Bells HardingstoneJohannesburg might be hundreds of kilometres from the ocean, but the city’s seafood scene rivals that of any coastal destination. With daily fresh deliveries, expert suppliers, and chefs who know when to let quality ingredients speak for themselves, these restaurants deliver authentic coastal flavours in the heart of Gauteng. From fine dining Portuguese establishments and interactive fish-counter experiences to casual sushi spots and family-friendly chains, here are the top seafood restaurants in Johannesburg for 2026.
Top Seafood Restaurants in Johannesburg (2026)
How Seafood Works in a Landlocked City
Good seafood in Johannesburg relies on two things: excellent suppliers and kitchens that know when to keep things simple. The city’s top restaurants work with specialised suppliers who bring fresh seafood inland daily, ensuring oysters remain briny and delicate, prawns stay sweet and firm, and line fish arrives in top condition. From there, the best chefs know that garlic butter, lemon, olive oil, or a splash of wine is often all that is needed.
Top Seafood Restaurants
1. The Codfather – Sandton
The Codfather has earned its reputation as one of Johannesburg’s finest seafood destinations. Founded in the early 1990s by George Sinovich as a fresh fish deli, it has evolved into a full-service culinary institution while maintaining its commitment to freshness and quality.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Sandton Central |
| Cuisine | Seafood, sushi, wood-fired steaks |
| Signature Experience | Interactive fish counter |
| Best For | Serious seafood enthusiasts, business lunches, special occasions |
Dining at The Codfather begins differently from most restaurants. Instead of ordering from a traditional menu, guests are invited to the famous fish counter, where the day’s seafood is displayed on ice like a jeweller’s showcase. Here you will find everything from whole line fish to prawns and shellfish, all waiting to be selected and prepared to your liking.
The philosophy is simple: fresh fish, lightly seasoned, cooked properly. That simplicity is exactly what seafood needs—the kitchen keeps things clean and confident, letting natural flavours do the talking. Alongside grilled seafood, the restaurant also offers a dedicated sushi bar where expert chefs prepare nigiri, sashimi, and creative rolls.
Not just for seafood lovers, The Codfather is also known for its wood-fired steaks, grilled to perfection with a unique smoky finish. Dessert features a rotating selection of homemade gelato with up to 14 flavours daily, ranging from mango cheesecake to adventurous picks like liquorice.
What guests say: “At the heart of the Codfather’s menu is its commitment to fresh fish and seafood, sourced daily and prepared with care. Whether you’re choosing from the fish display or ordering classic grilled prawns, every bite reflects freshness and precision.”
2. Fishmonger Rosebank
Fishmonger Rosebank has earned its stripes as a top-tier seafood destination in Johannesburg. Tucked into Rosebank’s buzzing restaurant piazza (a stone’s throw from the Gautrain station), this restaurant delivers fresh linefish, sushi, oysters, prawns, and calamari with a warm, laid-back atmosphere.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Rosebank Piazza (near Gautrain station) |
| Rating | 4.7-star average (2,000+ Uber Eats reviews) |
| Cuisine | Fresh seafood, sushi, platters |
| Best For | Casual dining, families, al fresco meals |
Starters include creamy lobster bisque, crisp Falkland calamari, and garlic prawns in parmigiano cream. Regulars rave about the fresh oysters and squid heads, delivering both flavour and flair. Main courses shine even brighter, with top-rated Kingklip fillet, golden beer-battered hake, linefish of the day, and succulent Mozambique-style baby prawns.
The seafood platters offer a satisfying spread of prawns, mussels, calamari, and linefish—perfect for sharing on the terrace under the stars. Families appreciate the kids’ fillet and top-notch pepper sauce. The outdoor seating spills into Rosebank’s piazza, giving the option of a lively al fresco meal with a local buzz.
What guests say: “With a solid 4.7-star rating plus 2,000-plus reviews on Uber Eats, dishes like the kingklip, hake in beer batter, and gourmet platter are clearly crowd favourites.”
3. Mira – Sandton
Mira opened in late 2025 and has quickly established itself as one of Johannesburg’s most exciting new dining destinations. Set within the Sandton Sun precinct, this 200-seater Mozambican-Portuguese restaurant offers quiet luxury that feels both transportive and deeply rooted in Joburg’s love for sophisticated dining.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Sandton Sun Hotel, Sandton |
| Hours | Daily, 12pm – 1am |
| Cuisine | Mozambican-Portuguese |
| Best For | Date nights, corporate catch-ups, celebratory dinners |
The menu draws inspiration from Mozambique and Portuguese home cooking. Starters include Lulas Fritas (deep-fried squid heads served with Mira-made tartare), described as indulgent and deeply satisfying, and Mussel Pot served in creamy garlic sauce and white wine.
When it comes to mains, the menu leans confidently into bold, comforting dishes. The Xai Xai Chicken, Mira’s signature spicy chicken, delivers flavour and depth. The prawn and cashew nut curry with rice stands out as a comforting favourite—fried, de-shelled queen prawns in a rich, creamy sauce served with basmati rice and sambals that allow you to build flavour as you go.
