The Thirsty Oyster

About The Thirsty Oyster

The little harbour town of Gordon's Bay, close to Strand and just outside Cape Town, is a fantastically laid-back setting for visitors that are looking for the ideal combination of beautiful ocean vistas, charming old buildings, plenty of history and character, and excellent proximity to the city centre of Cape Town and the international airport. It is here and, more specifically, within the historic harbour, that the Thirsty Oyster (“home to where the anchor drops”) is lying in wait for guests from around the world that are looking to sample excellent seafood.

The menu is made up of a collection of delicious, innovative dishes that are sure to tempt all palatial preferences. There are prawn pans, pots of mussels, West Coast oysters, homemade smoked Cape snoek pâté with apricot preserve, halloumi and mushroom skewers, and a selection of salads; which are just some of the moreish options making up the starter and snack menus.

The Thirsty Oyster specialises in a variety of irresistible dishes. These include fresh tuna steaks crayfish with lemon butter, calamari rings, seafood rice, prawn and chicken curry, espetada (pork neck, rump, butterfish, dorado, or kingklip), flame-grilled pork belly, and a novel fresh vegetable and kidney bean dish with mild Indian spices and a distinct coconut flavour. Other popular mains include the flame-grilled butterfish or dorado, grilled hake, fresh mussels in their shells, whole Portuguese-style chicken, tender rump steak, or a saucy chicken schnitzel. There are many quick meal choices too, for visitors with a craving for something with a fast-food feel. These include the two-cheese chilli bacon burger, peri-peri chicken livers, crumbed chicken strips, or a hummus platter for something different.

The sweet temptations will round off any meal to perfection. These include a milkshake made with a generous tot of Stroh rum, as well as more traditional options and some items that are rather imaginative. The wine list comprises a comprehensive collection of South African wines, renowned the world around for their outstanding quality and value. Of course, there are also beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages on offer; perfect for a sunny South African summer's day or a cool afternoon that demands something more comforting.

More than the food and drinks, the Thirsty Oyster offers its valued patrons a fun atmosphere and plenty of vibe, in the scenic heart of the inviting Gordon's Bay.