The West Coast – or Weskus, if you’re local – has long been a favourite escape for Capetonians and tourists in search of something slower, saltier, and down-to-earth. From the fishing charm of Paternoster to the windswept beaches of Yzerfontein and the quiet pull of Doringbaai, this stretch of coastline is dotted with laid-back restaurants, seafood gems, and worth-the-drive dining spots.
And while the food scene alone is reason enough to hit the road, there’s another draw that turns the West Coast into a must-visit each year. From early August to the end of September, the landscape transforms as wildflowers burst into bloom with the arrival of the iconic West Coast Flower Season. Covering fields, dunes, and hillsides in technicolour, the flowers draw in visitors from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the once-a-year sight.
So whether you’re chasing daisies through the West Coast National Park, road-tripping with your mates, or just out and about taking in the slow-life, here’s where to stop, eat, and soak it all in.
The Beach House Restaurant
(Yzerfontein)
Set on Yzerfontein’s iconic 16-Mile Beach, The Beach House blends the laid-back attitude of the West Coast with refined, elevated dining. From acclaimed chefs Callan Austin and Darren Badenhorst of DUSK, the duo returned to their coastal roots to reimagine an 80-year-old beach house into a nautical-inspired space with a menu of fire-kissed seafood, foraged dune greens and clever twists on nostalgic classics to match. Plus, the incredible views of the coast don’t hurt.
Leeto 
(Paternoster)
Leeto has cemented its place as one of Paternoster’s must-visit restaurants – and for good reason. With uninterrupted views of the ocean and a menu that puts West Coast seafood front and centre, it’s the kind of spot that invites you to stay for as long as you’d like. Start with a platter of oysters and a crisp white wine before choosing between the rich seafood linguine, creamy prawn and calamari risotto, or their standout seafood curry – to name a few. The deck is perfect in warmer weather, but the interior is just as inviting when the West Coast mist rolls in.
We usually prefer cooking at home when in Paternoster, but Leeto might just change that. The food was fresh, full of flavour, and beautifully presented—elevated without being pretentious. Our waitress brought just the right amount of sass and charm—she was fantastic and added a lovely energy to the evening. We’ll definitely be back.
Wolfgat
(Paternoster)
Recognised globally and proudly local, Wolfgat offers a rare dining experience that celebrates both land and sea. Chef Kobus van der Merwe’s 7-course tasting menu changes with the seasons, but always features local ingredients like wild herbs, sea vegetables, veld-foraged greens, and responsibly sourced seafood. The setting – a historic fisherman’s cottage on top of a sea-facing cave, which the restaurant is named after – is just as incredible as the food. Make sure to book far in advance – this one fills up quickly with only 20 seats available per sitting!
Dispens
(Paternoster)
Wolfgat’s laid-back little brother, Dispens, is a café-style eatery inside the charming Die Winkel op Paternoster. Here, you’ll find daily baked goods, hearty lunches, and a set menu that celebrates seasonal seafood and veldkos. With a vibe that is warm and unfussy – it’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a strong coffee and buttery pastry one moment, and a flavour-packed line fish dish the next. Tables fill up quickly when flower season hits, so make sure to make your reservations before!
Die Gaaitjie Restaurant
(Paternoster)
If your idea of a perfect meal includes salty air, crashing waves and fresh seafood, Die Gaaitjie is your place. Hidden among the rocks right on Paternoster’s beach, this whitewashed fisherman’s cottage is home to one of the most charming dining spots on the coast. The menu changes often depending on what’s fresh, but you can always expect big flavours and honest cooking using local ingredients, while the wine list celebrates West Coast labels and close surrounds.
What a great experience! The most amazing setting (the restaurant is literally on the beach). The food and service were exceptional.
Kobus Botha at the Saldanha Wine & Spirit Co.
