St James South African restaurant
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St James "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.
Restaurants near St James
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and are not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Kalk Bay Deli restaurant
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Kalk Bay (0.8 km from St James) Kassia & Figg is a sweet bakery and coffee shop owned and run by a dedicated and passionate family. The coffee shop is located opposite the tidal pool, at the entrance of Kalk Bay when coming from the direction of Muizenberg.
Baked sweet treats and candy coloured décor all contribute to a welcoming atmosphere at Kassia & Figg, where locals are seen reading newspapers and enjoying coffee on any given morning. With its indoor and outdoor vintage inspired seating areas, the coffee shop is a relaxed meeting place for friends and family throughout the week. The menu is saturated with gourmet sandwiches, pastries and cakes, made only with organic ingredients.
Treat yourself to their artisanal breads and pack some baked goodies in your basket for after.
Kalk Bay French restaurant
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Kalk Bay (0.8 km from St James) ‘Excuse my French’ is a French Creperie in a rustic setting at the seaside in Kalk Bay. With a variety of fillings, from English breakfast through to sweet delights, such as Nutella and cream, dining at ‘Excuse my French’ is a wonderful experience.
The creperie is located behind the well-known junk shop, The Railway House, in Kalk Bay. With fresh sea air coming off the waves that are crashing only a few metres away, the venue is every bit as delightful as the menu. Enjoy your crepe with a speciality coffee and watch the changing moods of the ocean from your rustic seat. If you’re fond of the table and chairs, you’re welcome to buy them, as everything has a price tag.
If you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a light lunch with an unbeatable view and relaxed atmosphere, this French creperie with a difference is perfect for the whole family.
Kalk Bay Deli restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1 km from St James) In its cobbled street setting in a lane off Main Road, C'est la Vie has all the charm of a rustic European sidewalk cafe. With their own bakery on site and one of the top 10 best coffees in Cape Town, as mentioned in Elle Magazine, patrons can enjoy the best artisanal breads with their morning cappuccino's.
Coffee is taken very seriously at C'est la Vie as is evident by their poster inside with the motto, "You haven't had enough until you're shaking!" Offerings on the menu are sweetly presented on wooden boards, with handmade cups and ceramics. Breakfasts are simple and fresh, with expertly crafted sandwiches taking centre stage over lunch. Fillings include brie and fig preserve, salmon and cream cheese and other delicious delicatessen style delights.
Regulars at the coffee shop know to bring baskets along to their morning coffee, which they pack with brownies, cheese sticks, croissants and freshly baked bread from the bakery shelves. Experience C'est la Vie for a morning and you'll be embracing the carefree, artistic spirit of Kalk Bay.
Kalk Bay South African restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1.2 km from St James) Satori's is an Italian family restaurant offering thin-base pizza and pasta with vegetarian and wheat-free options. The salads are garden fresh and all pasta sauces, about 15, are made on order. Pizzas are wood-oven baked with gluten free and wheat free options available.
Desserts include home-made tiramisu, brandy tart, amazing lemon cheese cake as well as numerous ice-cream varieties. The portions are generous you will not leave Satori feeling hungry. A moderate wine list is available and a variety of special wines is often available.
As a family neighbourhood restaurant, Satori encourages long stays - backgammon, scrabble and chess are played at tables while families and couples catch up over good wholesome food and drink. Satori roughly translates into ‘individual enlightenment’, or a 'flash of sudden awareness'.
Kalk Bay European restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1.2 km from St James) With its Mediterranean feel, trees and open air space, Sirocco has all the right ingredients for long, lazy lunches in the sun. Situated on the Main Road in Kalk Bay, Sirocco is a seasonal restaurant that only opens in Summer, specialising in fresh food.
There are decadent and healthy options on the menu for breakfast, with freshly squeezed juices and baked goods on offer. The menu consists of relaxed yet sophisticated food, from Eggs Benedict to fresh salmon and cream cheese croissants. Gourmet salads are popular choices on the lunch menu, with fresh line fish and calamari competing as favourites.
