4 Best Restaurants in Kalk Bay, South Africa

This Kalk Bay institution with its mismatched tables and open kitchen is so much more than a bakery that happens to do a roaring breakfast and lunchtime trade. Check out the blackboard for listings of full-scale meals, including a regularly changing roster of delectable and sophisticated seafood dishes, steaks, pork belly, pasta, and soups, all made with the same flair as those scrumptious breakfasts that have been luring hungry mouths since 1997 when this place went from being a greasy fish-and-bait shop to a deli-style café serving a decent cup of coffee.

An unbeatable location on the harbor's breakwater, this iconic seafood restaurant is known more for its location—waves are known to crash against the huge plate-glass windows at high tide—than it is for its food. The fish of the day is usually a reliable choice, and more often than not, it's the freshness of the seafood rather than the brilliance of the chef that makes the food here worthwhile (stick with seafood dishes). The main drawback, though, may be the noise—if it were the roar of the sea, that'd be fine, but it's the din and echo of human voices that undermines any real sense of sophistication.  If you're looking for something a bit more casual and affordable, try sister restaurant Live Bait, which is just downstairs, makes great fish-and-chips and other seafood combos, and is privy to the same great view.

Right on the harbor, this cash-only establishment (there's an on-site ATM) is the first choice for authentic, no-frills, from-the-boat-to-the-plate feasting. Once you've gotten in line and placed your order, grab a table to watch the waves break over the harbor wall as the little boats and their crews go about their chores; servers will bring you your food. Be aware that the seagulls will fight for your leftovers (or take a chance by stealing food from your table), as might a seal that happens to be lounging near the edge of the eating area.

Located on the main drag next to the legendary Olympia Café, Salt offers an always-evolving, creative menu that features well-cooked classics-with-a-twist such as grilled sirloin with Chilean pebre salsa or ginger-and-soy pork belly. Check the chalkboard menu for the specials. There's also burgers, pan-fried linefish, a selection of small plates, a handful of excellent desserts, and a decent wine selection.