personal take on modern French cuisine. Offering great à la carte options and an excellent-value tasting menu that changes regularly, La Mouette is unsurprisingly a local favourite.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 6pm – 10pm
Sunday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 10pm
Contact 021 433 0856, reservations@lamouette.co.za
Where to find it La Mouette, 78 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
2. Three Wise Monkeys
This izakaya (informal Japanese gastropub) and ramen bar is an after-work and weekend favourite. On most evenings, the long, narrow eatery bursts at the seams with Atlantic Seaboard locals, popping in for a bowl of ramen after a promenade stroll, work colleagues letting off steam after a day at the office, and out-of-towners intrigued to see what all the fuss is about. An illustration of Kid Goku from Dragon Ball Z hangs above the open kitchen, setting the mood. Grab a seat at the pavement-facing counters while you enjoy a steaming bowl of ramen, or delicious fresh sushi and poke bowls.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 11pm
Monday, 3pm – 11pm
Contact 021 433 1837, ash@threewisemonkeys.co.za
Where to find it La Rhone Building, 77 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
3. Sundoo
This Indian gem on Sea Point’s burgeoning Regent Road comes courtesy of chef and restaurateur Seelan Sundoo, who’s had his hand in a number of popular eateries (La Perla, Seelan, Reserve Brasserie, The Grand, and Shimmy Beach Club). But this time, he brings his own heritage to the table: South Indian cuisine with a contemporary Durban twist. Diners can enjoy delicious authentic dishes in the form of tapas, dhal, biryani and a selection of curries. The decor is stylish, pared-back, modern, with nods to his Kerala roots. The small space seats around 30 people, with one long booth against the wall and more seats at the street-facing counter.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 9pm
Contact 021 433 0542, info@sundoo.co.za
Where to find it Shop 6, La Rhone, 77 Regent Road in Sea Point
4. ChiCha
Finally – a sophisticated tapas restaurant-and-wine bar in Sea Point (enough fine-dining, thanks). But don’t let the “wine bar” bit fool you – this is a zero-pretence zone, with a massive wine list that includes wonderful by-the-glass options – the perfect accompaniment to small plates.
Excellent servers are more than happy (and more than capable) to make a wine recommendation based on your mood, while chef Julian Gabriel is even happier to make food recommendations to accompany said mood.
Our mood on the night was cool climate-inclined, so we opted for the Maastricht sauvignon, with chef Julian taking our cue. Are you ready for the best prawns of your life? Miso-marinated with a spicy lemon dressing. The IPA-marinated fillet, served with smoked bone marrow and noisette cauliflower, is unimaginably tender; and the local Chorizo, made with Inverroche Rum and served with apple chutney and crispy garlic, is an unexpected match made in heaven.
Although on the higher-end price scale, we thought ChiCha offered excellent value for money. We’re hurrying back to the street-facing open-window table for delectable easy summer eating with a side or people-watching.
Opening September 2018
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 11.30am – 11pm
Contact 087 470 0014
Where to find it 77 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town
Reviewer Michelle de Bruin
5. NV-80
A busy mall may not be your first choice to dine at, but at NV80 you’re truly none the wiser. Up the escalators and through the dark wooden doors, you step away from the fluorescent shopping centre, and into another world. Romantic mood lighting and elegant decor transport you to a 50s-style dining hall in downtown Havana.
Enjoy a cocktail under the palm trees on the outside deck, or settle at a table inside and enjoy some of the best prawns in the city, or a juicy Chalmar steak.
