Barnacles Restaurant, Port Elizabeth - Restaurant Reviews, Phone Number & Photos

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CUISINES

Bar, Seafood

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service

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4.0

121 reviews

Excellent

45

Very good

42

Average

18

Poor

8

Terrible

8

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GlobalTrendSetter

116 contributions

#1 Restaurant

Nov 2021 • none

Three years since we were last in South Africa and Barancles in Port Elizabeth was on our list of 'go to' places for food and scenery that demonstrates the best of South Africa. We went on Wednesday evening when they do a special Tomahawk steak and I could not resist the challenge. My wife had the Clamari for which Barnacles is famous. The Tomahawk was personally prepared and cooked to my taste, with the customary 'secret' basting of course. As you would expect it was a meal and a half which I manged to finish and enjoyed every bite. 10 out of 10 to Braai Master Lomo. The Calamari was simply perfect, as expected and as we last experienced when we were last in South Africa. There are not many places where you can sit in the restaurant and watch the 'chokka' (squid / calamari) boats fishing for what is on your plate. Excellent value for money, another memorable experience and we look forward to returning again... Well done Sharon and The Barnacles Team

Written 4 November 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jill d

Port Elizabeth2417 contributions

Seating options for all kinds of weather!

Sept 2020 • none

In the past, we have only been to Barnacles when the weather was good but on this last occasion we visited, the cold and windy conditions necessitated us seeking shelter indoors... but we still had a good view! My husband and I were impressed with the protocols put in place by the management to ensure that they were covid-compliant...a register to be completed, our temperatures taken etc. It was encouraging to see that our cutlery arrived in a plastic container, filled with hot water. We only got them from their hot water bath just before using them! It was interesting too, that other patrons kept on their masks as we did, until the food arrived at the table. Although the seating plan had not been altered post-lockdown , the restaurant was empty enough for the patrons to practice their own form of social distancing. We ordered our breakfast and there was minimal waiting time. I'd be happy to repeat the experience.

Written 3 September 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hugh W from Cape Town

Sea Point139 contributions

Wonderful seafood platter

May 2021 • none

We were there on Mother’s Day and arrived at 11:45 and it was already packed. Lucky to get a table outside. There are no bookings and all the protocols in place. This rustic restaurant is right on the sea. There is a good selection of family favorites on the menu at reasonable prices. Three of us shared a delicious platter of seafood (prawns, calamari and fish with plenty of chips and dips). More than enough and best deep fried hake I have had for a while. Service was outstanding.

Written 20 May 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lisa Faith

3 contributions

All I got was a good sea view

Jan 2022 • family

Accompanied by my parents for what we anticipated a great day, soured very quickly. The reception was poor - in fact it was non-exisitent. None of the staff made eye contact or offered assistance. Finally someone muttered I'll get you ladies menus. When she returned we asked to move to another table, to which the reply was I'll have to split that table its too big for 2. I replied saying we are 6 the others are still coming. Eventually when the patrons occupying the table left we hopped on over. Immediately we were approached by a lady asking if we were leaving because she had been told to sit there. The table we left now had new occupants. The manager, I assume it was now miraculously appeared bemoaning the fact what are we going to do now. Nobody actually spoke to us directly - just muttered things to the air. We decided to leave. Besides the uncomfortable atmosphere the menu was not at all appealing. When the manager person heard we were leaving, all of sudden he was offering us a really nice place to sit bla bla bla........ sorry dude too little too late. I will not return nor would I encourage anyone to visit this establishment. I would in fact dissuade anyone from going there. I can honestly get a great sea view somewhere else in PE with wider selection on the menu with a more embracing atmosphere.

Written 17 January 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Danie F

Port Elizabeth4 contributions

Poor service and extremely rude owner of Barnacles restaurant in Seaview, Port Elizabeth.

Mar 2023 • none

I recently had a very disappointing experience at Barnacles restaurant, Seaview Port Elizabeth. The view is absolutely stunning , but from the moment I arrived, I noticed that the atmosphere was not very welcoming. The lighting was dim, making it difficult to read the menu. My partner and myself found it difficult to read the menu but eventually manage to get our order placed. Seeing that the restaurant is close to bush and other vegetation it is expected that there will be animals etc. in the environment. There were a fairly large frog jumping into the restaurant and one of the waiters try to get it out of the restaurant as my partner is very scared of frogs. The owner of the restaurant, I could not get the lady’s name, picked up the frog and brought it to our table asking my partner if my partner want to touch it whereupon my partner asked her to please go away, but the owner still walking towards us and trying to get my partner to touch the frog. I eventually got so annoyed and in no uncertain terms tell the lady to get away from us. The owner put the frog down and went into Barnacles, the restaurant. I asked the waiter if she is the chef as I did not want her, the owner, to cook our food after handling the frog, and he assured me she is not. A minute or so later the enraged owner stormed out of the door towards us and challenging me on why I complain about her handling frogs and then go into the kitchen. I explain to her that I think it is gross to handle frogs or animals and then without washing your hands go into the cooking area. With a very arrogant manner the owner made it clear that she is the owner and can do what she want. What a horrible attitude of the owner. Myself and my partner subsequently stood up and walk out.

