


Smale Seaside Station
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.Request outdoor seating for the best harbor views and seal spotting opportunities, which keeps kids naturally entertained during meal waits.
- 2.Visit during weekday lunchtimes to avoid weekend crowds, especially during South African school holidays (December-January and July).
- 3.Combine your meal with a walk to nearby Boulders Beach penguin colony (just 2km away) for a full day of family activities.
- 4.Bring binoculars for kids to watch seals and boats in the harbor, turning mealtime into an educational experience.
- 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
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.
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.
Simonstown Waterfront Promenade
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.
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.