Dessert includes a beautifully executed Malva Pudding—a light apricot sponge soaked in warm cream sauce—and a velvety cheesecake with berry coulis. The cocktail programme is a standout, with a Pornstar Martini described as “easily one of the best.”
What guests say: “Mira is the kind of place that makes you slow down the moment you step inside, and in Sandton, that’s no small thing.”
4. Saint Restaurant – Sandton
A short stroll from Nelson Mandela Square, Saint Restaurant approaches seafood with a distinctly Italian perspective. Known for its dramatic dining room and refined menu, Saint blends coastal Mediterranean inspiration with polished dining.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Sandton Central (near Nelson Mandela Square) |
| Cuisine | Italian-inspired seafood |
| Best For | Elegant dinners, seafood pasta lovers |
Seafood appears across the menu in a variety of forms. There is the rich Lobster Pasta, where lobster is paired with tomato, garlic, chilli, white wine and linguine. The Prawn Pasta, served with vodka tomato sauce, confit tomato and tagliatelle, leans indulgent but balanced.
For something lighter, the pan-fried salmon arrives alongside fennel, lentil and potato salad with olive cream, while the linefish dish is paired with polenta fries, marinara sauce and caponata. Then there is the showstopper: the Saint Seafood Platter. Crayfish tail, grilled queen prawns, seabass, calamari and mussels arrive together with lemon butter sauce, lime rice and salad—generous, vibrant, and made for sharing.
5. The Bigmouth Sushi & Grill – Sandton
If the mood calls for sushi and small plates rather than a formal seafood dinner, The Bigmouth Sushi & Grill is a Sandton Central favourite. The menu blends sushi staples with inventive small plates and grill options.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Sandton Central |
| Cuisine | Sushi, small plates, grilled seafood |
| Best For | Casual dining, sharing plates, sushi lovers |
For seafood lovers, the offerings include classic oysters, salt and pepper calamari, and rock shrimp tempura, alongside a variety of sushi rolls. The sushi menu ranges from simple options like salmon sashimi and California rolls to more indulgent creations like the Dragon Roll, combining shrimp tempura, cucumber and avocado topped with spicy mayo and caviar.
For diners who want something warm and comforting, there are also larger seafood dishes like seafood pasta with mussels, prawns, calamari and white fish in tomato chilli garlic sauce. Bigmouth manages to balance quality seafood with a relaxed, social energy—the kind of place where the table fills with plates and the conversation stretches long into the evening.
6. Pigalle Bedfordview
Pigalle Bedfordview is a state-of-the-art “wildlife chic” fine dining locale offering an exclusive dining experience in terms of atmosphere and décor. The interior features abstract artworks, locally-forged two-metre chandeliers, and use of crocodile skin, cowhide and ostrich leather—opulent yet warm and refined.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Village View Shopping Centre, Bedfordview |
| Rating | 9.2/10 from 115 reviews (97% recommend) |
| Cuisine | Seafood, Portuguese-inspired |
| Best For | Fine dining, special occasions |
The menu includes exceptional seafood and shellfish dishes Pigalle is renowned for, as well as a focus on Portuguese-inspired cuisine. Diners praise the delectable Amuse Bouche (butternut soup served in an espresso cup), salmon sashimi with sweet and sour topping, and perfectly prepared seafood mains.
What guests say: “From the moment we arrived til the minute we left we had a truly wonderful experience. Highly recommended restaurant!”
7. Kanpai – Asian Seafood Restaurant
For those seeking Asian-inspired seafood, Kanpai offers a creative culinary adventure with bold flavours and unique combinations. During Restaurant Week 2026 (running until 3 May 2026), Kanpai is offering specially curated seafood menus at exceptional value.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Asian seafood, sushi, ramen |
| Restaurant Week Special | 2-course (R475) or 3-course (R575) premium seafood dinner; 2-course (R325) or 3-course (R425) lunch |
| Best For | Asian cuisine lovers, adventurous palates |
Menu highlights include Vietnamese Stuffed Wings (deboned chicken wings filled with chicken and prawn), Asian Beef Tartare with Sichuan dressing, and Prawn Toast on crispy brioche. Mains feature Coconut Milk Poached Kingklip with ginger, lemongrass and galangal; Thai Coconut Mussels in aromatic yellow curry; and a Gourmet Sushi Platter with rainbow reloaded, salmon lava roll, and tempura prawn.
8. Ocean Basket – Multiple Locations
Ocean Basket remains a reliable favourite for accessible, family-friendly seafood with multiple locations across Johannesburg. The Killarney and Melrose Arch branches consistently receive positive reviews for both food and service.
| Location | Notable Features | Recent Review |
|---|---|---|
| Killarney | Halal-certified, no bookings needed | “The seafood was great and the service was great” – February 2026 |
| Melrose Arch | Halal-certified, convenient location | “Amazing seafood platter amazing atmosphere” – February 2026 |
What guests say (Melrose Arch): “Had the pleasure of being served by Nomagugu. From her attentiveness to the quality of service provided. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone. Best Ocean Basket I’ve had in an extremely long time.”
