The Heijberg's Guide to Hout Bay
The Heijberg's Guide to Hout Bay
We have lived in Hout Bay for many years. We have owned this house since 2005. Let us give you our tips on how to live like a local.
Owner managed local coffee shop & restaurant, been going for nearly 20 years. Freshly made delights every day. A la carte menu or buffet (pay by weight). A wide variety of salads, meat, seafood and vegetarian options. Delicious cakes, all made right in their busy kitchen. It is always busy with locals, and that's a good sign.
49 locals raden deze aan
La Cuccina
Owner managed local coffee shop & restaurant, been going for nearly 20 years. Freshly made delights every day. A la carte menu or buffet (pay by weight). A wide variety of salads, meat, seafood and vegetarian options. Delicious cakes, all made right in their busy kitchen. It is always busy with locals, and that's a good sign.
Clay Cafe has been a landmark of Hout Bay for many decades, and they in recent years relocated to this wonderful location on Hout Bay Main Road (was previously a sprawling nursery, so you can imagine how beautiful the lush gardens are). Enjoy a coffee or glass of wine over a delicious pizza (or other preference, they have a variety on the menu), while painting your hand-chosen ceramic piece. It gets baked in their local ovens, and you collect it a few days later. Take home a hand-painted reminder of your trip to Cape Town. It gets VERY BUSY so it's best to book if you want to make sure you have a table, avoid disappointment. Great entertainment for kids and a fun activity for a group of friends.
35 locals raden deze aan
Clay Cafe Hout Bay
Main RoadClay Cafe has been a landmark of Hout Bay for many decades, and they in recent years relocated to this wonderful location on Hout Bay Main Road (was previously a sprawling nursery, so you can imagine how beautiful the lush gardens are). Enjoy a coffee or glass of wine over a delicious pizza (or other preference, they have a variety on the menu), while painting your hand-chosen ceramic piece. It gets baked in their local ovens, and you collect it a few days later. Take home a hand-painted reminder of your trip to Cape Town. It gets VERY BUSY so it's best to book if you want to make sure you have a table, avoid disappointment. Great entertainment for kids and a fun activity for a group of friends.
I currently live in Johannesburg, and commute back to Cape Town regularly for work (ps. please see our Jo'burg AirBNB listings). Whenever I am in Hout Bay, this is my chosen local hangout for a latte, a glass of wine, a quick salad or fish & chips, it's just downright lekker! It's got the smart touches you like to see in a restaurant, but also very down to earth as you walk through beach sand to enter (you will get sand in your shoes, but just enjoy the feeling!). The view is just the best in Hout Bay, with 180 degree views of the beach, Chapman's Peak Drive on the left, the Harbour on the right, the Sentinal Peak lording it over the bay, and the view is framed by long-established palm trees. It's just a must to visit if you're in Hout Bay.
143 locals raden deze aan
Dunes Beach Restaurant & Bar
1 Beach CresI currently live in Johannesburg, and commute back to Cape Town regularly for work (ps. please see our Jo'burg AirBNB listings). Whenever I am in Hout Bay, this is my chosen local hangout for a latte, a glass of wine, a quick salad or fish & chips, it's just downright lekker! It's got the smart touches you like to see in a restaurant, but also very down to earth as you walk through beach sand to enter (you will get sand in your shoes, but just enjoy the feeling!). The view is just the best in Hout Bay, with 180 degree views of the beach, Chapman's Peak Drive on the left, the Harbour on the right, the Sentinal Peak lording it over the bay, and the view is framed by long-established palm trees. It's just a must to visit if you're in Hout Bay.
To be honest, this is no my first choice of restaurants, but it does have a couple of positives going for it. It does a great fish and chips. The restaurant has a cozier inside section, but most people opt to sit on the large deck which protrudes over the water in the calm harbour. You can sit watching the yachts and fishing boats coming and going past the harbour walls. Seals swimming in the water below, catching fish. They have a sushi menu as well. Often live music in the evenings, which many of the locals enjoy. It's a vibey place and often busy. Many people love it. Reason I don't like it is that I have a sensitive sense of smell, and they have varnished their wooden structures for the deck in a strong smelling chemical, so when I am there, all I can smell and taste is that chemical and it kind of overrides the experience for me. But, to be honest, no one else I know has noticed it, so it must just be me!