(Saldanha)
This pop-up is seasonal – and when it’s on, it’s spectacular. Chef Kobus Botha’s 40-seater dining experience takes place inside a quirky seaside cellar in Saldanha, where the menu is a love letter to the ocean. From “boere-baisse” (his West Coast spin on Mediterranean fish soup) to mussels cooked with pine needles, the dishes are innovative and downright delicious. The wine, sherry, and bubbly selection – curated by none other than Adi Badenhorst – completes the experience. Make sure to mark your calendars and keep a keen eye on their socials, as bookings will be opening soon for the 2025/2026 summer season!
The Jetty Restaurant at Fryer’s Cove
(Doringbaai)
Set within a restored jetty building on the water’s edge, this rustic restaurant offers unbeatable sea views and seriously good local flavour. Fryer’s Cove is known for their Sauvignon Blanc, and The Jetty restaurant pairs it perfectly with their famous fish and chips, West Coast mussels, and freshly baked roosterkoek. It’s a great stop for a laid-back lunch during a flower season road trip – as the blooms around Doringbaai are just starting to pop around August.
And there you have it! Whether you’re heading up the coast for the flowers, the fresh sea breeze, or just a great meal with a view, the West Coast delivers on all fronts. So grab your sunnies, hit the road, and make a proper day (or weekend) of it.
What about Alegria in StHelena Bay and Blikkies Pitzeria in Paternoster much more affordable and food and service is devine
Both are really, really good! But unfortunately, they don’t take bookings on Dineplan, which was one of the criteria for the list.
Hi guys, great choices, bit you’ve missed Langebaan. La Petit Maison is probably the best out of all of the above.
The well known historical Damhuis Restaurant, on the beach front of Melkbos, is an icon. Excellent in every way.
And do not forget Melkbos Kitchen at Melkbosstrand. The best prawns in Western Province
Glad you did not list WhaleBone..
Over rated and bad service
Rust In Thyme
Yzerfontein
Hope you’ve done your homework correctly !
Check out the reviews * compare with your 7 Best Places ! Please …
Alegria in St Helena bay is by far my no1 !!!
Will drive from Cape Town just to eat there.
Kokomo in Langebaan has never disappoint us! Great food, great vibe and sometimes great music to create a relaxing atmosphere.
The West Coast has more towns than Paternoster. The article should have been :
7 best restaurants in Paternoster.
Visvlekhuis in Laaiplek was just awarded the best business award by the West Coast Chamber of Business…
But then again…it is in Laaiplek…not sure if the article stretch so far up the West Coaat
Lula’s Yserfontein
Lula’s is incredible! Unfortunately, they don’t take bookings through Dineplan, which was one of the criteria to make the list.
I agree this article was not properly researched. Paternoster restaurants are also highly over rated and over priced.
Jis my op pêl. Dis jammer Jacobsbaai en Langebaan is nie op jul padkaart nie. Bel my volgende keer en ek sal julle help om die dorpies te vind.
Farmhouse
Hotel, Langebaan.
Delicious food, great view.
The Beach House, formerly Beaches, is a pretentious place, with pretentious staff and inflated prices. Booking charges, no corkage at weekends and R90 per bottle when corkage is permitted is not in the west coast style.
We were regular visitors to Beaches, but after one visit to The Beach House we will not return
I am up the WestCoast often and have been to most of these Restaurants mentioned,,, of these 7 few are worth mentioning due to high pricing and really poor service…
What about 1910 The Old Forge Darling. Little hidden Gem in the haert of Darling with mouth watering melting steaks and a selection of seafood.
1910 The Old Forge is such a stunning spot! They don’t, however, take bookings through Dineplan, which was one of the criteria to make this list.
Free meals can make one say anything 🤪
A little kiosk run by a local family Ietsi Alz close to the beach. Fresh battered hake not fancy but fish was fresh delicious served in white paper. Plain simple lekker In Pater Noster
There are, some gs,missing here, and some overrated places, like the Beach House, great views, but overpriced and not great food or vibe. Berties is far better
You left out Jackson and black
I strongly recommend the Muisbosskerm in Lambert’s Bay
I recommend One Kreeftegang in Paternoster as well. Always an enjoyable dining experience with superior service