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Smale Seaside Station restaurant in Simonstown, WC
Photo: Google
View of Smale Seaside Station in Simonstown, WC
Photo: Google
View of Smale Seaside Station in Simonstown, WC
Photo: Google

Smale Seaside Station

$$Restaurant
🕑 1.5 to 2 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers enjoy watching the harbor activity and seals, while older kids appreciate the casual vibe and kid-friendly menu options. The relaxed atmosphere works well for families with children of mixed ages.

About

Smale Seaside Station offers families a relaxed waterfront dining experience with stunning views of Simonstown harbor and False Bay. This casual restaurant features dedicated kids menus, activities to keep children entertained, and a welcoming atmosphere where parents can enjoy fresh seafood while little ones stay happily occupied watching boats and seals in the harbor.

Highlights

  • Panoramic views of Simonstown harbor with frequent seal and seabird sightings
  • Dedicated children's menu with familiar favorites and local options
  • Kids activities and entertainment available at the restaurant
  • Fresh seafood and casual dining in a pressure-free family environment
  • Prime location for combining with nearby penguin colony visits

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Request outdoor seating for the best harbor views and seal spotting opportunities, which keeps kids naturally entertained during meal waits.
  2. 2.Visit during weekday lunchtimes to avoid weekend crowds, especially during South African school holidays (December-January and July).
  3. 3.Combine your meal with a walk to nearby Boulders Beach penguin colony (just 2km away) for a full day of family activities.
  4. 4.Bring binoculars for kids to watch seals and boats in the harbor, turning mealtime into an educational experience.
  5. 5.The rand to dollar/pound exchange rate typically favors international visitors, making this mid-range restaurant very affordable by foreign standards.

Best Time to Visit

Visit for lunch between 11am and 2pm on weekdays for calmer crowds and the best natural lighting for harbor views. Summer months (November to March) offer the warmest weather and longest daylight, though winter (June to August) brings whale watching opportunities from your table.

What to Know

Credit cards are widely accepted and tipping 10-15% is customary in South Africa. Street parking is available nearby, though it can be limited during peak summer weekends. High chairs are available, and the casual setting welcomes families with young children.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round with covered and outdoor seating options. Summer (December to February) is busiest due to South African summer holidays. Winter months (June to August) offer spectacular whale watching from the restaurant, with Southern Right whales visible in False Bay.

More Activities Near Simonstown

Activity

Penguins at Boulders Visitor Centre

Boulders Visitor Centre offers families an unforgettable opportunity to meet the famous African penguins up close in their natural habitat along the stunning Cape coastline. Kids will be thrilled to watch these adorable waddling birds from elevated boardwalks and viewing platforms, while learning about penguin conservation through interactive displays and guided educational tours designed specifically for young visitors.

Cafe

Just Nubia Coffee House

$

Just Nubia Coffee House is a welcoming neighborhood cafe in the charming seaside town of Simonstown, offering a relaxed spot for families to refuel during their penguin beach adventures. With a dedicated kids menu, delicious hot chocolate, and pleasant outdoor seating, it's the perfect place to take a break while the little ones enjoy child-friendly fare in a casual, unpretentious setting.

Park

Simonstown Waterfront Promenade

Free

This beautiful coastal promenade offers families the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation along False Bay. Kids can spot seals, seabirds, and occasionally penguins from nearby Boulders Beach while enjoying playgrounds, gentle walking paths, and treats from ice cream vendors. The scenic harbor setting provides a safe, traffic-free environment where children can explore while parents soak in stunning mountain and ocean views.

Activity

Simonstown Main Beach

Simonstown Main Beach is a family paradise on South Africa's scenic False Bay coastline, offering calm, sheltered waters perfect for nervous swimmers and young children. The combination of soft sand, natural rock pools teeming with sea life, and on-duty lifeguards makes this one of the Cape's most reassuring beaches for families. Parents love the picnic facilities and safe swimming conditions, while kids can spend hours exploring tide pools or building sandcastles.