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Hours
Sun
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Mon
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Tue
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Wed
8:30 am - 10:00 pm
Thu
8:30 am - 10:00 pm
Fri
8:30 am - 10:00 pm
Sat
8:30 am - 10:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
The Lighthouse Café has a beautiful ambience; it is an inviting space, light & airy with a French Provençal and Coastal feel which makes one feel right at home. Together he inspirational and dedicated Lighthouse team have truly created a “home from home” experience for their customers.
PRICE RANGE
$13.00 – $37.00
CUISINES
Cafe
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
1,015 reviews
Excellent
668
Very good
268
Average
47
Poor
16
Terrible
16
J_vdd
Lewes1 contribution
Jan 2025 • family
Being a chef from Europe myself, I very rarely go to a restaurant and come away telling myself I want to write them an instant shining review. However today is an exception, we were recommended to try The Lighthouse Cafe while we were visiting Simon’s Town and I really think they deserve the praise they are due, The staff were friendly and incredibly accommodating and although busy serving a full restaurant still made time to stop and have a chat. I ordered the steak, it was cooked perfectly medium rare as requested and all of the food was fresh, packed with flavour and seasoned to a tee and not to mention generous portions. I definitely recommend trying the Mauritian Bouillabaisse!
Written 24 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MIKE271
Ramsgate83 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
I was staying in the area and had to decide on a place for lunch with too family members. They had driven down from Table View for the occasion so I wanted somewhere I hadn’t been before, but I’d heard good things about. The ambiance was lovely for a sunny day: light, bright and furnished in that French rustic style with lots of white and blue. I had fish and chips and one my relatives had a pork pie and the other yellow fin tuna. Everything was freshly cooked and served with an appropriate accompaniment. Two of us had desserts: apple crumble and custard and malva pudding - both delicious! Our server was polite, friendly and helpful. I don’t remember his name but he was serving at 12 lunchtime on Thursday 27 June.
The Lighthouse is definitely a place you want to visit for ambiance, quality of food and good service.
Written 7 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob H
Cardiff53 contributions
Feb 2023 • couples
We were staying at Residence William French in January 23 and William recommended the lighthouse cafe and we were not disappointed. The food was excellent despite the kitchen having to work around power outages. I particularly enjoyed the mussels but great service and decent value for excellent food.
Written 10 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bryan Y
Accrington48 contributions
Oct 2022 • friends
Visited with local friends on a trip to South Africa. An excellent and surprising experience for dinner in a very unassuming road front building.
The owner was very attentive and pleasant throughout the evening. The menu wasn't particularly extensive, but there was still a good choice and all of excellent quality. My wife had a generous bowl of delicious mussels whilst I had an equally large filet steak with pommes William ( a delicious crispy mashed potatoe pear - very unusual) and vegetables. Another of our party enjoyed the local fish of the day.
A further bonus was that we were able to take in our own wine with corkage of only R 100 (ÂŁ5).
I am advised that breakfast is also excellent, so a great all day option!
Written 24 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rone A
13 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
We were recommended by our Hotel manager at the Willets Hotel to visit this gem. Lucky to get the last reservation on the Friday for the Saturday we were looking forward to the experience. From beginning to end, the experience was wonderful. The owner and main chef is very attentive and checked in with us on the wine order, specialities and during our dinner. Seeing that the line fish is freshly caught and bought-in daily it was our choice. Our meals were presented beautifully and the flavors burts in one's mouth. Will definitely recommend this restaurant if you are looking for something more personalized.
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ramblingman46
Manchester89 contributions
Mar 2024 • family
Situated in the main street in Simon's Town, this is a relaxed cafe for a lunch. The menu is predominantly seafood but they also have variety of pasta, vegetarian and meat dishes. There is no children's menu or high chair fyi.
I had the Jamie's fish and chips and my partner the vegetarian lasagne.
We both enjoyed our mains.Our daughter had a couple of side dishes (chips and baby vegetables).
Service was fine and the price on par with other cafes in and and around the Cape
Written 13 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim M
Hellertown277 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
Our large party stopped in for lunch prior to visiting Boulders Beach to see the penguins. The meal was delicious and priced very reasonably. We ordered sandwiches, salads, and pizza and all dishes served were tasty. The cafe offers both inside and outside dining in a very comfortable atmosphere. Very good value for your money.
