Finding the best fish and chips in Cape Town becomes a delicious adventure the moment you arrive in the Mother City. With coastal villages, bustling harbours, and oceanfront eateries serving freshly fried goodness, Cape Town has turned this humble dish into a local treasure. Visitors can expect flaky fish, perfectly crisp batter, and portions generous enough to satisfy any seafood lover searching for an authentic South African experience.
As you explore this guide, you will uncover some of the most beloved fish-and-chips spots stretching from the Atlantic Seaboard to Simon’s Town. These eateries offer rich flavours, impressive views, and deep-rooted traditions that make each stop worth visiting. Many of them prepare fish caught locally that same day, ensuring every meal feels fresh, nostalgic, and undeniably Cape Town.
Why Fish and Chips Are So Loved in Cape Town
Cape Town’s love affair with fish and chips reaches back decades, shaped by the city’s rich fishing heritage and multicultural food traditions. As early fishing communities settled along the coastline, fresh-caught fish quickly became a daily staple. Over time, frying it in a golden, crunchy batter emerged as a signature preparation, and soon fish-and-chips shops began popping up across the peninsula.
Beyond history, the dish remains popular because it captures the lifestyle of Cape Town. Families enjoy it at harbourside tables, surfers grab it after a day in the waves, and visitors indulge in it while overlooking scenic coastal views. Its affordability adds to the charm, creating a shared experience that feels welcoming to everyone.
Today, fish and chips symbolise comfort, community, and the enduring connection between Cape Town and its oceans. Each shop brings its own style to the classic meal, offering locals and visitors countless reasons to return. And as you explore the city, these flavours reveal a unique blend of heritage, freshness, and irresistible seaside tradition.
Kalky’s Fish and Chips (Kalk Bay)
Located in the lively Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalky’s has been a local institution since 1996. The moment you arrive, you can smell the ocean breeze mixing with the scent of freshly fried fish. As fishing boats dock metres away, the atmosphere creates a truly authentic harbourside experience. Visitors enjoy generous portions of crispy fish paired with piping-hot, thick-cut chips.
As you settle into your seat overlooking the water, you immediately understand why Kalky’s remains one of Cape Town’s most iconic seafood stops. With scenic mountain views behind you and seagulls soaring above, the setting feels vibrant and inviting. Their menu extends beyond hake, offering calamari, kingklip, prawns, and crayfish for those seeking variety.
Each visit feels Cape Town unmistakably, creating a memorable combination of flavour, heritage, and charm.
Website: https://kalkys.capetown/
Address: Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalk Bay
Contact: 021 788 1726
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 20:00 pm
SeaBreeze Fish & Shell (Cape Town CBD)
Situated along Bree Street, SeaBreeze brings ocean-fresh flavour to the heart of the city. The restaurant sources all its seafood responsibly and supports SASSI, ensuring sustainable dining without compromising taste. With this dedication to quality, visitors enjoy fish that tastes fresh, pure, and perfectly seasoned.
As you settle into the relaxed urban atmosphere, you notice the care placed into each dish. Their fish and chips are crisp, tender, and consistently full of flavour. And as a bonus, the setting is lively, stylish, and surrounded by some of the city’s most popular cafés and galleries.
Whenever you find yourself in the city centre, SeaBreeze offers one of the most enjoyable seafood experiences around.
Website: https://seabreezecapetown.co.za/
Address: 213 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Contact: 074 793 9349
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12:00 pm – 21:00 pm
Lucky Fish & Chips (Muizenberg)
Lucky Fish & Chips brings the flavours of the ocean right to Muizenberg’s beloved beachfront. Surfers, sunbathers, and road-trippers all love stopping here for fresh, flaky fish coated in a crisp golden batter. The relaxed surroundings make the meal even more enjoyable, especially with the sound of waves rolling in.
In addition, this casual spot is known for serving locally caught fish, prepared with care to highlight Cape Town’s coastal identity. Visitors often pair their meal with a long beach walk or a moment of sandy relaxation. Because of its ideal location, each bite feels tied to the ocean right in front of you.
This is an excellent choice for anyone who wants flavour, views, and value wrapped into one seaside meal.
Website: https://www.luckyfishandchips.co.za/
Address: 80 Beach Road, Muizenberg
Contact: 021 788 9597
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am – 20:00 pm during summer, and 11:00 am – 19:00 pm during winter
Fish on the Rocks (Hout Bay)
Fish on the Rocks sits right at the edge of Hout Bay Harbour, offering one of the most scenic fish-and-chips experiences in the region. As you enjoy your meal, you can gaze at Chapman’s Peak towering above the water and listen to the bustle of fishing boats returning to shore. This dramatic coastal setting gives each visit a sense of adventure.
Furthermore, the menu is packed with favourites like prawns, calamari, and, of course, perfectly prepared fish and chips. Seagulls hover overhead, seals often appear near the rocks, and the smell of the ocean fills the air. Every element combines to create a fun, flavourful stop that feels like an essential part of any Hout Bay visit.
Families, solo travellers, and locals all agree that Fish on the Rocks remains a timeless Cape Town classic.
Website: https://fishontherocks.com/
Address: Far End Harbour Road, Hout Bay
Contact: 021 790 0001 / 021 790 1153
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 09:00 am – 20:00 pm
Delicious Fish & Chips (Sea Point)
Located along Regent Road, Delicious Fish & Chips has built a loyal following thanks to its exceptional freshness and wide range of Classic Fish options. Visitors can choose between hake, kingklip, snoek, or sole, giving everyone a flavour that suits their palate. Their batter is crisp, their fish is flaky, and the portions feel generous and satisfying.
