V and A Waterfront Restaurants

The Bascule Bar is Cape Town’s whisky bar supreme. With over 400 whiskeys on the menu and a huge variety of some of the best wines South Africa has to offer patrons are spoilt for choice. The food menu is simple, elegant and delicious, with the menu’s emphasis on a gastro pub theme. Situated on the edge of the marina in Cape Town’s Waterfront where the international yachts are moored, the Bascule Bar is where trendy whisky and wine lovers gather. Vibrant and bustling, it is the ideal place for a light lunch – patrons can sit out on the water’s edge and take in the sunshine. By night the Bascule bar becomes a hub of sophisticated elegance where wine and whisky flow, and all the beautiful people of Cape Town come out to play. The gastro pub menu consists of snacks and tapas, with specialities that include goat’s cheese peppadew poppers with saffron aioli and salt and pepper squid with sweet chilli mayonnaise. Main meals are traditional pub fare with a modern twist – Cape Grace fish and chips, seared tuna burger with avocado salsa and sweet potato wedges and beef burger with sweet pepper relish, emmenthal cheese, crispy onions and French fries. Bascule Bar patrons enjoy the finer things, but appreciate the simple style of this unique spot in Cape Town's harbour.

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.

With its European style, fabulous coffees and delicious food, visitors to Fego Caffe at Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront would be forgiven for thinking they were in a coffee house in Italy. Recreating the continental style and Italian flare Fego Caffe also offers patrons the best of the Waterfront - unsurpassed views of the harbour and a wonderful opportunity to sit back and soak up the atmosphere of one of the city’s most visited spots while sipping on premium Italian roast coffee. The menu consists of delicious light meals and snacks, and is heavily influenced by the cuisine of Italy. Fluffy, light omelettes, paninis, sun dried tomato focaccias, toasted tramezzinos and wonderful wraps, as well as more substantial meals like burgers, pastas and caffe meals, there is no shortage of choice for the discerning coffee connoisseur. An indulgent range of cakes, muffins and croissants are also on the menu. Customers can browse through the selection of magazines at Exclusive Books while delighting in the Fego fare. This is a great place to sit back, relax and take in one’s surroundings.

On the ground floor of the Alfred Mall in Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront, with a view of the bustling Waterfront il Paninaro Paninoteca e Spaghetteria overlooks an area designated for buskers, ensuring that patrons are treated to a wonderful variety of live entertainment, ranging from a marimba band to traditional African gumboot dancers. Whether it is a traditional cooked breakfast, a morning muffin and steaming hot cup of pure Arabica coffee or a more traditional Coppa Salute (fruit yoghurt in layers with muesli & banana) there is no better place to be to start of the day then the veranda of il Paninaro Paninoteca e Spaghetteria. And for a truly traditional Italian treat, the Cannoli is a house speciality – originating in Sicily, these tube- shaped pastry shells are deep fried and filled with a sweet, creamy filling; deliciously indulgent! This traditional Italian eatery specialises in light meals for lunch and dinner. With a range of over 20 paninis to choose from, there is something for everyone. Only the best breads are used, and fillings include: Parma ham, mozzarella and artichoke pesto on Focaccia bread; mozzarella, tomato and pesto on Grissone bread; grilled chicken, sun dried tomato pesto and rocket on Ciabatta bread. Pastas include a delicious homemade lasagne and a variety of pastas with fresh authentic Italian sauces. Alternatively there is a delicious selection of antipasti to choose from, and a wine list that includes both South African and Italian wines.

La Playa is one of the more trendy eateries in Cape Town's V & A Watefront. This Greek owned cafe/restaurant offers diners the best in upbeat, vibrant cafe lifestyle, with spectacular views and delicious food. La Playa offers diners a selection of Greek influenced dishes that include Rosemary infused lamb and Greek milk tart, as well as a wide selection of breakfast dishes. It the prime spot for those looking for somewhere to sit back, take in the atmosphere of the Waterfront and marvel at the fabulous views. Trendy and modern but relaxed, La Playa is reminiscent of European cafe style cuisine and ambience. Frequented by locals as well as visitors to the city, it gives a glimpse of typical Cape Town life. This funky fun cafe is the place to see and be seen. With a lively atmosphere and great food La Playa is relaxed, trendy and offers patrons European style and service in a very Capetonian setting. With views out over the mighty Atlantic Ocean, there is no end of beauty to indulge in while sipping on a cool cocktail and nibbling on something sublime from the menu.

A stunning restaurant started by 3 Michelin-starred chef, Maze at One & Only, Cape Town must be experienced.Using local ingredients and celebrating local flavours, maze proffers the finest creations for breakfast, lunch and supper, with a dedicated children’s menu as well. Steaks lovers will particularly enjoy the succulent cuts of meat, specially prepared with an imported broiler which heats the steaks to 650°C for superb flavour. The open kitchen allows for patrons to watch the chefs creating the mouth-watering masterpieces.The decor is striking and inviting, having been designed in keeping with the name of the restaurant. A fantastic wine loft offers a vast and eclectic selection of 5000 bottles, featuring both well-known and soon-to-be well known South African vintage wines.Enjoy a stylish celebration of South African cuisine at maze.