Draw out the experience with excellent local wines or cocktails and experience the energy and magic in Kalk Bay during season.
Breakfast and Lunch Monday to Sunday, 8am until 4pm from 1 October until 30 April only.
Kalk Bay Deli restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1.2 km from St James) With the renowned restaurant district in Tribeca, New York, as its inspiration, interiors at Tribeca Bakery include photographs of the New York skyline and scenes from the vibrant city. Situated in the middle of the Main Road in Kalk Bay and facing towards the sun, this light filled coffee shop is always bustling and inviting.
Tribeca has it's own bakery on site, making freshly baked goods daily which are displayed in the windows facing passerby's. Shelves heave under the weight of pretty cupcakes, fresh croissants, muffins and decadent sandwiches. When not indulging in speciality coffees and baked goods, patrons can enjoy a creative menu with a great selection of salads, open sandwiches and delicious meals with a fresh twist.
Try the coffee cocktails if you're feeling adventurous and want to experience a caffeine kick in a new and interesting way.
Kalk Bay Fusion restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1.2 km from St James) The Chartfield Guest House Restaurant is located a few roads above the main road, in Kalk Bay. Owing to its elevated position above the harbour town, views from this restaurant will keep you coming back for more.
Pale, clean interiors and fresh décor create an atmosphere of serenity and relaxation. The restaurant specialises in a buffet style breakfast, with a mountain of delicious and beautifully presented food laid out daily on a groaning buffet table.
The views can also be appreciated from the pretty outdoor seating area, with the raw stone and natural rock still preserved in the restaurant's exterior lending a rustic feel to the terrace. The restaurant only caters for bookings of over 10 people for lunch and dinner, so be sure to book beforehand.
Kalk Bay Seafood restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1.3 km from St James) Located right on the waters edge of Kalk Bay adjacent to the Kalk Bay Harbour, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the sea, mountains, and the atmospheric Kalk Bay Harbour.
Soak up the nostalgia of this quaint harbour while relaxing in 1 of 3 restaurants all exquisitely located for a memorable dining experience. The Cabin Restaurant offers a small, intimate dining experience overlooking the ocean, perfect for whale watching and savouring the delights on offer.
For more refined dining, The Main Restaurant offers formality with a selection of exquisite seafood dishes and wine with a lovely harbour charm atmosphere. In summer, there is no better place to sit and relax while soaking up the sun and surf than the Bikini Deck. With its cocktail bar at the centre of the terrace spilling over onto the Tidal Pools, this vibrant spot invites lazy summer days and casual dining.
Serving meals off the Ala Carte menu and all that is seafood, The Brass Bell Restaurant indulges the palate with delightful burgers, crispy pizzas and succulent steaks. Why go anywhere else, when you can savour the delights of The Brass Bell while soaking up the fresh sea breeze and warming sun.
Kalk Bay South African restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1.3 km from St James) The Annex is an upmarket, yet cosy restaurant, with arguably one of the best views in Kalk Bay. This aesthetically pleasing venue is tucked behind Kalk Bay Books and is therefore often missed by visitors to the area. But when you find it you'll be delighted that you did, because on a fresh Summer's day, there are few better places to be.
Three seating areas within the restaurant property offer patrons a different experience at each space, from the indoor library area to the 'al fresco' terrace under a massive palm tree, which has endless views over the harbour and the ocean.
Meals at The Annex are tasty and beautifully presented, from muesli and fresh fruit for breakfast, through to rich, hearty meals for lunch and dinner. Popular menu choices include the sirloin steak sandwich, served with caponato and creamy mushroom sauce on freshly baked ciabatta and the mushroom risotto. The dinner menu includes fresh line fish, slow-roasted duck on vegetable stir-fry and ostrich on either braised lentils or mustard mashed potatoes.
Restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1.3 km from St James) Experience Luminous Lunar mist on the Cape to Cuba Riviera. Saints and savages alike love this quirky restaurant set on the beach with unsurpassed views of the harbour and the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Don’t be surprised to see Ché passing through while you puff on a cigar sipping one of the best cocktails in Cape Town.
