• The seaside suburb of Hout Bay is nestled in a pretty valley almost halfway between the city and Cape Point and is known for its beautiful beach, a vibrant and thriving fishing harbour and beautiful mountain views. It also happens to be home to a bunch of Hout Bay restaurants that have become favourites among the community.

    Fish is caught daily by local fishermen and served in many of the restaurants, however, there are many different Hout Bay restaurants, which offer a diverse range of cuisine, from the catch of the day and sushi to Italian and Asian.

    Be it the waterfront, mountain peaks or countryside. The beauty about eating out in Hout Bay is you are always spoilt with a view.

    Luck Bao 

    Lucky Bao is a highly recommended restaurant located in Hout Bay, one of the best areas for dining in Cape Town. This popular Hout Bay restaurant specializes in serving delicious Asian-inspired cuisine, focusing on mouth-watering bao buns.

    The interior of Lucky Bao is cosy and inviting, with a laid-back vibe that makes it the perfect spot for a casual dinner with friends or family. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Lucky Bao is a must-visit on the list of Hout Bay restaurants, as it offers a unique and memorable dining experience.

    The restaurant’s menu features a range of tasty dishes, including vegetarian options, all prepared using fresh, high-quality ingredients. In addition to the delicious food, Lucky Bao offers excellent service and a warm, friendly atmosphere, making it a popular choice among Hout Bay locals.

    Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a full meal, Lucky Bao has something to suit all tastes and preferences, making it a top contender among Hout Bay restaurants. Overall, if you’re looking for a unique and delicious dining experience in Hout Bay, Lucky Bao should be at the top of your list.

    • Location: Main Rd, Scott Estate, Cape Town, 7806
    • Times: Tuesdays to Wednesday, 5.30pm until 10 pm; Thursday to Sunday, 12pm – 10pm / Closed on Mondays
    • Contact:064 661 4415
    • Instagram: lucky_bao_bar
    Lucky boa
    Image: Lucky Boa restaurant/Facebook

    The Indian Oven

    Next on our list of Hout Bay restaurants is the Indian Oven. The Indian Oven in Hout Bay is a popular restaurant that specialises in authentic Indian cuisine. The menu features a range of classic Indian dishes, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Some of the standout dishes include butter chicken, lamb rogan josh and prawn curry, all of which are bursting with aromatic spices and flavours.

    Vegetarians can enjoy the paneer makhani or chana masala, both of which are rich and satisfying. To complement the meal, the kitchen offers a selection of naan bread, rice and biryanis.

    The restaurant’s ambience is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. The Indian Oven is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious authentic Indian food in Hout Bay.

    • Location: Shop 8, Red Sails Building, Hout Bay, Cape Town
    • Times: Tuesdays to Sundays, 12.30pm until 10.30pm / Closed on Mondays
    • Contact: 027 21 791 4805
    • Website: The India Oven
    curries from the indian oven
    Image: The Indian Oven/Facebook

    EAT Restaurant at Hout Bay Manor 

    The EAT restaurant located at Hout Bay Manor offers a unique dining experience with its elegant and cosy atmosphere. The restaurant prides itself on its commitment to locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, which are used to create a menu of contemporary South African cuisine.

    If you’re searching for a great dining experience in Hout Bay, this restaurant is worth checking out. Their menu has something for everyone, including fresh seafood, succulent meats, and delicious vegetarian options. Each dish is prepared with a creative twist, making it a unique and memorable meal.

    Some of their most popular dishes include grilled yellowtail with salsa verde, braised lamb shank with roasted root vegetables, and roasted aubergine with tomato ragout. You’ll want to try them out for yourself and see why they’re one of the best Hout Bay restaurants.

    The restaurant also offers a wide selection of local and international wines to complement your meal.

    • Location: 5 Baviaanskloof Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town
    • Times: Mondays to Sundays, 7am until 9pm
    • Contact: 021 790 0116
    • Website: EAT Restaurant
    Image: Eat Restaurant Hout Bay Manor/ Website

    Dunes Beach Restaurant and Bar

    Situated in a prime location on the beachfront of Hout Bay, Dunes boasts magnificent views of Chapman’s Peak, the Sentinel and the main beach. The menu is diverse and offers an array of seafood options as well as a great grill selection, hamburgers, pizzas and fresh salads.

    Parents are left to unwind and soak up the view while their children play in the spacious playground area, complete with a jungle gym and beach sand.

    With its captivating setting, Dunes Beach Restaurant provides a memorable dining experience for all to enjoy.

    • Location: 1 Beach Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
    • Times: Mondays to Sundays, 9am until 10pm
    • Contact: 027 21 790 1876
    • Website: Dunes Beach Restaurant
    Dunes beach food
    Image: Dunes Beach & Bar restaurant/ Facebook

    Chapman’s Peak Restaurant

    Chapman’s Peak Restaurant is a picturesque dining establishment nestled at the foot of Chapman’s Peak Drive. The restaurant boasts breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Hout Bay and the surrounding mountains. The menu at Chapman’s Peak Restaurant offers a range of cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients and an extensive wine list to complement every dish.

    Starters include crispy calamari, beef carpaccio and creamy mushroom risotto, while main courses feature grilled tiger prawns, pan-seared salmon and slow-braised lamb shank. For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert menu includes classics such as tiramisu and crème brûlée, as well as a variety of ice cream and sorbet flavours.

