The other evening we had some options for dinner and at the last minute we decided to head out to Kalk Bay for Fish & Chips. Because why not? We are lucky enough to live 15 minutes from Kalk Bay and hadn’t had a chance to do this yet and there’s no time like the present.
Kalk bay is one of the last small fishing harbours in the Cape Peninsula. And it’s also one of the places that you will buy the freshest fish straight off the boats.
All the fish are cleaned right there on the water edge and sold directly to the public or sold on to local restaurants.
We can here to get dinner at Kalkys. If you want to a real Capetonian experience you don’t get more local than this. Order and pay for your food at the window, make sure to check your order number and then take a seat on one of the available benches and take in the views and smells.
While my husband waited for the food, my son and O had a wander down the harbour wall. Every morning and evening you will find this wall filled with local line fishermen and families enjoying their meal together. It’s got such a communal, friendly environment and everyone's happy to chat.
Some of the kids got a huge fright when one of the seals barked at them. Ha! They ran off quickly and hid around a corner. The seal hadn’t actually moved, but were just making themselves heard. The seals in our local harbours our “relatively tame”. Using inverted commas because you should not attempting to get too near or touch the seals EVER!!! Some tourists get too confident and end up in very dangerous situations. The seals are wild animals but enjoy the harbour wall and hence have become accustomed to humans passing by.
Tonight we had a family dinner of 3 pieces of deep fried Hake, calamari, chips for days, 6 bread rolls and a 1L coke. All of this for only R240.00 (The Rand is 15 to the US$) so that will give you a good idea.)
There is absolutely nothing fancy about this meal at all as it’s all piled into a cardboard box and given to you in a plastic bag. But local is local and it all tastes AMAZING! We had so many chips that I made a chip roll. I remember buying chip rolls at our school tuck shop and they were just the best so this brings back a lot of memories.
As we finish up the seagulls are ready to pounce. Make sure you protect your food or you may end up missing a few chips and some fish.
There are some more upmarket and trendy establishments in the harbour for the more discerning palette. Harbour house is a swanky Michelin type restaurant with beautiful sea views from the upper level. Next door is Tigers Milk Restaurant and Bar, more our type of burger joint, also with great sea views. And then downstairs is Lucky Fish takeout - similar to Kalkys but not as rough and ready. Last we have Live Bait Sushi and grill on the lower level, also with stunning views. You really can’t go wrong.
Before we head home, we take one last walk down the pier and admire the clouds while the sun sets behind the mountains. The area of St James, which is home to the Kalk Bay harbour has always been vibrant, colourful and characterful. And the boats share that quality as we meander by in the dusk.
I can’t wait to come and visit again, maybe in the early morning to watch the sunrise. For today we are happy to take in the views of the harbour entrance and it’s signal towers to help the local fishermen navigate their way.
Full tummies we head home, ready for a quiet night.
All of St James and Kalk Bay are beautiful places to visit and explore the local wares, restaurants and sites. If you’re ever in the area it is a must see! We love it - look us up too!
