What You’ll Find
Tucked away on Kalk Bay’s main drag, Olympia Cafe feels like stumbling into a friend’s coastal kitchen; if that friend happened to be an exceptional cook. The vibe is refreshingly unpretentious: mismatched chairs, chalkboard menus, and the clatter of dishes mixing with ocean air drifting through open windows. Sunlight spills across worn wooden tables as locals chat with staff who actually remember your name. This is the kind of place where the food speaks louder than the decor, and that’s exactly the point.
Food & Drinks
The menu reads like a love letter to Mediterranean simplicity with a Cape twist. Their linguini de mate, available in both white and red sauce, draws raves, but the real showstoppers are the mussels. Plump, briny, and swimming in a garlic-white wine broth that demands bread-soaking, these are consistently called the best around. Portions are generous, salads burst with freshness, and the fish changes daily based on the catch. Oh, and the fries? They’ve earned a cult following for good reason: crispy, salty, impossible to stop eating.
Best For
- A lazy Sunday lunch with the family where everyone leaves happy
- Seafood lovers craving mussels that rival any coastal spot in the world
- An unfussy date-low-key setting, high-caliber food that impresses without pretension
- Refueling after exploring Kalk Bay’s harbor and antique shops
Insider Tip
Olympia doesn’t take reservations, so arrive just before noon on weekends to snag a table. The lunch rush hits hard, but the wait is worth it. Grab a coffee from the counter and watch the fishing boats come in.
Quick Facts
- 📍 Location: 134 Main Rd, Kalk Bay, Cape Town, 7975, South Africa
- ⭐ Rating: 4.5 / 5
- 📊 Total Reviews: 2502
What Customers Are Saying
“This is an unassuming gem of a restaurant with great food and service. It is a very casual hole in the wall with high caliber food. We had the linguini de mate both in white and red sauce. I travel a lot and love trying different cuisines and this was one of the best meals I have had! There was jus”
– Visitor (5★)
“Charming and very welcoming. Amazing food, the best fries in the world. Don’t miss the mussels or you’ll regret it. Highly recommended!”
– Visitor (5★)
“Olympia is my dad’s and my absolute favourite spot for a hearty lunch. Everything is consistently 10/10. The mussels are the best I’ve ever had, and the quality of the fish is incredible. The salads come with a lovely dressing and are the perfect accompaniment to any dish. The bread, fresh from the “
– Visitor (5★)