Harbour House Kalk Bay

Harbour House sits at the edge of the small fishing harbour in Kalk Bay, on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula, about 30 to 40 minutes' drive south of the city centre. The restaurant's large windows look straight out over the breakwater and the open sea, and on days when a big swell is running, waves break close to the glass, which makes it one of the most dramatic dining rooms on the coast.

The menu is built around fish and shellfish, as you would expect in a working fishing harbour, with meat and vegetarian dishes for those who prefer them. The wine list focuses on the Cape winelands, with plenty of whites that pair well with seafood. Harbour House belongs to a small group that also runs restaurants at the V&A Waterfront and Camps Bay, but the Kalk Bay original is the one with the most atmosphere.

It opens every day from 12:00 to 22:00, so it works for a long lunch or an early dinner. A window table at lunchtime gives the best views of the water, while dinner around sunset has a softer light. Book ahead, especially at weekends, in summer and on public holidays, and request a window seat when you reserve.

Allow time before or after your meal to explore Kalk Bay itself. The harbour is still used by fishing boats, which unload their catch on the quay, and the village's Main Road has antique shops, galleries, bookshops and cafés. Seals often hang around the harbour waiting for scraps, which children usually enjoy watching from a safe distance.

Kalk Bay station is on the Southern Line between Cape Town and Simon's Town, and the harbour is a short walk from the platform. Harbour House makes a good lunch stop on a day trip to Boulders Beach and Cape Point, or as part of a relaxed day combining Muizenberg's beach with Kalk Bay's shops. It suits couples, families and groups.

In winter, when the big swells roll in, the view from the windows can be spectacular, while on calm summer days the bay is often a deep blue. Either way, bring a jacket for walking around the harbour afterwards, as the wind can pick up quickly.