Wondering about the name? Brothers Naldo and Victor Gonçalves took the first letter of their names and added the year they embarked on their first food venture.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 10.30pm
Contact 021 439 7112, info@nv-80.co.za
Where to find it The Point, 76 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
6. Hesheng Chinese Restaurant
Authentic with a capital A, Hesheng prides itself on lip-smacking food that has, among many returning locals and Chinese patrons, a few of Cape Town’s top chefs coming back for more. The no-frills attitude, evident in the cheap-and-cheerful decor and honest-to-goodness food, makes this a first choice for those seeking vibrant Chinese dishes that you won’t find on any other menu in the city! In addition dim sum, noodles, soups and spring rolls, there are a variety of exciting salads and vegetable dishes. This once-secret hole in the wall is now, sadly for some, a famed Sea Point favourite.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 11am – 3pm; 5pm – 9pm
Saturday – Sunday, 11am – 3pm; 5pm – 9pm
Contact 021 433 0739
Where to find it 269 Main Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060
7. La Boheme Wine Bar & Bistro
This European-style eatery (decked out with disused wine barrels for a rustic Provençal vibe) t has been dishing up delicious dishes since it opened in 2009. The menu, casually displayed on a blackboard, changes daily according to the availability of produce (and the chef’s imagination), but always includes hearty dishes and smaller sharing plates. In addition to the flavoursome fare, the extensive by-the-glass winelist (over 60 varieties) has something for everyone.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 11pm
Contact 021 434 8797, info@labohemebistro.co.za
Where to find it 341 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
8. The Duchess of Wisbeach
Opened in 2009 by a team who had previously amassed some 20 years’ worth of restaurant experience in Joburg, The Duchess of Wisbeach is reminiscent of a NYC speakeasy or Parisian corner café. It’s a unique, intimate restaurant where utterly delicious old-fashioned classics (think white blinis, roast chicken and avo ritz) are enhanced by the wonderful atmosphere. What’s more, it’s also a popular dog-friendly restaurant, complete with comfy doggy baskets for well-behaved pooches.
Please note The restaurant does not serve tap water. Bottled water can be purchased at R42 per 750ml.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Contact 021 434 1525, wisbeach.duchess@gmail.com
Where to find it 3 Wisbeach Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
9. Scheckter’s Raw
Conveniently located on the ever-popular Regent Road, this raw and vegan food hotspot from owner Toby Scheckter, is the perfect pitstop for some mind, body and soul food for breakfast, brunch or lunch. From lip-smacking organic matcha and pumpkin pancakes (brimming with vegan ice cream) to homemade nut mylks and super bowls packed with hearty goodness, it doesn’t really matter what you order – you’ll be thoroughly nourished, amazed that healthy food can taste this good, and no doubt be back the very next day.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 7am – 4pm
Contact 021 434 1364, love@schecktersraw.com
Where to find it 98 Regent Road, Sea Point
10. Mykonos Taverna
This family-owned and -run Greek restaurant has been around since the 80s, when then-owner Peter Peroglou opened it on Sea Point Main Road. His son Dimitri has since taken over the reins, retaining the festive atmosphere. It’s a great spot to enjoy traditional Greek fare while taking in the hustle and bustle of the passing trade. The food is simple, delicious, and full of flavour.
Good to know If you love mezze and moussaka, but live in the northern ’burbs, you’ll be thrilled to learn that Dimitri opened The Fat Greek in Table View in August 2017, with Dimitri Manousakis, the son of George Manousakis (of Clay Oven and Athena’s fame).
Opening times Monday – Friday, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Saturday – Sunday, 12pm – 10.30pm
Contact 021 439 2106, info@mykonostaverna.co.za
Where to find it 343 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
11. The Shop
Fans of the former Buzbey Grill will not be disappointed with the offering that has taken its place. Run by hands-on, energetic and passionate husband-and-wife team, Kyle and Gabi Knight (both qualified chefs who have worked in various countries), The Shop is a good old-fashioned neighbourhood joint (with a light and airy new look), that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a charming borough in New York City, where the chef knows your name – and just how you like your favourite dish prepared.
The simple menu changes every six weeks, and chef Kyle knows where every ingredient in his kitchen comes from, which is evident in the flavours of all the dishes. We recommend the pork belly (served on the creamiest white bean-pureé with a hint of salsa verde) – delectable!
And the roast head of cauliflower with a buttermilk and brown-butter dressing and almond dukkah is a must – whether you’re vegetarian or not!
Opening times Wednesday – Friday, 12pm – 2pm
Tuesday – Sunday, 6pm – 11pm
Contact 083 782 5240
Where to find it 14 Three Anchor Bay Road, Sea Point
12. Kleinsky’s Delicatessen
At this bona fide New York deli, created by brothers Adam and Joel Klein, you almost expect to bump into the cast of Seinfeld, discussing whatever wackery their friend George has been up to that week.
