Pedro de Sambento, co-founder of the Ocean Basket restaurant group, first opened the Kloof Street location in 1997 and his enthusiasm for the return of this iconic branch speaks to Ocean Basket’s deep connection to Cape Town and its residents: “We wanted a place where families and friends could feel at home and Kloof Street has always felt like the heart of that mission.”
Birth of an Iconic Cape Town Eatery
It was Ocean Basket’s first standalone store in Cape Town, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. De Sambento recalls that the team discovered the site by chance while driving around the city: “It was serendipity. We stumbled upon this heritage building with an inviting courtyard and knew it was the perfect place for our flagship Cape Town restaurant.”
Kloof Street Ocean Basket quickly became famous for its seafood as well as its welcoming atmosphere and the signature charm of the courtyard. Guests queued up around the block for a taste of the seafood menu, which included dishes that would later become mainstays, such as calamari and classic fish and chips.
De Sambento recalls pouring wine for guests waiting in line, creating an ambiance that felt both personal and communal: “It was a hub of activity and a party atmosphere. People didn’t mind waiting because they knew it was worth it.”
In those early years, the Kloof Street location became a testing ground for Ocean Basket’s evolving menu. The restaurant was known for its “catch of the day” specials, handpicked by De Sambento and his team: “Our menu was simple back then – just the basics, but they were perfected. We’d introduce new items on a blackboard, and depending on how popular they were, we’d roll them out as regular menu items. It’s how we came up with our combos and platters that are so popular today.”
Launchpad for a Global Brand
The original Kloof Street restaurant also housed Ocean Basket’s national marketing office on the second floor. This humble office space was a launchpad for the brand’s national expansion, sparking growth that would take Ocean Basket into malls and high streets across South Africa – and ultimately across the glove.
Kloof Street saw its fair share of VIPs and loyal patrons, including South African music icon David Kramer and former government minister Aziz Pahad, who frequently visited. The restaurant’s close-knit community extended to its staff. Many of the employees who started out on Kloof Street went on to hold prominent roles within the Ocean Basket family and remain with the group today. De Sambento’s own mother, affectionately known as “Mrs. Sam,” was a staple at the restaurant, making her famous tiramisu that has become an Ocean Basket signature dessert.
“It was a family affair. The Kloof Street restaurant was a place where memories were made, both for our customers and for us. It’s where we learned what our customers loved and we used those insights to shape the brand.”
In time, however, Kloof Street’s vibrant scene evolved, shifting from a dining hub to more of a nightlife and drinking destination. This change in demographic and neighbourhood vibe eventually led to the restaurant’s relocation to Sea Point, before it closed entirely: “The area had changed; it was no longer the family-friendly dining spot it once was.”
But in recent years, Kloof Street has experienced a resurgence. Today, it is a bustling mix of new families, young professionals and a dining-focused crowd – much like it was in the ‘90s. For De Sambento, it felt like the right time to bring Ocean Basket back to its roots: “There’s a new energy here, with families and people looking for good food, not just a place to drink. The area feels like it did when we first opened, and we’re excited to be a part of that again.”
New Chapter: Nostalgia Meets Innovation
The new Ocean Basket on Kloof Street is located just 30 meters from its original site. While the space may be smaller, it includes a mini courtyard reminiscent of the original, along with views of Table Mountain that add to its allure. The reopening is a blend of nostalgia and innovation, bringing back the best of what patrons loved while introducing new flavours that reflect Ocean Basket’s growth over nearly 30 years.
This reopening is a homecoming for the Ocean Basket team and for Cape Town locals who have fond memories of the restaurant’s early days: “We’re thrilled to bring Ocean Basket back to Kloof Street. It’s a special place for us and for Cape Town, and we can’t wait to create new memories here.”
