Baia Seafood Restaurant

Baia Seafood Restaurant is situated in the upper level of the V&A Waterfront. The spectacular setting offers magnificent, wraparound views of the Bay and the restaurant itself is chic, contemporary and famous for delectable signature seafood dishes. Its sweeping terraces are perfect for al fresco dining and its stunning bar which is the center piece of the restaurant provides the perfect setting for a pre-dinner drink.

Baia is additionally regarded as a culinary destination where palates are tantalized by the freshest Mozambican shellfish, Cape lobster, West Coast oysters and mussels as well as an enticing selection of perfectly grilled meat and poultry dishes. The elegant, spacious interior stylishly reflects the colours of the Bay and there are plush couches, crisp white table cloths and lamps that provide soft lighting for romantic dinners.

The restaurant is ideally suited to hosting private functions either inside or outside. Approximately 110 people can be comfortably accommodated inside and an additional 150-200 can be seated in the enclosed, terrace section. Strategically located heaters provide warmth for the evenings making the outside seating area comfortable and enjoyable.

My partner ordered plump and juicy oven Baked Snails for his starter. Prepared in a creamy garlic butter sauce the dish required additional bread to mop up the decadent sauce once the snails were enjoyed. I ordered the Warm Goat's Cheese Salad which was fresh, light and appetizing, beautifully presented and included artichokes, grapefruit wedges, walnuts, cherry tomatoes and a generous lime and honey dressing.

As per our friendly waiter's recommendation my partner ordered an exquisite Seafood Platter which included 3 Queen Prawns, 3 Langoustines and a Baby Crayfish. The shellfish was excellent and easily lifted out of the shells. It was firm yet delicate in texture with a flavour of the sea blended with the lemon butter and garlic sauces thoughtfully provided in jugs on the side. Chips and spicy rice were served on the side. I ordered the Grilled Kingklip with Crayfish Thermidor and this was a decadent, rich and satisfying dish. The tender, melt-in-the-mouth kingklip was lightly cooked and served on a bed of sautéed spinach which absorbed the flavour of the fish. There was a creamy garlic sauce with button mushrooms as well as asparagus and the crayfish tail on top. On the side was a portion of savory rice prepared with tomato and onion .

For dessert my partner ordered semi-Fredo which was an unbelievable death by chocolate dish. Served in two thick slices it was a semi-frozen delicacy which tasted like an exotic chocolate mousse with a mention of coffee. It was silky in texture as it contained egg yolk as an ingredient and can only be described as sensational. My Individual Baked Lindt Chocolate Pudding was presented in the shape of an apple and had a melted Lindt Chocolate center with a surrounding chocolate sponge. It was rich, thick and absolutely decadent, served hot with vanilla ice-cream on the side to break the sweetness.

Baia Restaurant is famous for seafood but nevertheless has an enticing and varied menu which caters equally well for diners who prefer different choices. There are eight freshly prepared, interesting salad options, six appetizing soup variations, poultry, duck and grill dishes including Chateaubriand and Trio of Game. The exceptional, friendly and attentive service and the careful attention paid to each dining table by the host adds to the glamour of the evening setting it apart from an ordinary dining experience. Paired with the majestic views, the spacious terraces, Mediterranean ambiance and superb cuisine Baia can easily be positioned as the restaurant of choice at V&A Waterfront.