"I'd like to be, under the sea in an Octopus' Garden with you" Wacky, eclectic, vibrant, sexy and funky, stepping into the Octopus Garden Restaurant feels like entering into a shimmering Aladdin’s cave.
Think Alice in Wonderland; think Under the Sea; think a mad collection of knick knacks filling a brightly painted and fairy lit intimate little living room complete with wooden floors and a piano - that's The Octopus' Garden in St James (between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay). Inspired by the Beatles song, this historic old post office building has been transformed through much love into a cosy, happy and romantic venue for breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Situated right next to the St James train station and with a super view of the whales, waves, the St James swimming pool and the brightly painted original 'bathing huts', this gem of a venue invites customers to laze around tables or in a hammock in the shaded garden (dogs and toddlers very welcome), in amongst the restaurant's organic herb garden.
The music drifts between Frank Sinatra and upbeat African drumming and the service always arrives with a smile. Vegetarians and carnivores alike will delight in the culinary treats on offer. A great venue for birthdays, kitchen teas and engagement do's. Look out for the quotes in the loo and perhaps add your own. "We await you with tentacles wide open!"
Need to know? Average main course: R60 Licensed: yes, corkage: R20 Open: Lunch , Dinner Monday closed (all tentacles must rest!) Tuesday - Sunday: 10:30 - late
The menu boldly warns"If you feel a wee bit amorous or oddly captivated by your dining partner during or after a meal with us , we do apologise but our cooking incorporates the odd aphrodisiac and HUGE quantities of love" The coffee is Italian and "The best in the Southern Seas" and the desserts are decadently delicious (be sure to sample the infamous chocolate orgasm!).