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Harbour House Restaurant
Review
About
For locals and tourists alike, seeking a world- class dining experience in an spectacular Cape Town, seaside setting, Harbour House offers an experience like no other. Situated on the water's edge in the picturesque harbour of Kalk Bay, this iconic store was established in 1996 and continues to boast exquisite views of the working harbour, False Bay and the Hottentots Mountain Range.
Features
CUISINES
Seafood, International, Mediterranean, Soups
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Waterfront
Location
Parking Available
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 10:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Contribute
4.2
2,540 reviews
Excellent
1,448
Very good
589
Average
217
Poor
159
Terrible
127
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and noninfringement.
susan c
Hythe7 contributions
Jan 2025 • couples
Noticeably upmarket with linen table cloths and fine dining and wines. A great view of the bustling harbour front.
The waitress told us the tap water was not good so we had mineral water instead. The first wine we chose was not available but the second was and was excellent. First the waitress then the waiter spilled wine when they poured it which seemed surprising in a restaurant of this quality. They covered the spillage with a fresh napkin. The food was good and we each had a fish dish. This was among the more expensive restaurants we tried during our visit and the venue is great not sure the rest is worth the price premium.
Written January 28, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Life Brand
Dear Susan C.,
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on your recent visit to Harbour House. We appreciate your feedback and are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the ambience of seaside charm and the view of the bustling harbourfront.
We are glad to know that you found the wine selection to be excellent and that the food, particularly your fish dishes, met your expectations. However, we sincerely apologise for the service-related issues you experienced, including the oversight with the wine spills. Such incidents do not align with the high standards we strive to uphold, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.
We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for an even more memorable visit.
Kind regards,
Harbour House
Written January 30, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AndreyTkachev
Moscow842 contributions
Feb 2024 • friends
This is a high level restaurant with prices to match. Excellent service, order delivered quickly. But they don’t really know how to work with large companies; they have to distribute the orders themselves, and the waiters can’t cope with this.
The oysters are small but tasty. I also liked the sea bass in miso marinade and the shrimp in cream sauce. But friends didn’t like steak, so give preference to fish and seafood.
For two, dinner with wine cost about R1,500.
Written February 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Life Brand
Hi AndreyTkachev,
Thank you for sharing your experience at Harbour House Kalk Bay. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our seafood dishes and found them to be delicious. We are pleased to hear that you found our service to be excellent and your order was delivered quickly.
Should you wish to provide more details on your experience, please visit https://hh2.goreview.co.za/goreview-crm?revid=NkpDlIjg
We hope to see you again soon.
Warm regards,
Harbour House
Written February 29, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Oliver K
Munich3 contributions
Dec 2024 • friends
We stayed three times during our holiday in this excellent fish restaurant. We tried a wide variety of foods and were impressed by everything. We usually had several appetizers, e.g. oysters, mussels in fine sauce, sushi etc. and as main courses there are all kinds of marine animals and finest fish with beautiful views of the sea. The service here is always extremely professional and attentive, you can ask for Kevin, he just goes one better with his friendly nature and his very good recommendations. This place is worth every penny, and you can also eat relatively cheaply here, especially if you are used to German prices.
Automatically translated
Written December 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Life Brand
Dear Oliver K.,
Thank you for your exceptional review of Harbour House. We are thrilled to hear that you chose to dine with us multiple times during your holiday and that each visit was a memorable experience filled with a wide variety of culinary delights.
Your praise for our sumptuous ocean cuisine and the impeccable service provided by our team, especially Kevin, is greatly appreciated. We strive to deliver an ambience of seaside charm that complements the exquisite flavors of our offerings. It is wonderful to know that our efforts to provide a unique and delightful dining experience resonated with you.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Harbour House on your next visit.
Kind regards,
Harbour House Management
Written December 18, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ilonka Poole
Saint Francis Bay6 contributions
Oct 2024 • family
I feel compelled to write this review. Harbour House is such a well-known upmarket restaurant that is usually top-class in every aspect, but last night, it was an epic fail. The food took forever; tables who came in after us received their food before us. When we received our food, it was evident that it had been standing for a while. The legendary seafood pasta was shockingly awful, inedible. Although the risotto was good, the portion size was inadequate for a main course. My son took four bites, and that was his meal. For the price of the risotto, this value for money is 1/5. The seafood pasta on all fronts was inedible - the sauce, seafood, and the pasta.
At one point, there were no servers on the floor for a good 10 minutes. When we spoke to our server, Calvin, he called another person (unsure of his designation). We had to re-explain the situation. We had to explain twice to him. He came across as if he didn't believe us, and you had to listen very carefully to find the apology. He kept offering me a glass of wine as an apology, which, frankly, after a disastrous meal that I hardly touched, seemed inadequate. Eventually, our server informed us that my meal would be credited. We asked for the bill and another 10 minutes and no server. I stood up to go and find Calvin and ask for the bill. The restaurant was not busy, at best five tables. We often frequented this restaurant but this experience ends our relationship.