60 locals raden deze aan
The Lookout Deck Hout Bay
65 Harbour RdTo be honest, this is no my first choice of restaurants, but it does have a couple of positives going for it. It does a great fish and chips. The restaurant has a cozier inside section, but most people opt to sit on the large deck which protrudes over the water in the calm harbour. You can sit watching the yachts and fishing boats coming and going past the harbour walls. Seals swimming in the water below, catching fish. They have a sushi menu as well. Often live music in the evenings, which many of the locals enjoy. It's a vibey place and often busy. Many people love it. Reason I don't like it is that I have a sensitive sense of smell, and they have varnished their wooden structures for the deck in a strong smelling chemical, so when I am there, all I can smell and taste is that chemical and it kind of overrides the experience for me. But, to be honest, no one else I know has noticed it, so it must just be me!
A local legend, situated right at the very end of the Harbour Road, literally you can't drive further. Grab a fish and chips, calamari, fresh fish of the day, and sit on the wooden table and benches outside. It's very basic and a bit oily, but scrumptious. You can also stroll to the waters edge and sit on a rock, while taking in the views of Chapmans Peak.
42 locals raden deze aan
Fish on the Rocks
1 Harbour RdA local legend, situated right at the very end of the Harbour Road, literally you can't drive further. Grab a fish and chips, calamari, fresh fish of the day, and sit on the wooden table and benches outside. It's very basic and a bit oily, but scrumptious. You can also stroll to the waters edge and sit on a rock, while taking in the views of Chapmans Peak.
Very similar menu offering to Fish On The Rocks, however there are sheltered tables and chairs if you prefer to be protected from the wind or weather. This is located inside the Harbour itself, sometimes you are charged a nominal entrance fee to the Harbour if you want to drive in. Otherwise, park by Fish On The Rocks and take a walk. However, be security conscious, don't walk with your cellphone or camera in hand, and stick together. Unfortunately, there is a local criminal element that targets unsuspecting tourists for handbags and gadgets.
11 locals raden deze aan
Snoekies Hout Bay
106 Harbour RdVery similar menu offering to Fish On The Rocks, however there are sheltered tables and chairs if you prefer to be protected from the wind or weather. This is located inside the Harbour itself, sometimes you are charged a nominal entrance fee to the Harbour if you want to drive in. Otherwise, park by Fish On The Rocks and take a walk. However, be security conscious, don't walk with your cellphone or camera in hand, and stick together. Unfortunately, there is a local criminal element that targets unsuspecting tourists for handbags and gadgets.
Funky vibe up on the peak of Constantia Nek. Constantia winelands sweeping down to the one side, Hout Bay valley to the other side. There are two sections, one is a more luxurious option with white table cloths, the other is more a wine and beer bar with a vast tapas menu. They have a roaring fire which is enjoyed on those chilly days. On warmer days, you can sit outside which is just beautiful, with umbrellas and views of the mountains and forests around you.
179 locals raden deze aan
La Parada Constantia Nek
1 Main RdFunky vibe up on the peak of Constantia Nek. Constantia winelands sweeping down to the one side, Hout Bay valley to the other side. There are two sections, one is a more luxurious option with white table cloths, the other is more a wine and beer bar with a vast tapas menu. They have a roaring fire which is enjoyed on those chilly days. On warmer days, you can sit outside which is just beautiful, with umbrellas and views of the mountains and forests around you.
This is the local Italian hangout, literally. Owned and run by a real Italian family, it has all you would expect from such a kitchen. No view really, looks out onto a parking lot, but always busy and vibing.
32 locals raden deze aan
Casareccio Cucina Italiana
14 Main RdThis is the local Italian hangout, literally. Owned and run by a real Italian family, it has all you would expect from such a kitchen. No view really, looks out onto a parking lot, but always busy and vibing.