As you savour your meal, you can sense the care that goes into each order. The fish is sourced from docks nearby, and their seafood selection ensures quality every time. The surrounding neighbourhood adds charm, with bakeries, cafés, and the Sea Point Promenade only minutes away.
This spot is ideal for anyone wanting a consistently tasty seafood experience close to the coastline.
Website: https://deliciousfishct.co.za/
Address: 91 Regent Road, Sea Point
Contact: 066 363 1438
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am – 20:00 pm
Cape Town Fish Market (V&A Waterfront)
Cape Town Fish Market offers a lively seaside dining experience at the iconic Clock Tower precinct. Their menu blends South African classics with Japanese favourites, giving visitors a wide range of seafood options. Their fish and chips remain a highlight, representing the perfect combination of crisp texture and fresh flavour.
Additionally, the Waterfront setting adds vibrant energy to every visit. You can enjoy your meal while watching the bustle of shoppers, boats, and waterfront performers. The atmosphere feels festive at all times of the year, making it a popular choice for families and travellers.
With quality ingredients and an impressive variety, Cape Town Fish Market provides a memorable waterfront meal.
Website: https://ctfm.co.za/stores-va-waterfront
Address: G12, Clock Tower V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Contact: 021 418 5977
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 am – Kitchen, 22:30 pm and Bar 23:00 pm, Friday to Saturday, 11:00 am – Kitchen 23:00 pm and Bar 23:30 pm
The Fisherman’s Choice (V&A Waterfront)
For more than 30 years, The Fisherman’s Choice has been serving flavourful seafood in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. Their long-standing reputation comes from perfected recipes and consistently fresh meals that keep visitors returning for more. Their classic fish-and-chips dish remains one of the best in the area.
In addition to this signature meal, the menu also offers prawns, tacos, onion rings, and spicy rice, creating an experience that balances tradition with modern tastes. The warm, welcoming atmosphere invites guests to unwind and enjoy good food in a bustling harbour setting.
Whenever you’re exploring the Waterfront, The Fisherman’s Choice is a must-try stop.
Website: https://www.fishermanschoice.co.za/
Address: Shop No. F C10, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 09:00 am – 21:00 pm
Salty Sea Dog (Simon’s Town)
Perched along the Jetty in Simon’s Town, Salty Sea Dog is a coastal gem with a simple yet charming approach to fish and chips. Guests love sitting near the harbour, watching boats glide by while enjoying freshly fried seafood. The setting feels relaxed, calming, and steeped in maritime tradition.
Moreover, the menu includes delicious sides that complement their famous fish and chips. The restaurant’s warm atmosphere makes it an ideal place for families, day trippers, and anyone exploring this historic Navy town. Thanks to its waterfront location, each meal feels peaceful and wonderfully scenic.
It’s a spot that captures the essence of coastal dining in Cape Town.
Website: https://www.simonstown.com/listing/salty-sea-dog/
Address: 2 Wharf Street, Simon’s Town
Contact: 021 786 1918
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:30 am – 20:45 pm
Revelas Fisheries (Cape Town CBD)
Revelas Fisheries has been a beloved city-centre landmark for decades. Located on Long Street, this casual takeaway spot is known for fresh, crispy fish and generous portions at excellent prices. By midday, you will often see a queue snaking outside, a testament to its popularity among workers, locals, and returning regulars.
The experience here feels straightforward and comforting. The fish is fried to perfection, the chips are piping hot, and service is fast and friendly. For those exploring the city or grabbing lunch between meetings, Revelas delivers convenience without sacrificing flavour.
This is a classic Cape Town institution that continues to win over new fans every day.
Address: 205 Long Street, Cape Town
Contact: 083 226 2736
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 09:00 am – 18:00 pm, Friday to Saturday, 09:00 am – 20:00 pm, Closed on Sundays
Mariner’s Wharf Harbourfront Emporium (Hout Bay)
Mariner’s Wharf sits at the edge of Hout Bay Harbour, offering sweeping views of the mountains and ocean. The landmark emporium features several eateries, but the Wharfette Bistro stands out as the ideal spot for fish and chips. With outdoor seating and fresh seafood cooked on-site, the experience feels refreshing and scenic.
As you dine, you can watch the harbour come to life with fishing boats, market stalls, and locals enjoying the oceanfront atmosphere. The menu is flavourful, carefully prepared, and rooted in maritime tradition. Visitors appreciate the variety, the quality, and the sense of nostalgia woven into the space.
For those seeking a coastal meal with incredible views, Mariner’s Wharf is a beautiful choice.
Website: https://www.marinerswharf.co.za/
Address: Harbour Road, Hout Bay
Contact: 021 790 1100
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am – 17:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am – 18:00 pm
Cape Town’s fish-and-chips culture captures the soul of the city. Each shop offers something unique, from harbourside charm and mountain views to city-centre classics and bustling Waterfront favourites. Exploring these ten eateries gives you the chance to enjoy rich flavour, warm community, and memorable seaside moments.
Now is the perfect time to discover your own favourite. Visit these celebrated spots and enjoy the timeless pleasure of the best fish and chips in Cape Town. With every bite, you experience a taste of local heritage, fresh coastal living, and the vibrant culinary spirit that makes the Mother City unforgettable.
