There is no doubt that a restaurant’s most obvious focus is on food, but anyone who’s ever particularly enjoyed a special restaurant will tell you that there’s more to enjoying a meal out than the food. Maybe it’s the ambience, perhaps its the friendly service, or it could be the convenience factor – close to home, easy parking. Often times the setting has a lot to do with your experience in a restaurant too, and so we’ve found a couple of spots to inspire you with the awesome views from their dining areas…

Catch 22 – Bloubergstrand

Catch 22 Beachside Grille and Bar is a second-story eatery overlooking Table Bay. Seated on the deck with a cocktail in hand, patrons are treated to the perfect view of not only the bay, but Table Mountain itself, in all its glory. Specialising in seafood and sushi, it is also possible to get a hefty steak served to you.

Rusty Hook – Roodepoort

Rusty Hook in Honeydew is the perfect example of a country restaurant. The eatery is built on the banks of a dam, which doubles as a popular fly-fishing destination. Sitting on the outdoor deck around sunset you will be struck by the golden light creeping up behind the tree line and the near-perfect reflection of the scene on the water.

The Restaurant @ Glen Carlou – Paarl,

The Restaurant @ Glen Carlou takes its name from the wine estate on which it is situated. Nestled in the heart of the Paarl Winelands, the panoramic view you’ll be exposed to is of rambling vineyards with mountain backdrop. An excellent wine selection goes without saying and compliments the experience perfectly.

Barney’s Tavern – Port Elizabeth

Barney’s Tavern in vibey, centrally-located Summerstrand occupies prime real estate right on the beach front. This is excellent news if you enjoy dining with a view, as on the spacious deck, the ocean definitely steals the limelight. The food offerings are what you might expect from a seaside tavern – meaty grills and seafood.

Fig Tree Restaurant – Ballito

Overlooking the Simbithi Eco Estate golf course, the calming views from the Fig Tree Restaurant are more reminiscent of a country landscape than a seaside one. However, they are gorgeous and calming none-the-less and only add to the feel of this sophisticated restaurant, which boasts a versatile menu to suit all tastes.

Elements Cafe Bar @ The Beverly Hills Hotel – Umhlanga

Elements Cafe Bar is a classy, understated cafe situated on the hotel’s pool terrace. The neutral colour pallet works with, rather than against the stunning ocean views and creates the perfect ambience in which to enjoy a coffee, sandwich or salad.

Gwefey Asian Cuisine – Sandton

Gwefey restaurant occupies an ultra-modern space in the heart of Sandton. It boasts a trendy ambience and lovely views, plus a killer menu with a variety of dishes from all over Asia.

La Capannina – Ramsgate

La Capannina is situated in the South Coast holiday town of Ramsgate in KwaZulu Natal. Owned by an Italian native, you can enjoy delicious pizza, along with other dishes on a broad verandah that looks out over a pretty garden and the vast Indian Ocean.

Col’cacchio Pizzeria – Woodhill

The Woodhill branch of this trusted chain of restaurants is located within the Parkview Lifestyle Centre on Garsfontein Road. The Col’cacchio menu is tried-and-tested delicious and the setting is lovely and serene. There is a wide deck which looks out over the Kimiad Golf Course, which is home to blesbok and numerous bird species.

Which restaurants can you recommend for their great views of city, sea or bushveld?