Cocktail Bars in Camps Bay
Drinking cocktails in Camps Bay should be on your list as one of the things to do in Cape Town. Camps Bay is one of the big Cape Town tourist attractions and with cocktail bars all along one of the world’s top 25 beaches, one can only see why.
Here is an in-depth list of the places that offer cocktails all along the seafront in Victoria Road, Camps Bay.
Mynt Café
- 31 Victoria Road | 021 437 1765
- Open | Tues-Sun 08:00-late
- Type | Mediterranean Café | Restaurant
Cocktails |
Word of mouth says that their Blueberry and Chilli Ginger Mojitos and Pina Coladas are the best.
Mynt Café is one of the Camps Bay restaurants that have seating on the sidewalk with a very laid-back atmosphere. Their menu offers great breakfasts, lunches and wonderfully portioned dinners with healthy smoothies and freshly squeezed juices.
“Popular choice include their burgers.”
The Grand Café
- 35 Victoria Road | 021 438 4253
- Open | Breakfast 09:00-12:00 | Lunch 12:00-16:00 | Dinner 16:00-late
- Type | Bistro | Café | Restaurant
Cocktails | Posh cocktails that include cocktails like |
| Grand Pink Mojito | Pink Pigeon Premium Rum, Cranberry Juice, Vanilla Syrup, Lime Wedges and Mint |
| Brazil 66 | Ypioca Cachaca, Cointreau, Lime Wedges, Grapefruit and Gomme Syrup | Grand Kings Summer Cup | Kings Ginger, Fresh Fruits, Lemonade and Cranberry.
“The Grand Café is elegant and glamorous.”
Their top chef prepares diverse cuisine with the freshest ingredients that speak of quality and passion. The Grand Café is divided into two areas; Grand Café and Grand Room. Grand Café is open to public and can seat up to 120 guests. The Grand Room is a members-only facility that can seat 35 guests or 75 guests for cocktail-style functions.
Café Caprice
- 37 Victoria Road | 021 438 8315
- Open | Mon-Sun 09:00-22:00 | Bar open until 02:00
- Type | Mediterranean Café | Cocktail Bar
Cocktails | Enormous selection of cocktails with classic cocktails and more. Signature cocktails include Jamjar Called Admire | Bacardi Superior, Fresh Ginger, Basil Leaves and Pear Infusion |
| 2OceansVibe | Jack Daniels Single Barrel, Cape Fig Preserve, Lemon Juice in an Absinthe-washed glass |
| Jo-Honey Rooibos | Honey infused Bacardi Oakheart, BOS brewed tea, Cranberry Juice and Grapefruit zest.
Café Caprice is known to be Camps Bay’s most popular cocktail bar and hangout spot for celebrities, models and sport stars.
Their menu offers a big variety of delicious food with sidewalk seating and views of the beach. DJs also perform some nights, creating a great party vibe.
Tuscany Beach
- 41 Victoria Road | 021 438 1213/0559
- Open | Mon-Sun 10:00-22:30
- Type | Italian | Mediterranean | Seafood | Grill House
Cocktails | Fish bowls and over 50 cocktails on their menus with a large variety of Martinis, Mojitos and classic cocktails. Tuscany specialities include Tuscany Breeze | Skyy Raspberry, Peach Schnapps, Cassis, Cranberry Juice and Sparkling Wine |
| Pangalatic Gargal Blaster | Skyy Raspberry, Peach Schnapps, Orange Juice, Grenadine and frozen Blue Margarita |
| Mexican Mocking Bird | Tequila, Butlers Peppermint Liqeur, Lime Juice and Sugar Syrup.
Tuscany Beach is trendy with sidewalk seating, spirit-flaming barmen, innovative cocktails, Italian cuisine, fresh sushi and rated some of the best seafood in all of Cape Town.
“Run by the owner with outstanding service.”
Col’Cacchio
- Cnr of Victoria Road and The Meadway | 021 438 2171
- Open | Mon-Sun 11:00-23:00
- Type | Italian | Pizza
Cocktails | Good variety of classic cocktails with |
| Signature cocktail called the Col’Cacchio Woo Woo |
Smirnoff Tripled Distilled Vodka, Fresh Lemon Juice, Peach Schnapps, Cranberry Juice, Monin Strawberry Extract and Basil |
Also popular here is their Peach and Ginger Mojito.
Col’Cacchio has been around since 1992 offering Italian food, thin based gourmet pizzas, pastas and salads. This restaurant is focussed on your health and gives options like pizza bases that are free from yeast, sugar, dairy, wheat and gluten.
