This summer, Ocean Basket isn’t simply adding new items to their menu; they’re completely transforming the dining experience for guests, redefining what it means to enjoy seafood and introducing an exciting array of new meals, drinks and desserts that promise to surprise and delight both loyal patrons and new guests alike.
The new menu showcases a range of dishes that emphasize fresh ingredients, bold flavours and innovative pairings, while still respecting the core seafood identity that Ocean Basket is famous for. From the introduction of a burger category to new small plates, salads and an expanded drinks menu, Ocean Basket has taken time to ensure the menu delivers a taste experience that an entire family can delight in – and one that’s perfect for date nights too. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, there’s something for everyone.
A Symphony of Flavours
The new menu offers an impressive variety of dishes, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Among the stand-out additions is the crispy panko fish, which offers a crunchy, golden exterior with a tender, flaky inside. Accompanied by creamy lemon sauce, of course, this dish is available with either hake or pollock and is set to become a firm favourite. Another highlight is the chimichurri royals – ten succulent prawns dressed with a zesty chimichurri sauce that burst with flavour at each bite.
In keeping with the long, hot Summer days ahead, there is a wider variety of lighter meals and small plates. Created to ensure that everyone can enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal, these options go beyond the traditional fish and chips, presenting a range of flavours and ingredients with tempting choices like salmon ceviche, salt and pepper squid and panko olives.
Salads also take centre stage this season with new creations like the crown prawn salad featuring a zesty lemon couscous base, topped with golden panko prawns and drizzled with a rich coronation sauce.
Bring on the Burger
One of the most exciting additions to the menu is the introduction of a burger category, something completely new for Ocean Basket’s South African market. While burgers have been available in some international locations, this marks their debut locally.
These aren’t just any burgers. The team went in search of the ultimate burger, visiting dozens of competitors, and decided they could do better. The result is four gourmet burger options, each crafted to offer a unique taste sensation, packed with scrumptious fillings and served in a buttery brioche bun, lightly toasted and bursting with their famous garlic lemon sauce, tzatziki, zesty mayo and pickled red onion.
The Panko Fish Burger is filled with crispy panko crumbed fish, the Calamari Burger is crammed with fried calamari steak strips, the Prawn Burger features panko crusted prince prawns, while the Halloumi Burger is bursting with fried halloumi.
And no burger is complete without the famous French fry: diners can now choose from three types of chip: potato, sweet potato or crunchy zucchini. For the health conscious, choose from a lemon and herb couscous salad or a pickled cucumber salad.
The Perfect Finish
Rounding off any meal is a refreshing drink or a delectable dessert and Ocean Basket doesn’t disappoint. The drinks offering now includes new premium wines available across all restaurants and the menu even includes wine pairing suggestions to enhance guests’ meals.
Slushees, available in both virgin and spiked versions, are perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day and come in interesting variants from grapefruit to ginger beer or chocolate.
On the sweeter side of things, the new desserts are indulgent and playful. The lemon burst ice cream offers a tangy, refreshing treat, while the “Saturdaes” desserts are a fun twist on the classic sundae (like a Sundae but more fun) and include three decadent ice cream delights: The Sweet Saffer with koeksister and malva pudding chunks; the Nutty Greek with baklava and toasted almond flakes, or the Lemon Meringue with meringue, lemon curd and shortbread.
Welcome Home
And the transformation doesn’t stop with the meals. The presentation has also received a significant upgrade with the introduction of new crockery and glasses. The carefully chosen tableware is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a tactile experience that complements the flavours on the plate. The feel of the glass, the weight of the plate and the way the colours of the food pop against the dishes – all contribute to a sensory experience and play a crucial role in enhancing this welcoming atmosphere, transforming an ordinary dining experience into something special and making guests feel at home.
Ocean Basket’s new summer menu makes every meal a shared experience. The traditional sharing platters remain a firm favourite, offering an array of seafood delights that bring people together around the table, and now the small plates can be ordered as a selection, allowing everyone to explore new flavours. This feeling is central to Ocean Basket’s philosophy, where meals are about family and connection, and where each dish is an invitation to share, savour and celebrate together.
This is a bold new direction for the brand. By focusing on improving core products, introducing new flavours and enhancing the overall dining experience, Ocean Basket has set itself apart from the crowd.
