Places to eat in Arniston

Arniston might be more than slightly off the beaten track, but the forgotten village has given its residents ample time to hone their coastal culinary skills. The small town driven by its traditional fishing activities dishes up the best freshly made and caught seafood with a side order of Cape hospitality.

On your way through town you will happen upon delightful little café’s and art shops in which to enjoy a light lunch while browsing through locally made curios. These quaint shops boast with freshly baked treats to spoil yourself with and build up some energy for the rest of your exploring. The hosts are always happy to share tales of the town which means you might need to stay for dinner as well.

Wandering through town the divine aromas of local dishes invites you into the warmth of the homey restaurants, each one showcasing a different aspect of the area’s unique history and traditions. Drawing inspiration from the beautiful landscape, the local chefs have perfected the art of infusing rich flavours and textures to produce their signature dishes for your enjoyment.

Most of the dining spots in Arniston are owned and run by families, and dining here is more like going home than eating out. The unassuming menus are inspired by the sea and stocked with the day’s freshly caught seafood straight off the boats. This combined with the best of local wines to produce a true coastal cuisine experience like none other. And while nibbling on scrumptious homemade fishcakes or gulping down fresh oysters, the owners might even divulge a family recipe or two if you listen closely. Not to worry if seafood is not your cup of tea, just let them know and they will whip up something different, yet equally delicious just for you.

Preferring to dine in style, the Arniston Hotel is definitely recommended. The 4-star establishment provides you with top-notch cuisine and an award-winning wine list to make it go down all the better. The menu changes daily and truly shows off the chef’s creative innovations. Breakfast can be enjoyed as a hot meal or a continental style start to the day. Lunch and dinner is served throughout the day and can be enjoyed in the bar area with its big screen televisions and stunning aquariums of local fish. Adding a touch of nature, you can savour your meal of choice while looking out over the cobalt blue Indian Ocean.

Arniston might not be the biggest town in Cape Agulhas, but it most definitely has a big appetite. The unique places to eat in this enticing little village dishes up the best traditional meals that will have you going back for seconds. The hosts are informative, the food a taste sensation and the ambience welcoming - the perfect recipe for a great night out.