Other than most of the other cocktail bars, Col’Cacchio is child-friendly and dough is given to kids to play with. Large variety of mocktails for those that need to take care of the youngsters.
Village & Life Clubhouse
- 69 Victoria Road | 021 438 4630
- Open | Mon-Sun 10:00-22:00
- Type | Mediterranean | Tapas Bar
Cocktails | Classic cocktails as well as special jugs of Sangria, Clara and Cider Sangria.
The Village & Life Clubhouse forms part of the famous Bay Hotel and the street-life along Victoria Road.
Popular for their delicious tapas and easy access to the beach, the Clubhouse Tapas Bar also hosts monthly sunset celebration events.
Sandy B
- 69 Victoria Road | 021 430 4444
- Open | Tue-Sun | Summer 10:00-22:30 | Winter 10:00-19:00
- Type | Private Beach Club
Cocktails | Classic cocktails, with some that stand out like |
| Hibiscus&Rooibos Martini | Gin, Hibiscus Extracts, Cranberry Juice, Lime and Rooibos Tea |
| Spiced Mango Colada | Rum, Mango Juice, Coconut Extracts, Pineapple Juice and Lemon | Cherry&Mint Julep | Burbon, Cherry Extracts, Aromatic Bitters and Mint.
Sandy B is a members-only beach club where style and relaxation goes hand in hand. With a private deck and beautiful pool overlooking one of the top beaches in the world, members enjoy a serious privilege of seeing Camps Bay from this position of utmost quality at the Bay Hotel.
Paranga
- The Promenade, Victoria Road | 021 428 0404
- Open | Mon-Sun 09:00-midnight
- Type | Seafood | Cocktail Bar
Cocktails | Classic cocktails with varieties under subheadings like Martinis, Daiquiris, Mojitos and signature cocktails that include |
| Clifton Shores | Vanilla, Bombay Sappire Gin, Grape Juice and Wine |
| Zombie | Bacardi, Dark Rum, Stroh Rum, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice and Apricot Liquer | African Obsession | Amaretto and Amarula.
Paranga’s floor plan consists out of different levels allowing almost everyone a view over Camps Bay beach and the ocean. The menu offers high quality food and attention to flavour. Great salads, delicious desserts and en extensive wine list accompanies the mostly seafood menu.
Zenzero
- The Promenade, Victoria Road | 021 438 0007
- Open | Mon-Sun 09:00-23:00
- Type | Italian | Seafood
Cocktails | Selection of classic cocktails.
Zenzero is a 220-seater and boasts elegance, professionalism and a menu with incredible options of real Italian cuisine.
Anything from meat to seafood to homemade pastas with some wines imported all the way from Italy.
“An impressive space to enjoy a cocktail in upper class style.”
UMI Fusion
- The Promenade, Victoria Road | 021 437 1802
- Open | Mon-Sun 12:00-22:00
- Type | Asian | Seafood | Sushi
Cocktails | Large range of your classic cocktails with signature cocktails that include |
| Blushing Geisha | Sake, Pomegranate Juice and Rose Nectar |
| Spiced Pear Bellini | Skyy Vodka, Pear Chunks, Pear Liqueur, Spiced Syrup and Sparkling Wine | Sake Melon Slush | Sake, Melon, Ginger and Honey.
UMI Fusion’s interior and view over Camps Bay is unparalleled with inside and outside seating on a deck.
This fairly expensive restaurant offers signature seafood with unique flavours and combinations. Expect outstanding sushi, salads, starters and even some unique items under their Grills selection.
Blues
- The Promenade, Victoria Road | 021 438 2040
- Open | Mon-Sun 12:00-23:00
- Type | Mediterranean Restaurant | Bar | Seafood
Cocktails | Selection of classic cocktails and signature Blues Cocktail.
Blues first opened in Camps Bay back in 1987.
A favourite among many for the combination of magnificent views over Camps Bay beach and outstanding food with flagship dishes like their Shellfish, Pastas, Seafood and their most popular; Crayfish.
“Good wine list accompanies a great menu.”
The Raj
- The Promenade, Victoria Road | 021 438 4555
- Open | Mon-Sun 11:00-22:00
- Type | North Indian | Restaurant
Cocktails | Selection of classic cocktails with signature cocktails like Raj Rose Petal | Vodka, Rose Syrup, Lime and Cranberry Juice |
| Spicy Mango Mojito | Rum, Lime, Mint, Chilli, Mango extracts and Soda.
The Raj is said to make the best Indian food in the country. Expect spicy and traditional Indian dishes but also specialities that include the chef’s seafood special with a spicy tomato madras coconut gravy or hot and spicy Prawn Sizzler.
