Whether your idea of a meal with a view is in the city, ocean-side or in a wide expanse of African bush, there is undoubtedly something extremely special about sharing a spread at a table with a good panorama. Here are six of our country’s best restaurants with a view. 

The Ocean Terrace at The Oyster Box, KZN 

With its famous curries, elegant High Tea in the Palm Court, legendary breakfast buffet, various bars, and fine dining and tableside service in The Grill Room, The Oyster Box is known for its array of culinary adventures and none disappoint. But one of our fave highlights is the casual dining experience on The Ocean Terrace, where views of the sparkling pool, famous red and white striped umbrellas, wide expanse of ocean and Umhlanga’s iconic lighthouse are a feast for the senses.  

Restaurants with a view - The Ocean Terrace at The Oyster Box, KZN 

Here you can enjoy family-friendly al fresco dining. The menu is varied and there’s something for every taste and budget. While seafood is a speciality, there are also the famous wood-fired pizzas, fresh seasonal salads, sushi and a wide range of bistro-style plates. The Ocean Terrace also offers a breakfast buffet (open to resident guests and visitors on reservation) daily, with an à la carte menu for lunch and dinner. 

Hours: Breakfast: 7am – 10.30am; Lunch: 12pm – 3pm; Dinner: 6pm – 11pm.
Reservations: (031) 514 5000 restaurants@oysterbox.co.za  

Flames at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg 

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff is known for its wide range of culinary experiences. It’s also famous for its exceptional views over the city. Perched high on the hillside, The Westcliff looks and feels like a chic village, and it’s easy to forget that you’re in the middle of Johannesburg. It’s one of the best places to drink in views of the city below. It’s not uncommon to spot an elephant, thanks to the Johannesburg Zoo being situated just below you, and in October and November, this is one of the best places to view the blooming Jacarandas as they create a sea of purple petals. 

Restaurants with a view - Flames at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg 

The seasonally inspired dishes at Flames on the terrace will keep you snacking for hours. The chefs serve expertly elevated reinterpretations of regional favourites. Think spice-rubbed sea bass, sublime grilled burgers or the signature Tomahawk Ribeye, prepared with Flames’ secret herb butter and seasoning. You can also indulge in cocktails on the terrace or splash out on the weekend brunch – probably the most delectable in town.  

Hours: Lunch: Monday to Friday: 12pm – 3pm; Dinner: Monday to Sunday: 6pm – 9pm; Brunch: Saturday and Sunday, 11am – 2pm.
Reservations: (011) 481 6190 or reservations.johannesburg@fourseasons.com  

Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo Atlantic, Cape Town 

If you’re feeling a little flush and want a decadent dining experience, Tintswalo Atlantic on Chapman’s Peak Drive, within the Table Mountain National Park, hugs the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the most beautiful dining locations in the Cape.  

Restaurants with a view - Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo Atlantic, Cape Town 

While you can enjoy a meal in the dining room if the sea breeze is a little too fresh for you, the deck is where it’s really at. Here you’ll be mesmerised by the views across the ocean and the mountain backdrop. In fact, we suggest you have lunch and then stay for cocktails so you can take in the golden hour as this is widely agreed to be one of Cape Town’s best sunset spots.  

Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo Atlantic was voted Africa’s Best New Restaurant in the 2021 World Culinary Awards, and was included in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers Awards 2021 as one of the Best New Restaurants in the World. It features Liam Tomlin’s fine-dining tapas concept, brought to table by Chef Patron Ivor Jones, General Manager Jami de Witt and Head Chef Braam Beyers. A set menu of contemporary tapas comprises small plates for sharing in four courses. Ingredients are fresh, local and sustainable, paying homage to the ocean. A vegetarian menu is available, while signature dishes oysters and risotto always feature on the menu. There is also an option of a cheese course and a selection of desserts.  

Hours: Monday to Sunday: Lunch: 12pm – 2pm; Dinner: 5pm – 8.30pm
Reservations: (021) 541 0165 or reservations@tintswalo.com  

The Restaurant at The Plettenberg, Plettenberg Bay 

You can never go wrong with a sea view, and The Plettenberg, part of the Liz McGrath Collection, delivers a rather spectacular one. Situated on a rocky headland in Plettenberg Bay, this spot boasts magnificent views of the ocean, mountains and endless beach.  

Restaurants with a view -  The Restaurant at The Plettenberg, Plettenberg Bay 

The Restaurant at The Plettenberg is known as the ‘The Collection restaurant with the best view’, thanks to its position. Or course, indoor dining is available (with views of the pool and ocean), but once again, our choice is the outdoor terrace for al fresco dining. Fresh seafood is the order of the day. Signature dishes using seasonal ingredients are prepared by Executive Chef Kyle Macaskill and his team. Try the Beer Battered Hand Caught Hake or The Fisherman’s Seafood Platter. There are also delicious meat dishes, while lighter eaters will enjoy the relaxed Café Menu.   

 Hours: Breakfast: 7am – 10.30am; Lunch / Dinner: 12pm – 10pm. 
Reservations: (044) 533 2030 or reservations@collectionmcgrath.com  

Restaurant Klein JAN at Tswalu, Kalahari 

The opening of Restaurant Klein JAN in Tswalu in 2021 has taken the Tswalu experience to yet another level. South Africa’s biggest privately owned game reserve (111,000 hectares), Tswalu is located in the southern Kalahari, and is the ultimate off-the-beaten-track escape. 

It’s also super exclusive, boasting the lowest guest footprint in South Africa as only 28 guests can be accommodated at one time at Motse camp and Tarkuni homestead. 

Restaurants with a view - Restaurant Klein JAN at Tswalu, Kalahari 

Klein JAN is the perfect addition to this unique spot. Drawing on the Northern Cape’s culinary traditions, ingredients and regional produce, the seasonal menu under South African-born Michelin Star chef, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, is a true celebration of heritage and culture. The eatery location itself is nothing short of incredible. Guests step across the stoep of a 100-year-old farmhouse, which looks out onto a Kalahari scene, before accessing the subterranean root cellar located four metres underground, and the restaurant that lies beyond it. 

In-house guests are automatically booked at Klein JAN. It’s open to non-resident guests for lunch only, subject to availability on specific dates. Reservations open three months in advance: reservations@restaurantkleinjan.com  

Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa, Limpopo 

Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa is a luxurious, five-star private safari lodge and villa in the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve. While you can’t just pop in for a quick lunch, it’s worth taking the three-hour drive from Johannesburg for a special weekend away and to experience fine dining in the African bush. 

Restaurants with a view - Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa, Limpopo 

With a focus on healthy food “with typical African flair”, Mhondoro distinguishes itself from other safari lodges with its style and quality of food. Everything is homemade and where possible, home-grown in the on-site greenhouse. The breakfast, lunch and dinner menus change daily. While sampling dishes like scallop soup, wild mushroom risotto and basil panacotta, you can also view game as the deck overlooks the bush and a watering hole. You might just get to see a big cat enjoying their afternoon meal too! 

Reservations: (087) 150 2314 or res@mhondoro.com