Vasco da Gama Taverna image

Vasco da Gama Taverna

Restaurant Bar Pub Sports bar Portuguese restaurant

One of the Top rated Pubs in Cape Town


Address

Schiebe St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa

Website

vascos.co.za

Contact

+27 21 425 2157

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (1.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 11 am to 10 pm
  • Thursday: 11 am to 10 pm
  • Friday: 11 am to 10 pm
  • Saturday: (Day of Reconciliation), 11 am to 10 pm, Hours might differ
  • Sunday: 11 am to 4 pm
  • Monday: 11 am to 10 pm
  • Tuesday: 11 am to 10 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (24) service (18) Great (14) good (12) Portuguese (10) people (7) chicken (7) atmosphere (7) vibe (7) drink (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 tony r. 5 months ago on Google
    We arrived at 2pm to try and find a place to watch the world cup rugby. It was already full. The owner had a table for his family. He asked us to join them. It was an amazing evening, spent with wonderful people. Thank you my son Josh and I will always remember this.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jody H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place! The food is delicious and very well priced! I would highly recommend the chicken and chips dish but all the food is good! Nice variety of beers as well. We had brilliant service from a man named Lazarus, happy and friendly. I hadn’t been there for 7 years and I was impressed the food was still the great quality. The expansion of the area is also nice lots of seating and space. Overall 10/10 from me. If you in Cape Town definitely go there!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marvin K. 1 year ago on Google
    Was my first time there. The seafood platter was delicious and the drinks our waiter recommended were perfect. We were a group of 14 people and our waiter didn't need to write a single order down. I was most impressed! Will for sure go back.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Malcolm J. 6 years ago on Google
    One of the oldest pubs and still going strong. The food is tasty and have a good variety of beer. The kids would not enjoy the atmosphere. On street parking available right at the pub and no need to walk far. Good vibes and a good place to go for a night out with friends or the boys before hitting the Long Street scene.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ronnie J. 10 months ago on Google
    We had a birthday party for 8 people, MO and his team added balloons, birthday card and cake as extra. Such joy. Over whelming and grateful for the love and care. Thank you. Love the Andre fam. We will all be back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Tumelo 11 months ago on Google
    The place is great as a sports pub. The group I was with, myself included didn't know this. The food was not bad, just not what I expected as it's more of a pub than a sit down restaurant. There were people that were loud as they were watching a football game. I'd say the place is great if you are in search of a sport pub that serves full meals of food.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephan M. 9 months ago on Google
    The "Portuguese Embassy" is a Cape Town legend. I haven't been there in quite a number of years, but after a quick lunchtime visit last week, I'm happy to report that the atmosphere and food is still awesome!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chris W. 1 year ago on Google
    Helloo, 1972 called and they want their decor back! Honestly the place is great, service is good, the fare is above average but it needs a serious revamp. Urgently!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Johnny Da S. 1 year ago on Google
    Joined some friends for some beers and lunch before the Springboks game against Wales and the vibe was awesome. Will definitely recommend and visit again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shaun m. 3 years ago on Google
    Such an amazing place. There was a miscommunication regarding when the kitchen closed and they did everything in their power to make the experience awesome. Including a free beer and organising food, made personally by the manager, to send our hungry selves straight to Neverland. There was no fight or fuss just a manager doing his best. The food, the vibe, the beers all blended together to give us a night to remember.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shannon H. 3 years ago on Google
    Always a great vibe and food!

  • 5/5 Nicky T. 3 years ago on Google
    A real gem in the waterkant CBD. Tried their Usso buco and it was heavenly. Melt in your mouth venison with a sauce and mash added an extra touch as you can soup up the extra sauce with the mash. Yummy!! Atmosphere is very friendly and Portugal culture is definitely depicted in the restaurant. Next time will try the seafood platter. Looked delicious 😋😁

  • 5/5 Takesure C. 3 years ago on Google
    The were scrumptious.

