Where to Eat in Muizenberg: The Best Restaurants and Bars

September 10, 2017 Merry Kessler

Muizenberg is a beach-side suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. It is situated where the shore of the Cape Peninsula curves round to the east on the False Bay coast. It is considered to be the birthplace of surfing in South Africa and is currently home to a surfing community, centered on the popular 'Surfer's Corner'. Agatha Christie, famous author and playwright, wrote that after nursing duty she would daily take the train to Muizenberg to go surfing.
Things to do in Muizenberg

1. Harbour House

Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalk Bay 7975, South Africa Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Seafood, Mediterranean, Soups, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +27 21 788 4133
Excellent
59%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Harbour House

Harbour House Restaurant is located in the heart of an old working fishing harbour.Come and experience fine dining as the waves splash up against the windows while you enjoy the freshest seafood and line fish caught from our own boat.Window tables are a must so Reservations are essential!

Reviewed By BURTONWiltshire - Wiltshire

This is our 5th holiday to SA, and we have eaten at a number of fabulous restaurants over the years. This ranks as one of the poorest dining experiences we have had to date. We booked months in advance and were seated away from the main dining area and felt completely away from it all. There was no atmosphere at all. The menu promised well, my Sushi starter was great, but the Yellowtail main was really disappointing and was set on an oversized bed of garlic mash, with a few green beans and a little rocket, the mash was way too heavy and boring (I felt like I could have knocked the dish up at home). My husband chose a prime cut fillet of beef, it was massively salted and we have absolutely no idea what prime cut this was, the mushroom mousse was tasteless, cannot really comment further. We came away feeling we could prepare better food ourselves. Maybe we chose badly, but we felt this establishment is probably benefiting from its location and past reputation. Sorry to feel so disappointed.

2. Olympia Cafe and Deli

134 Main Road, Kalk Bay 7975, South Africa Outdoor Seating, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa Seafood, Mediterranean, Cafe, International, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks, Late Night +27 21 788 6396
Excellent
55%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 789 reviews

Olympia Cafe and Deli

A favourite of locals and tourists, come and enjoy a meal or buy something from the bakery shop

Reviewed By CTandyou - Cape Town Central, South Africa

The service and the kindness of the waiters was absolutely perfect.
Helpful, fun, apparently some of them have been working there for over 15 years....which tells they are happy doing what they do and call it a life style.
The food was absolutely delicious and i can highly recommend the oysters and mossels for sea food lovers.
The jazz was at the back where the actual baking happens.
The smell of bread and pastries is present.
You can buy bottles of wine and take them with you whilst seated.
The sound was good.
It was a great great experience !
Bravo Olympia and well done to the promoter.

3. Empire Cafe

11 York Road, Muizenberg 7945, South Africa Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Takeout, Reservations Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Dinner +27 21 788 1250
Excellent
47%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 120 reviews

Empire Cafe

Reviewed By KNEES13 - Cape Town Central, South Africa

Have had two breakfasts there in the last six months. Do try the eggs with butternut rosti, the scrambled eggs with various options are also great. The sweet goodies are very tempting, the orange and almond Florentines are a perfect end to the meal with a good cup of coffee. The croissants look delicious. exceptional staff, friendly, efficient and quick!

4. Octopus Garden

Main Road | The Old Post Office Building, St. James 7975, South Africa Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Reservations, Waitstaff, Free Off-Street Parking, Wine and Beer, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards Bar, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner HK$63 - HK$157 +27 76 904 0976
Excellent
64%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 131 reviews

Octopus Garden

The Octopus' Garden Restaurant gets its inspiration from the Beatles song. Ringo Starr was inspired by the tendency of Octopi to collect shells & stones to create an environment/ 'Garden' in which they live 'Under the Sea'. A warm, quirky eclectic vibe, with friendly, sassy staff that make you feel like you have just entered someones lounge. A selection of the finest (locally brewed craft beer) gourmet pizzas and a quirky, interesting menu that suits vegetarians, vegans and carnivores. Best grilled chilli poppers in town!!! There is a large beer garden and shaded courtyard with fairy garden, childrens organic jungle gym and treehouse. Dogs are very much welcomed and are even catered to on the menu Octopus garden. We serve many Vegan and Vegetarian meals.

Reviewed By GillianRightford - Cape Town, South Africa

How this restaurant has a rating of 4.5 is beyond me. Very limited menu: only pizza. Didn't have many of the ingredients for the limited menu. Service diabolical or non-existent. Then. The wait. Food took an hour and a half and only appeared when I threatened to leave. Another big table left while I was complaining, they hadn't even been served! Apparently a chef hadn't pitched up but that doesn't explain the limited menu and lack of ingredients. So many good restaurants in Cape Town. Please don't bother with this one. Used to be good and now? No. Just no.

