Want to eat somewhere in Cape Town with a picture-perfect view? Here are four places where you can do just that.
Cape Town is one of the world’s most scenic cities. And it has a world-class food scene that’s multitcultural and highly inventive. But as a visitor, you might be wondering where exactly to go for a great meal while admiring the best views. With this in mind, here are four Cape Town locations I think every tourist will love.
1. Table Mountain’s Classic Side from Across Table Bay
The iconic postcard shot of Table Mountain is the one shown above, where you’re on a sandy beach and across the bay you see the mountain in its flat-topped magnificence. To enjoy that view (which you should), you need to head north of the city to Blouberg Beach. From here, you’ll see the mountain flanked on the left by Devil’s Peak and on the right by Lion’s Head.
There are various places you can go for a meal or drink to enjoy this epic view. And these include a blanket and picnic on the beach! But if you’d like to go sit somewhere and enjoy a hot meal, here are two very popular establishments …
Top spot with a view: On The Rocks
True to its name, On The Rocks sits right on the water’s edge in the quiet, historic section of Blouberg Beach (or Bloubergstrand in Afrikaans). The floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor terrace offer a wide-open view of Table Mountain (and Robben Island as well) that really is magical. Sit under an umbrella on the terrace with a seafood lunch, or enjoy dinner where the view changes from that of the mountain backlit by the sinking sun to one of the glittering lights of the city bowl at its base.
More affordable spot: Ons Huisie
Very close to On The Rocks is Ons Huisie, a slightly cheaper restaurant. Its name means “Our Little House” in Afrikaans, and was chosen because the building is an historic fisherman’s cottage.
When you sit outside, Ons Huisie offers an unimpeded and sweeping view of Table Mountain across the ocean. It’s famous for its generous portions of traditional South African seafood, like fish and chips and seafood potjie.
2. Table Mountain and Harbour Views at the V&A Waterfront
For a closer experience of the wide, front face of Table Mountain, head to the Victoria and Albert Waterfront (or simply the V&A Waterfront).
Here, near the base of the mountain, you enjoy a greater sense of its enormous scale. But you also have the charms of a working harbour, outdoor vendors, the historic Clock Tower and docks, bobbing yachts, Victorian buildings, and noisy seabirds.
The V&A Waterfront is an energetic and vibey place where you can find a variety of eateries, from fast-food chains and food stalls to pubs, cafés, family restaurants, and fine dining. So it really is a must if you can.
Top spot with a view: Den Anker
If you want a restaurant that’s relatively affordable but has delicious food, excellent reviews, and a stellar view of both the marina and Table Mountain, consider Den Anker. The above photo (courtesy of Nithin Bolar K) shows the view you enjoy from Den Anker’s outdoor seating area.
Den Anker is a Belgian restaurant, but as Cape Town is very cosmopolitan and multicultural, I argue that eating different cuisines while here is eating like a local.
3. Panoramic Views from Atop Table Mountain
Visitors to Cape Town – especially first-timers – should most definitely hike or take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for arguably the city’s most epic views.
Choosing a spot to eat
Given that Table Mountain is a part of a nature reserve, development at the summit is limited. Thank goodness. But this means very limited dining options. There’s TEN67 Eatery, where you can buy food, but it’s nothing to write home about. There’s also the KLOUD Bar, which sells drinks and snacks, and the upscale lounge VIEWS by De Grendel Wines, where you can buy snacks and platters to pair with your wine.
But quite honestly, the best dining location on Table Mountain is, in my opinion, the viewing platform by the upper cable car station or any spot where you like the view! And you simply eat a great picnic that you packed yourself, or some takeaway from TEN67.
Either way, when the weather is good, sitting outside with an unimpeded view of the vista below is a truly unforgettable experience. And if you hike up the mountain before eating, a peanut-butter sandwich can be the tastiest thing you’ve ever eaten.
4. Glorious Atlantic Ocean Sunsets from Camps Bay
The western edge of Cape Town is a thin strip of land that rises steeply from the Atlantic Ocean to the peaks of the Twelve Apostles (an extension of the Table Mountain massif). From here, you can witness the most intense and incredible ocean sunsets. So if you only have one evening in Cape Town on your trip, be sure to make this your dinner spot.
There are many, many places along the beachfront where you can enjoy excellent food and drink. You’ll find the most options along the beachfront Victoria Road in Camps Bay. But note that for the best views, you want somewhere that’s one floor up so you’re raised above the road that runs between you and the beach.
Top spot with a view: Bilboa
Located on Victoria Road, Bilboa (part of the Kove Collection) is an upmarket, elevated restaurant that looks out towards Lion’s Head and the ocean. The deck is the perfect place to be on mild evenings for enjoying dinner or sundowners as the sun goes down. The restaurant is focused on Mediterranean cuisine and has excellent reviews.
More affordable spot: Surfshack Diner
Also on Victoria Road and also part of the Kove Collection, the Surfshack Diner is another popular but slightly more affordable dining option with incredible Atlantic Ocean views. It also boasts a raised outdoor terrace, but has a more casual vibe, and you can enjoy a burger, wood-fired pizza, or similar while watching the sun sink below the horizon.
Of course, you can tell just by looking at the photo that Surfshack isn’t a truly budget establishment. Camps Bay is an expensive place. So if money is tight on your trip, remember that there’s always the option of a picnic dinner on the sand!
The list could go on
So there you have it – four incredible places in Cape Town to dine with a view.
Let me end by saying that these locations are far from being the only ones offering exceptional scenery. Cape Town is wrapped around mountains, hills, and bays, so often even just a little elevation will earn you a new and exciting view. So please let my list inspire but not limit you!
Note: This blog post was created in May 2014 by Bronwyn Paxton. It was rewritten in July 2026 by Megan Abigail White.