Apparently their garlic naan bread is something that shouldn’t be missed and even Durbanites speak of their exceptional Chicken Tikka Masala.
Karma Lounge
- The Promenade, Victoria Road | 021 438 7773
- Open | Wed-Sun 21:00-02:00
- Type | Lounge | Bar
Cocktails | Selection of classic cocktails.
Karma Lounge is set in the Promenade’s Penthouse Suite. No ladies under 21 or gents under 23 are allowed.
This joint is stylish and calls upon the upmarket to enjoy lazing, boozing and the occasional dancing when the DJ creates the vibe.
“Compliment your cocktail or bubbly with seafood snacks like
sushi and prawns.”
Mezepoli
- The Promenade, Victoria Road | 021 438 1915
- Open | Mon-Sun 11:00-22:00
- Type | Greek | Tapas | Wine Bar
Cocktails | Classic cocktails with interesting cocktails like Shirley Valentine | Ouzo, Coconut Liqueur, Orange Juice and Bitters | Marmelada | Bacardi Oak Heart, Martini Bianco, Pineapple Juice, Almond, Fig and Ouzo | Mystic Tears | Mastic Spirit, Vodka, Grapes and Basil.
Mezepoli combines traditional and innovative Greek tapas with exquisite wines in utmost sophistication.
Create your plate of tapas from headings such as the Vegetarian Meze with a Chickpea and Fennel Antipasto, Meat Meze with Kefthethes and Souvlaki Chicken as well as the Seafood Meze adding olives, cheeses and dips alongside pitas.
“Sushi platters are also available.”
Ocean Blue
- The Promenade, Victoria Road | 021 438 9838
- Open | Mon-Fri 10:00-late | Sat-Sun 09:00-late
- Type | Seafood
Cocktails | Selection of classic cocktails [some of the most affordable in Camps Bay].
Ocean Blue opened their doors in 1998 and is still known for delicious seafood at the most affordable prices.
Their popular Seafood Platters allows you to build your own plate with whatever specialities you want.
Pastas, Salads and Curries also available as well as a Breakfast menu.
Da Luigi
- The Promenade, Victoria Road | 021 438 6188
- Open | Mon-Sun 09:30-22:00
- Type | Italian | Restaurant
Cocktails | Selection of classic cocktails which sometimes accompanies specials with Oysters.
Da Luigi brings traditional Italy to Camps Bay.
Wood-fired pizzas, home-made Pastas with their signature dish | Capelli D’Angeli al Salmone | Angel hair pasta with salmon, brandy, tomato, chopped onion, a hint of chilli that is all finished off with a touch of cream.
“Liqueur Coffee and Don Pedros also available.”
Le Roi Beach Bar
- The Promenade, Victoria Road | 021 437 1791
- Open | Wed-Sun 18:00-02:00
- Type | Upmarket Bar
Cocktails | Classic cocktails available on request with speciality cocktails like |
| Le Roi Mojito | Bacardi White Rum, Lime, Mint and Sugar Syrup |
| Pressed Apple Margarita | Jose Black Tequila, Triple Sec, Sour Mix, Sugar Syrup and Cloudy Apple Juice | Fresh Fruit Martini | Vodka, Triple Sec, Sugar Syrup and the Bartenders choice of Fresh Fruit.
Le Roi [meaning The King in French] offers a glamorous experience in the heart of Camps Bay with a balcony overlooking the ocean.
This grand bar offers platters for the peckish, a DJ for those in the mood to dance and an awesome experience at the stylish groove bar or on the terrace with only the best wines and French Bubbly to choose from.
Madeira Café
- The Promenade, Victoria Road | 021 437 1778
- Open | Mon-Sun 07:30-23:30
- Type | Portuguese
Cocktails | Selection of classic cocktails
Madeira Café serves great burgers, Portuguese food and is open for early morning breakfast. This restaurant is available for events and functions and often hosts live music events.
Primi Piatti
- 18 Brighton Court, Victoria Road | 021 438 9149
- Open | Mon-Sun 07:30-23:00
- Type | Restaurant
Cocktails | Selection of classic cocktails with interesting cocktails like Plum&Apple Daiquiri, Jam Jar with Plum&Chilli or the Berry Nojito.
“Primi Piatti is one of the most well-known franchises in South Africa.”
With a seafront view in Camps Bay and a spacious restaurant along Victoria Road, there is no wonder why they are always buzzing.
Breakfast menu as well as a standard menu that includes headings such as Anipasti, Pane, Salads, Short Orders, Burgers, Pizzas, Pastas, Mains and Desserts.
Content and Images | Ed Beukes