Welcome to Cape Town, otherwise known as the Mother City. This town is known for its vibrant culture, friendly people, Table Mountain, and, of course, the Cape Town Waterfront. The V&A Waterfront is a buzzing hub that showcases South African pride and just a taste of what Cape Town has to offer.
This is the spot for locals and tourists to come together and enjoy the Cape Town vibes. Located on the shores of Cape Town Harbour, the V&A Waterfront is filled with plenty of shops and boutiques. You’ll be spoilt with choice when it comes to dining out here, too. The Cape Town Waterfront is home to some of the best restaurants in the city, so let’s have a look at some of the choices.
15 Best Restaurants in the V&A Waterfront
Cape Town’s Waterfront offers a wide variety of eateries, from fine dining, fresh seafood, and sushi to American classics and other international delights.
1. Willoughby & Co.
A massive favorite in Cape Town for its amazing Sushi. Visit Willoughby & Co. in the Cape Town Waterfront. This establishment serves up Japanese fusion dishes. Many people agree that this is one of the best sushi restaurants in the V&A Waterfront.
Take your pick from their wide range of pasta, fish, shellfish, and tempura plates. Let your tastebuds savor the delightful flavors of Willoughby & Co. They only use fresh fish as a standard of their quality. For dessert, you have to try their house specialty, Mille Feuille. Dig into layers of crispy phyllo pastry and anglaise custard, drizzled with caramel sauce and topped off with roasted sliced almonds.
2. Quay Four
This special spot is one of the oldest restaurants in the V&A Waterfront. Quay Four sits on the harbor’s edge and is a popular place for locals and tourists alike. The setup here is unique with a tavern downstairs and a more elegant dining above.
Quay Four offers hearty pub-like meals such as fish and chips, burgers, steak, chicken, calamari, and more. Upstairs, their menu includes venison, chicken forestiere, prawns, and ‘flexitarian’ options. Quay Four has daily specials like 1/2 Kilo Prawns for €10 (R199). They also have a huge range of beers on tap and live bands playing every night.
3. Sevruga
Sevruga is a well-known spot at the Cape Town Waterfront. People from all over flock for its elegant dining experience and delicious food. Enjoy views of the harbor, and if you can, catch the sunset, it’s beautiful.
Each visit to Sevruga is different. They pride themselves on their ever-evolving passion project. This means that things are constantly changing. Spoil yourself with mouthwatering seafood such as fresh line fish, sushi, calamari, and prawns. Sevruga also has some amazing grill options, like fillet, ribeye, sirloin, and Karoo lamb cutlets. Sip on refreshing co*cktails while enjoying the seaside ambiance.
4. La Parada
Tapas and co*cktails are calling. La Parada is well known around South Africa, with many spots in Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. The V&A Waterfront location is unique, with its seaside views and magnificent backing of Table Mountain.
La Parada is a place to get together with friends, enjoy a variety of small dishes, and immerse yourself in the rich and colorful atmosphere. With a Spanish influence, their aim is to bring people together to share in the joy and love of tapas culture. Some bites to look forward to include poppers, amazeballs, and grilled calamari. La Parada also has other options, such as sushi, main courses, and delicious salads.
5. Si! Cantina Sociale
Si! Cantina Sociale sits in the Silo District of the Cape Town Waterfront. This vibey spot has adopted a farm-to-table approach. The aim is to serve guests tasty and organic food. All ingredients they use are sustainable and locally sourced.
As you indulge in delicious meals, you’ll be surrounded by the rustic chic interior. Si! Cantina Sociale has colorful murals lining its walls, matching the exciting food spread on the tables. The dishes are inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, and you can expect a wide variety of options on the menu. Not only is the food fantastic, but the co*cktails are to die for. Find classics like pina colada, mojito, and daiquiri, as well as fun twists such as si bar collins and bumbu sours.
6. Den Anker
Located on the quayside of the V&A Waterfront, Den Anker has been open for almost 30 years. Serving Cape Town Belgian-inspired food, this spot is an absolute favorite among locals and visitors. Taste bitterballen, pommes frites, cheese croquettes, and more.
Enjoy views of Table Mountain and the harbor while sipping delicious Belgian beer. Den Anker imports its beer from small Belgian breweries, and the fish is freshly caught. Take your pick from tuna, salmon, kingklip, chateaubriand, pork belly, and many other delectable meals. Whether you sit on the terrace and take in the outdoors or chill in the vibey African queen bar, Den Anker promises an unforgettable experience.
7. Tang
Taste Asian cuisine on a luxurious level. Tang is guaranteed to give you an authentic fine-dining Japanese experience, inspired by modern izakaya, which is similar to a pub or tavern. Izakaya is usually a place where friends can meet up for drinks and indulge on shared plates. The food is said to go well with alcohol and not completely limited to a certain menu.
At Tang, they’ve also incorporated classic Cantonese-style cooking. Enjoy flavors of the Far East but with an elegant feel. Their menu includes dishes like salads, wok specials, sushi, and dumplings. Of course, an izakaya wouldn’t be complete without the drinks. Tang offers a wide range of the finest spirits, champagnes, and delicious co*cktails.