  • 4/5 Roy F. 3 years ago on Google
    Always good

  • 5/5 Zero W. 3 years ago on Google
    Great food snd great service!

  • 5/5 Ken H. 3 years ago on Google
    It's festooned with tvs for all sport and has adequate smoking areas. Food very good reasobly priced drinks.

  • 5/5 Richard P. 3 years ago on Google
    So chuffed that we still have places like this. No show ponies just proper people.

  • 5/5 Peter S. 3 years ago on Google
    Great ambiance, wide variety of beer on tap. Amazing menu, brilliant food. Outstanding service.

  • 5/5 Garth Breytenbach P. 3 years ago on Google
    Great Portuguese pub and grill with plenty of character and great for watching sport. Plenty of screens, great varied menu of a the Portuguese style food and great selection of beers on tap.

  • 5/5 Liezel F. 3 years ago on Google
    Great vibe and Covid protocols in place. Sectioned off so something for everyone. Smoking section and restuarant seating inside and outside. Enjoyed the Eisbein great portions and their Portuguese chicken is to die for!!

  • 5/5 Dudley S. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow, what a hidden jewel. Great food & awesome atmosphere. Congrats on your 50th Thanks Justin for great service.

  • 3/5 Wytze V. 1 year ago on Google
    Old favourite place I have visited since 1978, but not very often the last few years. I was reminded why. No doubt that the ambiance is unique with their long tables and plastic chairs and loud previous-century music. It clearly still appeals and fortunately I had booked a table. My disappointment was about the food, definitely not improved since previous visits. Ten prawns of questionable quality were served on a platter accompanied by a large helping of plain white rice, topped with a large helping of slap chips. That was it. The other meal was a Portuguese fillet steak with a fried egg and, again, a large helping of slap chips. The food bill came to R660. My protest fell on deaf ears, in stead of dealing with it, they just disappeared. The very crowded place does not allow for quick service but the staff was very pleasant. No problems there. Next time I'll just go for a drink....

  • 5/5 Kelly G. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent food, great atmosphere for watching sports and having a pub experience. The manager Gordon went out of his way to make his guests feel comfortable in load shedding. Even though it was busy, service was fast. Would highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Austen U. 1 year ago on Google
    We watched the Formula 1 on a Sunday afternoon and the atmosphere was great. A good number of people without being too crowded and a number of massive TVs around the place ensures it will always be a great place to watch sport. The food was good, with a mixture of Portuguese and classic pub food.

  • 4/5 Tim B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great to catch up with friends in this awesome venue. Service from the Top floor and mouth watering chow. All within a reasonable budget. HIGHLY RECOMEND

  • 5/5 Heinrich S. 1 year ago on Google
    Really enjoyed my meal there last night. Food was excellent, service was great. Also great place to watch broadcasted sport.

  • 5/5 Megan G. 1 year ago on Google
    I enjoyed this place so much, Im back for my third dinner by them. Food is amazing. Service is outstanding. I felt at home. Highly recommend. The manager went above and beyond to accommodate me.

  • 2/5 DCS 1 year ago on Google
    Decent when you're there but don't order on Ubereats. Just got completely under-cooked chicken and the most tasteless butternut I've ever tasted. Not sure if a new chef is on but definitely the last time I order from them.

  • 3/5 Todd 9. 1 year ago on Google
    I was looking forward to a traditional Portuguese beef trinchado. Instead it tasted like a sauce made from a packet (sorry Royco). Very disappointing. Calamari tentacles also average. Other guests has Espetada and there were no complaints, or compliments. Setting is nice.

  • 3/5 Thomas M. 5 months ago on Google
    Beautiful place with a good selection of cold beers, but the food is unfortunately way below par. I ordered half a peri peri chicken and it tasted like it was just re-heated in a microwave. The thigh piece was missing, but in return I got the whole back bone. The watery “sauce” in the plate didn’t help, but the chips were luckily good. I’d go back for a drink, but probably won’t order food again.

