Lap up the vibe & stunning views at La Parada Del Mar restaurant

The vibe at La Parada Del Mar, even on a winter's afternoon, is one of summer bodies, island style and laid-back relaxation. You can while away hours at one of the window tables overlooking the infamous Victoria Road while ordering a selection of their small plates (like tapas, but a slightly larger portion), and sipping on one of the signature Bombay Sapphire cocktails. Try the Bombay Sapphire and tonic served with rosemary, grapefruit slices and lemon zest. And thank me later.

Restaurants on the strip usually have a bad rap among locals, as the service or food always seem to be lacking, even though the tables are always occupied by tourists. Since opening last December, La Parada Del Mar has proven the strip can have excellent restaurants that cater for locals, who eventually become regulars, as well as the hordes of pop-in-tourists.

The team in the kitchen, under guidance from executive chef Martin Senekal, prepare mouth-watering dishes that look as pretty as they are delicious.

Ask anyone what you should order and they will recommend the salt and pepper fried calamari - golden brown with garlic aioli and lemon. The best part of the recommended roasted pork belly with rosemary apple sauce was definitely the bits of pork crackling scattered around the plate - crunchy and flavourful. Another favourite is the lamb rump served with patatas a lo pobre (Spanish poor man's potatoes), spinach and salsa picante.

La Parada Del Mar keeps the best for last: dessert. We loved the churros with salted dark chocolate sauce a bit too much - salty sweet crunchiness means I'll be back for more. If you're not a fan of too sweet, try the baked vanilla bean cheesecake which comes in a jar with a blackberry mousse, meringue and lemon powder.

Leaving without having dessert is sacrilege, so don't.

Their breakfast menu is in full swing - try the pan breakfast if you're really hungry, or the granola option if you're in the mood for their seriously delicious vanilla bean labneh.

Address: 35 Victoria Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town. Phone: 021-286-2106 or visitlaparada.co.za/camps-bay

THE LOWDOWN

Vibe: Laid back but more upmarket than a beach bar (wear shoes).

Price: A selection of tapas for two, including dessert and a tipple each, about R800. Pan breakfast for two, with a hot drink, about R200.

What to wear: In the day beach wear. Class it up a bit in the evenings.

People who will like it: Tourists, wine lovers, food aficionados, surfers.

Hot tip: Book a table on the balcony for sundowners before your meal. The views make it special .

SORECARD:

Food: 5Ambience: 5Service: 5Value for money: 4Total: 19/20