The Fishmonger
If there is one restaurant that has settled the argument about fresh seafood in a landlocked city, it is Fishmonger. Their Gauteng footprint covers Rosebank (our personal-favourite), Bryanston, Illovo, Mulbarton, Centurion and Sun City near the Pilanesberg, so there is likely a kitchen near you doing something worth making a reservation for. The menu moves through daily fresh linefish, calamari, Mozambique prawns, langoustines and lobster with the kind of confidence that comes from sourcing done properly. The service matches it - attentive without hovering, professional without being stiff. Go once and you will understand why the tables fill up the way they do. Details: www.fishmonger.co.za | [email protected] | Various locations throughout the country.
The Prawnery Bistro & Bar
From traditional and legendary prawns dishes to plenty of other seafood favourites, The Prawnery Bistro & Bar is a seafood lovers dream come true. On the menu, you'll be spoilt for choice with an exciting array of dishes, which all are sure to delight the taste buds. A few worth mentioning are the Seafood Pasta (prawns, scallops, mussels and squid in an Italian tomato sauce with linguine); the Grilled Seafood Platter perfect for two (crayfish, line fish, six king prawns, calamari and mussels); and the Chilli, Coconut and Lemongrass Prawn (prawns in a chilli, lemongrass and coconut cream with rice). Click here to see what else is on the menu. Details: prawnery.co.za | [email protected] | 060 528 7958 | 178 Oxford Road, Illovo Junction, Illovo, Johannesburg.
The Codfather
For the ultimate seafood experience, be sure to book your table at The Codfather in Sandton. Other than a menu being filled to the brim with mouthwatering seafood dishes to suit all tastes, but they also offer a cocktail bar which is ideal for after work get-togethers, a walk-in wine cellar complete with over 8 000 bottles of local and international wines (including a specialised list of boutique wines); as well as a whiskey lounge offer a vast selection of whiskeys and cognacs, by bottle or tot, which can be enjoyed next to a roaring fireplace. Details: thecodfather.co.za | 010 020 0286 | Sandton Skye, 03 Stan Road, Morningside, Sandton, Johannesburg.
Fahrenheit Seafood & Grill
Want to treat the family to a delicious seafood meal? Why not visit Fahrenheit Seafood & Grill? You can find a branch in either Benoni, Edenvale or Alberton. Start off your meal with a fresh salad or a delicious seafood appetitser, then take a gander at the main dishes on the menu and choose from a selection of seafood dishes including fish and chips, Baby or Grilled Kingklip, Calamari, Sole, Norwegian Salmon, various seafood combos, and more. And if you're not in the mood for something from the ocean, they also offer alternative dishes from their grill, including steaks, burgers, schnitzel, ribs and more. Details: fahrenheitrestaurant.co.za | [email protected] | 011 452 9704 | Click here for branch details.
The Big Mouth
If you happen to be visiting Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton when the seafood craving hits, then be sure to visit The Big Mouth. Their seafood menu is diverse and interesting, offering guests everything from sizzling seafood straight off the grill and moreish sushi to ocean fresh curries and pastas. One of our favourites is the Lobster Roll – lobster, prawn, brioche, mayo, watercress, smoked paprika and fries. Yum! Details: www.thebigmouth.co.za | [email protected] | 063 293 8869 | Maude Street, Sandton, Johannesburg.
Ocean Basket
When we think seafood, Ocean Basket is the first place that usually comes to mind! Obviously because it's affordable, and who could resist that delicious lemon butter sauce? Their menu is jam-packed with platters fit for those that are looking for a big seafood feast, seafood combo dishes, as well as plenty of sushi options that'll leave you feeling full, happy and satisfied. Click here to take a look at what's on the menu. You can find Ocean Basket restaurant branches all over the country. Details: www.oceanbasket.com | 011 655 1300 | Restaurant branches nationwide.
John Dory's
Another firm family favourite when it comes to tucking into fresh seafood is John Dory's, which can also be found at many different branches across the country. Enjoy everything from exciting seafood specials and platters perfect for sharing or feasting to seafood combos if you're in the mood for more than one type of fish, fantastic sushi and so much more. And if you're looking for something else that isn't seafood, then take a look at their Grill section of the menu which offers steaks, schnitzel, ribs and some chicken options. Details: www.johndorys.com | [email protected] | 0860 53 67 97 | Various branches nationwide. 