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.
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