Paternoster might be famous for its whitewashed fishermen’s cottages, beautiful beaches, and small-town charm, but one of the best reasons to visit is the food. Sure, there’s plenty to keep you busy, but if you’re a foodie, eating your way through town should be high on the list.
I’ve been to Paternoster twice now: first on a quick trip with my dad and more recently for a full week with my fiancé. Having more time meant I could revisit a few old favorites and try out plenty of new spots too—and wow, the food scene here did not disappoint.
From fresh seafood to creative West Coast dishes, dining out has quickly become one of my favorite things to do in Paternoster. If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to eat, here are my picks for the best restaurants in Paternoster.
Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Practical Tips for Eating Out in Paternoster
- Most restaurants in Paternoster have irregular opening times. Make sure to check the operating hours before you go.
- If you’re visiting during peak seasons (especially over Easter weekend and the December holidays), it’s best to make a reservation in advance to guarantee a spot. Some restaurants, like Wolfgat, are booked out months in advance, so remember to plan accordingly. And while you’re planning, it’s also worth sorting out your data ahead of time. I recommend getting an eSIM for South Africa so you can book restaurants, check maps, and stay connected without the hassle of finding a local SIM card.
- Most restaurants in South Africa are cashless nowadays, but in Paternoster, we noticed many places still take cash. That said, it’s always best to have a debit/ credit card with you just in case. If you’re planning a trip beyond Paternoster, you’ll find more handy advice in my South Africa travel tips guide.
- Crayfish used to be a must-eat on the West Coast, especially in Paternoster, but the population has dropped so much that it’s now on the SASSI red list. To give it a chance to recover, it’s best to skip the crayfish when you visit.
- Most places in Paternoster aren’t affected by load-shedding, but it’s still worth keeping an eye on the schedule. I use the ESP app (download) to check updates, and I’ve also put together a quick guide to other useful South African travel apps to have on your phone.
The Best Restaurants in Paternoster
Voorstrandt Restaurant
If you’re looking for a Paternoster restaurant right on the beach, Voorstrandt is the spot. Sitting on Strandloper Street in a historic fisherman’s cottage from the early 1900s, its red tin roof has become something of a landmark.
The setting is hard to beat—ocean views, a relaxed vibe, and a menu packed with local seafood. Think fresh oysters, calamari, seafood curry, and panko-coated prawns.
My top pick here is the seafood platter. It comes loaded with prawns, creamy garlic mussels, hake, calamari, and smoked snoek samoosas—which, honestly, are reason enough to go.
- Location: Strandloper St, Voorstrand (Google Maps)
- Opening hours: Open Monday through Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm
- Bookings essential
The Noisy Oyster
With its pebbled courtyard strung with fairy lights and colorful interiors, The Noisy Oyster is easily one of the most romantic spots to eat in Paternoster. The atmosphere alone makes it special, but the food more than lives up to it with a Mediterranean-inspired menu.
But I’ll warn you—choosing what to order isn’t easy. The menu is packed with tempting options. We tried the Saldanha black mussels, hummus flatbread, Lebanese lamb pita, roasted pork belly, and an ensaimada for dessert. Every dish was well-balanced and full of flavor, and it left us wishing we had room to try more.
- Location: 62 St Augustine Rd (Google Maps)
- Opening hours: Wednesdays to Saturdays from 12-3 pm and 6-9 pm. Sundays from 12-3 pm.
- Bookings necessary
De See Kat Restaurant
De See Kat sits right on the Paternoster Waterfront, with wide beach views and a menu that covers everything from seafood to sushi. It has a laid-back vibe, making it a great spot for a long lunch or dinner.
While there are plenty of dishes to choose from, the sushi was the highlight for us. The salmon roses are a must, and I’d also recommend the rainbow rolls and the biltong rolls for a South African twist. If you can, book an outside table around sunset for the best setting.
- Location: Kreefte St, Kliprug (Google Maps)
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 12 pm to 9 pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm
- Bookings are highly recommended for outdoor seating
Paternoster Wine & Tasting Lounge
If you’re looking for a restaurant with a great vibe in a beautiful setting, the Paternoster Wine & Tasting Lounge is an easy pick. The interiors are stylish, and the menu includes more than 400 South African wines, along with champers, brandy, and gin tastings.
The outdoor setting was the highlight for us. We ordered a charcuterie board and a few rounds of mimosas, and it quickly became one of our favorite spots in Paternoster. Between the wine list, the laid-back atmosphere, and the charcuterie board (easily one of the best we’ve had in South Africa), you might just find yourself spending the whole afternoon here.
- Location: 54 St Augustine Rd, Kliprug (Google Maps)
- Opening hours: Thursdays from 11 am to 5 pm, Friday through Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 2 pm.
