Bells HardingstoneJohannesburg might be hundreds of kilometres from the ocean, but you would never know it from the quality of seafood available in the city’s top restaurants. Working with specialised suppliers who bring fresh seafood inland daily, Joburg’s best seafood spots deliver everything from briny oysters and grilled line fish to wood-fired steaks and sushi that rivals coastal establishments . Here are the top destinations for seafood lovers in the City of Gold.
Top Seafood Restaurants in Johannesburg
1. The Codfather Sandton (Morningside)
A Johannesburg seafood institution.
Founded in the early 1990s by George Sinovich as a fresh fish deli, The Codfather has evolved into a full-service culinary institution and remains one of Johannesburg’s most celebrated seafood destinations . The restaurant is quietly tucked away in Sandton’s financial district but has earned a loyal following among locals, business travellers, and food enthusiasts alike.
Why it’s great: Fresh seafood delivered daily, interactive fish counter experience, wood-fired steaks, and an extensive sushi bar.
Price Range: R700 – R800 per person for a main meal .
Best for: Seafood enthusiasts, steak lovers, sushi fans, business lunches, and special celebrations.
What makes The Codfather truly unique is its famous fish counter. Instead of ordering from a traditional menu, guests are invited to the restaurant’s fish counter, where the day’s seafood is displayed on ice like a jeweller’s showcase. You will find everything from whole line fish and prawns to shellfish, all waiting to be selected and prepared to your liking . The philosophy is simple: fresh fish, lightly seasoned, cooked properly.
The restaurant also features a dedicated sushi bar offering nigiri, sashimi, and creative rolls prepared in front of you by expert chefs. For non-seafood lovers, the wood-fired steaks are grilled to perfection with a unique smoky finish, sourced locally and cooked in a specialised oven .
Pros: Interactive dining experience, exceptional freshness, long-standing reputation, heritage building with unique rooms including an oyster bar and whiskey bar. Cons: Premium pricing, some reviews note inconsistency across different locations.
Location: 3 Stan Road, Morningside, Sandton . Open daily 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
2. Fishmonger (Illovo & Rosebank)
Fresh seafood excellence with multiple locations.
Fishmonger has earned its place as one of Johannesburg’s most trusted and celebrated seafood restaurants, offering consistently high standards of freshness, flavour, and service . With locations in Illovo and Rosebank’s buzzing restaurant piazza (just a stone’s throw from the Gautrain station), this well-loved establishment brings the ocean to the city .
Why it’s great: Fresh line fish, sushi, oysters, prawns, calamari, and signature seafood platters in a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere.
Price Range: Mid-range to fine dining .
Best for: Casual lunches, intimate dinners, family dining, and seafood lovers seeking variety.
The menu showcases a wide range of ocean-fresh fare, from line fish and prawns to calamari, oysters, and signature seafood platters. Grilled, pan-fried, or prepared with a Mediterranean twist, each dish is crafted to highlight the natural flavours of the sea . Regulars rave about the fresh oysters, garlic prawns in parmigiano cream, and squid heads. 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 Rosebank location spills out into the piazza, offering lively al fresco dining with a local buzz. The interior strikes a balance between contemporary elegance and welcoming comfort, with bright, airy dining rooms and touches of nautical charm .
Pros: Multiple convenient locations, outdoor seating available, warm and friendly service, family-friendly with kids’ options. Cons: Can get very busy on weekends, booking recommended.
Ratings: Fishmonger Rosebank holds a solid 4.7-star rating with over 2,000 reviews on Uber Eats .
3. The Big Mouth (Sandton – Nelson Mandela Square)
Smoky sushi and Sandton cool.
Since opening in 2015, The Big Mouth has remained a go-to destination for world-class sushi, flame-kissed seafood, and unmistakable Joburg energy with a global twist. Tucked into the heart of Nelson Mandela Square, it brings international polish to Johannesburg’s dining scene without losing that local flavour .
Why it’s great: Josper charcoal grill, stunning sashimi platters, creative sushi rolls, and a sleek, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Price Range: Mid-to-high range.
Best for: Sushi lovers, date nights, business lunches, and vibey Friday night dinners.
The space itself is striking: sleek black steel, bold blue velvet, white marble, and brass finishes. It has the effortless style of a downtown Manhattan brasserie but with a 100% South African heart .
The real game-changer is the Josper Grill, imported from Spain. This charcoal oven gives seafood, steaks, and gourmet burgers that deep, smoky flavour that Joburgers love. The menu features sashimi platters that are almost too pretty to eat, crispy tempura that never feels heavy, and sushi rolls that land somewhere between traditional Tokyo craft and bold California attitude .
Pros: Stunning interior design, high-energy atmosphere, prime location, consistent quality after nearly a decade. Cons: Can be loud when busy, parking in Nelson Mandela Square can be challenging during peak hours.
4. Saint Restaurant (Sandton)
Italian-inspired seafood with dramatic flair.
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 Sandton dining .
Why it’s great: Italian-style seafood pastas, showstopper seafood platter, elegant atmosphere.
Price Range: Premium.
