SALT Cape Town

SALT Cape Town, a beloved eatery in the trendy coastal village of Kalk Bay, South Africa, captures the essence of the Cape's trading post history through its eclectic, globally inspired menu of small plates and hearty dishes. Opened in 2017 by young entrepreneur Nic Macleod, who drew from his international culinary experiences in Switzerland and Germany, SALT is a harbour-facing gem on the bustling Kalk Bay strip, perfect for casual lunches, festive dinners, or spontaneous pop-ins. With a cozy, homey vibe featuring wooden counters, Victorian-style lamps, and fresh roses on tables, it seats 50 diners and offers stunning views of the colorful boats and trains along False Bay. Just a short drive from central Cape Town, SALT pairs perfectly with nearby attractions like Kalk Bay Theatre or a stroll through the quirky village, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed yet flavorful meal. Features:

• Global-Inspired Menu: Small plates blending flavors from around the world, including ceviche with lemon, grapefruit, and honey (South American); Bánh mì pork belly with soy reduction and slaw (Vietnamese-German); curried lentils with pickled beetroot and chermoula croutons (Indian-Korean-Moroccan); wasabi-dusted calamari with lemon and chili (Greek-Japanese); Chalmar sirloin with pebre salsa and patatas bravas (Spanish); and Bratwurst roti with kimchi and sriracha mustard (German-Indian-Korean-Thai). Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options clearly marked, with highlights like the vegan breakfast and house salad.
• Full-Day Dining: Open Monday to Sunday from 5:30am to 11pm (kitchen closes at 10pm), serving breakfast (e.g., early morning R10 special), lunch, and dinner. Average main meal R80-R140, with tapas-style sharing for groups.
• Drinks Selection: Reasonably priced wines like Waterkloof’s Cape Coral Mourvèdre Circumstance, on-tap and bottled craft beers, and Damn Fine coffee. No excessive markups for an accessible experience.
• Harbour Views and Ambiance: Street- and harbour-facing counters for people-watching, dog-friendly policy, and a lively yet unpretentious atmosphere. Adjacent to spots like Bootleggers and Olympia Café.
• Dietary Inclusivity: Extensive options for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-intolerant diners, praised for wholesome, tasty, and beautifully presented meals.
• Contact and Booking: Located at 136 Main Road, Kalk Bay, Cape Town. Call +27 21 788 3992 or visit via the Google link for reservations. Accepts Mastercard and Visa; no BYO corkage.
• Family and Group Friendly: Welcoming for birthdays, quick meals, or groups, with facilities for takeaways, licensed bar, and a vibe that suits all ages—from young children to pensioners.

SALT has garnered rave reviews for its fresh, high-quality food, hospitable staff, and value, earning a 4.5/5 rating on Tripadvisor from over 200 reviews, where it's ranked #8 of 20 restaurants in Kalk Bay. Diners love the "phenomenal" pebra sirloin steak cooked by chefs Angel and Jama, the "delicious vegan options," and the overall experience: "Great people, great view, great music, great food, great drinks! Everything is great here!" One guest noted, "The whole experience is incredible, even if you are not necessarily theatre lovers," highlighting its appeal beyond just food. While some mention occasional service hiccups like delayed orders, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with comments like "Worth its salt!" and praise for owner Nick's welcoming demeanor. As of September 2025, SALT remains a Kalk Bay staple, blending culinary adventure with coastal charm—book ahead for peak times and enjoy the salty sea air.