Their outdoor patio is a usually a little quieter and that is where we end up. We ordered a full order of Chicken Nachos for R64 (US$6.40), Chili Poppers (R29) and Margaritas and settled in for the evening. The nachos were so large that the four of us barely finished them and the poppers were spicy but tasty. There is a large assortment of appetizers and entrees ranging in price between R13 (US$1.30) for grilled prawns to R92 (US$9.20) for a fresh seafood platter.  Although it can be very loud at times, for the food and atmosphere, it’s worth a visit.

Buena Vista Social Cafe
81 Main Road
1st Floor Exhibition House
Greenpoint, Cape Town
+27 21 433 0611
http://www.buenavista.co.za/ 

Best deal: Half portion Nachos – R41 (US$4.10)

Pros:

• Relaxed ambience
• Good service
• Easy to find on main road with street parking
• Lovely outdoor tables
• Average prices with some good deals

 Cons:

• Can be loud at times
• No views

During the weekdays, the restaurant is fairly quiet for breakfast. We picked a table in the outdoor courtyard to soak up some morning sunshine. The menu was full of interesting items but we finally settled on the Grilled Asparagus & Poached Eggs for R52 (US$5.20) which was fresh and full of flavor. We also ordered the standard English Breakfast for R49 (US$4.90), a very generous portion and beautifully displayed. The prices are geared for tourists and may not be suited for the budget-conscious. However, Andiamo’s is a great place for a family gathering or special occasion.

Andiamo Deli Restaurant & Bar
Cape Quarter
72 Waterkant Street
Green Point, Cape Town
+27 21 421 3687
http://www.andiamo.co.za/ 

Must Try: Grilled Asparagus & Poached Eggs – R52 (US$5.20)

Pros:

• Relaxed ambience
• Good service
• Lovely outdoor tables
• Average prices with some good deals
• Good family restaurant

Cons:

• Hard to find on back street
• Street parking may be difficult to find
• No views

Camel Rock Restaurant is the one and only restaurant in village of Scarborough. Owned and run by a local resident for the last 20+ years, it has remained unchanged since we were first there. The interior is simple and dining there is similar to having dinner at your parent’s friends’ house, cozy and comfortable. There is never a wait and the crowd is extremely laid back and unintimidating.

They serve an assortment of seafood dishes and usually have a fish special of the day.

Pros:

• Relaxed ambience
• Easy to find on main road with parking lot
• Quiet location with lovely outdoor tables
• Average prices with some good deals
• Good family restaurant

 Cons:

• No views

Camel Rock Restaurant
264 Main Road
Scarborough
+27 21 780-1122

Our favorite is, of course, the Pizza for R65 (US6.50) – whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed. The Chicken Salad for R65 (US$6.50) was surprisingly large and as far as salads go, probably the best one in town. You can even bring your own wine!

Pros:

• Relaxed ambience
• Good service
• Easy to find on main road with street parking
• Lovely outdoor tables
• Average prices 
• Good family restaurant

 Cons:

Located on the quieter part of main road in Camps Bay, Primi Pomodoro is a great little breakfast spot with a view of the Camps Bay Beach. Trendy and modern, the young hip crowd converge on this well-priced but super-hip eating establishment that knows how to do Italian food the right way.

In the morning, come early to get an outdoor table, especially if the southeaster is not blowing and it’s a warm day. The patio sits high above the sidewalk and is bustling with groups of friends and family when we arrive. The breakfast menu has quite a large variety, ranging from a traditional English Breakfast, omelettes, eggs benedict and imported butter croissants.

We ordered the Urban Energy English Breakfast for R39 (US$3.90) for lack of creativity and it fills the void in our otherwise empty stomachs. For lunch and dinner, they offer a large sampling of italian fare ranging from salads, pasta, pizza, burgers and sandwiches. The staff is very young and energetic but tend to be rather inexperienced so just relax and enjoy it.

