Sushi at Cape Town Fish Market
So, we went for a bit of sushi at the Waterfront’s CTFM yesterday — only because Ocean Basket was completely swamped, as per usual for any weekend evening — and rediscovered why we don’t generally go there.
The sushi is so-so — certainly nothing spectacular compared to other outlets — but are priced ridiculously expensive. We had only five plates at R20.50 with each containing two pieces of various items, as well as drink each. Total bill: R140, at about R10 per sushi piece.
For the same amount of money, we could get twice the sushi at Ocean Basket: R80 gets you 16 pieces of the same types of sushi, meaning R5 per piece.
What boggles the mind is that CTFM can consistently manage to have their sushi bars relatively fully occupied, with people having stacks of plates in front of them. Is it because (a) people sincerely believe that its worth the premium they’re paying, (b) the quality justifies the premium (to them at least), or (c) so very few people realise they’re getting ripped off?
CTFM certainly won’t be seeing our money again.
Filed under: Ramblings | 20 Comments
Tags: sushi, value for money
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CTFM _was_ pretty good once. About three years ago, they went decidedly downhill – at least at the Waterfront. The CTFM in Durban (Gateway, I think) was quite decent about two years ago, though. CTFM at Canal Walk is a different vibe, but I’ve had poor food quality there.
I can’t say I even knew Ocean Basket had sushi. Is this store-specific? (I hope so – the local Ocean Basket doing sushi may be deadly.) Which store should I try if I wanted?
(Wakami in Seapoint is quite decent, albeit rather expensive. Nice day-time venue. Was packed on a Friday for a late lunch, when I went there.)
We use at least two Ocean Baskets that have sushi — we’ve had excellent experiences at both the Waterfront and Kloof Street branches. If you want sushi in Canal Walk, rather go to Qing’s (between Pick’n'Pay & Ocean Basket) — they have the delightful oriental eatery theme going, their service is friendly, and their food is good quality.
We’ve been to Wakami — agreed that the price there is also on the expensive side, but at least you know what you’re getting yourself into there… Balducci’s in the Waterfront is another no-no — very expensive, mediocre quality.
Subarshi is a relatively new place that opened where Vaca Mata was at the bottom end of Bree Street; they had a half-price special opening special going at the start of the year. They also seem to be on the experimenting edge; we tried some mango & kiwi rainbow rolls, which was very interesting and progressive, I guess.
And I guess this goes without saying: avoid Woolworth’s prepackaged “sushi” — its just not worth the trouble.
I’d never recommend eating sushi at CTFM. The best places to eat sushi are actual japanese style restuarants , not fish restuarants, which also serve sushi.
The best places to eat sushi in CT are Benkai – greenpoint, Blowfish – Tableview and Wine Women and Sushi in Somerset West.
Its all about focus…. focus on one thing, and you’ll master it, but try and do everything, and you’ll end up being average at everything. Food is no exception!
Jason: TYFYC!
I totally agree about the focus-thing; we’ll definitely be trying out some of your suggestions. In fact, we *have* sampled Blowfish before (slipped my mind completely), but Benkai sounds interesting…
Golden Wheat in Stellenbosch has a special ..
7 pieces of sushi and 3 pieces of sashimi for R80 or so. This aint an ad, I’ve just enjoyed their food from time to time.
CTFM is all right — although believe-it-or-not, I actually prefer the CTFM in the Menlyn Centre in Pretoria to the one in Cape Town. Maybe that’s because my expectations are lower ….
I fully agree with JBagley. Go deep not wide.
going to try ctfm tonight. o’galito, centurion still the best!!
I’ve discovered Sushi Zone on Lower Main in Observatory. Averaging a lunch a week – it’s just a few minute’s walk from work…
I was at Benkai last night and had great sushi – though it was pretty pricey – but not insanely so. Originally planned to go to Wakami – but it was closed for renovations.
The best sushi I’ve found is at Cod Father in Camps Bay – also really good value if you’re a member – up to 50% off at lunch, 30% dinners.
I cant believe no one has mentioned Minato on this list ?
To me it is the best sushi in cape town bar none
!!!
Pretty low key decor, but the focus is on the food.
Cant beat it : )
People who are still having sushi at CTFM, have clearly not shopped around. Best for me is Beluga (R99 special) and JB Rivers at Cavendish. Strange but true – excellent value for money and great quality
I only eat at Golden Wheat in Stellenbosch. the got lots of specials from R 39.00 – R 199.00. very resonable priced and the sushi is fantastic
Just to let you know, that even though Minato restaurant still exists – “Papa san” has sold the restaurant to Chinese people, and sadly, their sushi is not up to the standard that Papa san, used to produce, which was exceptional!
People still eat there because they dont know better and it’s convinient.
Best place for suhsi in Cape Town with out a doubt is 1890 in observatory followed closely by The food lover’s markets both in cavendish (where Rock has been making excellent sushi for many many years and we have followed him everywhere) and the one in town. The one in cavendish also has a 1/2 price after 5 special which is amaizingly affordable
As for Benkei they were bought out by the chef and the prices doubled. R800 for 4 people and we only went for a light lunch.
I always enjoy the food (and the service!) at Ociean Basket, but recently I tried CTFM. I was very disappointed. I had sushi, which to my mind was overpriced for a very inferior product.
I have always enjoyed going to Ocean Basket – both for the food and for the fast and efficient service. Recently I decided to try CTFM and I was disappointed. I had sushi. It was overpriced and very inferior.
Beluga is my best so far and the R99 for 24 pieces is still on till end of April. Have never been disappointed there but CTFM Milnerton will not be serving it to me tonight when I am there. But the view makes up for everything … and also the birthday celebration : )