Last Updated on September 18, 2023 by Lauren Melnick
Let’s be honest.
Affordability is a subjective thing.
So, to create some order to the chaos, I’ve done my best to select restaurants that offer main dishes at a maximum price between R150.00 and R200.00.
That’s more or less than the average cost in Cape Town.
And if you’re an omnivore, it will be more of a challenge. Fish and red meat are expensive. I don’t know how ya’ll do it.
So, with that out of the way, here are the top affordable restaurants in Cape Town with a view!
Psst…Want more Cape Town travel tips? Check out these other posts:
- The Most Delicious Vegan Restaurants In Cape Town
- The Coolest & Best Coffee Shops in Cape Town
- 10+ Best High Teas in Cape Town You Need to Try ASAP
- 50+ Things to Do in Cape Town: A Local’s Guide
- 6+ Waterfalls In Cape Town (And Nearby) That Are Worth The Hype
- 12 Secluded Cabins Near Cape Town That Are Perfect for Escaping Reality
Table of Contents
- Rockpool in Sea Point
- Tiger’s Milk in Camps Bay
- The Brass Bell in Kalk Bay
- Dunes Restaurant in Hout Bay
- On The Rocks in Blouberg
- Wang Thai in Milnerton
- The Melkbos Kitchen in Melkbosstrand
- Blowfish Restaurant in Table View
- Ons Huisie in Blouberg
- The Skotnes Restaurant in Tokai
- The Lighthouse Cafe in Blouberg
- Utopia in De Waterkant
Rockpool in Sea Point
You know a restaurant is going to be good when its tagline is “the best sunsets in Cape Town”.
Situated mere steps from the Atlantic Ocean, you’re in a prime position to watch the day bow out in style.
The cafe-style menu features club sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, and seafood.
The only snag? It does get busy here (for good reason). Come here a bit early to grab a decent seat and make your way through the top-notch cocktail menu.
But Rockpool isn’t only an after-hour vibe. It has a breakfast menu (only available on the weekend) with all the crowd favourites like eggs benedict and smashed avo on toast.
Address: 205 Beach Road, Sea Point
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 11:00 – 23:00 | Saturday and Sunday 09:00 – 23:00
Menu Options: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free pizza
Average Cost of a Dish: R100.00 to R150.00
Read More: 10 Magnificent Sunset Spots in Cape Town
Tiger’s Milk in Camps Bay
Tiger’s Milk is a Cape Town staple.
With multiple locations around the city, it’s the go-to spot for delicious burgers, drinks, and catching up with friends on the weekend.
…But the star of the show?
The Camps Bay location.
Situated on the iconic Camps Bay strip with an upstairs deck, you’ll have unbeatable views of one of the best beaches in South Africa while sipping on craft beer.
Address: 35 Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Opening Times: Monday to Thursday 11:00–00:00 | Friday to Sunday 09:00–00:00
Menu Options: Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free pizza
Average Cost of a Dish: R150.00
The Brass Bell in Kalk Bay
The Brass Bell offers a unique and memorable dining experience.
Situated right on the ocean and next to a tidal pool in Kalk Bay Harbour, you can watch the waves crash against the window.
Built in 1939, it started out as a Tea Room before becoming the bustling restaurant and pub it is today.
If you can, come here when there is live music! The Brass Bell has an incredible vibe, plus the cocktail happy hour also goes a long way. From Monday to Thursday from 16:00 to 18:00 and all day Friday, get two for R100.00 on selected cocktails.
Address: Main Road, Kalk Bay
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 11:00 – 22:00
Menu Options: Vegetarian and Vegan
Average Cost of a Dish: R130.00 to R150.00
Read More: 14 of The Best Things to Do in Kalk Bay
Dunes Restaurant in Hout Bay
Got a day trip planned around the Atlantic to Cape Point or Boulder’s Beach?
Wake up early and grab breakfast in Hout Bay at Dunes Restaurant, or end your day here for amazing views over the bay.
Located right on the beach is one of Cape Town’s institutions that’s been cooking up a storm since 1999.
The affordable menu includes sushi, pizza, burgers and light nibbles like chilli poppers and nachos.
If you’re travelling with kids, a play area is visible from the tables.
P.S. Skip the seafood and grills to keep your budget in check.
Address: 1 Beach Cres, Scott Estate, Hout Bay
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 22:00
Menu Options: Vegetarian and Vegan
Average Cost of a Dish: R135.00
On The Rocks in Blouberg
When it comes to restaurants with a view in Cape Town, On The Rocks deserves a spot on every single list.
It’s an internationally acclaimed seafood restaurant right on the water’s edge of Blouberg Beach, with spectacular views of Table Mountain in the distance.
While there is a lunch and dinner menu, I’d recommend coming here for breakfast or sundowners if you’re on a budget.