  • 5/5 Verna O. 4 years ago on Google
    Had our year-end function there. Venue was convivial, service was quick and efficient despite the 50-strong crowd in our section and the food was delicious. They were very accomodating of our group's needs whilst all the time maintaining a high level of service with their other patrons. We will be back!

  • 1/5 Thamodran Kasavelu C. 7 months ago on Google
    This was the worst food experience Chicken was definitely old stale this is not something you serve your customers The waiter tried to make up by offering a free drink he called the manager who agreed the food was bad and apologized he went on to offer me a free drink which I refused he further stated take a chicken prego as a takeaway which I declined I clearly stated this is not about a free drink and meal when you run an establishment constantly maintain a standard don't run on your review ratings but rather offer meals at a constant quality that must be your mark or label that will speak for itself I was actually very hungry and was looking forward to the meal based on the reviews and was totally disappointed My order was 1/2 chicken peri peri with chips extra hot I have included photos of the food presented to me You be the judge

  • 5/5 Bradley J. 3 years ago on Google
    What a venue, thank you so much for hosting us, food and service was great

  • 5/5 N L. 9 months ago on Google
    2 meals here in a week. Fantastic Portuguese food at reasonable prices.

  • 4/5 Alistair C. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic local bar, great for watching sports or having food and a drink. Good quality food freshly cooked and served by excellent friendly staff. Well worth a visit if your in the area.

  • 5/5 Chris R. 3 years ago on Google
    Food and atmosphere brilliant... Jay and I loved the stop after a beautiful ride around the coast. Great place to stop for lunch

  • 5/5 nicolas l. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent food and company

  • 5/5 Ed B. 3 years ago on Google
    Best service, great Prego steak.

  • 4/5 Diane Janse van V. 3 years ago on Google
    Great food

  • 5/5 Gareth W. 3 years ago on Google
    Great vibe.

  • 5/5 Fred W. 3 years ago on Google
    Still great food

  • 4/5 fhugo101 3 years ago on Google
    Authentic Portugese taverna for locals and visitors alike.

  • 3/5 Lyneane L. 3 years ago on Google
    Good service and food

  • 5/5 wellington P. 3 years ago on Google
    Magnificent

  • 4/5 Betsie M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great food that's value for money

  • 5/5 jan c. 3 years ago on Google
    Always a WINNER!!!!!!

  • 5/5 Lauren M. 3 years ago on Google
    The people were so nice

  • 5/5 Fred G. 3 years ago on Google
    Best Portuguese food in Cape Town

  • 5/5 Susan S. 3 years ago on Google
    Food and service were fantastic.

  • 4/5 Gareth A. 3 years ago on Google
    Solid place for good pub food and a great variety of beers etc. Very well priced generous portions.

  • 3/5 Eduard S. 3 years ago on Google
    Lively vibe & food is very good

  • 5/5 Heinrich P. 3 years ago on Google
    Great food and great atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Barry H. 3 years ago on Google
    Fantastic meal , I treat of chicken

  • 4/5 Brad J. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice food nice spot

  • 5/5 Johann M. 3 years ago on Google
    Good service, great food, great location

  • 5/5 Drew N. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent

  • 5/5 Jay D. 3 years ago on Google
    Quality food and drinks

  • 5/5 andre de W. 3 years ago on Google
    Great ambiance, service and menu.

  • 4/5 Lee S. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely traditional Portuguese food.

  • 4/5 Tanya H. 3 years ago on Google
    The service was excellent, food on time and a lovely vibe.

  • 5/5 Reagan A. 2 years ago on Google
    Great food and drink. Good vibes

  • 5/5 Adriaan G. 3 years ago on Google
    Best food along with the best service. We felt like family


Call +27 21 425 2157 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Free of charge street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Late-night food
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Kerbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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