I keep forgetting that Mariner’s Wharf refers to the whole complex in the Hout Bay harbour and that the restaurant itself is actually called Wharfside Grill. This is not really a full review of the restaurant but a review of the special they are currently running which I mentioned in the June newsletter. The special is a 3 course meal, followed by coffee or a glass of port for R100. It sounds like good value and indeed it is.
To start, my partner had the seafood fritters, which we felt they were more like seafood fishcakes than fritters. But regardless, they were tasty. I had the clam chowder and was quite surprised with what I received. All the clam chowders I have had before have been cream/milk based but this was tomato based. Research reveals that the cream or milk based chowders are New England style and the tomato based ones are Manhattan style. It was very flavourful, but didn’t have a strong seafood/clam flavour. Other options were mussels or soup of the day.
For mains one can select 2 of the following: prawns, calamari, linefish, steak & mussels, served with rice/chips & veggies. I had the fish and prawns, my partner had the fish and calamari. The calamari was excellent (I love the calamari from the take-away downstairs) and the fish and prawns were quite good as well. I would have liked more veggies, 2 mouthfuls seemed a little stingy. We both had the malva pudding with ice-cream for dessert, yummy. Although the banana pavlova splendide looked interesting.
Wharfside Grill is not an expensive restaurant, for it’s location and the quality of food, it’s really reasonable. The wine list is not expensive either. You can find a reasonable wine for under R100. Considering my next meal (at Salt) cost me R130 just for the main, and a pizza from Col’caccio is about R75, R100 for a 3 course meal is good value. If you’re prepared to make the drive to Hout Bay, I think the Wharfside Grill makes a pleasant change. Just remember the special is not available for Sunday lunch.
Wharfside Grill
Mariner’s Wharf, Hout Bay harbour
021 790 1100
www.marinerswharf.co.za
Comments
3 responses to “Wharfside Grill review”
The restaurants in Hout Bay that weren’t closed today (New Years day) were full. Wharfside Grill had the shortest queue so we ended up having lunch here. It’s a very large restaurant and they were full, under those conditions, the service handled and the kitchen did well.
We had the linefish (Cape Salmon) with lemon butter and chips (R110). I must remember to have the lemon butter on the side next time, I’m not used to it so it was quite rich. We also shared a cajun calamari (R75) which was good.
No complaints.
I tested the winter special at Wharfside Grill tonight. I forgot about the lemon butter (see my comment above) so my main of prawn (3) and linefish (angelfish) combo was drenched again.
My tempura calamari starter was good, the seafood soup with Amarula cream wasn’t as interesting as it sounded.
We shared the banana and pecan pie with custard (or Amarula cream) for dessert.
Again, the service is good, the food consistent and the prices reasonable. The winter special is R100 which is a steal.
Just don’t forget to order your lemon butter on the side.