A gem on the False Bay coastline, Kalk Bay is known for its raw beauty, interesting shops, a vast selection of restaurants and stunning views. You could easily spend a full day in this little neighbourhood and still not be able to experience it all!
Pocket-Friendly Kalk Bay
The Ongenda family are not holding back when it comes to having an awesome day! Strolling along the seaside, lunch at the harbour, and meeting a special animal friend for less than R150 per person. Who wants to join?
Download The Pocket-Friendly Route Map
Distance from Cape Town to Kalk Bay
30,7 km (around 35 minutes)
Love Cape Town Neighbourhood Series
We explore the vibrant area of Kalk Bay with South African musician Arno Carstens in the Cape Town Neighbourhood Series.
Here’s a guide on what to do and where to go in Kalk Bay:
WHERE TO EAT
One of the toughest decisions you will have to make when you visit here is where to eat. There are so many places to choose from and each one is unique from the next.
Bob’s Bagel Café
This is one of those café’s that you discover when you head off the main stretch. This little café serves up, well, all things bagel-related plus more and opens up onto the park in central Kalk Bay.
Website: www.facebook.com/Bobs-Bagel-Cafe
Harbour House
Sitting right on the rocks and giving diners an amazing view of the ocean, Harbour House is a fine dining establishment that offers great food and amazing views. The price of the food is a little above average, but it’s well worth it. Also, keep a look out for the winter specials where you can pick up a two- or three-course meal at a fraction of the price.
Website: www.harbourhouse.co.za
SALT
SALT is a hip tapas restaurant on the Kalk Bay main drag. This is a great place for some good seafood in bite-sized portions. The venue is laid back with a rustic feel.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/saltkalkbay
Sirocco
This outdoor café is casual and sophisticated all at once. They serve great Lavazza Coffee, freshly baked goods such as croissants and pastries, freshly squeezed orange juice, delicious breakfasts and is great for lazy lunches. It’s known for its three-egg omelettes, eggs benedict, salmon croissants and seafood linguini.
Website: www.harbourhousegroup.co.za/sirocco
Lekker
Lekker: Meaning good, tasty, delicious, nice or anything to express approval or satisfaction.
Who can resist an eatery with a name like this? Situated on the main Kalk Bay strip, the restaurant claims to be the place to go if you’re looking for lekker coffee, lekker pastries and cakes, lekker food, lekker staff and service, lekker local favourites like milktart, koeksisters, botter marie and tea, vetkoek with jam and so much more.
Website: www.lekkerkalkbay.co.za
Courtyard Café
This was a nice little find up a side road in Kalk Bay. Pop in here for some good coffee and breakfast, brunch or lunch. Courtyard Cafe is situated just off the main road between Artvark Gallery and The Kalk Bay Theatre, and close to the central park so it’s great for families with kids.
Website: www.thecourtyardcafe.co.za
Kalky’s
A Kalk Bay institution, Kalky’s sits right on the harbour and is known to serve up fresh fish and chips in a relaxed and unpretentious setting. You can take your own wine and relax with the family while watching the local fishermen haul in their latest catch.
Website: www.facebook.com/kalkys.seafood
Olympia Café and Deli
Olympia is one of the better-known places in Kalk Bay and it’s easy to see why. This bustling eatery keeps their menu simple with a chalkboard with the day’s food on it. Everything is prepared from scratch and portions are large. The setting is rustic and the staff are friendly. The space is small and popular so get there early to secure a table. Around the corner from this eatery is the famous bakery with the red door. Here you can buy all the yummy pastries served at Olympia plus pick up some delicious Truth coffee.
Website: www.facebook.com/OlympiaCafeKalkBay
The Brass Bell
Well known for its live music offering, the Brass Bell Restaurant and Bikini Bar offers up something for everyone. There are various ways to enjoy what this establishment offers. The Brass Bell Grill is the main restaurant area and seats 60. The elevated Captain’s Deck offers the same menu as the Grill but with a bird’s eye view of the ocean. The Bikini deck is where the live music unfolds. Pop in here for some cocktails and entertainment.
Website: www.brassbell.co.za
Cape to Cuba
This restaurant/bar/party venue is well-known on the main Kalk Bay strip. It’s been around since 1995 and most nights, all tables are booked. The beach bar is a great place for casual drinks while dinner can be had overlooking the ocean. This is for those who love a vibey atmosphere, good music and some dancing.
Website: www.capetocuba.com
Ice Café
For some of the best ice cream in town, pop into the Ice Café on the main strip in Kalk Bay. They make their own ice cream in all of the best flavours – chocolate, peanut butter, strawberry, ginger, apple, black cherry and brandy, cinnamon and much more. All the ice cream is natural and made with no eggs.
WHERE TO PLAY
Cave Exploring
There are many caves worth exploring in and around the mountains of Kalk Bay, but it’s best to take someone who knows the area or familiarise yourself with the route. The best one for the novice hiker or a group is the one up to the Boomslang cave.
The start is at the Echo Valley sign on Boyes Drive. It’s about 4 km long and will take around two hours. The reward is amazing views of False Bay and some cool cave exploring for those who aren’t claustrophobic. The cave goes right through the mountain so it’s a great adventure for friends and families! Better yet, AWOL Tours also offers guided tours through the Boomslang Caves, ensuring you get the most from the experience.
For more information: www.awoltours.co.za
Try an Audio Tour
Muizenberg to Kalk Bay Audio Tour – By Maggie Follett
Take the Kalk Bay Audio tour with Maggie Follett: freelance journo, poetry scribbler and occasional filmmaker as your guide. A proud local and mother of two, Maggie is the perfect guide to take you on a relaxed and informative tour. This popular route takes you on a gentle but bracing stroll around the spectacular curve of False Bay, from the laid-back coastal suburb of Muizenberg (the gateway to the South Peninsula), via beautiful St James, to the vibey, bustling village and harbour of Kalk Bay.
WHERE TO SHOP
Kalk Bay Co-op
There are PLENTY of shopping spots in Kalk Bay. This is where you go when you want to find something unique and less ordinary. The Kalk Bay Co-op is a space where local designers get to sell their items. There is everything from stationery to clothing to jewellery and more.
Kalk Bay Quarter and Papagayo
The Kalk Bay Quarter (contact: 021 788 6312) offers up similar things plus various souvenir items, while Papagayo (contact: 021 788 1923) is perfect for those who are looking for a unique bag, décor items, clothing and more.
Kalk Bay Modern
Kalk Bay Modern has plenty of beautiful paintings, photographs, sculptures, and décor items; most of which are made and done by local artists. Also, look out for the various antique and bric-a-brac shops. You never know what you will find here!
Website: www.kalkbaymodern.co.za
WHERE TO STAY
If you’d like to spend the night, there are loads of accommodation available, including excellent bed & breakfasts and guesthouses. And most of these have stunning sea views!
Contact Cape Town Tourism on 021 487 6800 to help you make a booking or email us at info@capetown.travel