The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is arguably one of the most popular locations for locals and tourists alike. With stunning mountain-ocean views, as well as the glamorous hotels, gorgeous cosmopolitan shops and of course some of the best restaurants in Cape Town, it’s no wonder the V&A Waterfront is such a hot spot for both locals and tourists.  

If you’re looking for delicious eateries with stunning views, the V&A Waterfront is the place to be! Whether you’re craving freshly caught seafood, Italian, Japanese, Italian or South African cuisine, you’ll find a stylish restaurant here.

From a great selection of restaurants, we’ve narrowed down the list to the best restaurants in the V&A Waterfront.

The Top Restaurants in the V&A Waterfront

The Waterside

The latest restaurant release from the revered La Colombe group comes in the form of The Waterside. Located in the Pierhead building of the V&A Waterfront, The Waterside promises superior dining experiences with a smart casual flair.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the main V&A attractions, diners can expect a relaxed and comfortable setting to enjoy their delicious meals. As with all of the La Colombe restaurants, diners can anticipate scrumptious meals, unexpected flavour combinations and table-side theatrics.

Fronted by Scot Kirton, the La Colombe group boasts an impressive portfolio of restruetants including flagship La Colombe, La Petit Colombve in Franshoek, Foxcroft, Epice and Protege.

Firefish Restaurant

Overlooking the V&A harbour, the stylish Firefish Restaurant has a sensational focus on freshly caught seafood. Just a stone’s throw away from the water’s edge, the sophisticated eatery puts a modern flair on a hot off the grill seafood menu.

From mouthwatering tuna tartare, freshly shucked oysters, fillet steaks, sushi, wraps, bowls as well as vegetarian dishes, the contemporary menu has something for everyone.  

Note that this restaurant is temporarily closed and will open again in November 2021 for the summer season!

  
 
 
 
 
 
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Willoughby & Co

Once voted the “Best Seafood Restaurant” by the V&A Waterfront Restaurant Guide, Willoughby & Co is the go-to Japanese fusion kitchen in Cape Town. This stylish, ever-popular restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best sushi restaurants at the V&A Waterfront.

With more than just good sushi on offer, tuck into a flash grilled salmon steak, crispy tempura dishes, hot and sweet soups, Asian salads and all of the delights of Japanese cuisine.  

  
 
 
 
 
 
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Si! Cantina Sociale

Situated in the hot and happening Silo District, Si! Cantina Sociale is a cool, chic restaurant that adopts a farm-table approach with a focus on organic and locally sourced ingredients. With colourful murals lining the walls, it’s no surprise that their food is just as exciting.

Serving wholesome breakfast, lunch and dinner options, the cuisine takes on a Mediterranean feel with tapas-style dishes. There is a selection of freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, fragrant coffee and one of the best cocktail menus in Cape Town.

  
 
 
 
 
 
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Grand Africa Café & Beach

With ocean view decks and a choice of five bars, the Grand Africa Café & Beach takes on-beach dining to the next level. The Grand offers a relaxed escape from the bustling city, with majestic views of the Atlantic ocean, Table Mountain, Signal Hill and Robben Island.

Located on a private beach just walking distance from the V&A Waterfront, this chic restaurant is a must-visit for all those travelling to Cape Town. The menu is inspired by the seaside surroundings and local South African flavours.

  
 
 
 
 
 
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Sevruga

Perfectly positioned on the harbour with delightful views of the Atlantic ocean, Sevruga is the perfect place to watch the sunset as you dine on some of the most spectacular food the V&A has to offer.

The interior of Sevruga oozes sophistication and opulence. The fine-dining menu is just as exciting with fresh fish, fillet steak, caviar, and sushi prepared by master chef Alan Huang. The cuisine has Asian flavours at its core with a delightful seafood and grill menu.

One of the highlights of Sevruga is that no two visits are the same. The owners call the restaurant their ever-evolving passion project meaning that they’re constantly changing things up.

  
 
 
 
 
 
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Den Anker

Located quayside at the V&A Waterfront, this Belgian-inspired restaurant is surrounded by magnificent views of passing yachts and seals basking in the sun.

The relaxed atmosphere makes Den Anker the perfect setting for a cold Belgian beer and delicious high-quality food, including freshly-caught fish, oysters, crayfish, plump scallops and other seafood delicacies.  

  
 
 
 
 
 
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PIER

Another 2022 release from La Colombe’s visionary Scot Kirton comes in the form of PIER. Also stationed in the V&A’s Pierhead building on an alternate level to The Waterside.

Fine dining at its finest, expect the finest produce created with the best ingredients. As the new setting and name suggest, a lot of the menu and surprise theatrics take inspiration from the sea.

Gibsons

If you’re looking for the ultimate burger at V&A Waterfront, Gibson’s is the place to go. They specialise in gourmet burgers and ribs and have visited some of the top burger joints in the ‘Burger Capitals of the World’ – Chicago, New York and Las Vegas – to create the perfect burger.

Choose from one of their 49 handcrafted burgers and pair it with one of over 207 handspun ‘wow’ shakes with a further 65 extra toppings!

V&A Food Market

Something different and exciting for this list is the V&A Food Market, located just outside the bustling shopping centre and next to the Two Oceans Aquarium. This artisanal food market hosts over 40 local vendors producing some of the most delicious cuisines from local, fresh and organic produce.

With something for everyone, the Food Market boasts traditional Indian curries, fresh falafel shawarmas, scrumptious burgers and pizzas, fragrant coffee, freshly-pressed juices, homemade ice-cream and much, much more.

If you’re a fan of market-style eating, be sure to check out our list of the best markets in Cape Town!

  
 
 
 
 
 
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The Yard

The Yard is located directly opposite the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and in the heart of the V&A Waterfront’s Silo District. They consider themselves a hybrid space, offering an upscale Indian Mediterranean fusion restaurant, bar, coffee shop and lifestyle retail space.

The atmosphere is edgy, yet relaxed and their platters are the most popular items on the menu. They also have an amazing high tea menu featuring both sweet and savoury treats.

Signal Restaurant

Located in the luxurious Cape Grace Hotel, Signal Restaurant offers sumptuous breakfasts, lunches, dinners and delightful tapas. Here, the chefs utilise local, farm fresh products from regional farms, creating a variety of innovative dishes inspired by South Africa’s diverse cultures and flavours. The restaurant’s recipes change seasonally, so there is always a reason to come back for an exciting new dish. You can also have a drink at the Bascule Whiskey Bar and delight in the extensive collection of world whiskeys on offer!

  
 
 
 
 
 
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Nobu

Nobu, located in the One&Only, offers some of the best Japanese cuisine in Cape Town. Expect masterful Japanese-Peruvian cuisine from Michelin-starred chef Nobu. The menu features dishes like yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño and crispy calamari with aji aioli finished off with their take on South African delicacy, malva pudding.

You can either sit at the sushi counter and watch the age-old tradition of sushi making or hang out upstairs to enjoy the vibe with cocktails and endless flasks of sake.

Makers Landing

Like the V&A Food Market, Makers Landing is a different concept when it comes to restaurants in the V&A Waterfront. Launched in December 2020, Makers Landing is a food community that celebrates South Africa’s diverse culture through food.

Apart from being a space for budding food entrepreneurs to innovate, learn and grow their businesses, it’s also home to a market where you can sample the freshest flavours in the country. Including some authentic South African foods like shisanyama, samosas and gatsbys.

We want to hear from you!

What are your favourite restaurants in the V&A Waterfront? Let us know your must-visit bars and restaurants in the comments section below. In the meantime, check out these things to do in the V&A Waterfront.

First published in February 2019, updated in July 2021.