Written October 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Life Brand
Hello Ilonkapoole01,
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Please accept our sincere apologies for your dining experience not being up to standard.
We'd appreciate the opportunity to contact you and rectify this. Please provide us with your contact details via the link https://hh2.goreview.co.za/goreview-crm?revid=1np14Rpn and a member of our management team will reach out to discuss this further.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Harbour House Team
Written October 10, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tom D
1 contribution
May 2024 • friends
Went there for my wife's birthday, atmosphere was OK but nothing special
View was great
Food portions where extremely small,2 people had calamari..they received small chopped up pieces .portions where extremely small and a little mayonnaise at the bottom of the plate. .no tartar sause
On request the waiter said they did not have tartar sause available
Calamari came. With nothing ,even chips or salid had to be ordered separate
Even the woman made a remark about portion size and very pricy for what we received
We where so disappointed we did not even order dessert or coffee
We live in simonstown,this was most likely the worst restaurant experience in a long time
Written May 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Life Brand
Dear Tom D,
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We regret to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. We take all feedback seriously and are sorry to hear about the issues you encountered during your visit.
Please take a moment to forward us your contact details https://hh2.goreview.co.za/goreview-crm?revid=lolB5Kkj so that we may investigate this further and provide you with feedback.
We appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns and hope to have the chance to make it right.
Kind regards,
Harbour House Management
Written May 7, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MrMagoos
Greater London629 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
So never ever increasing my life have I been told no water can be served as they were awaiting g delivery! Only diet Cola or full on cans. A hot water was brought but thisbisnt something we should have been greated with. Just to quantify the cost/service comment we were shown to a table for 4 which an extra chair was moved to accomodate our 5 but no place setting, which obviously we were left short of cutlery and side plates when food was served.
The food; Chicken ceaser salad Kingklip salad, Seafood Pasta and Poke Bowl were all very good but not outstanding for what was charged which was best part £80 for 5 mains only.
This was a big recommendation guess as a tick off and honestly no idea what alternatives there are so probably a pay up for a pleasant but expensive lunch.
Written December 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Life Brand
Dear Mrmagoos,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at Harbour House. We appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit overall.
However, we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience you faced regarding the availability of water. We would appreciate the opportunity to contact you directly regarding your experience. Please could you submit your contact details to https://hh2.goreview.co.za/goreview-crm?revid=xywtybcb and we'll be in touch.
We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Kind regards,
Harbour House
Written December 30, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Starryflower
Arusha177 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
We went for lunch at this place, we were looking forward to delicious sea food meal, it was such a disappointment as soon as we entered first they gave us a table where it was hot and sunny we asked to be shifted, then they messed up on our drinks, their service was terrible, we had to try and catch waiters attention, when we ordered our main meal the waiter did not even say or inform us that the prawns come with toast! and not chips or vegetables, they could hv asked us if we want to order any sides to go with, the menu says garlic chips ( it means pieces of garlic in the sauce) !! We have travelled all over the world, and dined in all kinds of restaurants, but this was such a disappointing experience, I would hv given one star or no star but the food was good, though not so well presented. The service was terrible. When you are on holiday you want to hv good experiences ,
Unfortunately we wasted our time and money to go to Barbour house. I just wonder just because we are not white that’s why we did not get good service, I just wonder
Written February 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Life Brand
Dear Starryflower,
We are saddened to hear about your experience at our restaurant and would like to contact you directly to discuss your review.
Kindly follow this link https://hh2.goreview.co.za/goreview-crm?revid=G5L5BK2j and a member of our team will be in touch.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Harbour House
Written February 14, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bente L
Cape Town3 contributions
Apr 2024 • family
I was here with my family in law and we havent seen them for ages, wanted to show them a good time in Kalk bay and the southern suburbs. It has a great spot in the harbour, and on this day the storm was in. We were sat at the corner on the top floor which we enjoyed. Though there was a draft and we asked for a blanket. The service was very slow and everything from ordering to it getting there was slow. I had to ask for a blanket, ask for butter for the bread.. As the prices are quite steep, we were expecting a lot.. But that sense of it never came. Me and grandpa Alen enoyed or seafood pasta.. The kiddies hake & chips was tiny, whilst my hubby and brother in law had the calamari and it was tiny for the price asked.. I use to advise on going to this restaurant, but with the price and the service we received, I will consider it..I am in the tourism industry and even of people from other countries might not mind the rate, please reconsider the service and portions for the price that you pay. Kind regards Bente
Written April 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Life Brand
Good day Bente_Loenn81,
Thank you for taking the time to review us. Your feedback is very much appreciated. We are disappointed that your food was not consistent with the high standard we pride ourselves on.
Please could you kindly take a moment to forward us your contact details to
https://hh2.goreview.co.za/goreview-crm?revid=4Oj5Psws
so that we may get in touch with you directly to address your concerns.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
The Harbour House Team
Written September 3, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Seafari
Cape Town1 contribution
Oct 2024 • business
I took a Japanese business business associate to Harbour House Kalk Bay for a seafood dinner. We were exited about the idea of a delicious seafood meal, local wine all set in an ideal location. I wish I had read some recent reviews and not got caught by the overall review rating. Obviously something has gone horribly wrong at this place.
