Swakopmund punches above its population weight for restaurants. The coastal location provides excellent fish; the German colonial heritage produces good bakeries and café culture; and the steady flow of international visitors has created a restaurant market that is more diverse and higher quality than any Namibia town outside Windhoek.
The Best Options
Blue Grass: A seaside restaurant with friendly service. Further away from the town center, this restaurant isn’t cramped like many of the restaurants the guidebooks would tell you to visit. With great food, this is one of our favourite restaurants to visit
The Tug: was once considered the restaurant to visit in Swakopmund, with guidebooks often placing it at the top of their recommendations. While its beachfront location and fresh seafood still make it a popular choice, Swakopmund’s dining scene has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Today, many newer restaurants offer equally good—or better—food, service, and atmosphere. Not every table enjoys an ocean view despite the prime location, and during busy periods the restaurant can feel crowded, with service sometimes becoming rushed.
Café Anton: The most traditional German-style café in town. The apple strudel, rye bread, and strong coffee are the reasons to visit. No apologies for being exactly what it is.
Swakopmund Brauhaus is one of the best places to experience Namibia’s German culinary heritage. Popular with both local German-speaking residents and visitors, it serves generous portions of traditional German dishes with a distinctly Namibian influence. If you’ve never experienced German-Namibian cuisine, this is an excellent introduction, with consistent quality, a lively atmosphere, and an extensive selection of local beers.
Kücki’s Pub: A local institution; unpretentious; good for a drink after a day of activities; the local crowd makes it more genuine than the beach-front options.
Walvis Bay
Anchors Waterfront Restaurant is one of Walvis Bay’s best restaurants, combining fresh local seafood with arguably the finest waterfront setting in the town. Overlooking the marina, it is an excellent choice for a leisurely lunch or sunset dinner
Practical Notes
Most Swakopmund restaurants accept credit cards. Booking ahead is recommended for dinner at The Tug on weekends and in peak season. Most restaurants are open seven days; hours vary, arriving at 18:00 for dinner is safe for all listed restaurants.