8. The Waterside
If you’ve been wanting a fine dining experience without too much constraint, The Waterside is the perfect spot for you. They thrive on providing guests with gourmet dishes in a more casual setting, making it a great place for a work lunch or a celebration dinner.
This restaurant is the latest creation by the La Colombe group. Taking meals to the next level is what the group is known for, and The Waterside is no exception. Various set menus are available with seasonal changes. Some popular dishes include oysters, salmon, pork belly, and lamb.
9. Baia
If you’re looking for delectable seafood, Baia is ready for you. Enjoy your feast while taking in the magnificent views of Table Mountain. This foodies paradise is situated in the heart of the V&A Waterfront Cape Town. Baia aims to give its guests fine cuisine and wine.
Think prawns, lobster, calamari, kingklip, and other freshly caught line fish. If you’re not in the mood for something fishy (even though it’s their specialty), Baia serves tasty chicken and meat dishes, too. End off your delightful seafood extravaganza with a baked Lindt chocolate pudding or a vanilla pod-infused cheesecake.
10. Mitchell’s Scottish Ale House
As the first tenant of the V&A Waterfront, Mitchell’s has been serving Cape Town for over 30 years. This traditional pub offers a wide range of beers on tap, with most of them local and a few imported. This is the place to be for a hearty meal, great beer, and lively atmosphere.
The menu includes classics like burgers, pizzas, homemade pies, and fish and chips. The portions are generous, and the food is delicious. Catch a game on one of the many TVs and enjoy live bands. The staff are friendly, and the vibe is cozy. Visit Mitchell’s, where the party never stops, and the beer always flows.
11. Grand Africa Café & Beach
This seaside gem is all about embracing a free-spirited beach culture. The Grand Africa Café & Beach is located on the sandy shores of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. As you sit with your toes in the sand, enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island.
Take your pick between five bars, stunning decks, or nine private function venues for a more intimate experience. As diverse as their venue, so is their menu. Indulge in tasty dishes like fresh seafood, juicy burgers, or delicious pizzas. If you’re looking for something sweet, try the chocolate pot or tiramisu. The Grand also has an extensive list of amazing co*cktails. From watermelon martinis to whiskey sours, there are plenty of flavorful options.
12. Mythos V&A Waterfront
Experience authentic Greek cuisine at Mythos. Located on the upper decks of the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, which provides amazing views of Table Mountain. Even though you’ll be enjoying the likes of Cape Town, you’ll feel transported to a little part of Greece.
Mythos embraces its Greek tradition of mezze. This is a selection of small plates which enable guests to try a little bit of everything. For those who prefer to keep their food to themselves, they also have main dishes. Enjoy souvlakia, burgers, stuffed pitas, and spanakopita. The menu features various options that cater to all dietary requirements or preferences. End your feast off with the iconic baklava cheesecake or portokalopita.
13. Gibson’s
For some of the best burgers in the V&A Waterfront, Gibson’s is the place to be. This trendy joint specializes in gourmet burgers and ribs. If that doesn’t sound tasty enough, how about the selection of more than 207 handspun ‘wow’ milkshakes.
In order to make the ultimate burger, the creators of Gibson’s traveled far and wide to Las Vegas, New York, and Chicago. Tasting various creations and putting their heads together to create 35 handcrafted burgers.
Roll your sleeves up and dig into some of the tastiest patties while enjoying views of the harbor. Burgers are made from scratch, and the ribs are imported. In 2019, Gibson’s broke the World Record for having the most varieties of milkshakes. Try their cool combinations, which include vegan shakes, frozen yogurt shakes, fat-free options, and adult milkshakes.
14. Emazulwini Restaurant
This trendy spot aims to infuse traditional Zulu cuisine with a fine-dining twist. This modern take has incorporated popular South African street food and plates it on an elegant level. Emazulwini means “the heavens” in Zulu and is the perfect suggestion of what a visit is like.
Located at Makers Landing in the V&A Waterfront, Emazulwini opened its doors in 2020. Since then, this Zulu-inspired restaurant has been making waves and has scored a spot on the World’s 50 Best 50 Next list. Choose between 3, 4, and 6-course options, which include starters, mains, and desserts.
15. Ferryman’s Irish Tavern
Escape the hustle and bustle of the V&A Waterfront and relax at Ferryman’s. This Irish pub was formerly known as the Original Waterfront Tavern. They’re famous for serving traditional Irish food, along with their sports viewing, and live bands.
Ferryman’s is housed in a historical shed that has been carefully converted over the years. They have maintained the iconic quarried bluestone, the Oregon wooden beams, and the solid teak pillars.
Try the bangers & mash or Ferryman’s shepherd pie. If you’re looking for more familiar food, fear not; pizza, burgers, ribs, and chicken wings are a few of their other popular options.
Best Restaurants in V&A Waterfront | Final Thoughts
The Cape Town Waterfront serves up some of the best food in the country. There’s nothing better than dinner with a view, and the V&A is the perfect spot for it. Enjoy your meal with Table Mountain as your backdrop. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’re guaranteed to find it in V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.
Don’t forget to check out the local attractions. The Waterfront always has talented local artists performing near the amphitheater. There are also wonderful handmade South African items that make perfect gifts or souvenirs for sale.