The wine was great, the meal was less than average (we ordered crayfish) but the most disappointing was the lack of service. The waitress was terrible. We had to signal her for attention, otherwise we’d probably still be sitting there. There’s no excuse as there was no more than 4 tables being served on a Thurs night! To top the bad service off, when the waitress saw that I chose not leave a tip, her attitude was palpable. She let us know in no uncertain terms that she was not happy.
The evening was such a disappointment and an absolute waste of money. The very friendly car guard who greeted us on arrival and departure received the generous tip instead.
Written October 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Life Brand
Dear Seafari-Online,
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We apologise for your experience not being up to standard during your recent visit.
Please take a moment to send us your contact details using this link https://hh2.goreview.co.za/goreview-crm?revid=r3AsKfoJso that we may investigate this further and provide you with feedback.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Harbour House Team
Written November 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lisa Doliveira
355 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
Our reason for choosing Harbour House for dinner was because of the magnificent views but we were shocked at the exorbitant prices. I ordered the Beef Fillet which was alright, but was quite bland and nothing phenomenal. My husband ordered the Calamari which when it arrived, looked like a small lunch portion. He had to order chips separately to suppliment his R285 "main" course. Our waiter was lovely and very attentive, but the food and rip off prices definitely let it down.
Written March 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie S
Cape Town Central18 contributions
Dec 2023 • couples
We had lunch there on Saturday which was very disappointing all round. The service wasn't great, our waiter had no vibe and we kept on having to go and find service. None of the food was great, you'd expect a lot better for the price points. They didn't have a single vegan gluten free meal for me. I'd had their king mushroom dish before but seemingly this time it wasn't suitable. The chef ended up making a small bowl of stir fried vegetables on hummus which we were charged R225 for. Just shocking.
Written December 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Life Brand
Dear Julie S,
We regret to hear about your disappointing experience at our restaurant. This falls short of the standards we pride ourselves on.
Please could you kindly take a moment to forward us your contact details to https://hh2.goreview.co.za/goreview-crm?revid=qa96z89N so that we may get in touch with you directly to address your concerns.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
Harbour House
Written December 7, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
L0nd0nMB
6 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
Our main waiter was attentive at first but then a sulky supporting cast took over. Our food was unimaginative. The ‘signature’ seabass was overcooked on a bed of bland risotto. The house salad was devoid of flavour and an accompanying item never arrived. Even the macchiato tasted awful. Harbour House seems to be living off past glory, and seems stuck in a time-warp. Avoid.
Written January 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Life Brand
Dear L0Nd0Nmb,
We sincerely apologise that we have not met your expectations.
Please could you kindly take a moment to forward us your contact details to https://hh2.goreview.co.za/goreview-crm?revid=9jlXydJL so that we may get in touch with you directly to address your concerns.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
Harbour House
Written January 22, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maggy1408
3 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
We were disappointed with the slow and lackluster service and the quality of the food. The prices are eye watering and not justified. My seafood pasta had pasta which was undercooked. My pet hate is having to peel the prawns in a hot dish, what a mess. No finger bowl. We had to request the bread and it arrived a very long time later, with no butter. Staff is not attentive and the restaurant seems to cater mainly to tourists. The location and beautiful views are not enough for me to ever go back.
Written November 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Life Brand
Dear Maggym140862,
We regret to hear about your disappointing experience and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this directly.
Please send us your contact details at https://hh2.goreview.co.za/goreview-crm?revid=JyaIM0ko, so that we may address your concerns effectively.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Harbour House
Written November 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael F
Duisburg168 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
We knew it from visits 5, 6, 7 years ago, but were very disappointed. Months ago, we only got a table in the afternoon via the internet. Apparently everything was full. The manager and the waiter were not particularly helpful in choosing the dishes. The fish was very firm and the menu was not delivered at the same time. Sushi in the afternoon was only available with a waiting time of at least 45 minutes or not at all. That remained unclear. For the high price and the experience we had, it was very disappointing. In our opinion, it is no longer worth the money.
Written February 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Life Brand
Good day Michaelfc3478Ix,
Thank you for taking the time to review us. We are extremely disappointed to hear about your experience.
We request that you kindly send us your contact details via this link https://hh2.goreview.co.za/goreview-crm?revid=fE1TZE8y so we can address all your concerns raised.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
Harbour House
Written February 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TIMOTHY MERTENS
16 contributions
Jan 2024 • family
Food was bland and expensive and the waiter was inattentive.
Calamari was tasteless and all extras like rice or veg is an extra charge or almost R100 with small portions and again tasteless.
The same was the case with the fish.
Lovely position and views but this is is clearly a tourist trap.
Written January 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Life Brand
Dear Trmertens,
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We apologise that we have not met your expectations.
Should you wish to discuss this further, kindly follow the link https://hh2.goreview.co.za/goreview-crm?revid=d6Fm97Mn and we'll contact you directly.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
Harbour House
Written January 29, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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