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Obi Restaurant

Reviewers' Choice 2025 - Top 50 Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 100
Japanese
Location Pointer 14 Long Street, Cape Town, 8000
4.8
(1581 reviews)
RR
Favourite

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Reviewers' Choice 2022 - Top 50
  • Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 100
  • Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 100
  • Reviewers' Choice 2025 - Top 50

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Favourite

Sushi legend Hatsushiro Muraoka, fondly known as Papa San, joined forces with chef-partner Ben Bettendorf to open Obi on Long Street. We reported in May that the two saw Obi as an opportunity to showcase the clean flavours of Japanese cuisine, and this they do here with simplicity and skill.

Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday 12h00 - 14h00, 18h00 - 21h30
  • Wednesday 12h00 - 14h00, 18h00 - 21h30
  • Thursday 12h00 - 14h00, 18h00 - 21h30
  • Friday 12h00 - 14h00, 18h00 - 21h30
  • Saturday 12h00 - 14h00, 18h00 - 21h30
  • Sunday CLOSED

Reviews (1581)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.7
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.7
  • Abigail M. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Anthony T. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 11 Jul 26
    So good!

  • Simon M. Dined: 6 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Sascha B. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.3
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 06 Jul 26
    This was our third visit. The food was still very good, but unfortunately the overall experience was not as good as the first time. The friend we invited even asked whether this was still a Japanese restaurant or whether it had become more Chinese in style. We enjoy both Japanese and Chinese cuisine, but when we choose a Japanese restaurant, we expect an authentic Japanese dining experience. Unfortunately, our reservation requests were not followed. We were seated directly beneath CCTV cameras. While I understand that many restaurants in Cape Town now use CCTV for security, I believe the cameras should be positioned at the entrance, cash register, or other security-sensitive areas rather than directly overlooking diners. As a European, I value privacy, and being constantly recorded while eating made the experience feel uncomfortable. It also took away from the sense of hospitality and respect that I associate with Japanese culture. Lunch service was supposed to end at 2:00 pm, yet new guests arrived around 2:30 pm. Our waitress kindly explained that they were family members of the South African owner, so the usual closing time did not apply to them. This gave the impression that the rules were not applied consistently. The final disappointment came with the bill, which included a compulsory 10% service charge. However, the menu states that this charge applies only to parties of more than six guests. We were surprised to see it added to our bill. One of the reasons I enjoy dining in Japanese restaurants is the philosophy of hospitality. In Japan, exceptional service is considered part of the experience, and tipping is generally neither expected nor automatically added. While I understand that practices may differ in South Africa, consistency between the menu and the final bill is important. We may give the restaurant another chance because the food was genuinely good. However, I hope the management will focus more on creating a welcoming, authentic dining exp

  • Jesse L. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Sylvia F. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 06 Jul 26
    Best sushi ever!! As always

  • Francois N. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
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