Savor affordability with a view! Explore Cape Town’s affordable restaurants in Cape Town with a view. Discover delicious dining experiences without breaking the bank. Cape Town, known for its stunning landscapes and culinary diversity, offers a variety of dining experiences that combine delicious food with breathtaking views, all without breaking the bank. Here’s a guide to some of Cape Town’s best affordable restaurants where you can enjoy a meal with a view.
affordable restaurants in Cape Town with a view
1. The Brass Bell Restaurants and Pubs
- Location: Main Road, Kalk Bay, Cape Town
- Price Range: Moderate
- Cuisine: Seafood, pub fare
- Special Features: Situated right on the water’s edge, The Brass Bell offers stunning views of Kalk Bay harbor and the ocean. It has various dining areas, each with its unique ambiance, including a cozy pub and outdoor seating near the tidal pools.
2. Blue Peter Hotel
- Location: 8 Popham Street, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town
- Price Range: Moderate
- Cuisine: Contemporary, pizza, seafood
- Special Features: Known for its laid-back atmosphere and picturesque views of Table Mountain across the bay. The outdoor lawn area is perfect for sunset cocktails and casual dining.
3. Café Caprice
- Location: 37 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
- Price Range: Moderate
- Cuisine: Café fare, international
- Special Features: Café Caprice combines the vibe of a Parisian café with the views of Camps Bay’s pristine beaches. It’s a great spot for brunch or an evening drink, offering a chic yet relaxed dining experience.
4. Mojo Market
- Location: 30 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
- Price Range: Budget-friendly
- Cuisine: Various (food market)
- Special Features: An indoor food market offering a variety of local and international food stalls. The lively atmosphere and diverse food options make it a great choice for budget-conscious diners looking for quality and variety.
5. Foodbarn Deli & Tapas
- Location: Noordhoek Farm Village, Noordhoek, Cape Town
- Price Range: Moderate
- Cuisine: Tapas, deli
- Special Features: Set in the rustic Noordhoek Farm Village, this deli and tapas bar offers a casual and cozy dining experience with a view of the Noordhoek mountains.
6. Harbour House Restaurant
- Location: Kalk Bay Harbour, Cape Town
- Price Range: Moderate
- Cuisine: Seafood, sushi
- Special Features: Located in the Kalk Bay harbor, this restaurant offers breathtaking views of the ocean and harbor life. The menu focuses on fresh seafood and sushi, served in an elegant yet unpretentious setting.
7. The Lookout Deck Hout Bay
- Location: Lot 65, Quayside, Hout Bay Harbour, Cape Town
- Price Range: Moderate
- Cuisine: Seafood, sushi, pizza
- Special Features: Overlooking the Hout Bay Harbour, this restaurant provides spectacular views and is a perfect spot for seafood lovers. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset over the bay.
8. Ons Huisie
- Location: 18 Generaal Janssens Avenue, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town
- Price Range: Moderate
- Cuisine: Traditional South African, seafood
- Special Features: Known for its traditional South African dishes, Ons Huisie offers a rustic, homely atmosphere with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island. It’s a great spot to enjoy local flavors like bobotie or braai while watching the waves.
9. El Burro Taqueria
- Location: 1 New Church Street, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
- Price Range: Budget-friendly to moderate
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Special Features: Offering authentic Mexican cuisine, El Burro Taqueria provides a vibrant and colorful dining experience. With its hillside location, diners can enjoy views of the bustling city below while savoring tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas.
10. The Bungalow
- Location: Glen Country Club, 3 Victoria Road, Clifton, Cape Town
- Price Range: Moderate
- Cuisine: Seafood, sushi, contemporary
- Special Features: Nestled between Clifton and Camps Bay, The Bungalow offers panoramic ocean views. It’s an ideal spot for a sundowner cocktail or a light meal, with a laid-back, beachy vibe.
11. Masala Dosa Aromatic Kitchen
- Location: 167 Long Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
- Price Range: Budget-friendly
- Cuisine: Indian
- Special Features: This small, quirky restaurant serves up delicious Indian street food. While it doesn’t offer ocean views, its location on Long Street is perfect for people-watching and soaking in the city’s energetic atmosphere.
12. Simon’s at Groot Constantia
- Location: Groot Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town
- Price Range: Moderate
- Cuisine: Contemporary, local
- Special Features: Situated in the historic Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Simon’s restaurant offers views of the vineyards and mountains. It’s a great spot for a leisurely lunch after wine tasting in the estate’s cellars.