Best deal: Urban Energy English Breakfast – R39 (US$3.90)

Pros:

• Hip trendy ambience
• Easy to find on main road with street parking
• Great view with lovely outdoor tables
• Average prices with some good deals

Primi Pomodoro
18-21 Brighton Court Victoria Road
Camps Bay, Cape Town
+27 21 438-3120
www.primi-piatti.com

It’s hard to pin down a favorite here because the menu is constantly changing. Their bakery and coffee are fantastic, as well as the soups and salads but they are known for their incredible Deli Burger and Linefish. However, we stuck with the Pear, Parma Ham and Gorgonzola Salad for R62 (US$6.20) and Curried Butternut Soup for R25 (US$2.50) which was more than satisfying. Most of the items on the menu are priced between R10 – R80 (US$1 – $8), so you’re guaranteed to be delighted with the food and the bill. Although the cafe overlooks the Kalk Bay harbor, all eyes seem to turn inwards towards what’s going on inside.

Olympia Cafe
134 Main Road
Kalk Bay, Cape Town
+27 21 788-6396 

Must Try: Curried Butternut Soup – R25 (US$2.50)

Pros:

• Upbeat ambience
• Good service
• Easy to find on main road with street parking
• Great view of harbor
• Average prices with some good deals
• Good family restaurant

Cons:

This upscale restaurant on the main road in Camps Bay may seem intimidating with its sleek décor but is actually a gem of a breakfast place for the budget-conscious. We were there at 9:00am on a Saturday and got the best spot in the house. Our outdoor table closest to the sidewalk was on a raised platform and provided a commanding view of the beach. The crowd was fairly hip and trendy, mostly in the 30’s and 40’s, with some young families.

The breakfast menu was fairly typical, with the usual variety to cater to every type of eater, as well as an espresso bar. Most of the items on the menu were priced between R40-R80 (US$4-$8). We both ordered the Vegetarian Omelette for R40 (US$4) which was both amazing and a bargain!  They make a great cappuccino and service came with a good attitude and smile.

Best deal: Vegetarian Omelette – R40 (US$4)

Pros:

• Relaxed ambience
• Good service
• Easy to find on main road with street parking
• Great view of Camps Bay beach with lovely outdoor tables
• Average prices with some good deals

Paranga
The Promenade, Victoria Road
Camps Bay, Cape Town
+27 21 438-040
www.paranga.co.za

Sitting next to the window with a sweeping view of the ocean and Kalk Bay harbor, we are enraptured by all of the curious artifacts. The colors are rich and the decor is warm and inviting. For lunch we order the Calamari for R72 (US$7.20) and Chicken and Lime Soup for R28 (US$2.80). Like the decor, the food was rich and warm. They offer a variety of unique seafood and meat dishes and some vegetarian ones also. For the adventurous, try the Capone Oyster Platter which is a decadent platter of two dozen oysters and roe with gold dust and a bottle of Moet & Chandon NV champagne for R785 (US$78.50). Parking is available in the lot next to restaurant.

Cape to Cuba
Main Road
Kalk Bay, Cape Town
+27 21 788-1566
http://www.capetocuba.com

Must Try: Fresh Cuban Bread – R18 (US$1.80)

Pros:

Having had several breakfasts here, we decided to try it out for dinner. The Calamari Salad was a great choice for R65 (US$6.50), be sure to order extra calamari because they are exceptional. It was a quiet evening and we had the entire patio to ourselves, perfect for a romantic evening. Great service – they were extremely attentive and friendly.

Seven 8 Three Restaurant
16 Kirsten Ave
Kommetjie, Cape Town
+27 21 783-3604

Must Try: Calamari Salad – R65 (US$6.50)

Pros:

• Relaxed ambience
• Good service
• Easy to find on main road with parking lot
• Lovely outdoor tables
• Average prices with some good deals
• Good family restaurant

Cons:

• No views

As the name states, this is the place to eat your fish & chips right on the rocks. Found in the harbor in Hout Bay, Fish on the Rocks promises great fresh fish with a rockin’ view of the bay. The Calamari and Chips for R35 (US$3.50) is our favorite and offers a large portion of fried calamari and thin cut fries. Take your food and sit at one of the outdoor tables or right on the rocks. Many locals and tourists frequent this inexpensive take-out restaurant which is always bustling any time of day.

Fish on the Rocks
End of Harbour Road
Hout Bay, Cape Town
+27 21 790-0001 

Must Try: Calamari and Chips – R35 (US$3.50)

Pros:

• Relaxed ambience
• Great view with outdoor tables
• Low
• Good family restaurant

Cons:

• Difficult to find off main road