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexander
Blonay4 contributions
Dec 2022 • family
First and foremost the entrance and staff was very welcoming, the food came out fast and most important of all tasted amazing too. The staff was present when needed and were very polite and nice. There is a very cosy atmosphere, it is an amazing place for friends and family too. I highly recommend this restaurant and trying every food on their menu!
Written 29 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Woodside8437
Birkenhead248 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
We saw the Sunday Lunch Roast advertised and as a sunny day was in prospect between the cold fronts , we decided to book and take the 45 minute scenic drive from home.
What a disappointment We sat a a very cramped table in the window, asked for non-alcoholic beer which was not available, no suggestion made and waited for our pre-ordered food. It arrived after ten minutes or so, an enormous plate so full that the rice accompaniment was in a separate dish,together with gravy and an unidentified sauce. Worse still, the food was cold with congealed dressing on the broccoli. It went back and hot food returned, but the damage had been done. We moved on for dessert and coffee.
Written 15 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeleenM987
I am so sorry for your disappointing experience with us. We are striving to give our customers the same quality of service and food that we are known for but, sometimes the wheels do fall off. this is not an excuse and would love for you to give us another chance to make it right. We have now stocked some non alcoholic beers.
once again, my apologies.
Brett....original owner
Written 21 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
V M
Cape Town Central1 contribution
Apr 2024 • family
One of the few decent places to eat on Simonstown Main Road, so tired of average food that clearly comes out of a frozen box. Simons Town lacks good restaurants. Most venues in this area have only take-away quality. Not many evening dinner options in the area, frankly. Good staff, good service here, breakfast looks yummy will try that next time.
Written 9 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Estelle C
Paarl20 contributions
Jan 2023 • none
Wonderful to return to a restaurant owned and managed by Michael Israel in old-worlde Simonstown, as his magic continues and it is phenomenal to see him working with the team at the Lighthouse, including our great waiter, Philip, who has been there for many years. The tomato tart was as delicious as it was at Michael's former restaurant (the Pomegranate), and we all enjoyed our fish main courses. Thank you for turning a meal with friends into a special occasion.
Written 13 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy N
Cape Town Central30 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
Visited the Lighthouse Cafe on a Saturday for lunch. Had good seating at the window so could watch the world outside. The ambiance of the cafe was extremely pleasant. it was as though one was transported to a foreign land The waitron was very attentive. we ordered mussels and was delighted to learn that it was brought in that very morning...and it was good. The roasted chicken pie was also delicious. There are so many interesting and varied options on the menu that multiple visits will be necessary. We had a leisurely lunch and was not rushed by the staff. Although each section in the cafe is relatively small the tables are so placed that one can easily forget there are other people there and can have a good conversation with those at the table. So will definitely be back there to try the other options. A genuinely good place to visit.
Written 7 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
toulagounaris
Gauteng9 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
Have often visited and left relatively satisfied, certainly not the best in the area but not the worst either! However on our last visit our food was tasteless, the cheap catering bacon with no bacon just fat was just thrown on a plate and presented. We called the manager but the attitude was one of so what... so sad to bad. And so sad to bad for you, as the customer votes with their feet far, far away for this one.... a much nicer experience on the beach in Fish Hoek at The Gallery, where one does not feel ripped off coupled with bad service.
Written 12 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeleenM987
this is just terrible to read. We have been nominated the best restaurant in the area for the last 7 years and I am really disappointed to read about the food and the Manager's attitude, something we will take up with both Management and Chef on duty. I have been diagnosed with a health issue that have led me to be unable to physically be in the restaurant daily and as such we are very reliant on our staff to carry on our good reputation. I hope you will be back. Heleen Marx, Owner
Written 13 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Godfrey B
Randburg4 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
What an amazing find ! Intimate restaurant with GREAT food and attentive staff . We spent a pleasurable evening at this restaurant that is highly recommended. Food was well prepared , tasty and well presented without too much fuss .
Written 14 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arklebeck
21 contributions
May 2022 • family
Super lunch, yellowfin tuna an absolute delight from a fine menu catering for vegetarians and vegans. Service v attentive, very reasonable prices and far better value compared to what we're used to in the UK. Highly recommended and best food in the Cape on our holiday to date. Simonstown residents are lucky to have cafes like this on their doorstep.
Written 27 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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