Here’s a guide to the best foodie spots that shouldn’t be missed on your visit to the West Coast.
Melkbos Kitchen
Opening hours: Sunday – Tuesday: 10 am – 5pm | Wednesday – Saturday: 10 am – 8:45 pm (last food orders at 6:30 pm)
Contact: 021 001 8210 | Email: info@melkboskitchen.co.za
Address: 47 5th Avenue, Melkbosstrand
Cafe Orca
Ease into the West Coast vibe, with Melkbos beach views and a cottage-style family-run seafood restaurant. Fish is the only thing on the menu: there are two or three different line fish options daily (maybe tuna or swordfish), cooked to perfection and beautifully plated with a choice of sauces, plus roast vegetables, as well as chips or rice or go for one of several platters loaded with calamari, prawns, mussels, or crayfish.
Whether you get an outside table on the covered verandah or indoors in one of several small rooms, there are sea views and a welcoming atmosphere.
Opening times: Wednesday – Saturday, 12 pm – 3 pm; 6 pm – 8.30 pm | Sunday, 12 pm – 3 pm
Contact: 021 553 4120
Address: 88 Beach Road, Melkbosstrand
Marmalade Cat
If your road trip brings you to the quaint town of Darling, be sure to stop by Sandi Collins’ cosy café and gift shop for a true taste of the town. This charming spot offers relaxed breakfasts and wholesome lunches, all while you browse shelves filled with locally made jams, preserves, and handmade crafts.
You’ll also find a freezer stocked with homemade ready meals, Darling Brew beers, local wines, baked goods, sweets, and cheeses—perfect for picking up a meal to enjoy at your holiday cottage or back home.
Good to know: Friday is pizza night, and the café stays open late. It’s best to make a reservation (by phone or email).
Opening hours: Daily: 8 am – 4:30 pm
Contact: 022 492 2515 | Email: marmaladecat@telkomsa.net
Address: 19 Main Street, Darling
La Petite Maison
La Petite Maison, led by Michelin-starred chef Yohann Suire and his wife LaRetha Venter, brings together the best of West Coast ingredients with French culinary techniques. Expect dishes like the classic mouclade, made with mussels from nearby Velddrif.
Nestled in the historic Farmhouse Hotel in Langebaan, the bistro offers more than just an exceptional menu: a spacious verandah overlooks the lagoon, while the interior features a double-volume space with a cosy fireplace and thatched eaves, perfect for chilly winter evenings.
Good to know: It’s family-friendly with a children’s menu.
Opening hours: Daily: 12 pm – 1:30 pm; 6 pm – 9 pm (seating times)
Contact: 064 657 7716 | Email: reservations@lapetitemaisonrestaurant.co.za
Address: 5 Egret Street, Myburgh Park, Langebaan
Queen’s Cottage Woodfired Kitchen
Tucked just two blocks from Langebaan beach, Queen’s Cottage Woodfired Kitchen is a hidden gem that’s well worth the visit. With a wood fire crackling in the open kitchen, the chalkboard menu offers a tempting array of smoked and barbecue dishes.
Highlights include marrow bone starters, smoked brisket croquettes, charred cauliflower, juicy steaks, BBQ chicken, and tender short ribs. Owner and chef Anthony prepares everything from scratch, including sourdough, sausage, and peach BBQ sauce. While the ocean view may be missing, the bold, smoky flavours are more than enough to satisfy your tastebuds.
Good to know: You’ll need a second visit to try the beer bacon mac and cheese and pulled pork buns.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 5:30 pm – 10 pm | Friday + Saturday: 12 pm – 10 pm | Sunday: 12 pm – 8 pm
Contact: 079 830 7235
Address: 8 Suffren Street, Langebaan
Die Strandloper
For an authentic West Coast seafood experience, head to the beachside boma in Langebaan, where you can enjoy a sun-soaked, sand-between-your-toes feast. The fire-cooked dishes are a true taste of tradition, with blackened potjies slow-cooking fish curry over the coals, pots of mussels, braaied snoek, sweet potato, crayfish (when available), and heaps of fluffy pot bread with jam and farm butter.
Wander between the fires to watch the cooking process and pick up some braai tips, then relax on the rocks and sands, soaking in the salty sea breeze as the next course is prepared.
Good to know: Booking is essential, and operating days vary by season. It’s delicious, but pace yourself—don’t overindulge on the pot bread at the start! Bring your own bottles and ice (no corkage) or buy from the cash bar.
Opening hours: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: Arrive at 12 pm for 12:30 pm start | Saturday: 12 pm for 12:30 pm start, 6 pm for 6:30 pm start
Contact: 083 227 7195 | Email: info@strandloper.com
Address: Jan Olfsen Street, Leentjiesklip, Langebaan
Wolfgat
Wolfgat, under the guidance of chef-patron Kobus van der Merwe, is a true embodiment of the West Coast culinary experience. Renowned for his unique approach to regional cuisine, Kobus creates dishes that blend foraged botanicals, locally sourced ingredients, and freshly caught seafood.
The seven-course tasting menus reflect his deep commitment to sustainability, celebrating the indigenous culture of the San hunter-gatherers and the rich flavours of Cape Malay and Afrikaans cooking—presented through Kobus’ award-winning Strandveld style.
Good to know: Booking is essential, and with only 20 diners per sitting, the wait for a reservation can be long, but the experience is unforgettable.
Opening hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 12:30 pm | Friday + Saturday: 6:30 pm
Contact: diewolfgat@gmail.com
Address: 10 Sampson Street, Kliprug, Paternoster
ALSO SEE: Take a trip to Velddrif, the bokkom capital of the world on the West Coast
Take a trip to Velddrif, the bokkom capital of the world on the West Coast