Also a local favourite, this Hotel has been running for many decades and has a very long history going back +100 years. The Hotel has a lovely restaurant that serves great calamari in a pan. There is also a pub if you want to watch some sport or chat with friends over a beer. The view is of the Hout Bay Beach and the Sentinal. It is set back from the Beach, so you sort of have a side view of it, but still quite pleasant enough.
143 locals raden deze aan
Chapmans Peak Hotel
2 Chapmans Peak DrAlso a local favourite, this Hotel has been running for many decades and has a very long history going back +100 years. The Hotel has a lovely restaurant that serves great calamari in a pan. There is also a pub if you want to watch some sport or chat with friends over a beer. The view is of the Hout Bay Beach and the Sentinal. It is set back from the Beach, so you sort of have a side view of it, but still quite pleasant enough.
A fairly recent addition to the Hout Bay family of restaurants, been going +5 years. Food offering is traditional pub fare, boasts a fireplace, high tables and chairs, as well as more comfy booth-style tables and benches. A good place to catch the game.
18 locals raden deze aan
Woodcutters Arms
37 Main RdA fairly recent addition to the Hout Bay family of restaurants, been going +5 years. Food offering is traditional pub fare, boasts a fireplace, high tables and chairs, as well as more comfy booth-style tables and benches. A good place to catch the game.
Another Italian hangout, run by the son of the Italian family that owns Casareccio. Dario branched out and opened up his own Cafe. It is very popular with the locals, and beware you don't get caught with Grappa Tuesdays (or Thursdays, I think they make it up as they go), where you'll get served with a decent shot of Italian grappa with your 8am coffee! Eish, that's for the hardcore. Great coffee, a selection of cakes and pastries, and a decent menu. Their burger & chips is excellent and my firm favourite.
49 locals raden deze aan
Dario's Cafe
30 Main RdAnother Italian hangout, run by the son of the Italian family that owns Casareccio. Dario branched out and opened up his own Cafe. It is very popular with the locals, and beware you don't get caught with Grappa Tuesdays (or Thursdays, I think they make it up as they go), where you'll get served with a decent shot of Italian grappa with your 8am coffee! Eish, that's for the hardcore. Great coffee, a selection of cakes and pastries, and a decent menu. Their burger & chips is excellent and my firm favourite.
If you plan ahead and make a booking, you can experience what true exclusive luxury is all about. You cannot just arrive without a booking, please note. It is a 6 star luxury boutique hotel right down on the water's edge, below Chapman's Peak Drive. It is the ONLY place along this Drive. Secluded, private and very expensive compared to the other local places, but if you're travelling on USD or GBP or EUR, then you won't bat an eyelid at the prices. Us locals... well, we got to sell a kidney just to afford a cocktail there. But I believe it's quite extraordinary.
38 locals raden deze aan
Tintswalo Atlantic
Chapmans Peak DriveIf you plan ahead and make a booking, you can experience what true exclusive luxury is all about. You cannot just arrive without a booking, please note. It is a 6 star luxury boutique hotel right down on the water's edge, below Chapman's Peak Drive. It is the ONLY place along this Drive. Secluded, private and very expensive compared to the other local places, but if you're travelling on USD or GBP or EUR, then you won't bat an eyelid at the prices. Us locals... well, we got to sell a kidney just to afford a cocktail there. But I believe it's quite extraordinary.
An absolute MUST, you have to take a slow drive along Chapman's Peak Drive and stop at all the lookout points. There is a toll to drive the route if you want to go all the way through to the most popular lookout point, but it's worth it, just pay it. You do have to pay the fee both ways, unfortunately, but still worth it. If you're on a budget, just say you're going to a lookout point and then coming back, then it's for free (or so that was the case when I last drove there). Pack a picnic and take a break at one of the popular picnic spots. Please be careful if you plan to hike up the mountain, there has been a criminal element lurking there.
