V and A Waterfront Restaurants

Balducci’s Ristorante is nestled in Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront. Famous for its sublime food, attentive service, understated formality and fabulous view of Cape Town's working harbour and Table Mountain, Balducci’s prides itself with its fine food and extensive international award winning wine list. The ethos at Balducc’s is to provide outstanding food that is simple, clean and delicious, using traditional Italian recipes that have been modernised. Dishes are prepared using only the best ingredients, with passion and contemporary creative flair. Heavily influenced by Italian cuisine, there is also an Africa twist with dishes such as ostrich lasagne and carpaccio of venison. There is something for everyone, from gourmet pizzas to traditional Osso Buco, from biltong salad to freshly shucked oysters, as well as a Sushi Bar, where only the finest, freshest fish is served to a discerning clientele. Diners looking for something a little lighter flock to Balducci’s for the award winning 180g Karan beef rump and sirloin burger, served on a freshly toasted roll with thick cut chips. This is the ultimate in gourmet burgers! Crisp linen, an award winning wine list and outstanding food with a sophisticated ambience makes Balducci's an absolute must for fabulous eating experience.

Buena Visa Social Cafe near Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront is a Cuban themed restaurant and bar. Its authentic decor is eclectic, with a touch of shabby chic this combined with Cuban and Latino beats, Cuban inspired menu and great friendly service combined transport visitors to Havana -the Buena Vista Social Cafe a popular destination for Capetonians, as well as international visitors. The menu has been designed around traditional Cuban, Central American and Caribbean fare, with a heavy Mediterranean influence too. There is a varied tapas menu, with both hot and cold dishes to choose from, including a meze platter, piquant jalapenos chilli poppers, scrumptious chicken skewers and flambéed chorizo. There is also a wide selection of Mexican favourites on the Comidas menu, all with a Cuban twist, such as the Chicken Churasco, which is grilled chicken breast with guacamole and salsa on traditional toasted Cuban flat bread. The Buena Vista Social Cafe is also famous for this meat and seafood. The beef is SA grain fed super beef, aged for 21 days. The Lamb Al Ron, a house speciality, is delicious slices of roasted lamb flambéed in a creamy, Cuban rum sauce. The sea fare includes Cuban inspired linefish, fresh from off the boats and an indulgent seafood platter. The piece de resistance is the Cuban paella – a traditional rice dish with a generous selection of seafood, including prawns. The dish is packed with flavours and made to an authentic recipe; the paella is a fabulous feast!

Caffe San Marco’s relaxed atmosphere, great views and Italian influence, as well its sidewalk location in the V & A Waterfront means patrons can sit back, sip on a gourmet cup of coffee and people watch. A truly Italian experience, Caffe San Marco offers patrons an authentic slice of that la vita e bella, or the beautiful life. Nestled in the bustling Waterfront, looking out over the harbour where the seals frolic and water traffic goes to and fro, Caffe San Marco’s menu is made up of a selection of delicious fare to satisfy and delight. Whether its breakfast, lunch, dinner, a light snack or a cup of the best coffee, Caffe San Marco has something to offer. Real Italian food, made the traditional way, each meal is freshly prepared and made to order. The beef carpaccio is one of the house specialities cut from the finest fillet, garnished with the finest salina capers. There are a range of pastas and salads made with authentic Italian ingredients. There is an extensive breakfast menu, served until 12pm, as well as a selection of gourmet sandwiches. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, Caffe San Marco offers an the best views, the finest coffees and fabulous food, while being the perfect place to watch the world go by.

