Restaurants in Simon's Town: A Local Dining Guide

Last reviewed: September 2026

Quick answer: Choose the waterfront for a convenient first dinner, Seaforth for lunch around a Boulders Beach visit, and Black Marlin for a planned stop on the Cape Point route. For coffee and pastries in town, The Sweetest Thing is the most focused option in this guide.

Restaurants in Simon's Town reflect the town's harbour setting, naval history and easy pace. Visitors can choose between waterfront seafood, relaxed breakfasts, baked treats and destination lunches along the False Bay coast. Opening hours and menus change seasonally, so confirm details and reserve directly before travelling.

Saveur at Simon's Town Waterfront

Saveur occupies a convenient position at the waterfront and works well for breakfast, lunch or an evening meal near the harbour. Its broad menu makes it useful for groups with different preferences. Ask for current opening hours and reserve ahead for a harbour-facing table during weekends and holiday periods.

Bertha's Restaurant

Bertha's is one of the most visible restaurants on the Simon's Town waterfront. The terrace looks across the harbour, while the menu generally leans towards seafood and familiar South African favourites. Its central location makes it easy to combine with a walk through the historic town or a visit to the nearby museums.

The Lighthouse Cafe

The Lighthouse Cafe brings a more intimate atmosphere to the historic centre of Simon's Town. It is a useful choice for travellers seeking a leisurely cafe meal away from the larger waterfront venues. Because trading times can vary, contact the restaurant directly before making it the anchor of your day.

The Sweetest Thing

The Sweetest Thing is a longstanding stop on St Georges Street for cakes, pastries and coffee. It suits a late breakfast, a pause between local attractions or something sweet after lunch. Popular items can sell out, so an earlier visit offers the widest choice.

Seaforth Restaurant

Seaforth Restaurant is positioned near Seaforth Beach and the route to Boulders Beach. Its setting makes it convenient for lunch after visiting the penguins or spending time on the coast. Current service is focused around daytime dining, so verify the latest hours rather than assuming evening service.

Black Marlin

Black Marlin sits south of Simon's Town on the road towards Cape Point. The coastal location suits a destination lunch paired with a peninsula drive. It is not best treated as a late-night venue. Book ahead, confirm closing time and allow for the drive back to Simon's Town.

How to choose where to eat

• For harbour views: consider Saveur or Bertha's.
• For cakes and coffee: visit The Sweetest Thing.
• Near Boulders Beach: Seaforth Restaurant is conveniently placed.
• For a Cape Point route lunch: Black Marlin is a natural stop.
• For a smaller cafe atmosphere: consider The Lighthouse Cafe.

Choose by the shape of your day

This prevents the most common planning mistake: choosing a restaurant by name, then discovering that its service window does not match the day. Start with your route and timing, then choose the venue.

Before or after Cape Point?

If Cape Point is the main event, lunch is usually easier to control than a late dinner. A peninsula day can expand because of queues, weather, wildlife sightings and scenic stops. Book a realistic lunch time, or keep the evening flexible and eat after returning to Simon's Town.

For a shorter day, visit Boulders Beach early and return to the waterfront for lunch. For a longer loop, plan a meal south of town only when you know the kitchen closing time and your intended route. Our separate Cape Point dining guide explains the route decision in more detail.

Dietary needs, children and accessibility

Do not assume a broad menu means every requirement can be handled without notice. When reserving, tell the restaurant about allergies, vegetarian or vegan preferences, halal requirements, children, mobility needs and any wheelchair or step-free access requirements. Ask whether the kitchen can avoid cross-contact if an allergy is serious.

Families should also check high chairs, children's portions and the length of service. Travellers with limited mobility should ask about the route from parking to the table, not only whether the dining room itself is accessible.

A simple two-night dining plan

1. Arrival night: choose a convenient Simon's Town waterfront venue and keep the booking early, especially after a flight or long drive.
2. Peninsula day: reserve a route-friendly lunch near Boulders Beach or farther south, then leave dinner flexible.
3. Final morning: stop for coffee, pastries or breakfast before checking out or driving back towards Cape Town.

Guests at Aqua Terra can send us their dates and rough itinerary before arrival. We can help you judge travel time, but the restaurant should always confirm its current menu, hours and reservation.

Booking advice for Simon's Town restaurants

Reserve waterfront tables during summer, school holidays and weekends. Ask restaurants to confirm opening hours, kitchen closing times, dietary requirements and accessibility. Wind can affect terrace seating, while seasonal demand can change availability at short notice.

Travellers staying several nights can enjoy the waterfront one day and combine Boulders Beach or Cape Point with lunch farther south on another. This avoids rushing and gives the town's smaller establishments proper time.

Stay close to Simon's Town dining

Aqua Terra Guesthouse offers a peaceful False Bay setting within reach of the waterfront, Boulders Beach and the Cape Point route. Browse our boutique accommodation in Simon's Town, plan your days with our local activities guide, or check current availability below.

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