Bells HardingstoneJohannesburg’s seafood scene offers everything from premium fine dining experiences to casual halal-certified favourites. While the city is landlocked, top restaurants fly in fresh fish daily, ensuring diners enjoy ocean-fresh quality. From the iconic pick-and-choose seafood counters to contemporary chains and hidden gems, here are fifteen of the best seafood restaurants in Johannesburg.
Top 15 Seafood Restaurants in Johannesburg
1. The Codfather Restaurant
The Codfather has been a Joburg institution for over thirty years, starting in Rivonia and expanding to Parktown North. The restaurant pioneered the novel pick-and-choose seafood counter concept, where diners select their fish from a display of freshly flown-in catches daily. The menu features oysters, lobster, rock cod, and rib-eye steak, complemented by an educated wine list and a whiskey and cigar bar. Set in a heritage building with unique rooms including an oyster bar and emerald room, it offers a premium dining experience. While some reviews note it is pricey and sushi quality can vary, the freshness and quality of the seafood are consistently praised.
2. Farro
Located in Illovo, Farro has earned a reputation as one of the best seafood restaurants in Johannesburg, with diners praising the fresh, creative, and tasty dishes. Highlights include the Mozambique prawn curry described as rich and creamy with fat, juicy prawns, and the calamari trio which melts in the mouth with perfect Cajun seasoning. The restaurant offers excellent service and a memorable dining experience, with prices around R500+ per person. Reservations are recommended as it gets busy.
3. NorthSea
Described by reviewers as an undiscovered gem and the best seafood restaurant in the country, NorthSea in Nigel offers exceptionally fresh, well-presented, and delicious seafood. The calamari is particularly praised as the best in years, and the restaurant boasts a unique atmosphere resembling a fishing boat. They offer great value for money with specials like half-price sushi on Wednesdays. The staff are professional and caring, with the manager remembered for being humble and attentive.
4. Kanpai
Located in Sandton and Rosebank, Kanpai offers a sublime culinary journey specialising in fresh, expertly prepared seafood. The menu features succulent fresh prawns, premium oysters, and a lavish seafood platter with a curated selection of the day’s finest catches. Their mixed seafood pasta combines fresh oceanic delights with perfectly cooked pasta. The elegant ambiance and impeccable service make it ideal for romantic dates and special celebrations. As a Japanese restaurant, they blend traditional Asian culinary artistry with a focus on fresh, high-quality seafood.
5. Ocean Basket Rosebank
This contemporary chain restaurant with a cheerful vibe serves a variety of seafood, sushi, and sharing platters. Manager Waheem and staff are praised for going above and beyond, with attentive service and personalised recommendations. The well-seasoned fish, crispy sushi, and famous salad dressing are highlights. Recent revamp and efficient service from waitstaff like James and Sandie make it a top choice.
6. Ocean Basket Fordsburg (Halaal)
Located at 3 Dolly Rathebe Road in Fordsburg, this Ocean Basket branch serves seafood in a Mediterranean atmosphere and is fully halaal certified with a certificate clearly visible on the premises. No alcohol is allowed, and prayer is permitted upon request. It offers the same reliable seafood menu as the chain but in a fully halaal environment.
7. Fishmonger Rosebank
Fishmonger Rosebank is listed among Johannesburg’s top seafood establishments, known for its high-quality offerings. The restaurant features ornate ironwork and vintage prints decorating a two-storey, Tuscan-style eatery. This creates a distinct and charming atmosphere for enjoying premium seafood.
8. Jimmy’s Killer Prawns
Located at 41 Central Road in Johannesburg, Jimmy’s Killer Prawns specialises in unique seafood and meat dishes, including prawns, fish, and calamari. The owners are Muslim and have confirmed its halal status, with no alcohol allowed. Nice sized portions and purdah facilities make it perfect for Muslim families.
9. Jimmy’s Killer Fish & Chips
Located at 40 Mint Road, this fully halal seafood spot offers a more casual take on seafood with a focus on fish and chips. Staff have given verbal assurance of halal status, and no alcohol is allowed. It specialises in prawns, fish, and calamari with a wide range of meat dishes.
10. Ocean Basket Cresta Mall
This branch of the popular chain holds an impressive 4.8 rating from over 1,700 reviews, making it one of the highest-rated Ocean Basket locations in Johannesburg. It offers the familiar cheerful seafood experience in a modern, family-friendly setting.
11. Ocean Basket The Glen
With a 4.5 rating from over 1,600 reviews, this branch is a reliable option for seafood and sharing platters in a modern chain restaurant setting. Popular with families and groups looking for a consistent seafood experience.
