What should I order at The Thirsty Oyster Tavern?
The Thirsty Oyster Tavern
Peri Peri Chicken
Frequently praised as the tavern specialty, this dish is noted for its large portion size, excellent chili sauce (so good customers buy jars to take home), and overall being one of the best chicken meals experienced by reviewers.
Steak
Multiple reviewers highlighted the steak as perfectly cooked—juicy, thick, and tender. It is often served with well-prepared chips and is considered great value and a must-try.
Beer Battered Onion Rings
Highly recommended as a perfect dish to share at the table; described as a must-have and excellent accompaniment to other meals.
Ribs
Described as sensational and delicious, ribs are frequently mentioned as a top choice for mains, praised alongside other popular dishes.
Seafood dishes (Mussels, Swordfish, Seafood Curry, Calamari, Butter Fish, Hake)
Seafood is a strong point for the restaurant, with multiple dishes like mussels, swordfish, seafood curry, calamari starters, butter fish, and hake mains receiving high praise for freshness and flavor.
Prawn and Pasta Salad
Recommended for its harmony of flavors and textures, featuring fresh vegetables, tender prawns, and a light, zesty dressing that balances the dish beautifully.
Malva Pudding with Custard
Mentioned as a tasty dessert option, it is appreciated for its sweetness and quality, rounding off the dining experience nicely.
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 2 AM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 2 AM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 2 AM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 2 AM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 2 AM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 2 AM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 12 AM |
About The Thirsty Oyster Tavern
The Thirsty Oyster Tavern is a restaurant and bar in Cape Town, known for harbour views, seafood, steaks, and pub-style meals. Reviewers consistently praise the fish, mussels, swordfish, seafood curry, and the peri peri chicken with chili sauce, along with friendly service and big portions. The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and lively, with live music, sports, and outdoor seating. It is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, and reservations are recommended.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is The Thirsty Oyster Tavern known for?
It is especially known for the peri peri chicken with chili sauce, which reviewers call a standout specialty and say is worth the R200 price because of the large portion. Seafood is also a major draw, especially the fish, mussels, swordfish, and seafood curry.
What dishes are most recommended at The Thirsty Oyster Tavern?
Reviewers repeatedly recommend the peri peri chicken with chili sauce, fish, mussels, swordfish, seafood curry, and the onion rings. Other praised dishes include the prawn and pasta salad, steak, pork ribs, pate with Melba toast, and chips that are described as crispy outside and soft inside.
What is the atmosphere like at The Thirsty Oyster Tavern?
The vibe is casual, cozy, and often lively, with live music, sports, and a pub-style feel. Guests mention harbour views, outdoor seating, and a setting that works well for groups, families, and relaxed drinks or meals, while some note it can be quieter on a weekday afternoon than on busy weekend evenings.
Is The Thirsty Oyster Tavern good value?
Yes, many reviewers say the food is well priced or good value, especially for the portion sizes. The peri peri chicken was mentioned at R200 as seeming high at first, but worth it because the meal is large, and drinks are also described as reasonably priced.
When is the best time to visit The Thirsty Oyster Tavern?
A Thursday around 17:00 was described as a nice, relaxed time to go, while weekend evenings can feel very different and busier. Several reviews mention quick food service and attentive staff, but reservations are recommended, especially for lunch and dinner.
Is parking available at The Thirsty Oyster Tavern?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Is The Thirsty Oyster Tavern kid-friendly?
Yes, The Thirsty Oyster Tavern is good for kids.
Restaurants like The Thirsty Oyster Tavern in Cape Town
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