Although often a little weatherworn, the drinks are cold and the locals are larger than life. Stop over at one of these seaside restaurants and enjoy phenomenal sunset views and panoramic beach scenes while you feast on fresh seafood fare.
By Malu Lambert
1. Seekombuis
Park off at the edge of the Atlantic on a beached crayfish dingy at Tietiesbaai inside Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, near Paternoster. Follow the maze of fishing nets to the restaurant and bar hung with seashell garlands and driftwood. Call ahead if you want to order the full West Coast seafood buffet (December to May). During the week, various pub lunches are on offer that partner perfectly with a chilled glass of white – the homemade snoek pâté served with fire-baked bread and farm butter is particularly recommended.
Tel 072 258 9041, email [email protected]
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2. Die Strandloper Beach Bar
Built on a boulder overlooking the sea, this Langebaan restaurant with a driftwood bar looks as though a castaway lashed it together with worn fishing nets and cracked buoys, but it’s sturdy enough to withstand West Coast gales. Wooden benches and cable spools form tables. Langebaan locals love this watering hole, and so do the regular throngs of visitors who arrive for the open-air seafood braai. While enjoying your chilled craft beer, be sure to ask the barman what ‘WYBMADIITY’ means. Check opening times out of season.
Tel 083 227 7195, email www.strandloper.com
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3. Voorstrandt Restaurant
This quaint beach restaurant in one of the oldest fishing towns in the Western Cape, Paternoster, and is housed in a historic 114 year-old fisherman’s cottage.
Visitors can enjoy panoramic views as the unique red and green tin house is right on the white sandy beach, and you might catch a glimpse of whales playing in the bay as you gobble up fresh seafood.
Voorstrandt specializes in fish dishes, which include its Malay Seafood Curry, Seafood Platters, Fresh Crayfish “when in season”, and Oysters. However, it doesn’t forget vegetarians and meat lovers. Local West Coast wines, beers and more are available if you fancy a tipple. Bookings are essential.
Tel 022 752 2038, email www.voorstrandt.com
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4. Strandkombuis
Wander up a weathered walkway to this restaurant-cum-local-watering-hole by the sea in Yzerfontein. Perched atop a sand dune, this is a family-run place and you’ll usually find one of the brood ready to pour you a beer as you arrive. Strandkombuis is only open on Sundays and serves a buffet-style seafood lunch to those who have reserved tables. With unending views of windswept beach, warm hospitality and a wealth of birding opportunities in the surrounding wetlands, Strandkombuis is a little slice of everything West Coast. The view from the dune also means that you can keep an eye on your kids from the restaurant while they play on the beach. Should you pay this spot a visit, don’t forget to tie a seashell on the wishing tree before you leave.
Tel: 022-451-2360, www.strandkombuis.co.za
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5. Pearly’s
Sip a cocktail on the deck and watch the bright sails of kitesurfers skimming over Langebaan Lagoon. Sandy feet are welcome and you might queue over weekends when it’s busy. An alternative to the deck is the tucked-away bar, where you can try a melktertjies shooter – it’s a popular order at Pearly’s. Other than shooters, you can choose from a wide range of beer, spirit and wine options. If you can budge the resident cat, there’s plenty of comfortable seating, but in front of the flatscreen TV fill fast when a rugby game is on.
Tel 022 772 2734, email www.pearlys.co.za
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6. The Gaatjie Restaurant
Spectacular views over the shore framed by twinkly shell lights and complimented by candle light await you at Die Gaatjie Restaurant.
Known for its friendly atmosphere and fresh seafood, you can’t go wrong when visiting this little hole in the wall.
This memorable road trip spot is also suitable for disabled visitors and regulars say you can’t visit without trying the calamari starter.
Tel 022 752 2242, www.gaaitjie.co.za
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Pictures: Facebook
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