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By Tasneema Diest
There’s something about starting your weekend with good food, great company, and a warm cup of coffee that just sets the tone for the rest of the day. That’s exactly what my friends and I found at Ocean Basket Pinelands, where we kicked off a chilly Saturday morning with one of the freshest seafood feasts we’ve had in a while. We were welcomed with complimentary warm bread while we browse the menu. Fresh from the oven, soft on the inside with a lightly crisp crust, it’s the perfect way to start your dining experience—and honestly, it’s one of my favourite little touches at Ocean Basket.
One of the things I particularly love about Ocean Basket Pinelands is that the restaurant is Halaal-certified, making it a fantastic dining destination for families and friends looking for quality Halaal seafood in Cape Town.
From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with genuine smiles by the friendly team. We got there just after the restaurant opened, and it didn’t take long before it started filling up with families, couples and groups of friends – always a good sign that you’re in for a great meal!
One of the highlights of our visit was our wonderful waitress, Nyari. She was knowledgeable, attentive and made us feel right at home. She took the time to explain the menu, talked us through the current specials, and even shared a few recommendations, making it much easier to decide what to order.
A Warm Start
Cape Town certainly reminded us that winter is here, so before diving into the seafood, we warmed up with a comforting coffee and latte while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. It was the perfect way to ease into the morning and catch up with friends.
Fresh Seafood Done Right
When it came to the food, Ocean Basket certainly didn’t disappoint. Everything arrived beautifully presented, and most importantly, the seafood was incredibly fresh.
Being sushi lovers, we couldn’t resist ordering the Sushi 16 special (R125). Freshly prepared, beautifully plated and packed with flavour, it was the perfect addition to our table.
For our main feast, we shared the Perfect Catch Platter (R299), designed for two people. It offers a generous selection of seafood, making it ideal if you enjoy sampling a little bit of everything. This time, I decided to step outside my comfort zone. I usually choose the fried seafood option, but we decided to try the Cajun grilled version instead. It was absolutely worth it! The Cajun seasoning added a delicious kick while still allowing the fresh seafood flavours to shine through. It was a refreshing change, and I’ll definitely be ordering it this way again.
We decided to make the most of the current specials, starting with the High Tide special (R99), which includes one of Ocean Basket’s classic seafood meals served with an Ocean Basket Soda.
Relaxed Dining for Everyone
Ocean Basket Pinelands offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it an ideal choice no matter the season. Even on a chilly winter’s morning, the restaurant had such a welcoming atmosphere. By the time we finished our meal, the restaurant had become wonderfully busy, proving just how popular this neighbourhood favourite is.
Whether you’re meeting friends for brunch, enjoying a family lunch or celebrating a special occasion, the relaxed setting, friendly service and delicious Halaal seafood make this a restaurant that’s easy to recommend.
Ocean Basket’s Birthday Celebration is Here!
If you’re planning a visit this week, you’re in for an extra treat.
Ocean Basket is celebrating its birthday on 22 July, with some exciting offers for seafood lovers. The real VIP special is the one-day-only Fish & Chips for just R31, available exclusively through the Ocean Basket app. It’s an incredible way to celebrate, but be sure to download the app beforehand so you don’t miss out.
From the warm hospitality and fresh, flavour-packed seafood to the incredible value for money, Ocean Basket Pinelands was the perfect place to kick off our Saturday. Add in great company, plenty of laughs and a welcoming dining experience, and it turned into one of those mornings that reminds you how special good food shared with good friends can be. It’s definitely a spot I’ll be returning to—and one I’ll happily recommend to anyone looking for a memorable seafood experience.