Ferrymans Tavern, in Cape Town, was the first establishment to open in the V & A Waterfront in 1989. It is a traditional, old fashioned pub with a generous wooden bar counter, brick paved floors, Oregon pine beams and a huge fire place, which during the winter is the perfect place to enjoy a one of the local beers or a great glass of wine. The wonderful homely atmosphere is further enhanced by the old photos, prints and drinking memorabilia that scatters the walls. With a wide range of local and international beers, as well as Ferrymans Ale, which is made exclusively for the Tavern, it is a great watering hole for locals and foreigners alike. There is a great pub menu for the downstairs Tavern with favourites like fish and chips, chicken pie and curry and rice, and daily specials that feature traditional South African fare and seafood. In the Upstairs restaurants patrons can feast on the weekday buffet for lunch, as well as an a la carte menu with wine pairing for both lunch and dinner. There is an outside beer garden for those wonderful hot sunny Cape Town days where patrons can sit back and take in the fabulous views while sipping on an ice cold beer. With play area for the kids Ferrymans Tavern is an ideal place for the whole family.

The Greek Fisherman is in the heart of Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront. Diners are treated to traditional Greek and Mediterranean food and hospitality. Encouraged to sit back and relax while taking in the out-of-this-world view of Table Mountain and the bustle of the working harbour, patrons are treated to great friendly service and delicious food. Best known for its traditional Greek and Mediterranean menu, the restaurant as added a modern twist to some dishes. With a selection wonderful homemade breads, fresh out of the oven, and over twenty five meze and tapas starters to choose from, including Souvlaki (meat skewers served with tzatziki), Spanokopita (spinach and feta parcels) and Atherina (white bait), diners can feast and soak up the lively atmosphere. The main courses are predominantly fresh fish and seafood dishes, as well as the highest quality meats, all cooked to perfection over and open charcoal fire for an authentic taste sensation. The wine list has something for everyone, with With the motto “Food is family, family is life, life is everything” a meal at the Greek Fisherman is a treat to share with the whole family, and one that won’t be forgotten.

OYO Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is one of the most stylish, trendy places to be in Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront. Specialising in local seafood, including West Coast crayfish, Saldanha mussels, Paternoster oysters, calamari and fresh line fish from the Cape Coast, OYO is a diner’s delight. Visitors can sit back and take in the awe inspiring view of Table Mountain and soak up the busy atmosphere of the harbour while sipping on a cocktail or a glass of bubbly. Part of the Victoria and Alfred Hotel, one of the original parts of the Waterfront development, OYO is steeped in style, class and quality.

The Paulaner Brauhuas is in the Clock Tower Precinct of Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront. With a beer garden overlooking the working harbour, visitors can enjoy the range of beers that are brewed on site, while sampling typical Bavarian food and watching the seal as they gambol around the busy harbour traffic. Patrons of the Pualaner Brauhaus are treated to a traditional Bavarian experience, from the food and beer to the atmosphere and general cheer. Diners are served by waitresses in traditional dress, and male waiters are kitted out in lederhosen. The atmosphere is relaxed and visitors are encouraged to get into the spirit of things, whether chilling in the beer garden or in the main restaurant among the glistening copper brewing pipes. Brewed on site, all the beers and lagers served at the Brauhaus stick to German guidelines. There is a choice of lager, Paulaner Weissbeer and a variety of special beer brewed sporadically. The Brauhaus produces 4500 litres of beer a week, and is the only brewery in the world to store and cool beer below sea level. All the meals are prepared using traditional Bavarian recipes, and only authentic ingredients are used. Specialities include eisbein and roast pork with crackling, as well as a variety of sausage and sauerkraut. For a festive fun time the Paulaner Brauhaus is the place to gather!

Sevruga has become one of Cape Town’s most renowned restaurants. Famous for its sophistication and elegance, the ethos behind Sevrugs is to offer patrons the best possible raw ingredients combined with awesome professional and creative suppliers, as well as craftsmen, to create a truly amazing experience. With over 200 of the finest South African wines to choose from and a sophisticated menu, patrons are spoilt for choice. On offer is the finest caviar and oysters, as well as the freshest fare from the sea; all meals are expertly prepared by some of Cape Town’s finest chefs, and the sushi bar is overseen by Alan Huang, considered to be the best in his field. Diners can choose from elaborately prepared meals to sushi, from meat dishes to seafood, as well as being able to opt for lighter meals, salads and a range of freshly prepared sushi. The chef’s specialities include Kingklip and Langoustine with tarragon butter, pomme neuf and a lemon beurre blanc sauce and the Wharf Fillet, which consists of fillet and a crayfish tail with a garlic and lemon velouté. The flavours are strong, but the ingredients are simple and perfectly matched. Sevruga is fast becoming the word in fine dining at the V & A Waterfront.