Written 5 March 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

StephenXXXXX

Port Elizabeth831 contributions

CUSTOMERS SEATED AND EATING MUST MATCH THE OUTPUT OF THE KITCHEN

Dec 2023 • couples

Eaten a number of excellent meals there over the years but made a mistake going for lunch on Boxing Day. In fairness waitress did say that they were busy but gee we must have waited close to an hour an half for a cheese burger and calamari, unfortunately the roll for the burger was stale and the patty was not cooked in the middle, I did point these issues out to our waitress. It is essential that the kitchen's output can cope with the number of patrons to ensure reasonable service. We will be back but certainly not on long weekends or public holidays.

Written 27 December 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

floridaherbie

Marco Island219 contributions

Good food, just be patient

Feb 2024 • couples

We had the seafood platter for two. After waiting for 45 minutes that platter arrived and was overwhelming. The fish was cooked to perfection the squid was perfect, the French Fries were hot and the Peri Peri sauce was spicy. That platter is good for 3 to 4 people. Our waitress was also very friendly and we even had a nice talk with the owner about everything and anything. Sitting right next to the ocean is another plus. We certainly recommend that place!

Written 9 February 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Flyer20105400043

1 contribution

Barnacles Seaview Restuarant stunning food with warm ambiance.

Sept 2024 • couples

Excellent food, service and views of the ocean in all its moods. Recently they enclosed one of their decks without spoiling the views protecting you from the cold and rain on bad weather days. inside the restaurant there is a cozy fire place. What more does one want? Besides all the above plusses, an added treat was we had the tastiest lamb on the bone curry, highly recommended. i saw some very tempting meals being served to other clients to consider for our next visit! Fresh fish. prawns and calamari to name a few. Our all round experience , definitely HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Thank you for the lovely warm service and great ambiance.

Written 7 September 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

A.

Grootebroek36 contributions

Top view, less so

Jan 2024 • couples

View fantastic! Furniture comfort poor. Food is also disappointing, unfortunately. Management is doing their best (young girls) but the management could do with some work. The toilet hygiene is also disappointing (tables also sticky). There is so much good fish in South Africa, this level is further below that. Drinks were good! Tasty gin tonic.

Written 10 January 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lee C

South Africa193 contributions

Great Food

Aug 2021 • none

The restaurant is cozy and inviting with a homely feel from the minute you walk in. Had a table with a beautiful sea view and spotted many dolphins. Service from Warren was flawless and informative. We had the Hake and Calamari combo with chips and honestly the best we’ve had for sometime. Covid protocols are in place. Definitely worth a visit. We will certainly be back.

Written 6 August 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Abel Kraamsaal

3 contributions

Lying & cheating

Jan 2022 • friends

The restaurant cheats on credit card transactions, especially when in a group. They add amounts to credit card transactions when they see you've had a few. Do NOT trust this restaurant with your money! All you get is a nice sea view. Check your credit card statements…

Written 20 January 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CarterJonErickson

Nevis115 contributions

Amazing seafood platter!

Oct 2022 • family

The seafood platter for two was fantastic! Though there are not many choices to eat in the area, I would choose this one even if there were more restaurants. In addition to the great food, there was a unique atmosphere and fantastic family run service. This place is nothing fancy, which gives it its charm. What they do, they do well. The calamari is exceptionally tender. I wish this place was my hometown restaurant!

Written 23 October 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

pcaige910267

Grahamstown31 contributions

Baracanacles Restaurant - seafood great and great for large groups.

Apr 2023 • friends

large party of us +/- 11 - easily accommodated at one long table. Great setting on the edge of the beach . Rustic. Had an outside area for smokers which could be very windy of the wind was blowing . Also had a place for helmets and jackets. Must be a regular spot for bikers. Limited menu , mostly seafood - fish and calamari. Calamar was excellent. Casual comfortable atmosphere. Great place to bring a large party to chill. Starge urinal in toilet made form a metal beer barrel and a sink made of a plastic tub. At first wasn't sure which was which. Worth a photo! Recommended of in the area.

Written 6 May 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Raakesh

Port Elizabeth4 contributions

Best Seafood in PE

Apr 2023 • couples

I've lived in PE my whole life. Finally found out the best seafood was at Barnacles. Top quality food, Excellent atmosphere right by the beach, and value for money. Will be coming back regularly.

Written 8 April 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Explorer68661827696

1 contribution

Best Fish & Chips EVER!!

Mar 2024 • couples

BEST CALAMARI, FISH AND CHIPS EVER!!! We had the best experience in years! From the service, the view, the wine selection and the best of all... the fresh food! I would highly recommend going here! We will be back for sure

Written 30 March 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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