13. Two Oceans Restaurant
- Location: Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape Peninsula, Cape Town
- Price Range: Moderate
- Cuisine: Seafood, sushi, contemporary
- Special Features: Perched on the edge of the Cape Point Nature Reserve, this restaurant offers breathtaking views of where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. The menu focuses on fresh seafood and local ingredients.
14. Olympia Café and Deli
- Location: 134 Main Road, Kalk Bay, Cape Town
- Price Range: Budget-friendly to moderate
- Cuisine: Café fare, bakery
- Special Features: This bustling café in the heart of Kalk Bay offers a casual, laid-back atmosphere with delicious baked goods, hearty breakfasts, and lunches. The views of the harbor and the ocean are a bonus.
15. The Kitchen at Maison Estate
- Location: Maison Wine Estate, Franschhoek, Cape Town
- Price Range: Moderate
- Cuisine: Contemporary, farm-to-table
- Special Features: A bit of a drive from the city center, but worth it for the stunning vineyard views and farm-to-table cuisine. The Kitchen at Maison is known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and picturesque setting in the Franschhoek Valley.
16. The Galley Beach Bar & Grill
- Location: Small Craft Harbour, Beach Road, Fish Hoek, Cape Town
- Price Range: Budget-friendly to moderate
- Cuisine: Seafood, grill
- Special Features: Located right on Fish Hoek Beach, The Galley offers panoramic views of the bay and surrounding mountains. It’s a fantastic spot for fresh seafood and classic grill dishes, with the sound of the ocean adding to the ambiance.
17. Rhodes Memorial Restaurant and Tea Garden
- Location: Rhodes Memorial, Devil’s Peak, Cape Town
- Price Range: Budget-friendly
- Cuisine: Café fare, tea garden
- Special Features: Nestled at the base of Devil’s Peak, this restaurant provides a picturesque setting with views over the city and towards the Helderberg Mountains. It’s a perfect spot for a light lunch or afternoon tea after exploring the Rhodes Memorial.
18. V&A Food Market
- Location: The Old Power Station, Building 19 Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
- Price Range: Budget-friendly
- Cuisine: Various (food market)
- Special Features: Set in the historic Old Power Station, the V&A Food Market offers a variety of local and international food stalls. With views of the bustling V&A Waterfront, it’s a great place for an affordable and casual dining experience.
19. Hangklip Hotel
- Location: 314 Main Road, Pringle Bay, Cape Town
- Price Range: Budget-friendly to moderate
- Cuisine: South African, seafood
- Special Features: Located in the tranquil coastal village of Pringle Bay, Hangklip Hotel offers stunning views of the ocean and mountains. The hotel’s restaurant is a great spot for enjoying fresh seafood and local dishes in a relaxed setting.
20. Bertha’s Restaurant
- Location: 1 Wharf Street, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
- Price Range: Moderate
- Cuisine: Seafood, Contemporary
- Special Features: Overlooking the Simon’s Town harbor, Bertha’s offers an idyllic seaside dining experience. Enjoy the views of the harbor and naval base while savoring a selection of seafood and local wines.
Enjoying Affordable Dining in Cape Town
- Explore Beyond the City Center: Some of the best views and affordable dining options are found outside the city center. Consider exploring the coastal towns and suburbs.
- Local Specials: Look out for “locals’ specials” or “off-season specials,” particularly in tourist areas, where restaurants offer high-quality meals at reduced prices.
- Lunch Deals: Many upscale restaurants offer affordable lunch menus, providing the same exquisite cuisine and views at a fraction of the dinner price.
Tips for Dining on a Budget in Cape Town
- Happy Hours and Specials: Many restaurants offer happy hour specials or discounted meals during certain hours.
- Sharing Meals: Consider sharing larger dishes or tapas-style meals to enjoy a variety without overspending.
- Reservations: Especially for popular spots with the best views, make reservations to avoid disappointment.
- Local Dining Etiquette: While dining in Cape Town, it’s customary to tip waitstaff around 10-15% of the bill for good service.
- Seasonal Considerations: Some restaurants, especially those in tourist-heavy areas like the Waterfront, may be busier during peak tourist seasons (December to February). Booking ahead is advisable.
- Exploring Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on trying local dishes and flavors. Many restaurants offer South African specialties that provide a taste of the country’s diverse culinary heritage.
Conclusion
Cape Town’s diverse and vibrant culinary scene means that enjoying a meal with a stunning view doesn’t have to be a luxury reserved for special occasions. These affordable dining spots offer the perfect combination of scenic beauty, delicious cuisine, and a relaxed atmosphere, making them ideal for both locals and tourists alike.
