Happily, in several restaurants across the Mother City, this is indeed the case. Here are some top restaurants from which to savour the sea while you eat:

1) Harbour House Kalk Bay

Photo credit: www.harbourhouse.co.za  This Harbour House branch has been a favourite among visitors to Kalk Bay’s cheerful, working harbour for some time. It’s a wonderful institution, with amazing views of the False Bay coastline and quaint harbour below. The restaurant offers fine dining in a chic, yet relaxed venue, where visitors to admire the harbour, boats and mountains as they dine. The food is good and has a special focus on seafood, much of which is sourced fresh daily from the harbour below. Harbour House Kalk Bay is popular so, while walk-ins are accepted, it would be advisable to book ahead to secure a table. For more information, call: (021) 788 4133/35.  

2) Two Oceans Restaurant (Cape Point)

When most people think of Cape Point, food might not be the first thing that comes to mind… but when you’re dining at the classy, refurbished Two Oceans Restaurant, you’ll discover another reason to marvel at the beauty of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. This long-standing eatery, established in 1995, is famous for its seafood cuisine and stunning views of the False Bay coastline below. It is loved by tourists and locals alike, and makes for a truly wonderful eat out experience at one of the world’s most untamed and beautiful locations. Soak up the amazing ocean views from up on high with your good food and drinks, and then visit the lighthouse at Cape Point to walk off your great lunch afterwards.  Photo Credit : http://capepoint.co.za/two-oceans-restaurant/ (Please note: Restaurant diners must pay the SANParks entry fee to access the reserve and restaurant, even if you’ve just come for a meal. The current rate is R135 (adults) and R70 (children)). For more information, call: (021) 780 9200.

3) La Parada Del Mar (Camps Bay)

This swanky new addition to the Camps Bay Strip is a real treat. Not only can you now enjoy scrumptious breakfasts, lunches and suppers alike here, but it’s a great place to enjoy drinks or catch the sunset from. With its prime location in trendy Camps Bay, this elegant, jungle paradise restaurant offers great tapas, drinks and more, all a stone’s throw away from Camps Bay beach and the cool, yet tantalising Atlantic Ocean. For more information, call: (021) 286 2106.  Photo credit: www.laparada.co.za  

4) Den Anker (V&A Waterfront)

Situated at the V&A Waterfront and overlooking the Marina and harbour, this Belgian restaurant and bar offers good food, better beer and a beautiful setting by the sea. Photo Credit : www.denanker.co.za/ Again, the focus with the food – much like with the setting – is on the sea, so you can expect prime seafood to be served here. Their name may be Belgian, but the ambience is of an international standard – and so is the setting. Before or after your meal, enjoy exploring the V&A Waterfront or do some luxury shopping, from a selection of local and international shops to suit all tastes and budgets. For more information, call: (021) 419 0249.  

5) Paranga

This second lovely Camps Bay restaurant also offers amazing ocean views (particularly of Camps Bay Beach), as well as a glimpse into the trendy Camps Bay Strip itself, which is famous the world-over. Paranga is big on the four Gs… good food, good wine, good service and above all, good value. Enjoy seafood (again), salads, sushi, meat dishes and some delicious desserts from their extensive menu. There’s also a great drinks list, offering champagne, wine and cocktails too. For more information, call: (021) 438 0404.  Photo credit: www.paranga.co.za These are just five of many fabulous seaside restaurants that the Mother City offers. Each are unique and special in their own right and will ensure a fun foodie experience by the sea.