Pirates Steakhouse and Pub (Hout Bay)

Thursday, October 23rd, 2014

Reviewed by Mel B

After a trip to the busy Hout Bay market on a summery day, we were desperately seeking a quiet spot to sit down and have a proper meal.

We chose outside, the inside part of the restaurant wasn't too busy at all and there was one other family outside. We waited and eventually the waiter armed with menus appeared. We ordered drinks and then ordered.

The restaurant is predominantly known as a steakhouse/grill so as a vegetarian I didn't have much to choose from but always find something that catches my eye. "Fresh black mushrooms filled with creamed spinach, a hint of garlic & topped with lightly grilled mozzarella & cheddar cheese" - doesn't this sound good? It wasn't.

I got served a small bowl laden in cheese, so saturated in oil that the serviette came out wet when pressed against it. Upon cutting into it, no black mushroom? The big kind you imagine - nope, just two small normal sized button mushrooms with a layer of sloppy spinach and white sauce. It really wasn't appetizing at all.

The rest of the table also ordered a beef burger with mushroom sauce and a calamari starter and chips. The calamari was a fair portion for a starter and came with tartar sauce, not bad. The mushroom sauce on the burger had formed that hard layer on top, when sauce has been sitting too long - not very enticing either.. the burger patty was cooked well, although the overall impression wasn't something one would get excited about at a Steakhouse!

We waited forever for the bill we actually got up to go and pay inside, the woman inside had no idea who waited on our table and left us there to go and ask the others. Not the most professional or organised bunch

We really didn't enjoy our experience at Pirates Hout Bay, very lazy service and very badly put-together food. Perhaps they don't have much energy on a Sunday, but good service and good food should be consistent!