Carla the prawn star

There's a dimly-lit cantina style restaurant located down a dodgy side street in Muizenberg called Carla's;  rumoured to serve the best Mozambiquan prawns this side of the mountain. I can categorically confirm that the rumour is indeed, true.

Carla's is pretty bland during the day but, like a firefly, it glows and buzzes at night. Chintzy tube lights, red check tablecloths, dim lights and sangria painted walls gives the area a colourful and glowing edge.



Carla's restaurant epitomizes the "local is lekker" flavour and most of her customers have heard about her place via word of mouth.  Her authentic, premium seafood food speaks for itself which is why she's always full. There's a homely buzz to Carla's, a bit like that bar in the sitcom "Cheers" where pretty much everyone is welcome. I felt quite at home klapping a cheap bottle of wine while Carla took my order and chatted about Mozambique.

Carla told us to order the coriander, garlic and chilli mussels for starters. They were mouth-wateringly delicious and the chilli was mild. I loved that we were served standard issue government bread with the mussels, and garden variety Tastic rice with the prawns, which we had as our main course. Carla's seafood is bursting with flavour and smacks of the sea - fresh, simple and balanced.

The only plastic Carla accepts is on the tablecloths. Bring cash, your own wine, a great vibe and chat to Carla about Mozambique. Oh, and for God's sake, order the prawns!

Wedged between the Empire Cafe and Muizenberg Corner surf shop,Carla's is pretty easy to find and certainly tops my list of "local is lekker" jaunts in Cape Town!

York Street, Muizenberg
Parking available in the station car park

021-788-6860

Open Monday - Saturday, from 4pm onwards
Only a handful of tables so book in advance.

12 prawns - R108