We highly recommend the breakfast bagel, topped with lamb bacon (can be replaced with avocado), fried egg, cheddar and tomato. Another stand-out offering is the Latke Benedict: poached eggs with potato latkes, with the option to add pastrami, salmon, lamb bacon and spinach.
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, 8am – 9pm
Sunday, 8am – 3pm
Monday, 8am – 5pm
Tuesday, 8am – 4pm
Contact 021 433 2871
Where to find it 95 Regent Road, Sea Point
13. The Bistro at Cascades Hotel on The Promenade
If you stumble upon the bright yellow chairs of this charming bistro while taking a walk on The Promenade, be sure to stop what you’re doing, and head across the road to settle into one. The Bistro is one of those pop-in-any-time-of-day places, where even pooches are accommodated.
If you’re around for breakfast, pile your plate high at their famed buffet, which starts at 7:30am every day. Or swing by for a fresh salad or scrummy pasta for lunch. delectable dinners of grills and seafood from 6pm. Flowing cocktails, smoothies, vino and cold beers are a given, too, of course.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7.30am – 10pm
Contact 021 434 5979, info@HotelonthePromenade.com
Where to find it 11 Arthurs Road, Sea Point, Cape Town, South Africa
14. Rafael Lebanese Café
New restaurants seem to be popping up on Sea Point’s buzzy Main Road faster than you can wolf down a sheesh tawook. One such spot is the delightfully fresh and traditional Rafael Lebanese Café where hues of blue transport you to beachy afternoons, and delicious meals leave you satisfied but not sluggish.
Hands-on owners Mikhael and Angelic Bou Rjeily (of Mishu Coffee and Byblos Trading Co) ensure their guests are happy and well fed and, even if service is a tad slow at times, it’s always friendly and jovial, making it an utterly pleasant place to spend a few quiet hours soaking up the view of Signal Hill and its many paragliders while sipping on Turkish coffee with a side of baklava.
The menu offers traditional dishes, such as shawarmas and falafels, but if you’re worried about portion size then order a few bites from the mezze menu.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
Saturday, 8am – 4pm
Contact 021 439 6783, info@byblostrading.co.za
Where to find it 154 Main Road, Sea Point
15. Posticino
Posticino has been on the (Sea Point) block for more than 20 years, and continues to offer the mouth-watering Italian dishes that locals and tourists are drawn to. Started by Enrico De Siena and Gioacchino Gasparre, the casual trattoria is known and loved for its wholesome food and easygoing, family-friendly atmosphere.
During summer, the Main Road-facing al fresco terrace gets packed out; in winter, enjoy a delicious pizza or a satisfying pasta in the cosy, dimly lit interior.
Good to know If you’re a little further down the Atlantic Seaboard, its Hout Bay branch (just before Chapman’s Peak) does the same delicious food, but with seaside mountain views!
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12.30pm – 11.30pm
Contact 021 439 4014, posticino@mweb.co.za
Where to find it 323 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
16. Strolla
Located on Sea Point’s “platinum mile”, just off the busy promenade, Strolla beckons with its relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. An oasis from the nearby hustle and bustle of dog walkers, cyclists and joggers, it’s the perfect place for a catch-up over coffee, a cocktail or a delicious meal.
At sunset, bask in the shimmering orange reflection of the sea while enjoying a sundowner on the deck. The light à la carte menu and prime location will leave you happy you took the stroll.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7am – 11pm
Contact 021 430 7778, info@strolla.co.za
Where to find it 313 Beach Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Green Point
1. Upper Bloem
From the team behind Sea Point’s famed La Mouette comes Upper Bloem – a fine-dining restaurant on the Somerset Road strip where head chef André Hill has devised a tasty menu of sharing plates with an edge. Overseen by La Mouette’s Henry Vigar, the 40-seater restaurant is already a crowd-puller.
