Hout Bay, or the Republic of Hout Bay as locals affectionately call it, is a fantastic sea-side neighbourhood in Cape Town that offers something for everyone, any day of the week.
Here’s a look at what this great Cape Town area has to offer.
WHERE TO EAT
There are many popular hangouts in Hout Bay where you can get a delicious meal and a decent beer. Here are some of our favourites.
Massimos
This a one of the most well-known restaurants in the area. Known for its delicious pizzas – which are out of this world – Massimos offers a wide variety of Italian dishes. There are also a wheat-free option and seriously decadent desserts, including a chocolate fondue and sweet pizzas.
Website: www.massimos.co.za
The Lookout Deck
Situated on the beachfront, the Lookout Deck offers amazing sea views with delicious seafood. While the food is amazing with various sea food dishes on offer plus oysters and Champagne, the views of the ocean and the mounts is one of the selling points of this establishment.
Website: www.thelookoutdeck.co.za
Mariner’s Wharf
If you’re looking for some of the freshest fish and chips in the area, this is where to find it. Situated right at the edge of the Harbour, Mariner’s Wharf has been around since 1984. Here not only can you buy great food, but also marine artifacts, souvenirs and antiques.
Website: www.marinerswharf.co.za
Fish on the Rocks
Surrounded by the harbour, the wharf and the Naval Heritage site, Fish on the Rocks serves up delicious fish and chips. The building used to be a fisherman supply store in 1951 so it is steeped in history.
Website: www.fishontherocks.com
Hout Bay Vineyards
This boutique winery is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. Having started in 2001, owners Peter and Cathy kicked it all off with some bubbly. Now, this establishment also produces a range of reds, a crispy sauvignon blanc, a delicate, dry blush and a vintage port. You can book a private tasting or join them on the lawn for a picnic when they have open days.
Website: www.houtbayvineyards.co.za
Kitima Restaurant
If you’re into authentic Thai food and some Asian fusion, then this is the place to be. Kitima claims the food is Royal Thai cuisine and all dishes are made by Thai chefs. The restaurants is housed in an old Cape-Dutch style building that dates back to the 17th century. It’s the perfect date night spot!
Website: www.kitima.co.za
Cheyne’s
This popular Hout Bay restaurant serves up dishes influenced by Pacific Island foods and Asian cooking techniques. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is casual.
Website: www.facebook.com/cheyneshoutbay
Quentin at Oakhurst
This fine dining establishment is situated on one of the original Hout Bay farms. The food is sourced locally as far as possible and the ethos of the restaurant is that the ingredients used are sustainably grown and harvested.
They are open for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, lunch from Thursday to Saturday and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday (closed on Mondays).
They also have a ladies-only high tea.
Website: www.oakhurstbarn.com
The Indian Oven
Serving up Indian/Pakistani, seafood and vegetarian dishes, the Indian Oven makes all tandoori dishes in a wood fired traditional Indian oven. Think meals such as lamb rogan josh, chicken tikka masala, palak paneer, biryanis, bunny Chows, rolled stuffed roti and more.
Website: www.indianoven.com
Clay Café
A place to eat, but also a place to create. You can enjoy a meal at the Clay Café while also painting some crockery that you can collect at a later stage once it is set and ready. This also makes a good party venue for both the young and young-at-heart.
Website: www.claycafe.co.za
WHERE TO PLAY
Bay Harbour Market
With live entertainment, food of all kinds, play areas and various arts, crafts and curious to buy, the Bay Harbour Market is the place to be on weekends. There is plenty to do and see and it is fun for the whole family. Local traders come here to sell their products while a live band entertains in the background.
Website: www.bayharbour.co.za
World of Birds
There are over 3 000 birds and over 400 species of birds to see at World of Birds. This is the largest bird park in Africa and a wonderful place to take the kids to learn more about these animals. It’s a tropical garden setting, so nature lovers will enjoy it. You can also find various forms mammals and reptiles here.
Website: www.worldofbirds.org.za
Boat Cruise with Circe Launches
When conditions are good, head out with Circe Launches for a trip to Duiker Island. You may be able to see kelp forests and lots of sea animals. You can also do a trip to seal island, weather permitting.
Website: www.capetown.citypass.co.za/attraction/circe-launches-seal-island-cruise
WHERE TO STAY
Tintswalo Atlantic
Like a phoenix from the ashes, Tintswalo Atlanic has been redone and refurnished after a devastating fire burned the property early in 2015. This five-star luxury lodge sits on the water’s edge of the Atlantic Ocean and offers exclusive accommodation to its visitors. The views are breath taking.
Website: www.tintswalo.com
Hout Bay Manor
This beautiful boutique hotel is situated in the heart of Hout Bay. The original building was built in 1871 and it has been restored and refurbished to look like it did in its heyday. There are 16 rooms at this hotel and each one gets the five-star treatment. The onsite restaurant, Pure, is renowned and well-known to offer amazing food.
Website: www.houtbaymanor.com
Hout Bay Backpackers
For those wanting to travel like a backpacker, the Hout Bay Backpackers has great accommodation. It’s located within walking distance of the beach and shops. The views from the establishment are breath taking.
Website: www.houtbaybackpackers.co.za
Chapman’s Peak Hotel
Sitting at the foot of the beautiful Chapman’s Peak Drive is the Chapman’s Peak Hotel. There’s a room for everyone here – rooms with a sea view, rooms with a mountain view, penthouses and original rooms. Plus, the restaurant here is rumoured to make some of the best sea food in town.
Website: www.chapmanspeakhotel.co.za
NEIGHBOURHOOD CULTURE
A Walking Tour with City Sightseeing
Imizamo Yethu, is an informal settlement in Hout Bay. Here you can find wonderful locals ready to tell their stories. Visitors can do a free walking tour of the area with City Sight Seeing if they take the City Sight Seeing bus to this area. A CSS representative will meet you at the stop to take you on the tour where visitors will learn about how Imizamo Yethu came into existence, enjoy the views of Chapman’s Peak Drive’s winding road and learn how a place of unhappiness became a township of prosperity.
Website: www.citysightseeing.co.za
Original T-Bag Designs
This is a fantastic initiative. The founders of Original T-Bag Designs employ disadvantaged women and give them the necessary skills needed to create the products that they sell- all of which are made from or incorporate dried out tea bags. It is worth a visit. Chat to the staff about the company and hear the amazing stories and, of course, support them by purchasing a product or two.
Website: www.tbagdesigns.co.za
LOCAL FLAVOUR
Nobody knows Hout Bay better than a local. When you’re in town be sure to visit the closest VIC in the city in Burg Street where staff can help you really uncover the magic on offer in Hout Bay and beyond.
Call 0861 322 223 for more details.
