A Taste of Nostalgia Returns to Kloof Street
In 1997, Pedro de Sambento, co-founder of Ocean Basket, introduced Cape Town to a new kind of seafood dining with the launch of their first standalone restaurant on Kloof Street. Now, nearly three decades later, this iconic location has made a triumphant return, embodying the brand’s enduring connection to the city and its people.
“We wanted a place where families and friends could feel at home, and Kloof Street always felt like the heart of that mission,” shares De Sambento.

The original restaurant was a serendipitous find—a heritage building with a charming courtyard that became a hallmark of Ocean Basket’s signature welcoming vibe. Guests flocked to enjoy seafood classics like calamari and fish and chips, often queuing around the block. De Sambento himself would pour wine for those waiting, fostering an ambiance that was as warm as the food was delicious.
In its early days, Kloof Street served as a culinary playground for the evolving Ocean Basket menu. Specials chalked up on a blackboard became customer favorites, setting the foundation for the combos and platters that are now synonymous with the brand. The location also housed Ocean Basket’s national marketing office, propelling the group from a local gem to an international name.
Over time, Kloof Street shifted from a family-friendly hub to a nightlife hotspot, prompting Ocean Basket’s move to Sea Point before eventually closing. But as the neighborhood’s vibrant dining scene resurged, the pull of Kloof Street proved irresistible.
Today, Ocean Basket returns to its roots just 30 meters from the original site. The new space may be cozier, but it brims with nostalgic charm, complete with a mini courtyard and stunning Table Mountain views. De Sambento sees the reopening as a homecoming: “There’s a new energy here, with families and food lovers seeking great dining experiences. It feels like the perfect time to come back.”
Blending the beloved elements of its past with fresh flavors and innovation, the revived Kloof Street Ocean Basket is poised to create new memories while celebrating its storied history. For locals and longtime fans, it’s a welcome return of a Cape Town classic.