Address: 45 Stadler Street, Blouberg
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 21:00
Menu Options: Vegetarian with limited vegan options
Average Cost of a Dish: R100.00 (only the breakfast menu)
Read More: The Best Hotels in Cape Town: Where to Stay for Every Budget
Wang Thai in Milnerton
Wang Thai (along with Yindees in Kloof Street) is the top Thai restaurant in Cape Town.
And after living in Thailand while teaching English, I feel I have some authority to pass judgment.
But the delicious food is only part of the reason to come here.
Located on Lagoon Beach Drive, you have an uninterrupted beach view. It’s an incredible after-work spot or if you’re looking for a scenic lunch option.
One thing to note is that some of the dishes are expensive. I’d recommend sticking to the chicken and vegetarian options.
My top pick is the Penang Curry with tofu!
Address: Lagoon Beach Drive, Milnerton
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 12:00 – 21:00
Menu Options: Vegetarian and Vegan
Average Cost of a Dish: R150.00 (if you stick to veg or chicken options)
The Melkbos Kitchen in Melkbosstrand
Melkbos Kitchen is one of my favourite spots with a view.
Only a stone’s throw from the beach, you’ll have a front-row seat for one of the most beautiful sunsets in South Africa.
Plus, a delicious, healthy menu that won’t break the bank.
If you’re on a budget, stick to breakfast or the vegan/seafood options on the dinner menu.
Address: 47 5th Avenue, Melkbosstrand
Opening Times: Sunday, Monday and Wednesday 10:00 to 17:00 | Thursday to Saturday 10:00 to 20:00
Menu Options: Vegetarian and Vegan
Average Cost of a Dish: R150.00
Blowfish Restaurant in Table View
Looking for affordable seafood in Cape Town?
Pull up to Blowfish.
Located right on the beach, you’ll have a picture-perfect view of Table Mountain in the distance and budget-friendly seafood specials throughout the week.
Grab some of Blowfish’s famous sushi for half price every Wednesday and Sunday from 16:00 and feast on a massive fresh seafood platter for only R140.00 every Monday from 12:00.
Address: 1 Marine Drive, Dolphin Beach, Table View
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 07:00 – 23:00
Menu Options: No vegan options. Limited veg sushi options.
Average Cost of a Dish: R150.00
Ons Huisie in Blouberg
Ons Huisie is a vibrant beach restaurant in the heart of Bloubergstrand.
With a play area for kids, it’s a popular spot for families. So keep that in mind if that is something you want to avoid.
The breakfast, lunch and dinner menus feature South African favourites. For R125.00, you can get the Farmer’s Choice breakfast, which includes a 125g streak, boerewors, eggs, baked beans and chips.
Of course, there’s potjie, bototie, and malva pudding.
Address: Stadler Road, Bloubergstrand
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 21:00
Menu Options: Vegetarian and Vegan
Average Cost of a Dish: R150.00
The Skotnes Restaurant in Tokai
Located at the Norval Foundation, Skotnes overlooks a serene wetland and Sculpture Garden.
Named after South African artist Cecil Skotnes, the menu pays homage to South African cuisine.
And it gets better.
All ingredients are sourced from local suppliers to support local communities.
The menu does dance on the line of my R150.00 main course limit.
You can find affordable dishes on the menu if you stick to pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, and burgers.
Address: 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai
Opening Times: Wednesday to Monday 8:00 – 22:00
Menu Options: Vegetarian and Vegan
Average Cost of a Dish: R150.00 (for select items)
The Lighthouse Cafe in Blouberg
Okay, the Lighthouse Cafe in Bloubergstrand is more a coffee shop than an affordable restaurant in Cape Town, but it does have stunning views.
Located right on the beach with breathtaking views of Table Mountain, it’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for a casual meal and an affordable spot in Cape Town.
Grab a croissant, quiche or panini with your coffee and sit on one of the benches outside.Address: 47 Stadler Rd, Bloubergstrand
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 06:00 to 18:00
Menu Options: Vegetarian
Average Cost: R30.00 for a cappicino
Utopia in De Waterkant
Okay, so hear me out.
Utopia technically isn’t an affordable restaurant in Cape Town with a view.
…But there is a hack.
Instead of ordering plates off the a la carte menu, sign up for the Utopia Tasting Menu.
For R345.00, you’ll get five courses!
When you compare that price to other restaurants on this list, charging on average R150.00 for one dish, it’s incredible value for money and an affordable dining option.
Plus, Utopia is the winner of the best rooftop restaurant in Africa.
Address: Floor 15, 40 Chiappini Street, Cape Town
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 12:00 – 23:00
Menu Options: Vegetarian, Vegan
5-Course Tasting Menu: R345.00
Did I miss any affordable restaurants in Cape Town with a view? Hit ya gurl up in the comments below!
If you like it, then you better put a ring on it!
Leave a Reply