This bustling area with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain contains something for everyone, with fresh seafood galore, plenty of the red meat South Africans love so much and loads of gourmet vegetarian options too. Here’s our round-up of some of the best destinations for an unforgettable dining experience.

It’s been going for 30 years, and locals still queue up to get a table at Willoughby & Co.

The restaurant is conveniently located in the Waterfront’s main Victoria Wharf shopping centre, but the food is far from the ordinary mall fare. It offers a wide range of seafood dishes (fresh oysters straight from the tank are a particular favourite), but the real attraction is the Japanese cuisine. Look around and you’ll see many diners tucking into the speciality sushi. Try the Rainbow Nation Roll: salmon and avocado wrapped in salmon and tuna, topped with mayo, caviar and sesame seeds.

Don’t let that queue put you off. The staff know how to keep their diners-to-be happy, and you’ll often be offered a free glass of wine or bubbly while you wait.

For beautiful food served in a beautiful space, step into Tashas with its light, bright interior. Founder Natasha Sideris was inspired by her Greek heritage and its emphasis on good, simple food done well and enjoyed with family and friends.

Here, you’ll find comfort food elevated by only the freshest local ingredients and artisanally produced products. The Classic Menu includes familiar favourites, while the Inspired By Menu brings the flavours of Spain to the table. Enjoy salmon scramble or French toast for breakfast, haloumi salad or a seafood platter for lunch, and tapas such as patatas bravas or marinated olives any time of day.

They also have a selection of delectable fresh cakes and other treats that you can enjoy with a seriously good cup of coffee.

Braai, BBQ, grill… Whatever you call it, South Africans love nothing more than cooking meat over an open flame. The cuisine at Marble takes this signature method and elevates it to fine dining for a meal that will be a highlight of your visit to Cape Town. With a wood-fired grill at the heart of the kitchen, the cooking method is part of the dining experience.

Unsurprisingly, red meat takes pride of place on the lineup. (The restaurant takes its name from the rich, marbled fat found in a good cut of meat.) Really indulge with South African-raised Wagyu or Chalmar beef, or opt for a tasting platter filled with springbok loin, Chalmar fillet and sirloin, salt-and-vinegar onion rings, jus, Martell Blue Swift pepper sauce and house-made fries. Equal thought and care is put into preparing vegetarian options such as the trio of cauliflower and the mushroom paella.

Beluga is another Cape Town stalwart for good reason. It started off down the road in Green Point in 2000, but its current home in the V&A Waterfront means guests can enjoy waterside dining with spectacular views of the busy working harbour, and the occasional seagull. The daily special (an extended happy hour) is a major drawcard, with Beluga’s signature sushi, dim sum and cocktails at affordable prices. Who could ask for a better spot for a celebration with friends?

This is another menu with a heavy focus on sushi and fish (Capetonians love their seafood fresh from the ocean!), but the talented chefs have something for everyone. You can enjoy traditional South African flavours such as lamb curry or peri-peri chicken, or vegetarian options such as beetroot falafel or mushroom gnocchi. For something sweet after dinner, taste the ultimate local treat: malva pudding.

For the epitome of fine dining, you won’t find better than Nobu Cape Town. It is the only Southern African restaurant in Michelin-starred Chef Nobuyuki ”Nobu” Matsuhisa’s stable (the other African location is in Egypt, in case you were wondering). You can expect his signature Japanese-Peruvian blend of cooking, with a focus on the fresh seafood Cape Town is known for. You’ll find seafood ceviche, black cod miso and lobster wasabi; as well as local meats such as springbok with truffle tosazu and South African Wagyu beef.

Nobu is located away from the busy Waterfront shopping area in the ultra-luxurious five-star One & Only Cape Town hotel, also home to the excellent Rooi (Afrikaans for “red” – the colour of flames). This grill restaurant is a showcase of South African flavours from land and sea, all transformed by fire

To finish off your Waterfront culinary experience, indulge in a nightcap (or two) after dinner at Bascule Bar. This elegant, dimly lit refuge from the crowd boasts a list of 500 whiskies. The service is impeccable, with knowledgeable staff who can recommend the best choice for you, whether you’re an aficionado or part of the “I don’t like whisky” crowd. Sample a 25-year-old Scottish single malt or try a tipple from the US, Japan or South Africa.

If you can’t make up your mind, there are also tasting menus that let you explore a variety of drinks from one region. And, if whisky really isn’t for you, there’s a respectable wine list and a carefully curated selection of cocktails. For something local, try the inventive Boland Blazer (brandy, Campari, sweet vermouth and red wine – served hot).

The V&A Waterfront has more than 100 eateries, including fine-dining restaurants for every appetite. Whether you’re in the mood for a good steak, lusting after the freshest seafood or looking for a delicious vegetarian dish, there’s a gourmet meal waiting for you.