The Codfather Seafood Restaurant
About
The Codfather offers a relaxed waterfront dining experience where families can enjoy fresh seafood while taking in stunning Hout Bay harbor views. The casual atmosphere and outdoor seating make it perfect for families with active kids who need space to move around, and the family-friendly menu ensures even picky eaters will find something they love.
Highlights
- ✓Stunning harbor and mountain views from outdoor seating areas
- ✓Fresh, locally sourced seafood including fish and chips popular with kids
- ✓Seal spotting opportunities right from your table
- ✓Relaxed, casual atmosphere where families feel welcome
- ✓Family-friendly menu with options for less adventurous eaters
Pro Tips
- 1.Request outdoor seating to give kids room to stretch and enjoy the harbor action, including fishing boats coming and going and playful seals.
- 2.Visit during lunchtime for the best combination of good light for harbor viewing and less crowded conditions compared to dinner service.
- 3.Keep an eye out for the local seals that often pop up near the harbor. Bring a camera as kids love spotting and photographing them.
- 4.Parking can be tight in Hout Bay, especially on weekends. Arrive early or consider using a rideshare service to avoid parking stress.
- 5.Combine your meal with a visit to the nearby Hout Bay beach or Mariner's Wharf for a full family day out in the area.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday lunchtimes are ideal, offering calmer crowds and better lighting for enjoying the harbor views. Summer months (November to March) provide the best weather for outdoor seating, though the restaurant operates year-round.
What to Know
Prices are mid-range ($$) which is reasonable for fresh seafood in a tourist area. The casual atmosphere means families don't need to worry about formal dress codes, and outdoor seating accommodates strollers easily.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, but outdoor seating is most enjoyable during South African summer (November to March). Winter months (June to August) can be chilly and rainy, so indoor seating may be preferable. The harbor is active year-round, providing entertainment in any season.
More Activities Near Hout Bay
Constantia Nek Picnic Area
Constantia Nek Picnic Area is a stunning mountain escape where families can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Hout Bay while picnicking in nature. The peaceful setting combines easy family-friendly hiking trails with open grassy areas perfect for kids to run around, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed outdoor day away from the city bustle.
Chapmans Peak Drive
Chapman's Peak Drive is one of the world's most spectacular coastal routes, offering families a memorable 9km journey along dramatic cliffs with breathtaking ocean views. Perfect for a scenic family drive with multiple stops at safe viewpoints and picnic areas where kids can stretch their legs, spot wildlife, and marvel at the crashing waves below. The easy access to several family-friendly hiking trails and photo opportunities makes this an unforgettable Cape Town experience.
Hout Bay Harbour
Hout Bay Harbour offers families an authentic working harbor experience where kids can watch fishing boats unload their catches, take exciting boat trips to see thousands of seals at Duiker Island, and explore the bustling waterfront. The combination of marine wildlife encounters, fresh ocean air, and colorful harbor activity makes this a memorable adventure for children who love boats and animals.
World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary
World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary in scenic Hout Bay is Africa's largest bird park, home to over 3,000 birds and small animals in stunning walk-through aviaries. Kids can hand-feed parrots, watch penguin feedings, and get up close with meerkats, monkeys, and tortoises. The interactive experiences and multiple daily shows make this a memorable wildlife encounter that's more intimate than a traditional zoo.