Melissa’s The Food Store in Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront is owned by Mark and Melissa van Hoogstraten. They have taken their love of food and fine things and translated into Cape Town’s best known deli. Visitors can feast on range of deliciously prepared meals, snacks and tasty treats. The Melissa’s range is made up homemade delectables prepared with the best ingredients and lots of love. All the food is freshly prepared with the intention that good food should be made using only the best ingredients. The ethos at Melissa’s is great food made with highest quality ingredients: the value of quality food produced in a traditional, old-fashioned way using locally sourced, seasonal, all natural local ingredients. Melissa’s at the Waterfront serves breakfast, lunch and light suppers, as well as a buffet from which patrons can choose a range of freshly made quiches, pies and assorted salads. Breakfast delights include fresh baked croissants with homemade jams and preserves, eggs Benedict and a traditional English breakfast, as well as healthier options including homemade muesli, yoghurt and fresh seasonal fruit. For lunch or dinner, diners can feast on deliciously prepared fresh sandwiches, homemade chicken and leak pie, sweet potato wedges with garlic aioli, Asian seared beef carpaccio and a range of yummy home cooked pastas and fresh salads.

Myatt Café & Chocolatier is elegant and opulent; the decor is more like a designer haute couture showroom. Crockery from Villeroy and Boch, designer Vitra chairs and Eileen Grey tables all contribute a quintessentially chic experience. Fashioned on a French salon, a leading trend setter, this cafe offers patrons the utmost in style and sophistication, and a gourmet menu of delicious sweet treats and light meals. Breakfast ranges from croissant baskets with either homemade jams or hams and cheeses to fruit and muesli. There is also the Myatt Breakfast Treat, which consists of mini croissants filled with emmenthaler cheese, scone with clotted cream & preserve, selection of finger sandwiches, fresh fruit salad & macaroons, fresh orange or grapefruit juice, Myatt special blend of tea or coffee. Lighte meals include a delicious range of filled sweet and savoury croissants, gourmet sandwiches and salads, as well as a mouth watering range of freshly baked tarts. The High Tea, masterfully prepared by a renowned confectionary chef includes pastries, cakes, mini croissants and finger sandwiches freshly made to order. There is an out-of-this-world range of sweet treats to choose from, and a fabulous range of speciality teas and coffees. All the delicacies are available at the retail counter, along with a delectable delight of imported Belgian chocolates.

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.

Cape Town’s Two Ocean’s Aquarium in the V & A Waterfront is home to the Shoreline Cafe. The self-service deli style cafe is the perfect place for parents and kids. With the only play centre in the Waterfront, parents can bring the kids, have a meal and catch their breath after a tiring trip round the V & A. The food is good simple fare, and the atmosphere is relaxed and very child orientated. The decor is contemporary, and the restaurant has a beachy ambience, which complements the menu perfectly: wholesome, healthy and full of family favourites. Items include delicious eggs and bacon for breakfast, and a range of fresh sandwiches, quiches and mouth watering pastas for lunch, as well as well established favourites such as burger, fish and chips and juicy steaks. With amazing views of the Table Mountain and the yacht marina, it’s a great place for mums and dads to bring the kids. Very affordable and fun, the Shoreline Cafe is a favourite for parents.

Serving the finest in contemporary Cape cuisine in a stunning setting on the V & A Waterfront, Signal is well worth a visit.A unique restaurant with a strong innovative spirit, Signal incorporates culinary trends from all over the world. The dishes on the extensive and intriguing menu fuse together the cultures that make Cape cuisine so delectable.Using fresh local produce to ensure the best quality in the sumptuous creations, Signal offers treats such as a Vegan tasting menu and a meat-eaters tasting menu comprising 5 courses and accompanied with the finest Cape wines. A well-designed a la carte menu gives diners superb choices of starters, mains and desserts and there is even an option to select from the wide choice of seafood and create your own platter.A Superb spot by the waters with beautiful views of Signal Hill adds the finishing touch to a truly memorable dining experience.

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.

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.

A restaurant steeped in history, The Quarterdeck Restaurant is located within an original part of the 1860 Breakwater Convict Station. The order of the day is sumptuous traditional Cape Malay cuisine, with some alternative options to make sure every palate is considered. A great option for those who do want to experience the best the Cape has to offer, is the Chef’s feast, which showcases a variety of different Cape Malay options. Experience the finest Cape Malay cooking at The Quarterdeck Restaurant.

The menu at Time-Out Cafe has been designed with the intention of serving business people who are on the go, as well as the more leisurely shoppers and tourists who frequent Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront. The restaurant is in the Breakwater Lodge, part of the Protea Hotel group. With stunning views of Table Mountain and the harbour, it is very convenient, and even offers patrons free and easy parking right outside – a rarity in the area! For the busy businessmen the chef has designed a section of the menu where “salads-in-a-second” and “meals-in-a-minute” are prepared using the freshest and finest ingredients, and with speed as the essence. For those patrons with a little more time on their hands, the a la carte menu has a distinctly South African flavour. The Time-Out Cafe is elegantly relaxed. The decor is funky, without being pretentious, and the restaurant is patronised by a distinctly diverse crowd, ranging from businessmen and women to tourists, from professional shoppers to those looking for somewhere to sit back and relax while feasting on a delicious meal and a thirst quenching cocktail.

The elegant surrounds flanked by harbour views provide a delightful and mouth watering experience in unpretentious setting. Enjoy a romantic seafood dinner, with a bottle of fine wine and the flickering lights of the harbour. The menu secures SASSI aware seafood such as oven-baked line fish with tomato, white anchovies, olives, and feta cheese. Meat eaters can enjoy steaks and crispy citrus duck and seafood lovers can frolic in the scallop and kingklip fish cakes, which are delicious and moist, served with a wasabi mayonnaise. The mussel pot, fragrant with dill and garlic in a rich white wine and cream sauce is a must try, enjoyed in the elegant surrounds or the refreshing deck flanked by harbour views.