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, lunch and dinner
Tuesdays, dinner only
Contact 021 433 1442, reservations@ubrestaurant.co.za
Where to find it Shop 1, Winston Place, 65 Main Road, Green Point Cape Town
2. Mano’s
Walking along Green Point Main Road, you’ll stumble upon a white canopied eatery, where the heavenly smells of simple, well-prepared food and buzzy vibe will pull you in! This is Mano’s – a Cape Town stalwart for over two decades whose motley mix of patrons – from models and local schlebs to bona fide Hollywood stars and septuagenarians – is all part of the appeal. The cosmopolitan-style eatery has been on the Cape Town restaurant circuit for many moons, serving fresh, flavourful Mediterranean-style dishes.
On chilly evenings sit inside the candlelit interior and enjoy a heavenly pasta or the famous chicken kebabs. And on warm days, pull up a seat on the pavement, and soak up the scene.
Opening times Monday – Tuesday, 12pm – 10pm
Wednesday – Saturday, 12pm – 11pm
Contact 021 434 1090, mano@mano.co.za
Where to find it 39 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town
3. Jason Bakery
A Victorian-era house on Green Point’s Main Road is the home of Jason Lilley’s latest shop, which he opened at the end of 2017, and let’s just say the Green Point strip has never smelled sweeter. Aromas of freshly baked patisserie waft through the air as Captain Bread prepares the best almond croissants in town, and his famous Saturday-morning doughssants. Come for a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a toastie in the morning, or swing by for a craft beer and burger at lunchtime. Either way, you’ll leave satisfied.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 6pm
Saturday, 8am – 4pm
Contact 060 681 3803, bardough@captainbread.com
Where to find it 83 Main Road, Green Point
4. Giovanni’s
This sidewalk café, espresso bar and deli is where locals have been flocking for decades for an industrial-strength shot of espresso (and some of the best people-watching in the peninsula). A short walk from Cape Town Stadium, Giovanni’s is within easy reach of several tourist hotspots, but people are willing to come from all over Cape Town to sample its delicious deli fare, freshly baked breads, ready-made meals, imported torrone (nougat), and whatever it is you’re looking for. Seriously, if you’re after impossible-to-find clams for a homemade vongole, there’s an excellent chance you’ll find them here, along with other things you never even thought of.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7.30am – 8.30pm
Contact 021 434 6893, giodeli@iafrica.com
Where to find it Giovanni’s Deliworld, 103, Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town
5. Cushty Deli
British slang for “comfortable and easy going”, this neighbourhood-style deli on the corner of a narrow residential street serves café-style delights that has early-morning joggers and caffeine fiends lining up at the door waiting for it to open.
In addition to hearty bacon-and-egg breakfasts, or lighter, fruit and yoghurt bowls, there’s a lunchtime buffet of fresh vegetable and quinoa salads and continental cold meat dishes. The vibe is cosy but alive with energy, with an array of freshly squeezed juices, delicious smoothies and hot coffees making it the perfect spot for laptop dates and friendly catch-ups. Weekends (especially Sundays) are busy, so get there early to snag a seat.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7am – 7pm
Contact 072 654 2508
Where to find it 6 St Georges Road, Green Point, Cape Town
Mouille Point
1. The Greek Club Restaurant
This relaxed and wonderfully inviting Greek taverna is a firm favourite among the Hellenic community, as well as those who prize finger-licking Greek and Mediterranean food. Run by a duo of Helens (Helen Comninos and Helen Lourandos), the popular, 11-year-old eatery offers a simple menu of traditional favourites (fried calamari, souvlaki, grilled halloumi, spanakopita, skordalia, tarama, and so on), all prepared to perfection! With two soccer pitches, a playground and basketball nets close by, it’s the perfect spot for a family lunch (after a stroll along the promenade).
We recommend as many mezze as you can fit in (leave room for mains) to start; the roast chicken or fried calamari for mains, and the baklava for dessert – which could actually be the best in Cape Town.
Opening times Wednesday; Friday, 3pm – 10pm
Saturday – Sunday, 9:30am – 5pm
Contact 021 801 4514, allcar@sadomain.co.za
Where to find it 24 Bay Road, Mouille Point, Cape Town
2. Lily’s Restaurant
This all-day eatery on Mouille Point’s Golden Mile is part of the Kove Collection, whose stable includes The Bungalow, Paranga, Umi, La Belle, Dalliance, Pépenero, and Blanko, to name a few. Named in honour of owner Paul Kovenky’s daughter, this chic eatery harnesses the endless sea views, and combines lavish furnishings and fine interiors with a carefully considered menu. Leaning more towards the casually clad leisure set (rather than suited power-lunchers), Lily’s is a wonderfully relaxed addition to the strip where diners can enjoy healthy meals (such as oats with almond butter and Just Keep Slimming hake) or more decadent dishes (maple syrup pancakes or creamy white-wine mussels) at any time of day!