Right on the water’s edge as the waves break Tabago’s Restaurant, Bar and Terrace in Cape Town offers patrons one of the finest dining experiences in the city. There is no better way to enjoy Cape Town that looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, eating some of the finest foods, drinking some of the finest South Africa wines while basking in the glorious African sun at Tabago’s in the Radisson Hotel. The Mediterranean twist to the menu adds to the experience. Emphasis is placed on the use of the finest local ingredients combined delicately with exotic elements from the Mediterranean and around the world. Dishes such as Fresh Saldanha mussels in a delightful light white wine, red onion and chive tomato concasse, accompanied by a healthy portion of crunchy bread are the perfect example of the exquisite food on offer from executive chef Andrew Lee. The menu offers a delicious choice of snacks and starters to share while sipping cocktails on the Terrace gazing out towards the ocean in the warm South African sun. Dishes include a perfect round of rich Camembert cheese skewered with rosemary sprigs, accompanied by wild fig compote and crunchy bread, which serves two. The chef’s award winning starter of Crimson Venison Carpaccio comes highly recommended. The whole menu is offers some of the finest dining in Cape Town, and the lunch time buffet is a popular choice for businessmen and revellers alike.

Tasca de Belem is one of Cape Town’s finest Tapas restaurants. Located in the V & A Waterfront, the restaurant offers diners exquisite views of Table Mountain and Signal Hill, as well as the busy harbour. There is a truly Mediterranean feel about the restaurant, not only because of its Turkish influenced Portuguese menu, but the atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming and vibrant. Belem is the historical part of Lisbon, where centuries ago explorers set out to conquer the unknown worlds the lay beyond Europe. One of the first journeys made from here was to Turkey, so it is quite fitting that this restaurant should be a marriage between to the two cuisines. Tasca, meaning tavern, offers diners fabulous meze and tapas dishes that are the perfect fusion of these two historical cultures. The dishes on the menu represent the best of both Turkish and Portuguese cuisine with traditional favourites such as Trinchado and Espatada, as well as Shish Kebab and Ali Nazik, Tasca de Belem is a cross cultural cuisine experience for all food lovers.

One of Sun International's top hotels, The Table Bay in Cape Town's V & A Waterfront, is the home of The Conservatory. Patronised by locals and foreigners, this restaurant offers guests an eating experience that is simple, yet sophisticated. With the emphasis on Tapas and light meals, as well as a sublime sushi bar, there really is something for every palate. The Tapas menu is contemporary, taking its influences from a range of cuisines from around the world, including South Africa, Spain, Portugal and Asia. Ideal for sharing diners can feast on delicacies such as fresh Namibian oysters, steamed fresh black mussels, grilled Portuguese sardines, Katafi wrapped prawns with pimento coulis and duck rillette with prunes, Armagnac, pickles served with crusty bread. For those looking for something a little more filling there is an a la carte menu that includes Cape Malay curries, items from the grill and fresh fish. Light pours in to the restaurant, and the experience is one of simple style and understated elegance in a very relaxed setting. The service is excellent, and to add to this dining experience guests with reservations can take advantage of the hotel’s valet parking service at no extra charge.

