The heart of Cape Town’s premier harbour destination shone brightly on Thursday, 29 October, as the 2026 V&A Neighbourhood Awards celebrated the standout businesses and makers shaping the iconic precinct. Hosted at the Ocular at Zeitz MOCAA, the ceremony brought together the vibrant mix of local crafters, eateries, commercial entities, and marine operators that give the area its unique charm.
A total of 4,289 unique public voters cast their ballots across four People’s Choice categories to name the ultimate Waterfront favourites:
- Retail: Woolworths
- Eatery: Quay Four
- Small Business: Simply Bee
- Attraction: Two Oceans Aquarium
Public Choice and Standout Double Champions
The People’s Choice voting highlighted how deeply connected visitors and locals are to the precinct’s mainstay offerings. Simply Bee took home top honors in both New & Revamped: Small Business and People’s Choice: Small Business, beating out five other finalists. Meanwhile, the Two Oceans Aquarium proved its enduring appeal by snagging the People’s Choice Attraction award alongside the judged Global Ambassador title in the Destination Advocate category.
Celebrating the Working Harbour: Tenants of the Year
Highlighting both world-class tourism and the bustling industrial grit of the working harbour, V&A Waterfront CEO Graham Wood presented the prestigious Tenant of the Year awards. The five top spots went to Baia Seafood Restaurant, Mirage, Red Bull, Mitchell Du Plessis and Associates, and Zuney.
The diverse list reflects the dynamic ecosystem of the precinct. Zuney made a splash after joining Time Out Market Cape Town in March 2026, where its Classic Zuney Burger earned second place on Time Out’s global best-burger list. Baia Seafood Restaurant welcomed guests to a spectacular new harbour-view space, while Louis Vuitton expanded the Waterfront’s luxury footprint with a brand-new walkway store.
“Creating an inspiring waterfront neighbourhood depends on the collective contribution of the people and businesses who shape it every day,” noted CEO Graham Wood, emphasizing the shared efforts behind the district’s success.
Excellence in Sustainability, Service, and Design
Beyond popular dining and retail spots, the awards honored innovation, service, and responsible operations.
In the Responsible Business section, The Knysna Oyster Company won the Sustainability award, while the Craft and Design Institute earned the Impact title. Service Excellence honors went to Louis Vuitton (Retail), Vovo Telo (Food & Beverage), African Fynbos Gems (Small Business), and the Cape Town Diamond Museum (Attractions).
For space transformations, the New & Revamped awards recognized Burnt Studios, Mugg & Bean, Red Rocket, Simply Bee, and Cape Town Helicopters. Adding a final touch of local flair, bespoke trophies were crafted by local artisans from Umi Ceramics, Crates of Beauty, Zizamele Ceramics, Nammu Ceramics, and Ckho Ceramique.
A Thriving Community Hub
The 2026 V&A Neighbourhood Awards serve as a vivid reminder that the Waterfront is far more than a world-class shopping destination—it is a thriving, multi-layered community. By honouring local artisans, sustainable initiatives, industrial operators, and customer-favorite eateries side by side, the awards celebrate the collective effort required to maintain Cape Town’s iconic working harbour. As these standout businesses continue to innovate and elevate the visitor experience, they reinforce the V&A Waterfront’s reputation as a dynamic hub where local passion and global excellence seamlessly meet.
