JJ’s Seafood Restaurant

Friday, February 21st, 2020

Reviewed by Sam Venter

An indifferent, overpriced, tourist trap that probably benefits from being the restaurant closest to the guest access to the waterfront for those staying at the quayside Protea hotel. A performance by a local choir group (well done, and thankfully brief) is a nightly feature - a nice touch for showcasing some local culture for the tourists, but it's a conversation-killer if you were just out for dinner and not expecting a show, and the table-to-table ask for donations afterwards is cringeworthy. Why not just ask diners to add something to their bill? Service is super-average - not bad, but adds no value to the evening. The staff didn't appear particularly knowledgeable, on the wine list in particular. No information was offered on specials, which were only noticed on a tucked-away blackboard after we had ordered. Food is good - tasty, well prepared. Nothing to write home about in a town that has several far better restaurants. The wine list claims to offer outstanding wines, but is really just a collection of well-known brands, nothing to set it apart from any other, although the food suggestions are a positive touch. One thing in its favour, is that the wine list offers better value than the food menu - which is ridiculously overpriced, clearly aimed at those spending in foreign currency with little to compare it to. Outstanding food at those prices might be worth considering, but the food is far from outstanding.