Filled with understated surprises real and fake , Cape to Cuba is a veritable feast, a siesta, a carnival. Chill in this Bohemian Cuba carved by the tides. Everything in the restaurant is for sale including the décor which has become a popular concept with diners.
Kalk Bay Seafood restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1.4 km from St James) Situated on Main road silhouetted by majestic mountains and lapping shores of Kalk Bay harbour, FSH Restaurant and Sushi Bar offers elegant scenery softened by gentle music and the sway of palm trees.
With a large outside dining area enclosed by sliding glass doors looking out onto colourful fishing boats, patrons can relax and savour the wide variety of fish and seafood, succulently grilled to perfection.
With an aromatic blend of spices and styles to choose from, FSH Restaurant caters for easy going and most discerning palates with ease and quality. Enjoy fresh fish including deep sea and game fish alongside succulent portions of crayfish, calamari and prawns dusted with aromatic spices.
Entice the palate with a wide array of side dishes and sauces including fresh Sushi and Sashimi with delicious vegetable pastas available for land lovers. Round of your meal with scrumptious deserts and Italian ice creams made daily.
Kalk Bay Deli restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1.5 km from St James) With its prime location opposite the harbour at the beginning of Kalk Bay, the aptly named ‘The Home of Waffles and Pancakes’ on Main Road is a tribute to decadence in every flavour. From cinnamon pancakes to caramel and ice-cream topped warm toasted waffles, a visit here will satisfy all your sweet-tooth cravings.
The decadent establishment also offers main meal options on the menu, including savoury pancakes with a selection of delicious fillings, but be sure to try their sweet dessert pancakes and waffles for dessert. The ambiance is casual and light, with views stretching over Main Road and onto the Harbour. Large floor to ceiling windows invite plenty of sunlight which patrons can enjoy from the window counter or at tables inside.
Whether its sweet treats you’re after, or delicious comfort food on a rainy day, stop in at 'The Home of Waffles and Pancakes' for an experience of something different that may transport you back to a time when waffle and pancake houses were a dime a dozen.
Restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1.5 km from St James) Located in a derailed blue train carriage, Kalk Bay Expresso is one of the most unique venues in Cape Town. Situated next to the working train tracks at the Kalk Bay train station, patrons enjoy a nearly authentic railway experience.
Known for their English style breakfast, lunch and tea menu, the quaint restaurant is perfect for grabbing a simple meal during a day spent browsing in Kalk Bay. Enjoy full breakfasts, scones and pancakes and favourites such as toasted sandwiches and burgers for lunch. There are also tables provided outside the carriage should the compartment be too full.
No experience of Kalk Bay could be complete without an experience at this unique venue. Take the family along for burgers and shakes and watch the trains whizz past from the carriage windows.
Kalk Bay South African restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1.5 km from St James) Cool, trendy and ultra quirky, Olympia Café and Deli entices the palate with colourful mouth-watering creations and clientèle. From plump mussels to tender lamb’s liver and delectable salads, this eatery pays homage to food and brings back the tradition of bohemian dining.
Enjoy fresh Kob on mash or Lambs liver with bacon and cream sauce, or take delight in a hearty pasta dressed with mushrooms and tomatoes cream paired with a delicious wine and refreshing glass of water.
The rustic paint-washed walls invite a quirky décor contrasted by black and white chequered floor and bohemian ambience. Relaxing and cool, Olympia Café and Deli offers fantastic service coupled with a trendy menu and colourful clientèle.
Kalk Bay Seafood restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1.5 km from St James) Located along Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalky’s is a laid back and down to earth eatery bustling with trawlers, marine life and hungry palate indulging in seafood.
Lunchtime streams in steady numbers who come to enjoy some of the most delicious seafood in the area.
Fresh from the sea (caught on the owners boat) the blackboard menu brims with authentic fish and chips, deep fried calamari, snoek and crayfish, all served with rice or chips.
