Food & drink · Camps Bay

The Codfather Seafood & Sushi

The Codfather has been doing things differently since it opened — there's no printed menu, just a glass display of the freshest catch of the day. You walk up, point at what you want, choose your preparation, and the kitchen does the rest. It is the most honest, and arguably the best, seafood experience in Camps Bay.

How It Works

The Codfather sits just off the main Camps Bay strip on The Drive, a short walk from the beachfront. The format is simple and brilliant: a counter of whole fish, shellfish, and sushi-grade cuts sits on ice at the entrance. You select your fish by weight, choose whether you want it grilled, cajun-spiced, or prepared as sushi, and take your seat. Prices are determined by your selection, not a fixed menu.

The lobsters are South African crayfish — sweeter and different from Atlantic or Maine varieties — and the sushi counter runs alongside the cooked fish options, making it easy to build a mixed feast across the table. The formula of excellent, demonstrably fresh seafood has made it a local institution.

The Atmosphere

Unlike the glitzy beachfront restaurants with their ocean-view terraces, The Codfather is tucked back from the water — but that has never dented its reputation. The interior is warm and buzzy, with a sushi bar that fills quickly and communal energy that feels more like a neighbourhood favourite than a tourist trap. Locals and visitors mix freely here.

The Codfather is consistently cited by Cape Town food writers as the best value for serious seafood on the Atlantic Seaboard. Book a table — walk-ins can sometimes snag a seat at the sushi bar, but it is hectic on summer evenings without a reservation.

Ordering Tips

Ask what came in that morning — the staff know their stock and will steer you toward the best fish of the day. Linefish like Cape Salmon (geelbek) or yellowtail, when available, are exceptional simply grilled with lemon butter. The sashimi platters are generous and the quality of the tuna is outstanding.

Sides are ordered separately and are straightforward — rice, salads, chips. The focus is entirely on the fish, which is exactly as it should be. Budget roughly R350–500 per person for a full meal with wine.

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