5. Carla's

York Rd, Muizenberg, South Africa Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol Seafood, Portuguese Dinner, Late Night +27 21 788 6860
Excellent
57%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 76 reviews

Carla's

Owner Chef Run Mozambican Seafood Restuarant specializing in Prawns Nacionale. Little restuarantpopular with locals, but tourists love it! Hidden away serendipity. Great decor and intimate

Reviewed By Gondwana_2704 - Maun, South-East, Botswana

We discovered Carla´s place by accident about 2 weeks ago, without following any recommendations or reviews. Initially I thought I was back in Cuba in the 90th, with simple interior, plastic table cloth and paper napkins. The place filled quickly and Carla herself is an interesting carakter with many stories to share. The food was not cheap, as prawns generally are, but I must say they were the best I ever had. It was a great experience and I am a lover of these quaint authentic places, where pride in their food is taken. We will back, no doudt.
Steffi Presske, Gondwana Tours & Safaris, Botswana

6. Bistro Sixteen82

Steenberg Estate, | Steenberg Road, Constantia 7945, South Africa Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards European, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner HK$55 - HK$141 +27 21 713 2211
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 830 reviews

Bistro Sixteen82

Named after the year in which Steenberg was established, Bistro Sixteen82 first opened its doors in 2009, and has been the tapas and bistro-style Darling of the dining world ever since. An innovative and interactive wine and food destination, the Bistro sits adjacent to Steenberg’s winery, and spills into its surrounding indigenous Gardens with a terraced dining area leading to reflective water features, unfurling into views of the magnificent stone Mountains and expansive winelands. The Bistro Sixteen82 menu is a constant evolution, keeping up with seasonal produce and featuring inventive dishes that compliment the finest locally sourced ingredients. With Breakfast, Lunch and late-afternoon Tapas menus to choose from, the Bistro provides fine dining with an inimitable contemporary spirit. Executive Chef, Kerry Kilpin, love to create food which is seasonal, flavourful and bursts with freshness. "My greatest inspirations are derived from significant occasions in my life. On my travels to Thailand I developed a love and passion for Asian food. From shopping at the local food markets to creating my first authentic Thai dish, I was in heaven. You will notice a common thread in what I do and who I am. Love. I cook with love and my food is love." Internationally, Bistro Sixteen82 has been recognised in the list of 20 of the World’s Best Winery Restaurants by Canada’s renowned Wine Access magazine. Locally, listings included prominent mentions in Fleur du Cap’s Top 100 Places; Eat in Cape Town; and EAT OUT’s Best Bistros list.

Reviewed By susieQ321_12 - Huddersfield, United Kingdom

Firstly the wine tasting, well organised, knowledgeable, friendly staff and fabulous wine. The Capensis chardonnay is great, I don't drink much white wine but we visited a second time just for this wine. The setting is beautiful, modern and relaxing.
The bistro -1682 was very good, popular and trendy. We had the chef's choice as we wanted to try something different, all were tasty and well delivered. A good place to visit to enjoy good wine and food in a lovely setting.

7. Live Bait in Harbour House

Main Road | Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalk Bay 7975, South Africa Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Accepts Credit Cards Mediterranean, Seafood, Sushi, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +27 21 788 5755
Excellent
45%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 442 reviews

Live Bait in Harbour House

Reviewed By Stewart_Tauber - Keswick

During the month we stayed in Kalk Bay my wife and I visited Live Bait a few times and found the staff and food very good.
If you get a table by the Windows it is great for people watching over the harbour. It is always busy in the evenings so we usually got in around 6pm and always got a table.

8. Knead Bakery

Surfer_s Corner, Beach Road, Muizenberg, South Africa Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +27 21 788 2909
Excellent
19%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
9%
Terrible
11%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 220 reviews

Knead Bakery

Bäckerei am Strand von Muizenberg, Nähe Kapstadt

Reviewed By Lorna S - Johannesburg

They are open fairly early so a nice spot for first thing. Great service from the staff who immediately told us what was available from the oven and what was not out yet.
Its a local chain of coffee shops but very impressed with the high standard at this branch.
Coffee, eggs Benedict, English breakfast all were well prepared and presented. On a good day the glass doors are open so you get an excellent view of the beach.

9. Brass Bell

41 Main Road | Kalk Bay Station, Kalk Bay 7975, South Africa Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Accepts Credit Cards Pub, Grill, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Drinks, Breakfast, Brunch HK$196 - HK$1,177 +27 21 788 5455
Excellent
35%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
6%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1 reviews

Brass Bell

Food, Fun, sea and sun are the essence of this spectacular venue which has views over the Kalk Bay harbour, Simonstown and all the way across False Bay. Enjoy a meal and drinks with friends in a relaxed and laid back atmosphere literally right on the ocean. During a high tide it is not a rare occasion for the waves to splash up against your table. Choose from our 8 different venues to enjoy a delicious meal or cocktail with a view. The Brass Restaurant & Pubs venue is an iconic institution and is continuously upgrading to ensure complete customer satisfaction. We aim to please!

Reviewed By QsOp

Surprised a friend for his 50th birthday and had dinner at the upper restaurant in brass bell. The food was great - my wife had the fish Kob (recommended by Jacky our hostess) for the first time and found it very delicious (new favorite), and...MoreGood morning Thank you so much for taking the time to write your 5* review. So glad you enjoyed all your meals and that you have a new favourite meal! We will pass on your lovely comments to our very efficient and pleasant waitress Jacky.

10. Cucina Labia

192 Main Road, Muizenberg 7945, South Africa Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Accepts Credit Cards Contemporary, Italian, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$31 - HK$94 +27 21 788 6062
Excellent
57%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 97 reviews

Cucina Labia

Built in 1929 to reflect the spirit of 18th century Venice, Casa Labia is the former Muizenberg residence of Count and Countess Natale Labia. Cucina Labia occupies the ground floor and outside areas of Casa Labia. Many parts of the restaurant have views of False Bay. In keeping with the heritage of the Labia family, our menu is influenced by Italian cuisine. The venue is also used for weddings and other events.

Reviewed By Frank R - Somerset West, South Africa

The restaurant cum art gallery is located along the Muizenberg Kalk bay coastal road. The meal, the service and the elegant ambiance is excellent. Be sure to book before going. Make sure that you also visit the art gallery one floor above the restaurant. I would have no hesitation in recommending Cucina Labia.

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