Restaurants in Cape Town

A no-frills eaterie that attracts locals as well as tourists. It sits on the harbour at Kalk Bay and serves fish and seafood fresh from the ocean. Reknowned for large portions at low prices, with dishes including the ever-popular fish and chips or more expensive crayfish. Daily line fish specials are chalked on the blackboard.The restaurant lacks an extensive wine list, although the house wine is quaffable, and there's no corkage charge if you bring your own. Best at lunchtime, when you can sit and watch the fishing trawlers. It stays open until 2100 but the kitchen closes before then.

Locals dismiss this as a tourist trap, but it's packed every evening and you're a tourist, so why not? African themed food include its best selling but expensive Game Grill, with crocodile, ostrich, springbok and kudu on the menu. Marimba bands play in the evenings except on Sundays. The percussion, brass instruments and voices blending traditional African with Latin American rhythms can make conversation difficult but it's the atmosphere that counts.

This relaxed seafood and pizza place is popular with locals and tourists alike. A massive terrace is great for alfresco dining or drinking, with more of those stunning sea and mountain views that get even better at sunset. It stages occasional comedy nights and daily afternoon chill out sessions with DJs. The food is basic but affordable.

Steaks, seafood and sushi are the staples at this popular but unstuffy see-and-be-seen at restaurant. Seared tuna is among the favourites. Wine connoisseurs can pop into the wine attic to select a bottle from the extensive offering. Some people whinge about the service, but cool and chic Beluga just stays right up there as a city favourite.