If you love seafood and fresh ocean flavours, the Bay and its surrounds are one of South Africa’s best-kept culinary secrets. From seaside restaurants with ocean views to local favourites serving fish straight from the catch of the day, there’s a plate for every seafood lover here. The coast’s bounty shows up on menus in simple fish and chips and in more refined seafood experiences alike.
Here’s your guide to enjoying the freshest seafood the Bay has to offer.
Classic Bay Institutions and Seaside Views
Barnacles Restaurant
A local favourite right by the water in Seaview, Barnacles is known for prawns, calamari, fresh hake and seafood platters that taste like the ocean itself. The casual, coastal vibe and sweeping sea views make it a must-visit.
Coachman on the Bay
Part of Summerstrand’s dining scene, Coachman serves hearty seafood and grill dishes with panoramic views of the bay, ideal for a relaxed lunch or sundowner by the water.
Ocean Basket Brookes on the Bay
A reliable choice for Mediterranean-style seafood classics like calamari, prawns and grilled line fish just steps from the beach in Summerstrand.
Hidden Gems and Local Favourites
This Is Eat
This downtown favourite blends seafood with local flavour and harbour vibes. It’s well-loved for fish and chips and other fresh seafood dishes that keep locals coming back.
Off the Hook
Nestled near PEDSAC in the harbour, Off the Hook combines seafood with harbour-side charm — perfect for a laid-back lunch after a walk along the water’s edge.
Fish Finder
A Mount Pleasant favourite for straightforward seafood done well, think fish and chips, grilled line fish and takeaway freshness ideal for beach picnics.
Fresh Fish on Circular
A well-loved smaller spot for fresh fish plates and local seafood combos, perfect for those who want quality without fuss.
More Places Worth Exploring
De Kelder Restaurant Port Elizabeth
A classic beachfront spot where seafood features alongside other coastal favourites.
Ginger The Restaurant
Offers refined seafood dishes with South African flair and ocean views for a more elevated dining experience.
Jeffreys Bay and Beyond
Die Walskipper
An iconic Jeffreys Bay restaurant serving seafood and South African dishes cooked over coals with a breathtaking ocean setting.
Ocean Basket Jeffreys Bay
A family-friendly seafood option in JBay for prawns, calamari and grilled fish when you’re heading down the coast.
A Final Bite of Local Seafood Culture
Seafood in the Bay isn’t just about restaurants. From fish markets and coastal cafés to seaside braais and beach picnics, the region’s culinary identity is tied to the sea. Whether you’re after a sunset prawn platter, classic battered hake, oysters with chilled wine, or fresh fish grilled over coals, the Bay delivers variety rooted in ocean culture.
- AS ALWAYS, we only know what we know, so do let us know if we missed anyone worth mentioning. Current list based on Facebook ratings
Leave a Reply