    Chapman’s Peak Restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines good quality food with stunning views.

    • Location: 2 Chapmans Peak Drive, Scott Estate, Cape Town
    • Times: Mondays to Sundays, 10am until 8pm
    • Contact: 021 790 1036
    • Website: Chapmans Peak Restaurant
    chapmans peak hotel
    Image: Chapmans Peak Hotel/ Facebook

    Wharfside Grill @ Mariner’s Wharf

    Wharfside Grill is a must-visit seafood restaurant located in a prime location with a breathtaking view of the sea. The menu offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, including lobster, shrimp, salmon and more.

    Some signature dishes include the famous for their seafood platters, grilled tuna game fish, Prawns Kingfisher and fish and chips. Wharfside Grill also offers a range of non-seafood options for those who prefer meat or vegetarian dishes.

    With its cosy ambience and excellent service, Mariner’s is the perfect place to enjoy a memorable dining experience.

    • Location: Harbour Road, Hout Bay Harbour, Cape Town
    • Times: Mondays to Sundays, 12pm until 9pm
    • Contact: 021 790 1100
    • Website: Mariner’s Wharf
    Image: Wharfside Grill/Facebook

    Woodcutters Arms

    The Woodcutters Arms is a traditional English pub located in the heart of Hout Bay. This gastro pub offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere, with a menu that features classic dishes made using locally sourced ingredients.

    The Woodcutters Arms is a Hout Bay restaurant that boasts a diverse menu catering to different preferences and dietary requirements. From classic dishes like fish and chips to innovative takes on vegetarian and vegan options like falafel burgers and roasted vegetable quinoa salad, the restaurant has something for everyone. Don’t forget to try their popular dishes like beef burgers and beer-battered onion rings!

    The drinks menu at The Woodcutters Arms is equally impressive, with a great selection of local craft beers and ciders, as well as a variety of wines and spirits, making it the perfect spot to enjoy delicious pub-style food in a relaxed and friendly environment.

    • Location: 37 Main Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
    • Times: Mondays to Sundays, 12pm until 9pm
    • Contact: 021 791 0189
    • Website: Woodcutters Arms
    Image: Woodcutters Arm/Facebook

    Massimo’s 

    Massimo’s Restaurant is a beloved Italian eatery in Hout Bay. This family-owned restaurant offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with a menu that features authentic Italian cuisine made using the freshest ingredients.

    The menu at Massimo’s is extensive, with a range of antipasti, pasta dishes, pizzas and meat and fish mains on offer. Some of the standout dishes include the homemade ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach, the classic Margherita pizza with fresh tomato and mozzarella and the slow-cooked lamb shank with creamy polenta.

    Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a family-friendly meal, Massimo’s is the perfect place to enjoy delicious Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting.

    • Location: Oakhurst Farm Park, Main Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
    • Times: Mondays to Thursdays, 4pm until 9pm, Fridays to Sundays, 12pm until 9pm
    • Contact: 021 790 5648
    • Website: Massimo’s
    Image: Massimo’s/ Website

    Cheyne’s

    Cheyne’s is a popular restaurant situated in the heart of Hout Bay that serves up Asian fusion cuisine in a sophisticated and stylish setting.

    The menu offers a variety of modern and fusion dishes, focusing on Japanese-inspired flavours and techniques. From seared tuna tacos and yellowtail sashimi to wagyu short rib gyoza and coconut dumplings, there’s a range of seafood, meat, and vegetarian options to choose from, along with creative desserts like white chocolate and sesame liquid cheesecake and miso ice cream.

    Cheyne’s is something of an institution in Hout Bay with a devout fanbase from near and far.

    • Location: Main Road, Scott Estate, Hout Bay, Cape Town
    • Times: Tuesday – Sunday 12pm-10pm
    • Instagram: cheynesrestaurant
    • Contact: 027 66 412 3289
    food from cheyne
    Image: Cheynes/ Facebook

    Dario’s Café – Italian Restaurant

    Dario’s Café is a charming Italian restaurant in Hout Bay. This café offers an intimate and relaxed atmosphere that makes it the perfect place for a leisurely breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea.

    The menu is extensive and varied, catering to all tastes and dietary requirements. The breakfast menu features everything from classic dishes such as eggs Benedict to other options like shakshuka and baked oats. For lunch, diners can choose from a range of salads, sandwiches, and mains, including burgers, fish and chips and pasta dishes.

    Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a more substantial meal, Dario’s Café is definitely worth a visit.

    Image: Dario’s Cafe/Facebook

    The Lookout 

    First on our list of Hout Bay restaurants is the Hout Bay Harbour. Located on the waterfront of Hout Bay Harbour, The Lookout offers stunning vistas of Chapman’s Peak and the Hout Bay coastline. From its wooden deck, you can observe the bustling activity of the harbour, including the fishing fleets, deep sea tuna charter boats, and Seal Island sightseeing cruises, all while indulging in delicious grilled seafood, sushi, oysters and refreshing cold drinks.

    • Location: 65 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay Harbour, Cape Town
    • Times: Monday 11am until 4pm, Tuesday to Friday 11am until 9pm, Saturday and Sundays, 11am until 8pm
    • Contact: 021 790 0900
    • Website: The Lookout Hout Bay
    Image: The Lookout/Website

     

    Restaurants in Kalk Bay for seaside dining

    Article originally written and published by Adrienne Bredeveldt for Cape etc

    Feature image: Pexels