Best for: Romantic dates, long lunches, special occasions, and Italian seafood lovers.
Seafood appears across the menu in rich, thoughtful forms. The Lobster Pasta pairs lobster with tomato, garlic, chilli, white wine, and linguine. The Prawn Pasta comes with vodka tomato sauce, confit tomato, and tagliatelle. For something lighter, the pan-fried salmon arrives alongside fennel, lentil, and potato salad with olive cream .
The showstopper is the Saint Seafood Platter: crayfish tail, grilled queen prawns, seabass, calamari, and mussels arrive together with lemon butter sauce, lime rice, and salad. It is generous, vibrant, and made for sharing.
Pros: Elegant setting, excellent wine list, refined Italian approach to seafood. Cons: Premium pricing, portions can be smaller than traditional grillhouse offerings.
5. Trumps Grillhouse & Butchery (Sandton)
Classic grillhouse seafood done right.
Although Trumps is often celebrated for its steaks, regular diners know the seafood menu is just as impressive. The restaurant’s Signature Seafood section reads like a love letter to classic grillhouse seafood .
Why it’s great: Generous portions, classic preparations, combination platters.
Price Range: Mid-range.
Best for: Diners who want hearty, familiar seafood in a classic grillhouse setting.
You will find dishes like seared salmon served with teriyaki and chilli mayo, kingklip fillet grilled with tartar and lemon garlic sauce, and comforting South African favourites such as hake and calamari. The menu also includes queen prawns grilled and finished with peri-peri and lemon garlic sauces, along with the generous Hake Platter for One, which brings together prawns, hake, calamari, and mussels in one satisfying plate .
Pros: Familiar and satisfying, generous portions, good value for money. Cons: Less adventurous than dedicated seafood spots, can be busy with steak-focused diners.
6. Mozambik (Various Locations)
Portuguese-style peri-peri seafood.
With multiple locations across Johannesburg including Westrand and Randpark Ridge, Mozambik brings the flavours of the Mozambican coast to the city. This Portuguese-style restaurant chain is known for its peri-peri prawns, grilled fish, and relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere .
Why it’s great: Peri-peri prawns, affordable pricing, casual vibe.
Price Range: Affordable to mid-range.
Best for: Casual family dinners, groups, and anyone craving Portuguese-style seafood.
The restaurant specialises in flame-grilled peri-peri prawns, line fish, and generous platters meant for sharing. The atmosphere is lively and unpretentious, making it a popular choice for group bookings and family outings.
Pros: Affordable, family-friendly, multiple locations. Cons: Can be noisy, less refined than premium options.
| Restaurant | Best For | Location | Approx. Price (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Codfather | Premium seafood & steak | Sandton (Morningside) | R700 – R800 (premium) |
| Fishmonger | Fresh line fish & oysters | Illovo & Rosebank | Mid-range to fine dining |
| The Big Mouth | Sushi & Josper grill | Sandton (Nelson Mandela Square) | Mid-to-high range |
| Saint Restaurant | Italian-style seafood | Sandton | Premium |
| Trumps Grillhouse | Classic grillhouse seafood | Sandton | Mid-range |
| Mozambik | Peri-peri prawns | Various locations | Affordable to mid-range |
Tips for Choosing Your Seafood Restaurant
1. Book Ahead for Weekends: Popular spots like The Codfather and Fishmonger Rosebank fill up quickly, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Reservations are strongly recommended .
2. Consider the Occasion: For a special celebration or business lunch, The Codfather or Saint Restaurant offer the most refined experiences. For a casual family dinner, Mozambik or Fishmonger are excellent choices. For sushi and cocktails with friends, The Big Mouth is the destination.
3. Check for Daily Specials: Many seafood restaurants receive fresh deliveries daily and offer specials on line fish or oysters. Call ahead to ask about the day’s catch.
4. Don’t Forget About Sides: At most premium seafood spots, main dishes do not include sides. Factor in an extra R50 to R100 for vegetables, rice, or chips.
5. Ask About Sourcing: The best restaurants work with suppliers who bring fresh seafood inland daily. Do not hesitate to ask where the fish comes from and when it arrived .
Conclusion
Johannesburg might be landlocked, but its seafood scene rivals many coastal cities. From the interactive fish counter experience at The Codfather to the smoky Josper-grilled creations at The Big Mouth and the consistently fresh offerings at Fishmonger, there is a seafood restaurant for every taste and budget.
The key is matching the restaurant to the occasion. The Codfather delivers an unforgettable premium dining experience perfect for celebrations or impressing out-of-town guests. Fishmonger offers reliable excellence for casual lunches or family dinners. The Big Mouth brings high-energy sushi and cocktails to a stylish crowd. And Mozambik provides affordable, generous Portuguese-style seafood for relaxed group outings.
Johannesburg’s top seafood restaurants have mastered the art of bringing the ocean inland. Whether you are craving fresh oysters on ice, grilled line fish with lemon butter, or a showstopping seafood platter, these establishments deliver quality, freshness, and flavour that would make any coastal town proud. Choose wisely, and you will forget you are hundreds of kilometres from the sea.