Cafe Pescado is situated in the middle of Simon’s Town’s high street, on St George’s Street, opposite Jubilee Square. It is a casual restaurant serving seafood, pizza, pasta, steaks, burgers, salads and vegetarian dishes. It is particularly known for its pizza, while prawns and calamari are among the seafood specialities.
The restaurant is also connected to the history of Simon’s Town. The site incorporates what is described as South Africa’s first Anglican church, dating from 1814. The location later became associated with the Criterion Cinema, established in 1921.
I’ve run a lot of Cape Peninsula Tours, a lot. If I had to guess I would say well over 1000, easily. I’m a creature of habit and when I was driving through Simon’s Town I always used to stop and have a cup of tea in Cafe Pescado while my clients explored the town and went down to the harbour for a drink.
It’s in the middle of the high street, opposite the square, and I always enjoyed hanging out with the Xhosa woman who used to run the place during the day. I can remember her name but I cannot spell it.
She was really fun, she lived in Masiphumelele, a township in Cape Town, and she used to teach me about Xhosa culture and let me in on the latest news in her community. It was really interesting. I always arrived there, depending on the weather, before 10am, but sometimes I used to arrive at lunchtime and eat the lasagne, which was always nice.
I remember one lunchtime a couple finished lunch and went to the bathroom together for dessert! When they came out the dude was sweating and the lady’s legs were shaking! It was only obvious what had happened once they both limped out, but I was laughing and the staff were not impressed!
When I was last in Simon’s Town I wanted to stop by, but I was driving through too early and wasn’t staying in the Southern Peninsula, so it wasn’t open yet. But I will be back to see if the old faces still work there.
It’s a great little joint, friendly and famous for its pizza, so if you’re passing by, check it out.
Cafe Pescado – Visitor Information
Cafe Pescado is located at 118 St George’s Street, Simon’s Town, opposite Jubilee Square.
The restaurant serves seafood, pizza, pasta, steaks, burgers, salads and vegetarian dishes, with prawns and calamari among its seafood specialities. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
The restaurant offers lunch and dinner, has a full bar and also hosts live music. It is a casual restaurant and is suitable for visitors looking for a relaxed meal while exploring Simon’s Town.
Address: 118 St George’s Street, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
Telephone: +27 21 786 2272
Cuisine: Seafood, pizza, pasta and international
Opening hours: Generally from 10:30am, with closing times varying between approximately 9:30pm and 10pm.
