Where to Dine in Paternoster

Last weekend, I had a delightful getaway with friends in the charming fishing village of Paternoster on the West Coast. Despite the cold weather, the sun was out, making it an ideal spot for a winter break. We took long walks along the beach, basking in the fresh sea air and soaking up some vitamin D. A few brave souls even took a dip in the ocean. For the rest of us, the weekend was all about cozying up with books, strumming guitars, enjoying cold beers, and of course, indulging in delicious meals.

When in Paternoster, it’s an absolute must to savor the local seafood. It’s simply amazing. One evening, we had a fish braai, grilling fresh snoek that we purchased from the friendly beachside fishermen. For only R30, we acquired two massive snoeks, enough to delight and satisfy our group of 10.

Speaking of dining out, a visit to the Noisy Oyster is essential. This quirky and bohemian-style restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience with a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. Their menu changes regularly, showcasing the freshest local seafood available. If you’re a fan of oysters, I highly recommend starting with their fresh-from-the-sea oysters. After expressing my anticipation about dining at the Noisy Oyster for the first time on Twitter, I received several responses suggesting their Thai seafood curry. Intrigued by the unanimous acclaim, I couldn’t resist ordering it – I’m a huge fan of Thai curries. To my delight, nine out of the ten people at our table also opted for the curry, a testament to its appeal. And boy, did it live up to its reputation! The flavors were vibrant and harmonious, the sauce luxuriously creamy and coconut-infused, and the seafood impeccably cooked. My only lament was that the portion size was a bit small – I could have easily devoured three times as much. Nevertheless, I managed to squeeze in a slice of delectable melk tert for dessert, while my fellow diners raved about their velvety creme brulees.

Wow, what a meal! It was absolutely amazing, and the best part? We didn’t have to pay extra for bringing our own wine. How often does that happen, right?

After we finished dinner, we were still in the mood to keep the night going. So we decided to check out the Panty Bar at the Paternoster Hotel, just a short walk from the Noisy Oyster. And here’s a fun tip: don’t forget to bring a pair of panties to contribute to the quirky bar’s collection.

Speaking of hidden treasures, have you heard of Oep ve Koep? It’s a charming farm stall and restaurant in Paternoster. They have all sorts of tempting treats, like pickled onions with a kick, smoky olives, zesty brinjal relish, and homemade preserves. Oh, and let’s not forget the freshly baked breads, cupcakes, caramel popcorn, and cool souvenirs like t-shirts. It’s a real foodie paradise!

I love coming to Oep ve Koep for lunch. The courtyard is so peaceful, and there’s this beautiful tree that provides shade. The best part is the menu. It’s all about local flavors and ingredients, especially those that come from the West Coast. It’s not just your typical seafood dishes here.

When I saw the menu, I couldn’t wait to try everything. We started with a winter salad that blew my mind. It had rocket, oxalis, nasturtium, quince, capers, and feta. The flavors were out of this world. The peppery leaves, the sweet grainy quince, and the salty-creamy feta – it was a perfect combination.

For the main course, most of us chose either the homemade chicken pie with salad or the calamari bobotie with beetroot, carrot, and apple salad, served with lime custard. Both options were amazing, but there were other tempting choices too. I was curious about the sandveld bean dumplings with mushrooms, dune spinach, and almonds. And the gemsbok sosaties with pan-fried quince and sambals also sounded delicious.

Overall, the food at Oep ve Koep is a true celebration of local ingredients and creativity. It’s a place where flavors come alive and surprise you in the best way possible. If you’re a food lover like me, you won’t be disappointed.

When it comes to food, I have a weakness for delicious surprises. That’s why I was delighted to try the calamari bobotie at this restaurant. It’s a unique twist on a classic dish, combining unexpected elements that come together beautifully. The bobotie itself is made with minced calamari, giving it that authentic texture that fans of the dish will appreciate. But it doesn’t stop there. The chef adds a crunchy salad for contrast, along with a dollop of tangy lime custard and a sweet-spicy homemade chutney. The flavors and textures create a harmonious blend that left me craving for more.

Now, let’s talk about dessert. I must admit that I’m a bit of a cheesecake snob. I hold this dessert to high standards, and I can be quite disappointed if they’re not met. Well, this restaurant exceeded my expectations with their baked cheesecake. Simply put, it was one of the best cheesecakes I’ve ever had. The texture was perfect – creamy and smooth without being too heavy. The crust had a satisfying crumble, and the sweetness was just right. I savored every bite.

I have to mention that this restaurant is a bit of a drive from Cape Town – about one-and-a-half hours. But let me tell you, it’s worth every minute on the road. The delightful surprises in both the calamari bobotie and the baked cheesecake make this place a culinary gem that should not be missed. So, if you’re craving some extraordinary flavors and willing to embark on a little food adventure, I highly recommend making the trip.

As we were leaving Oep ve Koep, just as they were closing, they kindly gave us some leftover bread. Despite having just eaten, we couldn’t resist tearing off pieces of the delicious dried-fig-and-herb ciabatta and rustic brown farmhouse loaf to enjoy on our way home to Cape Town.

Let me tell you about some restaurants in Paternoster.

At The Noisy Oyster, you’ll find delicious food. To make sure you get a table, it’s important to book in advance, especially for weekends. It’s a good idea to make a reservation about a week ahead, especially if you have a large group.

Another great option is Oep ve Koep. They serve breakfast and lunch every day of the week. If you’re planning to visit, keep in mind that they are located on St Augustine Rd in Paternoster.

Hey there, I’m Kobus van der Merwe, and I’m the chef over at Oep ve Koep. I also happen to run a blog called Sardines on Toast, where I share stories about the restaurant, delicious recipes, and all the amazing food you can find here on the West Coast. You should definitely check it out!

Looking for a place to stay in Paternoster?

Well, let me tell you about this incredible luxury beach house called As it is in Heaven. It’s located right on the beach, at the far end of town. And let me tell you, it’s absolutely breathtaking. This place can accommodate up to 10 people, and each room has its own en suite bathroom. Oh, and did I mention the stunning sea views?

Now, let me give you the lowdown on all the cool features of this beach house. First of all, it’s fully equipped with everything you could possibly need, including fancy kitchen gadgets. So, if you feel like testing out your culinary skills, you’re all set. There’s also a TV, satellite, a cozy lounge area, a refreshing pool, two braai areas (perfect for those South African barbecues), a veranda, a spacious balcony, and even a large outdoor lounge. I mean, what more could you ask for?

Okay, let’s talk money. I won’t beat around the bush, this place is a bit pricey. It’ll set you back R10,000 for the whole weekend. But here’s the thing – if you bring along 10 of your closest friends or family members, it becomes way more affordable. And trust me, it’s worth every penny. This place is absolute luxury.

If you’re interested in As it is in Heaven or any other self-catering accommodation in Paternoster, you can book it through Stay in Paternoster’s website: www.stayinpaternoster.co.za, or give them a call at 022 752 2048. They’ll sort everything out for you.