Expect generous portions and daily offers which can be enjoyed with an easy drinking house wine or beer watching trawlers at work and seals at play along the vibey Kalk Bay Harbour.
Kalk Bay Seafood restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1.5 km from St James) With all the charm of a working harbour fish and chips shop, Lucky Fish has the added edge of offering delicious seafood at excellent prices. Situated amongst Harbour House and its sister tapas and cocktail venue, Polana, this fast food seafood canteen is worlds away from any other. It's harbour location makes it a perfect stop whilst meandering through Kalk Bay.
In typical Kalk Bay style, Lucky Fish is just about the only fish shop you'll ever find that also sells freshly baked croissants, ciabatta loaves and fresh green salads to accompany newsprint wrapped crumbed seafood. A range of food is on offer, from crumbed hake, chips and calamari, to freshly prepared soups and mutton rooti's. Not only is the seafood fresh and delicious, but the generous portion sizes offer even more value for money.
Patrons can enjoy their meal at the tables inside and outside Lucky Fish, or take a walk along the harbour wall and sit amongst the seagulls and the fisherman. Enjoyed with friends, family or as a fast delicious meal, you'll be glad you tried this fish shop with a difference.
Kalk Bay Seafood restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1.5 km from St James) Live Bait is snuggled between Kalk Bay Harbour's pier and big sister upstairs, the glamorous Harbour House restaurant. Both share the spectacle of dramatic crashing waves when the ocean turns wild. This unpretentious restaurant offers a good selection of sushi, fabulous calamari, line fish, seafood platters and other non-fishy fare.
Stunning views overlook False Bay and the mountains beyond on one side, and the colourful harbour on the other. From late July, the Humpback and Southern Right whales come into the bay to calf and are regularly visible to diners. If that isn't enough, the reasonable prices, friendly efficient service, relaxing atmosphere and tasty food is sure to hook you.
Kalk Bay Seafood restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1.6 km from St James) Dining at Harbour House is the perfect fusion of elegant cuisine and an exceptional location, perched above the rocks in the working Kalk Bay harbour. With an air of relaxed sophistication, patrons are treated to a menu with an emphasis on fresh seafood while waves crash against the rocks below.
Beautifully presented dishes have a slightly Mediterranean flavour, perfectly complimented by wines from the best local wine regions. Starters from the carefully created sushi menu prepare the palate for more robust mains. Fish goes from sea to plate, owing to the restaurant using their own boat, aptly named 'Live Bait,' to trawl the sea in search of the freshest catch of the day.
Long drawn out Sunday lunches at Harbour House are an unforgettable experience. During winter, log fires create a cosy sanctuary protecting weary diners from the elements. In Summer, the glistening blue ocean provides an entrancing backdrop to lunches and dinners, where Southern Right Whales can often be seen frolicking within metres of the restaurant from Spring time.
With all these factors, no trip to Kalk Bay could be complete without an experience at Harbour House. Remember to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Kalk Bay Portuguese restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1.6 km from St James) For sumptuous Mozambican and Portuguese fare at a stunning location in Kalk Bay, Polana is a definite must-try.
Tasty staples like fresh and tender calamari as well as prego rolls feature on the well-planned menu along with many other flavoursome choices. A great wine list provides a superb accompaniment to your meal.
Kalk Bay South African restaurant
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Kalk Bay (1.6 km from St James) Theresa's quirky and flamboyant personality won't be the only reason you'll visit this established and beloved restaurant, as the food is equally unforgettable. Renowned for her perfectly prepared steaks and robust main courses, Theresa's combines elements that are usually difficult to create; atmosphere, ambiance and delicious food.
The success of Theresa's may have something to do with the entrancing bohemian overtones that lend it such warmth, or perhaps being able to watch Theresa's antics in the kitchen add to the feeling of intimacy. Expect hearty fare on the menu, in generous portions. Whatever contributes towards the magic, it's a successful recipe.