409 locals raden deze aan
Chapman's Peak Drive
1 Chapmans Peak DrAn absolute MUST, you have to take a slow drive along Chapman's Peak Drive and stop at all the lookout points. There is a toll to drive the route if you want to go all the way through to the most popular lookout point, but it's worth it, just pay it. You do have to pay the fee both ways, unfortunately, but still worth it. If you're on a budget, just say you're going to a lookout point and then coming back, then it's for free (or so that was the case when I last drove there). Pack a picnic and take a break at one of the popular picnic spots. Please be careful if you plan to hike up the mountain, there has been a criminal element lurking there.
My all-time favourite place, any time, any day, any season. The softest white beach sand. Crisp clear water (freezing cold though, so be brave!). Great surf. Secluded and more private than the Hout Bay Beach. The best place to watch the sunset with a picnic basket, blanket and a bottle of wine. There is no restaurant or shop nearby, so you need to take everything you need with you. Parking is a nightmare in the peak months, you may need to park far away and walk down, but it is very well worth the effort. Plan to stay there a couple of hours. Take a bat and ball, a volleyball, a frisbee, a book.... just stay down there and watch the comings and goings. It's just so peaceful and relaxing.
219 locals raden deze aan
Llandudno Beach
My all-time favourite place, any time, any day, any season. The softest white beach sand. Crisp clear water (freezing cold though, so be brave!). Great surf. Secluded and more private than the Hout Bay Beach. The best place to watch the sunset with a picnic basket, blanket and a bottle of wine. There is no restaurant or shop nearby, so you need to take everything you need with you. Parking is a nightmare in the peak months, you may need to park far away and walk down, but it is very well worth the effort. Plan to stay there a couple of hours. Take a bat and ball, a volleyball, a frisbee, a book.... just stay down there and watch the comings and goings. It's just so peaceful and relaxing.
A great beach for longer walks from one end to the other. On one end is the Harbour and the infamous Mariner's Wharf Grill, in the middle is my favourite Dunes Restaurant, and on the other end is Chapman's Peak Hotel & Restaurant. Horses and dogs are allowed on the beach, the rules change from time to time, so please check the signage boards at the beach for the latest regulations. I wouldn't recommend walking barefeet though, as there is a sharp shell that has broken down and is in the sand, and as you walk, it gets stuck in your feet. Very itchy and painful sometimes. Kind of feels like fibreglass pieces, but it's not, it's tiny pieces of this shell.
58 locals raden deze aan
Hout Bay Beach, Hout Bay
A great beach for longer walks from one end to the other. On one end is the Harbour and the infamous Mariner's Wharf Grill, in the middle is my favourite Dunes Restaurant, and on the other end is Chapman's Peak Hotel & Restaurant. Horses and dogs are allowed on the beach, the rules change from time to time, so please check the signage boards at the beach for the latest regulations. I wouldn't recommend walking barefeet though, as there is a sharp shell that has broken down and is in the sand, and as you walk, it gets stuck in your feet. Very itchy and painful sometimes. Kind of feels like fibreglass pieces, but it's not, it's tiny pieces of this shell.
If you enjoy a stroll on the mountain, this is a fairly busy route so safer than most, and you can appreciate the fynbos that you'll only find on this mountain. You can take an easy stroll along the wide forest road, or if you want to break a sweat, go up one of the mountain paths that feeds off the forest road. There are many routes, up to the top of the mountain and the dams, or along the ridge to Kirstenbosch Gardens. It is quite peaceful and healing for the soul. Security guards the cars in the carpark and there is often a local coffee trailer parked there to get your latte before or after your walk. The very nice La Parada Restaurant is opposite the car park if you want to stop off there after your stroll.
Cecilia Forest
Cecilia Forest Hiking TrailIf you enjoy a stroll on the mountain, this is a fairly busy route so safer than most, and you can appreciate the fynbos that you'll only find on this mountain. You can take an easy stroll along the wide forest road, or if you want to break a sweat, go up one of the mountain paths that feeds off the forest road. There are many routes, up to the top of the mountain and the dams, or along the ridge to Kirstenbosch Gardens. It is quite peaceful and healing for the soul. Security guards the cars in the carpark and there is often a local coffee trailer parked there to get your latte before or after your walk. The very nice La Parada Restaurant is opposite the car park if you want to stop off there after your stroll.