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7.30am – 10pm
Contact 021 204 8545, info@lilysrestaurant.co.za
Where to find it Shop 1, East-West Building, corner Beach Rd and Surrey Place, Mouille Point, Cape Town
3. Sotano
Opened in 2012 by the Caveau group, Sotano is popular with the summer-sundowner set, (which is not to say that it’s not a fabulous winter venue, offering views of the tempestuous ocean). Its light and breezy Ibiza-esque atmosphere, Mediterranean-style menu and unhindered view of The Lighthouse and Atlantic beyond, give it a unique appeal. We love how it shifts its mood to cater for each season and urban style.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7am – 11pm
Contact 021 433 1757, info@sotano.co.za
Where to find it 21 Beach Rd, Mouille Point, Cape Town
4. Manga
Serving Japanese dishes (with a modern twist), the seaside branch of this popular restaurant offers diners a unique, and delicious, Eastern experience. Manga’s extensive menu that includes everything from sushi and poke bowls to fresh salads, aromatic mains of Teriyaki-truffle beef, seafood broths and crispy duck, and decadent desserts. The Japanese comic-inspired interior (from which the restaurant takes its name) combined with the quirky menu items give the restaurant a cool edge.
Good to know Manga also has a stall at Mojo Market in Sea Point and a branch on Parliament Street in the city.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 11am – 10pm
Saturday & Sunday, 8am – 10pm
Contact 021 202 2720, info@manga-capetown.co.za
Where to find it Corner Beach and Rothesay Place, Mouille Point, Cape Town
5. Butcher Shop & Grill
The Cape Town branch of this South African favourite is famous for its steaks, but the restaurant does fine, juicy burgers, too, made from the same aged meat. Ask for a window seat, so you can enjoy views of the sea crashing against the railings of the promenade and the lighthouse.
The restaurant includes an adjoining butchery and deli (that keeps the same opening hours as the restaurant) where fresh, good-quality produce is available for purchase. Customers are welcome to approach the butcher’s counter and choose their preferred size and cut, just like people used to do in the old days. The impressive array of vintage wines means you need not bring your own.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 11pm
Contact 021 434 0813, enquiries@thebutchershop.co.za
Where to find it 125 Beach Road, Mouille Point, Cape Town
Research by Kent Cloete, Nikki Benatar, Riekie Human and Matthew Flax.
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6 Responses to “The Best Restaurants in Sea Point (And Surrounds) 2018”
Guinivea
The Duchess of Wisbeach – I had a horrible experience here. Tables were overbooked so no place to sit. The venue is a smoking venue so you sit and inhale cigarette smoke while eating. The entrance you walk through the very smoky bar.
Food and decor is good though and the Manageress was lovely.
Such a pity because this place has huge potential.
Shannon
I would not recommend the Duchess of Wisbeach. I’ve had some really bad experiences at that restaurant. I once hosted my birthday party there and it was great but on another occasion I ordered a glass of house wine from the bar and the bar man poured me the most expensive glass instead. I told him that that wasn’t what I ordered. He then subsequently tore the menu in half. It was pretty scary. Can’t even make that kind of thing up! I’ve never been back.
Theo Nel
Excellent ! Will have to visit All ! Most are known , interested in trying the ones I have not been to. Also never forget La Perla / Pizzeria Napolitana / Husar Grill Moulle Point ( the old Theo’s Steaks). And remember Zorba/ Rieses/ Tom’s Cabin ! the Wooden Shoe – now all gone
Hesham
I really love eating at Rafeal. The food tastes so nice and the is such a relaxed place.
Jessy
Went to Upper Bloem yesterday evening. It was absolutely fantastic. What a great team of professionals serving delicious food in a great place. It was a super treat!!
Cindy Truscott
Spoiled for choice-what a great selection of fantastic eateries.