The Best Restaurants in Sea Point (And Surrounds)

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

La Mouette

Taking its name from the flocks of seagulls that inhabit the seaside suburb of Sea Point, La Mouette (French for seagull) is a modern European restaurant whose French-inspired menus change with the seasons. Housed in an historic Tudor-style manor house on popular Regent Road, the restaurant has four dining areas, six fireplaces, and bar-lounge area where the atmosphere is warm, relaxed, yet undeniably elegant. Outside a cobblestone courtyard with a trickling water feature sets the scene for a wonderful alfresco dining experience under the stars.
And, although the menu changes regularly, diners can expect a well-balanced two- or three-course meals, including items such yellowtail tartare with fennel mousse, radish salad, tom yum vinaigrette; seared scallops with cauliflower and white-chocolate purée, roasted cauliflower, toasted macadamia nuts; and braised lamb neck with harissa yoghurt, peas, broad beans, feta and mint. A well-rounded five-course tasting menu is also available for those looking to pair their meal with a meticulous selection of top-notch wine.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 6pm – 11pm
Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
Contact 021 433 0856, reservations@lamouette.co.za
Where to find it 78 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town

Three Wise Monkeys

House and Leisure

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

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

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

Hesheng Chinese Restaurant

Crave

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

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

The Duchess of Wisbeach

Maricha van Heerden

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

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

Mykonos Taverna

Moses Lae

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

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 Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm
Saturday – Sunday, 8am – 3pm
Contact 021 433 2871
Where to find it 95 Regent Road, Sea Point

The Bistro at Cascades Hotel on The Promenade

Anna Green

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

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

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

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

Mano’s

Feastfox

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

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

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

Cushty Deli

InstaEats Cape Town

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

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

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

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, book through DinePlan
Where to find it 21 Beach Rd, Mouille Point, Cape Town

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

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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