You know that feeling when you walk into a place and immediately realize you’re underdressed, but the staff is so nice you stop caring? That is the vibe at The Nines Cape Town. It sits up there on the ninth floor of the Station House building in Sea Point, looking out over the Atlantic like it owns the place. Honestly, it kind of does.
Sea Point used to be just about the promenade and maybe some decent fish and chips. Now? It’s a full-blown luxury hub. The Nines is the crown jewel of that shift. It isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a massive, sun-drenched deck where people spend way too much money on cocktails because the view makes you feel like a billionaire.
What makes The Nines Cape Town actually worth the hype?
Most rooftop bars in Cape Town are cramped. You’re elbowing people just to see the sunset. The Nines is different because of the sheer scale. We’re talking 270-degree views. You see the Atlantic Ocean, you see Signal Hill, and you see the Lion’s Head peak towering over the suburbs.
The design is very "quiet luxury." Think sand tones, plush velvet, and floor-to-ceiling glass that slides away when the weather behaves. It’s part of the Kove Collection—the same people behind places like Lily’s and Blanko—so they know how to do "fancy" without making it feel like a museum.
The Menu: It's not just "pretty food"
Usually, when a place has a view this good, the food is an afterthought. You get a soggy burger and a $20 bill. But the kitchen here is actually trying. They focus on what they call "high-end classics."
- The Seafood: Since you’re staring at the ocean, it makes sense. Their grilled prawns and kingklip are staples.
- The Meats: They do a serious rib-eye. It’s salted perfectly.
- The Sides: Don’t sleep on the truffle fries. Everyone says that about every place, but here, they actually use real truffle oil and parmesan that doesn't taste like plastic.
The price point is high for Cape Town, but for anyone visiting with Dollars or Euros, it feels like a steal. You’re paying for the real estate, sure, but the execution on the plate holds its own.
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The Logistics: Getting to the Ninth Floor
Station House is located on 19 Kloof Road. It’s a multi-use building, which sounds boring, but it means there is actually decent parking—a miracle in Sea Point. You take the elevator up, the doors open, and the light just hits you.
If you’re planning to go for sunset, you better book two weeks in advance. I’m not joking. The deck is the prime spot. If you get stuck at a table in the back of the dining room, you’ll still have a good meal, but you’ll be crane-necking to see the horizon.
What to Wear (The Unspoken Rules)
Cape Town is generally casual. You can wear flip-flops to most places. Don’t do that at The Nines Cape Town. It’s "smart-casual," which in Sea Point terms means "wear your most expensive linen shirt and leather loafers." You’ll see influencers in full glam and business moguls in tailored suits. If you show up in gym gear after a walk on the Prom, you’re going to feel very out of place.
The Drink Scene at the Sunset Lounge
If you aren't hungry, just go for the drinks. The cocktail menu is massive. They do a lot of gin-based drinks because, well, it’s South Africa. Their "Signature Nines" drinks usually involve some kind of fynbos infusion or local citrus.
The bar area has its own energy. It’s louder than the dining room. It’s where the "see and be seen" crowd hangs out. Even if you’re just there for one drink, stay until the sun actually dips below the water. The way the light reflects off the glass buildings in Sea Point is something you won't forget.
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Is it kid-friendly?
Kinda. During lunch, you’ll see families. It’s bright and airy. But as soon as the sun goes down, the vibe shifts. It becomes very adult, very quickly. There’s a pool on the roof too, but that’s technically for the residents and hotel guests of Station House, though it adds to the "resort" feel of the whole floor.
Why Sea Point is the new Downtown
For a long time, the Waterfront was the only place tourists went. Then it was Bree Street. Now, Sea Point is pulling everyone back. The Nines is at the center of this. It’s surrounded by other high-end spots like Sonny and Irene (downstairs) and a dozen boutique coffee shops.
Staying in Sea Point gives you access to the promenade for your morning run and a world-class rooftop for your evening drink. It’s less touristy than the V&A but more polished than the City Bowl.
Real Talk: The Wind Factor
This is Cape Town. The "South Easter" wind is real and it is angry. Even though The Nines Cape Town has massive glass shields, on a bad wind day, the outdoor deck can be a bit intense. The staff is great at moving people inside, but if you’re sensitive to the wind, check the forecast. If it’s blowing 40km/h, ask for a table in the main dining room near the window rather than on the exposed terrace.
How to make the most of your visit
Don't just show up and hope for the best.
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- Book the "Corner": If you have a group, ask for the corner tables on the deck. They offer the widest field of vision.
- The Lunch Hack: If you can't get a dinner reservation, go for a late lunch at 2:30 PM. The light is still incredible, the menu is the same, and it’s way more relaxed.
- The Wine List: It’s heavy on Stellenbosch and Franschhoek labels. Look for the Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noirs—they pair perfectly with the sea breeze and the salty air.
Actionable Steps for your Trip
If you are heading to Sea Point, here is the move.
First, spend your afternoon walking the Promenade from Mouille Point. It’s about 5km of pure ocean air. Around 5:00 PM, head over to Station House. If you haven't booked a table at The Nines, try your luck at the bar for a "sundowner."
Order the linefish. It’s caught locally and usually hasn't been frozen. Ask the waiter what the "catch of the day" is—if it’s Galjoen or Yellowtail, get it.
Finally, don't rush out. After dinner, grab a coffee or a cognac and watch the lights of the Atlantic Seaboard flicker on. It’s one of the few places in the city where the night view is just as good as the day view.
Check the official website for seasonal menu changes, as they tend to swap out the heavier dishes for lighter crudos and salads during the peak summer months of December and January. If you’re visiting in winter (June-August), the indoor fireplace makes it one of the coziest spots in the city to watch a storm roll in over the ocean.