12. Ocean Basket Gold Reef City
Located at the Gold Reef City entertainment complex, this branch holds a 4.5 rating from over 1,200 reviews. It offers a convenient seafood stop for visitors to the casino and theme park, serving the same menu of seafood and sushi.
13. Ocean Basket Killarney
Located in Killarney Mall, this branch holds a 4.5 rating from over 720 reviews. It provides a reliable seafood option for shoppers and diners in the Killarney area.
14. Ocean Basket Lenasia
With a 4.6 rating from over 1,700 reviews, this branch is one of the highest-rated Ocean Basket locations in Johannesburg. It offers the same modern chain seafood experience with a cheerful vibe and sharing platters.
15. Ocean Basket Southgate
This branch has a 4.5 rating from over 1,100 reviews and is known as a fully halaal-certified Ocean Basket location. The contemporary eatery is known for its lively atmosphere and good value for money. Reviews are mixed regarding service consistency, but the food is generally praised.
Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Cuisine Focus | Location | Key Feature | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Codfather | Premium Seafood | Parktown North | Pick-and-choose seafood counter, 30+ years | $$$$ |
| Farro | Modern Seafood | Illovo | Creative dishes, excellent service | $$$ |
| NorthSea | Fresh Seafood | Nigel | Fishing boat atmosphere, half-price sushi Wed. | $$ |
| Kanpai | Japanese Seafood | Sandton/Rosebank | Oysters, prawns, seafood platters | $$$ |
| Ocean Basket Rosebank | Seafood/Sushi | Rosebank | Lively atmosphere, attentive staff | $$ |
| Ocean Basket Fordsburg | Halaal Seafood | Fordsburg | Fully halaal, prayer facilities | $$ |
| Fishmonger Rosebank | Premium Seafood | Rosebank | Tuscan-style setting | $$$ |
| Jimmy’s Killer Prawns | Halaal Seafood | Johannesburg | Muslim-owned, purdah facilities | $$ |
| Jimmy’s Killer Fish & Chips | Halaal Fish & Chips | Mint Road | Casual, fully halaal | $ |
| Ocean Basket Cresta | Seafood | Cresta | 4.8 rating, 1,700+ reviews | $$ |
| Ocean Basket The Glen | Seafood | The Glen | 4.5 rating, 1,600+ reviews | $$ |
| Ocean Basket Gold Reef City | Seafood | Gold Reef City | Entertainment complex location | $$ |
| Ocean Basket Killarney | Seafood | Killarney Mall | Convenient mall location | $$ |
| Ocean Basket Lenasia | Seafood | Lenasia | 4.6 rating, 1,700+ reviews | $$ |
| Ocean Basket Southgate | Halaal Seafood | Southgate | 4.5 rating, fully halaal | $$ |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Premium Dining Experiences: For a special occasion or business lunch, The Codfather and Farro offer upscale seafood experiences with fresh, flown-in fish and excellent service. Kanpai provides a Japanese seafood experience with elegant ambiance and fresh prawns and oysters.
Halaal-Certified Options: Several seafood restaurants in Johannesburg are fully halaal. Ocean Basket Fordsburg has a halal certificate clearly visible, with prayer permitted upon request. Jimmy’s Killer Prawns at 41 Central Road is Muslim-owned with halal status confirmed. Jimmy’s Killer Fish & Chips at 40 Mint Road also offers halal seafood. Ocean Basket Southgate is also halaal-certified.
Value for Money: For great value, NorthSea offers specials like half-price sushi on Wednesdays. The Ocean Basket chain is known for affordable seafood and sharing platters in a modern setting.
Booking is Essential: For premium spots like The Codfather, Farro, and Kanpai, reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Mixed Reviews: While most seafood restaurants are highly rated, some branches have mixed reviews. Ocean Basket Southgate receives praise for fresh food but criticism for inconsistent service and cleanliness. The Codfather has excellent reviews but some mention it is pricey and sushi quality can vary.
Conclusion
Johannesburg’s seafood scene offers impressive variety, from the premium, pick-and-choose experience at The Codfather to the authentic halal-friendly options at Jimmy’s Killer Prawns and Ocean Basket Fordsburg. Whether you are seeking a romantic dinner with fresh oysters and champagne at Kanpai, a creative seafood feast at Farro, or a casual family meal at Ocean Basket, these fifteen restaurants represent the best seafood dining Johannesburg has to offer. With daily fresh fish flown in and a growing number of halal-certified establishments, the city proves that world-class seafood is possible even far from the coast.