Outdoor restaurants with a sea view in Cape Town and surrounds

A guide to Mother City eateries with refreshing ocean views

Last updated: Thursday, 24 April 2025

Sun-drenched decks, glistening crystal waves and moreish morsels to munch on are as good a summer concoction as any bright-hued cooling cocktail. In Cape Town, we are spoilt for choice with a vast array of outdoor restaurants with spectacular sea views. Here’s a selection of beachside dining spots where those in the know choose to go.

DUTCH CUISINE ALONG THE BEACH

This Hermanus eatery has made its name as a local must-try. Dutchies is all about fresh seafood, Dutch cuisine, and boozy milkshakes like Cookies & Crazy. There’s also a mix of classic and creative cocktails like the Pineapple Sunset (vodka, pineapple and orange juice). These are just a few reasons why Dutchies in Hermanus is a family must-visit.

Tip: There’s a jazz evening every last Friday of the month

1 Grotto Street | Voelklip | Hermanus | @dutchiesrestaurant | Image: Dutchies

IN THE CLIFFS OF A TIDAL POOL 

This is the ultimate place to go when you visit Hermanus. Ficks has a staircase that leads down to a tidal pool where you can spend the day sunbathing. The restaurant has Spanish pinchos like patatas bravas (potato in a homemade tomato sauce and aioli) and cheeky cocktails like MILF (gin, lime juice, apple juice and sour mix). See the must-try foods and drinks at Ficks Restaurant. 

Tip: Keep your eye out for whales and dolphins, they’ve been spotted from Ficks

8 Marine Drive | Westcliff | Hermanus | @ficksrestaurant | Image: Ficks Restaurant

DINE ON TOP OF A KID-FRIENDLY LAGOON

Milk on the Beach, right on Onrus Lagoon, has views of the beach – to keep an eye on your kids playing in the sand – and the ocean beyond. There’s fresh fish, sushi, poké bowls, boozy slushies, and local beer and wine. Or pop in for breakfast. They have inventive options like blueberry cheesecake French toast or a waffle croissant with bacon and banana at Milk on the Beach. 

Tip: There’s a waffle shack downstairs with a build-your-own-waffle bar and loaded hotdogs 

1 Atlantic Drive | Onrus River | 028 316 1516 | @milk_onthebeach | Image: Milk on the Beach 

BOLD SMALL PLATES WITH WINE PAIRINGS

At Pear Tree the menu is filled with inventive small plates like sushi calamari (Patagonian calamari stuffed with sushi rice and salmon) and root veg gnocchi. Mains include hake and chips, miso sirloin and vegan meatballs with linguine. The pairing mats, in meat and vegan options, are three small plates paired with wines at Pear Tree, one of Hermanus’s top healthy restaurants. 

Tip: The vegan chocolate plate with brownie, ganache, meringue, and coconut ice cream is one of the most popular dishes 

Village Square | 81 Marine Drive | Hermanus | 028 313 1224 | Instagram: @peartreehermanus

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