Outdoor restaurants with a sea view in Cape Town and surrounds

A guide to Mother City eateries with refreshing ocean views

Last updated: Wednesday, 15 April 2026

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.

INVENTIVE PLATES BY THE SEA 

This tiny Hermanus bistro has inventive dishes like root veg gnocchi with carrot purée and goat’s cheese, or kingklip and prawns with carrot and coconut cream. Drinks are best enjoyed outside, overlooking the sea, with a mix of local wines, cocktails, and kombucha. Here’s more reasons to love the seaside eatery, Pear Tree. 

Tip: Pear Tree is right by the Cliff Paths, so it’s easy to wander off for a walk after your meal

Hermanus Waterfront | Marine Drive | Hermanus | @peartreehermanus | Image: Pear Tree

WHEN IN ONRUS: MILK ON THE BEACH  

Overlooking the blue flag Onrus Beach and lagoon, this beach bar is a go-to for long days and lazy dinners. There are poké bowls, vegan sushi, and of course, fresh fish and sushi, along with potstickers and eight-week-old matured sirloin steak. Kids go crazy for the hotdogs and build-your-own waffles at the waffle shack downstairs from Milk on the Beach, just off Hermanus. 

Tip: There's a daily happy hour from 5pm to 6pm (with local wine at R45 a glass) 

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

DUTCH CUISINE ALONG GROTTO BEACH

Mere metres from the beach, Dutchies is the kind of place where the setting does half the work. With the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other, you can drop in  after a swim or settle in for sunset under the milkwood trees. Fresh seafood, a strong wine list and Dutch cuisine like wentelteefjes (apple French toast) bitterballen (crispy meatballs with mustard) are some of the menu items you’ll find at Dutchies in Hermanus.

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

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

DINING ABOVE A TIDAL POOL 

At Ficks, the sea view is part of the experience, not just something you look at. The deck sits so close to the historic tidal pool that waves crash just below your table while swimmers move between the rocks and the ocean. The menu has Spanish-inspired pinchos (think crispy prawns, shrimp croquettes with sriracha mayo, and fresh salmon ceviche) and a line-up of playful cocktails that suit long, sun-soaked afternoons at Ficks Restaurant.

Tip: If you visit between  August and November you might spot whales and dolphins

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

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