Very special place, and there is a hut you can book to stay in overnight if you're brave to handle the elements overnight. You do need to apply for a permit before you can hike in this Reserve, so that means there's not dozens of other hikers on the trail with you. It is a protected area with many gems you'll find. The hike can be quite long, so plan an all day trip. You could actually hike for a few days up this Kloof and still not see everything. Worthwhile to research this one further if you're a keen hiker and nature lover.
Orange Kloof Reserve
Very special place, and there is a hut you can book to stay in overnight if you're brave to handle the elements overnight. You do need to apply for a permit before you can hike in this Reserve, so that means there's not dozens of other hikers on the trail with you. It is a protected area with many gems you'll find. The hike can be quite long, so plan an all day trip. You could actually hike for a few days up this Kloof and still not see everything. Worthwhile to research this one further if you're a keen hiker and nature lover.
Again for the keen hikers, the Twelve Apostles mountain range spans from Hout Bay all the way through to Table Mountain. It overlooks the ocean and coastline on the one side, and Hout Bay valley on the other side. You could combine a hike with Orangekloof Nature Reserve and Twelve Apostles if you're super fit and adventurous. You can hike up here from the top of Suikerbossie Hill, or a pathway above Ruyteplaats Estate. Many secret places and caves up there. Please only tackle this if you're an experienced hiker. Many rescues have to be carried out for inexperienced hikers getting stuck up there, or hurting themselves and unable to climb down. Be safe.
7 locals raden deze aan
Twaalf Apostels
Again for the keen hikers, the Twelve Apostles mountain range spans from Hout Bay all the way through to Table Mountain. It overlooks the ocean and coastline on the one side, and Hout Bay valley on the other side. You could combine a hike with Orangekloof Nature Reserve and Twelve Apostles if you're super fit and adventurous. You can hike up here from the top of Suikerbossie Hill, or a pathway above Ruyteplaats Estate. Many secret places and caves up there. Please only tackle this if you're an experienced hiker. Many rescues have to be carried out for inexperienced hikers getting stuck up there, or hurting themselves and unable to climb down. Be safe.
If you want to try the Twelve Apostles but you're not the hiking type, well then rather try the 12 Apostles Hotel. Another firm favourite of ours. They have a basic Cafe, a fancy Restaurant and our favourite, the Leopard Lounge. Sunset drinks from the Lounge is a must-visit. Plan to spend a couple of hours here, you'll be glad you did. The Spa is pretty good too!
84 locals raden deze aan
12 Apostles Hotel & Spa
Victoria RoadIf you want to try the Twelve Apostles but you're not the hiking type, well then rather try the 12 Apostles Hotel. Another firm favourite of ours. They have a basic Cafe, a fancy Restaurant and our favourite, the Leopard Lounge. Sunset drinks from the Lounge is a must-visit. Plan to spend a couple of hours here, you'll be glad you did. The Spa is pretty good too!
Words fail me to describe how fun this Market is. I don't want to give anything away, just make sure you visit! Again, please be careful with cellphones and cameras walking around the Harbour area, but once you're inside the Market, you're in good, safe hands. Take lots of cash, support local trade and food fair, enjoy local music, buy some curios, clothes, jewellery, niknaks, and meet some locals. A wonderful experience.... (this market is associated with the Old Biscuit Mill Neighbourhood Goods Market in Woodstock, another excellent day's out).
379 locals raden deze aan
Bay Harbour Market
31 Harbour RdWords fail me to describe how fun this Market is. I don't want to give anything away, just make sure you visit! Again, please be careful with cellphones and cameras walking around the Harbour area, but once you're inside the Market, you're in good, safe hands. Take lots of cash, support local trade and food fair, enjoy local music, buy some curios, clothes, jewellery, niknaks, and meet some locals. A wonderful experience.... (this market is associated with the Old Biscuit Mill Neighbourhood Goods Market in Woodstock, another excellent day's out).