Flanked by the Hout Bay fishing harbour, the wharf, and the old Naval Heritage site (West Fort Battery 1782) and with Chapman’s Peak as a backdrop is a chocolate-box building with bright yellow walls and a red tin roof topped with a host of international flags flying in the wind.
It is here, tucked away at the end of the harbour Road, perched on a jettison of rocks at the edge of the sea that you’ll get to savour what many in Africa have come to regard as the best fish and chips in town.
Originally in 1951 it was a fisherman’s supply store. Fish on the Rocks was started by Mr and Mrs Broderick 30 years ago. Sitting on the fringe of a working harbour it continues to attract a loyal following. It’s not for nothing that Fish on the Rocks has become a destination and is still going strong, with people coming from as far as Sandton and Soweto, Camps Bay and Gugulethu, Melbourne and Manchester, to enjoy its unique experience. Here you’ll encounter a melting pot of cultures and people from all walks of life.
Waiting in line to place your order you’ll be drawn to the newspaper cuttings on the wall filled with family photos of snoek derbies and wonderful anecdotes of the eatery, tracing the stories of staff and family members through the years who have become an integral part of the business and the community.
It is because one feels part of the family, that there is nothing better to do than to take a drive to Hout Bay, enjoy a walk on the beach, or a drive up to the look out point at Chapmans Peak. So if you’re ever in the area pop in for brunch, lunch or supper. The 5-star value is the 20-prawn combo, ideal for 4, and mouthwatering hake, snoek and calamari and linefish specials, that will have you coming back for more. With benches outside you’ll get to feel the salt air on your skin and hear the signature sound of tug boats, fishing trawlers and seagulls cries filtering through the lively chatter of the crowds that arrive in a good mood. And you may even be entertained by a group of lively minstrels who’ll drop by unannounced. Down to earth, relaxed and vibey, there are no formalities to worry about – you arrive when you feel like it – no rush to leave – there’s always place for one more.
Open from 9am until 8pm (Winter) & 9pm (Summer) every day, 365 days a year. Fish on the Rocks is a popular haunt during school holidays and is very popular with groups be they old-age groups, school groups or the biking fraternity. It’s especially popular on Christmas day and on New Years day. “Even the All Blacks Rugby Team paid us a visit in August 2008, and we won’t tell you who won. . . .”