Seafood Restaurant Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Location | Cuisine | Price Range | Signature Dish | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Codfather | Sandton | Seafood, sushi, steak | Premium | Interactive fish counter | Serious seafood enthusiasts |
| Fishmonger Rosebank | Rosebank | Fresh seafood | Moderate | Kingklip fillet, seafood platters | Casual dining, al fresco |
| Mira | Sandton | Mozambican-Portuguese | Premium | Xai Xai Chicken, prawn curry | Date nights, celebrations |
| Saint Restaurant | Sandton | Italian-inspired | Premium | Saint Seafood Platter, Lobster Pasta | Elegant dinners |
| The Bigmouth | Sandton | Sushi, small plates | Moderate | Dragon Roll, seafood pasta | Sharing plates, casual |
| Pigalle Bedfordview | Bedfordview | Portuguese fine dining | Premium | Seafood platters, salmon sashimi | Fine dining, special occasions |
| Kanpai | Johannesburg | Asian seafood | Moderate (R325–575) | Kingklip, sushi platter | Asian cuisine lovers |
| Ocean Basket | Multiple | Casual seafood | Budget–Moderate | Seafood platters, prawns | Family dining, takeaway |
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Q: What is the best seafood restaurant in Johannesburg?
A: The Codfather in Sandton is widely regarded as one of Johannesburg’s finest seafood destinations for its interactive fish counter experience and commitment to freshness. For a more casual setting, Fishmonger Rosebank boasts a 4.7-star rating from over 2,000 reviews.
Q: Where can I find fresh seafood in a landlocked city like Johannesburg?
A: Johannesburg’s top seafood restaurants work with specialised suppliers who bring fresh seafood inland daily, ensuring oysters remain briny, prawns stay sweet and firm, and line fish arrives in top condition.
Q: Which seafood restaurants in Johannesburg have the best sushi?
A: The Codfather has a dedicated sushi bar with expert chefs preparing nigiri, sashimi, and creative rolls. The Bigmouth Sushi & Grill offers a wide range of sushi from simple salmon sashimi to indulgent Dragon Rolls. Kanpai offers creative Asian seafood with a Gourmet Sushi Platter as a main course option.
Q: Are there Portuguese seafood restaurants in Johannesburg?
A: Yes. Mira in Sandton offers Mozambican-Portuguese cuisine with dishes like Xai Xai Chicken and prawn curry. Pigalle Bedfordview specialises in Portuguese-inspired seafood and shellfish in a fine dining setting.
Q: Do I need to make reservations at these seafood restaurants?
A: For premium venues like The Codfather, Mira, and Pigalle, reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. For Ocean Basket, no bookings are needed—guests are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. For Restaurant Week specials at Kanpai, early booking is advised as tables fill quickly.
Q: Which seafood restaurants in Johannesburg are halal-certified?
A: Ocean Basket has several halal-certified locations in Johannesburg, including Killarney, Emmarentia, Southgate, and Rosebank.
Q: What is the price range for seafood dining in Johannesburg?
A: Prices vary widely. Ocean Basket offers budget-friendly options (under R200 per person). Fishmonger and The Bigmouth are moderate (R200–400). Premium fine dining at The Codfather, Mira, Saint, and Pigalle ranges from R400–800+ per person. Kanpai’s Restaurant Week specials offer excellent value at R325–575 for multi-course meals.
Q: Do these seafood restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions?
A: Most fine dining establishments accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Kanpai specifically requests diners to indicate dietary preferences on the reservation form.
Q: Which seafood restaurants in Johannesburg are best for families?
A: Ocean Basket is highly family-friendly with dedicated kids’ options and a casual atmosphere. Fishmonger Rosebank also welcomes families, with reviewers praising the kids’ fillet and pepper sauce.
Q: What seafood dishes is Johannesburg known for?
A: Johannesburg’s top seafood restaurants are known for fresh linefish (particularly Kingklip), grilled prawns, calamari, oysters, and generous seafood platters. Mozambican-Portuguese influences bring peri-peri prawns and curry dishes to the scene.
Conclusion
Johannesburg’s seafood scene in 2026 is thriving, with options ranging from the interactive fish-counter experience at The Codfather to the Portuguese fine dining of Mira and Pigalle, from the casual coastal vibes of Fishmonger Rosebank to the Asian-inspired creativity of Kanpai.
The city’s top restaurants prove that distance from the ocean is no barrier to exceptional seafood. With daily fresh deliveries, expert suppliers, and kitchens that respect the natural flavours of quality ingredients, these establishments deliver coastal dining experiences that rival any seaside town.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a business lunch, or simply craving fresh oysters and grilled prawns, Johannesburg’s seafood restaurants offer something for every palate and budget. For premium fine dining, The Codfather and Mira are unmissable. For casual yet high-quality seafood, Fishmonger Rosebank delivers exceptional value with its 4.7-star rating. And for family-friendly dining, Ocean Basket’s multiple locations provide reliable, accessible options.
Note: All information is current as of March 2026. Operating hours, menu items, and prices are subject to change. Please verify details with individual restaurants before visiting.