Recent social media posts
22/06/2026
Most people talk about doing the Western Cape road trip. Few actually do.
Chef Marcus did. 1,881 kilometres of coastline, farm kitchens, fishing villages, and flavours that exist nowhere else. He drove it all, tasted it all, and brought every bit of it back to one table in the oldest suburb in Cape Town.
So you could plan the trip. Book the car. Fill the tank. Find the accommodation.
Or you could just bring the people you love to Urchin.
Reserve your table - link in bio.
19/06/2026
From the moment you arrive, everything is taken care of.
Complimentary parking for all Urchin guests, so the only journey you need to think about is the one on your plate.
Reserve your table - link in bio.
17/06/2026
Smoke. Botanicals. A whisper of peach.
It arrives at the table with quiet drama - the aroma of smoke, the freshness of herbs, and a garnish that hints at what’s to come.
Then comes the first sip.
Smoked gin meets buchu and rosemary syrup, brightened with lemon and finished with rosemary and mint dust. The dehydrated peach ties it all together, adding a gentle sweetness to the finish.
Dust & Smoke is more than just a cocktail on the menu. It’s a moment in the evening.
Reserve your seat at Urchin – link in bio.
Open 7 days a week.
15/06/2026
From the Western Cape to the world stage. 🇿🇦🔥
Hou vas. Our very own Chef Marcus Gericke has been named Head Technical Coach of the South African National JNR Culinary Team, heading to Luxembourg for the Culinary World Cup, 20 to 28 November 2026.
This is the arena. The finest chef brigades on the planet, one kitchen, no hiding place. And the man steering South Africa’s technical game plan is the same chef who distilled 1,881 kilometres of Western Cape coastline, farmland and fynbos into every single plate at Journey Urchin.
Heritage on the fork. Precision under pressure. A flag on the chest.
We could not be prouder. Coach, we are right behind you. Go show them what Mzansi cooks like. 🇿🇦
03/06/2026
The Western Cape has always had a story to tell the world. Now, Chef Marcus Gericke will help tell it.
We are incredibly proud to share that our very own Chef Marcus has been appointed Head Technical Coach of the South African National Junior Culinary Team by the South African Chefs Association - a recognition of not just his craft, but his commitment to shaping the next generation of culinary talent in this country.
From the kitchens of Urchin to the national stage, this is a journey rooted in the Western Cape and destined for the world.
Congratulations, Chef. We couldn't be prouder to call you ours.
31/05/2026
Some ingredients can't be sourced. They have to be trusted to the right hands.
Aunty Ferial has been the heart of Kalk Bay for as long as anyone can remember.
Every morning, she sends us what the sea gives and every night, it finds its way to your table.
Seven nights a week, this is where the Journey begins at South Africa’s top restaurant.
Reserve your table via link in bio.
28/05/2026
Born from farmers' toil, fishermen's courage and a mother's hand - the Journey Menu is Chef Marcus Gericke's love letter to the Western Cape.
Every course, a memory. Every plate, a kilometre travelled.
Recognised as South Africa's Top Restaurant. Available all 7 days.
Book your table via link in bio.
22/05/2026
We've always believed that food is more than what's on the plate. It's the people, the community, the memories that shaped it.
Humbled to be featured in CapeTowner, where Chef Marcus Gericke shares the story behind the menu.
20/05/2026
We drove 1,881 kilometres across the Western Cape.
Through fishing villages where the catch dictates the menu. Past farm kitchens where recipes haven't changed in generations. Along coastlines and through the Karoo, where the land itself tells you what to cook and how.
Chef Marcus Gericke distilled it all into eleven courses - now expanded, deeper, and more rooted than ever. And in ninety minutes at the table, you travel all of it, a hundred years of Western Cape culture, from the first bite to the last.
Some journeys you take. Some you taste. Come experience the new eleven-course menu.
Reserve via link in bio.
Address
126 Buitengracht Street
Cape Town
8000
To get to the restaurant located on Buitengracht Street in Cape Town, there are different options for public transportation and driving with parking.
Public Transportation:
- Take any bus or train that stops at Cape Town Station.
- From there, take a taxi or Uber heading towards Buitengracht Street.
- Get off at the corner of Buitengracht and Strand Streets.
- Walk towards the south side of the street until you reach the restaurant's location.
Driving with Parking:
- Head southeast on Nelson Mandela Blvd toward Walter Sisulu Ave.
- Continue straight onto Nelson Mandela Blvd/N1/N2.
- Turn left onto Buitengracht St/M62.
- Look for parking options along Buitengracht Street or turn right onto Mechau Street for more parking spots.
- Walk towards the south side of Buitengracht Street until you reach the restaurant's location.
Opening Hours
| Monday |
18:00 - 22:30 |
| Tuesday |
18:00 - 22:30 |
| Wednesday |
18:00 - 22:30 |
| Thursday |
18:00 - 22:30 |
| Friday |
18:00 - 22:30 |
| Saturday |
18:00 - 22:30 |
Alerts
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What people say
Urchin, located on Buitengracht Street in Cape Town, has received mixed reviews from various sources. A recent review by the Cape Times praised the restaurant's seafood dishes and noted that the prices were reasonable. However, a review by Eat Out magazine criticized Urchin for its slow service and lack of atmosphere.
Online reviews have also been mixed. A recent review on TripAdvisor praised the restaurant's oysters and sushi but noted that the noise level was high. Another reviewer on Zomato commented positively on the restaurant's decor but felt that some of the dishes were overpriced.
Some customer comments published online include:
- "The food was amazing! We had the calamari and it was cooked to perfection."
- "The service was terrible. We waited over an hour for our food."
- "The sushi was fresh and delicious, but we found some of the other dishes to be a bit bland."
It is important to note that these reviews are all relatively recent, with most being posted within the past few months.
Overall, it seems that Urchin is a decent restaurant with some standout dishes but also some areas for improvement. Customers should be prepared for potentially slow service and high noise levels but can expect reasonably priced seafood options.
