The location is right on the waterfront. Beautiful view. The food was INCREDIBLE. We got the special safari platter, bobotie, milk tart, stewed peaches, and a glass of wine. Ryan helped recommend us some pairings for the sides and was very friendly and welcoming. Best meal I’ve had in Cape Town. You don’t want to miss this place
Overview
Karibu Restaurant, nestled in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, offers an unforgettable dining experience that perfectly blends local flavors and international cuisine. Located at Shop 156 Breakwater Blvd, this vibrant restaurant is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic taste of South Africa, whether you're a tourist exploring the waterfront or a local looking for a place to unwind.
As you step into Karibu Restaurant, the warm, inviting atmosphere immediately sets the stage for a meal to remember. The interior is stylish and contemporary, with touches of African decor that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. The stunning views of the harbor and Table Mountain only add to the charm, creating an ideal setting for both casual dining and special occasions.
The menu at Karibu Restaurant is a celebration of South African cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty traditional dish or a more modern twist on local classics, the restaurant has something for everyone. One of the standout dishes is the famous Karibu Cape Malay curry. This aromatic and flavorful dish blends tender chicken, lamb, or vegetables with a variety of spices, creating a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting for the first time.
Seafood lovers will be thrilled with the options at Karibu Restaurant. The selection of fresh fish and shellfish, sourced from the nearby waters, showcases the best of Cape Town's maritime bounty. From the crispy battered fish and chips to the delicate grilled prawns, each dish highlights the richness of the ocean's flavors. The seafood platters, featuring an assortment of delicacies, are perfect for sharing with friends or family.
For those seeking something more familiar, the restaurant also offers a variety of grilled meats, including succulent steaks, tender lamb chops, and juicy burgers. The Karibu burger, served with a side of crispy fries, is a fan favorite, and it's easy to see why-packed with flavor, it's the perfect comfort food for any time of day. And don't forget to pair your meal with a glass of local wine from the extensive wine list, which features some of the best wines from the Western Cape region.
Karibu Restaurant isn't just about great food-it’s also about creating a memorable dining experience. The staff are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, making every guest feel at home. They are always happy to offer recommendations or share the story behind the dishes, which adds a personal touch to your meal.
The restaurant's location at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront means that there are plenty of activities to enjoy before or after your meal. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, visit the nearby shops, or explore the various attractions in the area, including the Two Oceans Aquarium or the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA). Karibu Restaurant is perfectly situated for those looking to experience the best of Cape Town.
Customer reviews of Karibu Restaurant reflect the quality of the food and the welcoming ambiance. Guests consistently praise the restaurant for its excellent service, delicious meals, and breathtaking views. Many visitors have highlighted the Cape Malay curry and seafood dishes as their top picks, while others recommend the restaurant for special events like birthdays and anniversaries.
Whether you're enjoying a casual lunch with friends or a romantic dinner with a view, Karibu Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience that celebrates the flavors of South Africa. With its diverse menu, inviting atmosphere, and attentive service, it’s no wonder this restaurant is considered one of the top dining spots in Cape Town.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Great wine list ✓ Live musicPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Late-night food ✓ Private dining room ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Lunch reservations recommended ✓ Reservations required ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Good for kids birthday ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Paid parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1916 reviews
The view is spectacular. The atmosphere is vibey. Great restaurant for fine dining. Service was top notch. Food was well prepared as can be seen from the photos. Give it a try the next time you are at the V&A Waterfront, Sea Point Cape Town.
Highly recommended! We really loved this place! The food, the service, the speed! They serve the food very quickly and everything was so fresh and yummy! Very friendly stuff and really good service. We were group of 8 people and everyone was satisfied! If you love really good and fresh meat - it’s your place!
We visited the restaurant for dinner on 29/12/25. The V&A was buzzing with festive season energy, and with it being a lovely summer’s day, we chose to sit outside. The atmosphere was great. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and offered helpful recommendations on platters suitable for our table of four. Our starter was a meat platter of ostrich, crocodile & springbok. It was our first time trying crocodile (tastes like chicken) but worth trying at least once. We also ordered the seafood platter for two, which included crayfish tails. While it was quite small for the price and slightly overcooked, it was still acceptable when shared among three to four people, as the portions of fish, calamari/ squid & mussels overall are decent. The menu is on the pricey side, but service was excellent. Our waiter was attentive and checked in regularly. Despite the restaurant being quite busy, both food and drinks arrived relatively quickly. One downside was that the tables are placed fairly close together, making movement a bit restricted. Overall, aside from those minor drawbacks, it was a pleasant experience and I would definitely recommend the restaurant.
Delicious South African food, generous portions, and “entertainment” from some dancers who came in for a 10’ revue. Would go again and recommend to others. Only slight negative was we were sat in a location indoor made it hard to fit 5 and had a bit of an unwelcome aroma…quickly replaced by the smell of some amazing grilled meat. Minor gripes though Outdoor seating (not accessible due to rain) looked great.
We dined here on the first night of our honeymoon and what an experience it was! Ben, our sommelier, and Freedom, our waiter, couldn’t have done more for us. He recommended amazing dishes - fish for me and Springbok for my husband, both incredible. He gave us beautiful wine pairings and thoughtfully moved us inside when the wind picked up. He even organised for local singers to come in and sing ‘Happy honeymoon’ to us which was amazing, such a joyful experience. I would return here in a heartbeat and recommend you do too! Thank you Ben, Freedom & Staff at Karibu for an unforgettable night.