- Bookings are not necessary during the low season.
Blikkie Pizzeria
If you’ve had your fill of seafood, Blikkie Pizzeria is a great low-key spot for the best pizza in town. It’s set just up the hill from the Paternoster Hotel and has spacious outdoor seating with pretty views over the bay.
To be honest, in a town so focused on seafood, we didn’t expect much from a pizza place. But since pizza is one of our guilty pleasures, we decided to give it a shot—and it turned out to be easily one of the highlights of eating out in Paternoster.
The menu includes burgers and seafood, but as you might guess, the star is the wood-fired pizza. We loved the Quattro Stagioni, but if you’re feeling more adventurous, try the Paternoster pizza topped with smoked snoek and marinated bokkoms for a true taste of Paternoster. And if you’re not in the mood for booze, go for the Milo milkshake—it’s easily one of the best I’ve ever had.
- Location: Cnr St Augustine Rd and Mosselbank Street (Google Maps)
- Opening hours: 10 am to 9 pm Mondays to Fridays, 9 am to 9 pm on Saturdays and 9 am to 3 pm on Sundays
- Reservations recommended
Benguela Blue Restaurant
Benguela Blue sits between the Paternoster Wine & Tasting Lounge and the At Botha Art Studio. It’s hard to miss, with bright blue tables scattered across a large terrace. The menu is South African-inspired and covers all the classics—burgers, fish and chips, calamari, mussels, and chicken prawn curry—plus breakfast, making it a good choice any time of day.
I didn’t check it out on my latest trip, but my dad and I popped in a few years back for a cider.
- Location: 54 St Augustine Rd, Kliprug (Google Maps)
- Opening hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 am to 6 pm, Fridays from 9:30 am to 7 pm, Saturdays from 9:30 am to 8 pm, and Sundays from 9:30 am to 4 pm.
- Bookings not necessary
Dispens
If you’re looking for a place to grab a quick bite or stock up on local treats, Dispens will be right up your alley. It’s housed inside the iconic Die Winkel op Paternoster—a restored shark liver oil factory—and today it’s home to a cozy café and shop with a peaceful garden.
The café menu features West Coast–inspired dishes rooted in local heritage, with everything from seasonal seafood and veldkos to freshly baked breads and cakes. I loved the mini milk tarts, and while the baby marrow cake and seaweed muffins piqued my interest, I couldn’t quite work up the courage to try them this time.
If you’ve got time, check out the shop too. I loved browsing here, and it’s full of artisanal goodies like bergamot marmalade, waterblommetjie pickle, botanical soaps, and hand-stitched table linen.
- Location: Cnr of St Augustine Road and the R45 (Google Maps)
- Opening hours: 9 am to 4 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays. 9 am to 3 pm on Sundays.
- Bookings not essential
The Panty Bar
Most people pop into the Paternoster Hotel to check out the Panty Bar’s cheeky décor, but it’s also a cozy place to grab a few beers and enjoy a no-frills meal in a lively setting.
The menu is mostly pub-style grub—think seafood, burgers, and hearty platters. I haven’t tried the seacuterie myself, but it’s the dish everyone seems to rave about. The bar is quite small, but there are usually plenty of tables outside if you’d rather sit in the sun.
- Location: 56 St Augustine Rd, Kliprug (Google Maps)
- Opening hours: Monday through Sunday from 8 am to 12 am
- Bookings not necessary
Other Places to Eat in Paternoster
As you can imagine, squeezing in all the awesome places to eat in Paternoster on one trip can be challenging. Here are a few other places that we didn’t have the time to try, but hopefully you do:
- Wolfgat is the fine dining spot in Paternoster and comes up in just about every guide to the town. With space for only 20 diners per sitting, it books up months in advance, so you’ll need to plan well ahead if you want to try Chef Kobus van der Merwe’s signature ‘Strandveld’ menu.
- Try Trattoria Paternoster (Google Maps) if you’re craving Italian-style pasta and pizza.
- The Hobnobbery (Google Maps) is a cute deli/ cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. When I spotted the Msobo jam on the shelves, I immediately regretted stuffing my face at breakfast. Try the freshly baked croissant with msobo jam, and let me know what I missed out on!
- Another fantastic restaurant worth checking out is Leeto. It offers an upscale menu and gorgeous views over the beach.
Paternoster Restaurants in Conclusion
So there you have it—my tried-and-tested list of the best places to eat in Paternoster. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, pub-style comfort food, or even a wood-fired pizza, this little town has plenty to offer. And if you’re wondering what to do between meals, check out my guide on the best things to do in Paternoster to help you plan the perfect trip.
Have you eaten at any of these spots? If I’ve missed a favorite of yours, let me know in the comments so I can add it to my list for next time.
Leave a Reply