The Docks Restaurant is in Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront is next to the Nelson Mandela Gateway, home of the Robben Island ferry. Popular with passersby and locals, the area in front of The Docks is the playground for the local seal population. Known as the seal pen, The Docks is on the same site as the old Bertie’s Landing. Its extensive menu, relaxed atmosphere and fabulous location right on the water’s edge, in front of the Clock Tower, make The Docks a popular place to sit back and relax, and take in the fabulous views of Cape Town, Table Mountain and the harbour. The Docks serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, light meals and cocktails. The wine list is extensive and features some of the best South African wines. The menu has something for everyone, from burgers to seafood, grills to pasta, as well as salads and traditional South African fare. The dinner menu also features specialities such as ostrich, game and lobster. Relaxed and family orientated, with fabulous views The Docks Restaurant offers patrons a varied menu that caters for all tastes and good friendly service. Patrons are often treated to shows from the local buskers on the dockside next to the restaurant, with acts including gumboot dancers, a marimba band, mimes and signers.

The Green Dolphin Restaurant is one of Cape Town’s premier jazz hotspots. Located in the V & A Waterfront, on the water’s edge, patrons can sit with Table Mountain as their backdrop, watching the seals at play while taking in the smooth sounds of some of the finest jazz the Mother city has to offer. Relaxed, intimate and jivey, the Green Dolphin is a popular haunt for tourists as well as Capetonians who are looking for a great night out. The menu is varied and has a little something for everyone. With plenty of fresh seafood on offers, as well as delicious meat and vegetarian speciality, diners will be delighted. The seafood chowder and fresh mussels with a creamy white wine sauce with chilli, coriander and garlic are a must on the starter menu. And the venison kebabs and prawn and crayfish duo are a tasty treat for those with a bigger appetite. The wine list offers some of the finest wines from around South Africa, the perfect complement to any of the dishes on the menu. With jazz every night of the year, fabulous food, unsurpassed views and a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere, the Green Dolphin should be on everyone’s list of places to eat in Cape Town.

Situated in the V & A Waterfront, looking out across Cape Town’s harbour, Wang Thai offers the best in Royal Thai cuisine in an exquisite setting. With Table Mountain as a backdrop, patrons can indulge in an authentic Thai dining experience while watching the resident Cape fur seal colony at play. Diners are treated to delicious, authentic dishes from across Thailand, freshly prepared using only the highest quality ingredients. Each meal is prepared under the watchful eye of the Thai trained master chef using traditional regional recipes. Diners can delight on favourites such as spicy Tom Yum soup or traditional Thai curries. For the more adventurous there is Ped Pi-Roed – Angry Duck – served with crispy seasonal vegetables. For an African twist on a Thai meal Wang Thai has created an ostrich curry served with fresh bamboo shoots. There is a variety of seafood available, as well as an extensive sushi menu. The decor is elegant, and features traditional Thai pieces, and this coupled with the delicately balanced flavours of the food and the wonderful views of Cape Town give diners a truly Thai experience.

Willoughby & Co, in Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront, is best known for its deliciously prepared fresh seafood and sushi. Named Best Seafood Restaurant for 2007/8 by the V & A Waterfront Restaurant Guide, Willoughby & Co offers diners sublime food, great service and an outstanding wine list. Using only the finest ingredient and freshest seafood Willoughby & Co is committed to providing its clientele with a menu that reflects modern food trends that are innovative, delicious and for the most part unique to the restaurant. Whether it is sushi, mussels, freshly shucked oysters, fresh line fish or carnivorous dishes from the menu, diners are guaranteed to be dazzled by the outstanding quality of food that is produced by Willoughby’s. There is a full Japanese kitchen where signature dishes such as Rainbow Reloaded and Soft Shell Crab in Ponzu Sauce are prepared under the watchful eye of Asian Chef Sam. The renovations in 2008 gave an entirely new dimension to the restaurant, creating more seats inside. Diners can sit at the sushi bar and watch as their meal is prepared, alternatively there is a seated area in the mall where diners can feast on a variety of fresh seafood, sushi, oysters and a selection of other dishes. Famous for quality, freshness and consistency, Willoughby’s is great value for money.