Wolfgat, 10, Sampson Street, Saldanha Bay Ward 11, Saldanha Bay Local Municipality, West Coast District Municipality, Western Cape, 7381, South Africa
Attractions close by
Welgedaan Estate 28kmDie Strandloper 32kmRelated Places
Cape West Coast
Cape West Coast (Weskus)
Paternoster
Did you know the Western Cape is home to the best restaurant in the world? Yes! The small and humble Wolfgat was named the Restaurant of the Year 2019 in the inaugural World Restaurant Awards.
Besides a number of prestigious accolades, Wolfgat is a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience with gorgeous beach views and unique food that celebrates local produce and foraged greens.
The magic of Wolfgat
Wolfgat is named after a nearby cave. The cave, which is an archeological wonder believed to have been home to people thousands of years ago, forms part of an extensive cave system across the West Coast.
The restaurant itself is a tiny whitewashed building (a former fisherman’s cottage) and caters to only 20 people per sitting. It sits right on the beach, and on warm days your table will be waiting for you outside under a tree with unobstructed views of the turquoise ocean – the word picturesque doesn’t even begin to describe it.
When it comes to food, sustainability and heritage is at the heart of Wolfgat. Chef and owner Kobus van der Merwe creates a seasonal tasting menu comprising seven courses that celebrates the region. Ingredients are all local, seasonal and sustainable and served alongside foraged herbs, plants and seaweed from the area. Some dishes may take weeks to prepare, while other elements are hand-picked each day before the meal service starts.
Getting there
Wolfgat is located in the small fishing village of Paternoster on the West Coast. It’s about two hours’ drive from Cape Town (150km). Paternoster is renowned for its natural beauty and charm. Stay over for at least a night so that you can make the most of your experience.
It’s important to note that because Wolfgat only caters to 20 diners per sitting and the establishment is world-renowned, the restaurant books up a few months in advance. You’ll need to reserve your spot as soon as possible – no walk-ins allowed.
Top tip: If you don’t manage to get a booking for Wolfgat, try Oep ve Koep, an informal garden bistro in Paternoster. Although it does not boast the incredible ocean views of Wolfgat, it shares its mentality in serving seasonal produce, local seafood and fresh pickings from the area.
