Located right next to the sea, affordable Portuguese spot Castella Amare is a local gem for breakfasts, lunches and early dinners. Greg Landman reviews.

Fast facts

Serves: Portuguese
Parking: Across the way
Price: Average mains for R120. Pizzas for less.
Best for: Couples and visitors
Stars: Food 4, service 3, ambience 5

The gorgeous location of Castella Amare. Photo by Jaco Voges.

Food

The dishes are all good to look at, in generous portions that smell great and don’t cost the earth, so what’s not to like? The owner is Portuguese so expect nods to that part of the world with items like cheesy beef croquetas, deep fried and crunchy, served with a delicious spicy sauce, and peri-peri chicken livers served either hot – and they mean it – or mild. Also on the starter menu are beef fillet trinchado and a mussel bowl with a creamy white-wine or porra (their word!) sauce.

The croquettes come in a delicious sauce. Photo by Jaco Voges.

The pita bread with garlic and feta turned out to be a very crispy skinny pizza – just the thing to mop up any sauce, so save it to enjoy throughout the meal. Naturally, seafood figures prominently, with the classic, real-deal fish and chips done in pieces with fabulous slap chips. Traditional meat dishes like excellent espetada, burgers and hot peri-peri chicken (not free range) will satisfy any carnivore. Pizzas with imaginative toppings like beef mince trinchado and chorizo – all on extra-skinny bases – are a mainstay. Cheesecake with caramel and lemon meringue are just the way to end.

A very cheesy pizza. Photo by Jaco Voges.

Drinks

The list is more than adequate, with some local treasures available by the glass, carafe, or bottle. A Hamilton Russell chardonnay at R499 shows some serious intent, but there are many other budget options available.

The fish and chips is the real deal. Photo by Jaco Voges.

Service

Staff can dither a bit when things get busy, but not to the point of irritation.

The restaurant couldn’t be closer to the beach. Photo by Jaco Voges.

Ambience

This charming white-washed cottage is so close to the sea – right on the pathway next to it – that if you got any closer you would be in it. Castella Amare’s outside area is the place to be (unless the wind is pumping) with great big umbrellas to shield you from the sun.

And…

Castella Amare closes at 8pm, so is perfect for great breakfasts, lunches and early supper. Parking is available in a parking lot across the way.

Eat Out reviewers dine unannounced and pay their own way. Read our full editorial policy here.