The Codfather

The Codfather is a seafood and sushi restaurant at 37 The Drive in Camps Bay, on the Atlantic Seaboard of Cape Town, South Africa. Its distinguishing format is a counter display of fresh fish and shellfish, from which diners choose their own raw ingredients and then have them prepared as sushi or grilled dishes. The approach makes the meal interactive and lets each guest tailor portions and preparation.

Sushi is the dish most associated with the restaurant, alongside crayfish and line fish selected from the counter and priced by weight. Prices run from roughly R500 to R1,100 per person depending on the choice of fish and shellfish, and crayfish and larger fish drive the higher end. The menu includes sushi platters, grilled fish and shellfish, and a South African wine list is available with a number of whites that suit the seafood.

The atmosphere is casual yet upscale, with a position in the busy Camps Bay strip that attracts sunset diners. The room is open and lively, with moderate to high noise levels in the evening, and it suits couples, families and small groups. Tables near the front give a view of the street and the beachfront, though the sea view is limited compared with the restaurants directly on the promenade.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are recommended for dinner, particularly in summer from December to February, when Camps Bay is at its busiest and sunset tables are in demand, and can be made directly with the restaurant. Camps Bay is roughly 15 minutes by car from the city centre, and parking along The Drive is limited, so many visitors arrive by ride-hail and walk the promenade before or after the meal.