Ocean Basket is a celebrated seafood restaurant chain known for its vibrant atmosphere and an extensive menu that delivers the freshest flavors of the ocean. With its roots deeply embedded in South African coastal cuisine, Ocean Basket has successfully expanded across continents, captivating food enthusiasts with its dedication to quality and sustainability.
The menu is a carefully curated collection of dishes that emphasize bold flavors, freshness, and variety, catering to diverse palates from classic seafood lovers to adventurous diners seeking innovative tastes.
At the heart of Ocean Basket’s menu is a commitment to combining tradition with modern culinary techniques. Each dish is crafted to showcase pristine seafood, complemented by carefully selected accompaniments that enhance the overall dining experience.
Whether you prefer grilled fish, crispy calamari, or a hearty seafood platter, the menu offers something to satisfy every craving. Understanding the menu’s structure, highlights, and special offerings can elevate your dining experience and help you make informed choices that suit your taste and nutritional preferences.
Signature Dishes at Ocean Basket
The signature dishes at Ocean Basket embody the essence of the brand’s seafood expertise. These items are not only crowd-pleasers but also showcase the restaurant’s unique take on classic seafood preparations.
The menu features a range of options that highlight freshness, seasoning, and presentation, each prepared with precision and passion.
One of the standout dishes is the famous Grilled Calamari, tender and marinated with a blend of Mediterranean herbs. This dish reflects the balance between simplicity and bold flavor, making it a staple for regular patrons.
Another highlight is the Seafood Platter, which combines a variety of ocean delights such as prawns, mussels, calamari, and hake, served with sides like chips and salad.
For those who enjoy a little spice, the Spicy Mussels are an excellent choice, simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the briny mussels. These signature dishes are often paired with fresh lemon wedges and homemade sauces that enhance the natural taste of the seafood.
Popular Signature Items
- Grilled Calamari: Marinated and grilled to perfection with herbs
- Seafood Platter: A combination of hake, prawns, mussels, and calamari
- Spicy Mussels: Cooked in a rich, tangy sauce with a hint of heat
- Fish and Chips: Classic battered hake served with crispy chips
“Ocean Basket’s signature dishes are a testament to their commitment to authentic, fresh seafood, prepared with both flair and tradition.”
Appetizers and Starters
Starting a meal at Ocean Basket is an experience on its own, thanks to the thoughtfully crafted appetizers and starters. These dishes serve as the perfect prelude to the main courses, offering a variety of flavors and textures that whet the appetite.
Ocean Basket’s starters range from light and fresh options like the Seafood Soup to more indulgent choices such as the Tempura Prawns. The seafood soup is a comforting blend of fresh fish, shellfish, and aromatic herbs, simmered slowly to develop a rich broth.
It is often recommended for those seeking a warm, hearty beginning to their meal.
For guests desiring something crunchy and flavorful, the tempura prawns are lightly battered and fried, served with a tangy dipping sauce. Complementing these are salads like the Greek Salad and the Calamari Strips, which provide both freshness and zest to the starter course.
Appetizer Highlights
- Seafood Soup: A rich and hearty broth with mixed seafood
- Tempura Prawns: Crispy battered prawns served with dipping sauce
- Calamari Strips: Lightly fried and seasoned
- Greek Salad: Fresh vegetables with feta cheese and olives
| Appetizer | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Seafood Soup | Fish, shellfish, herbs, tomatoes | Rich, aromatic, mildly spiced |
| Tempura Prawns | Prawns, tempura batter, dipping sauce | Crispy, tangy, slightly sweet |
| Calamari Strips | Calamari, seasoning, oil | Light, savory, crunchy |
| Greek Salad | Tomatoes, cucumber, feta, olives | Fresh, tangy, herbaceous |
Main Courses: Fish and Seafood
The main course section of Ocean Basket’s menu is designed to offer a broad spectrum of seafood varieties, prepared in several styles to accommodate different tastes and dietary preferences. From grilled to fried, and from mild to spicy, the options are diverse and satisfying.
Grilled fish options such as the Grilled Hake and Kingklip are very popular, celebrated for their moist texture and delicate flavor. These dishes are often served with a choice of sides including rice, chips, or fresh vegetables, allowing diners to customize their meal experience.
For fans of shellfish, the menu features dishes like Prawns in Garlic Butter and Mussels in White Wine Sauce. These selections emphasize the natural sweetness of the seafood, enhanced by complementary seasonings and cooking techniques that preserve the integrity of the ingredients.
Grilled vs Fried Options
| Dish | Preparation Style | Health Considerations | Flavor Notes |
| Grilled Hake | Grilled with herbs and lemon | Lower fat, high protein | Light, fresh, delicate |
| Fried Calamari | Battered and deep-fried | Higher fat content | Crispy, savory, rich |
| Prawns in Garlic Butter | Sautéed in butter and garlic | Moderate fat, flavorful | Rich, aromatic, buttery |
| Mussels in White Wine Sauce | Steamed with wine and herbs | Low fat, nutrient dense | Briny, tangy, herbal |
- Grilled Hake: Best for those seeking a healthy, flavorful fish option
- Fried Calamari: Ideal for guests who enjoy crispy textures and indulgent flavors
- Prawns in Garlic Butter: A rich and aromatic choice, perfect with a side of rice
- Mussels in White Wine Sauce: Light and elegant, a sophisticated seafood dish
“Ocean Basket’s main courses celebrate the ocean’s bounty with an emphasis on freshness and diverse preparation methods that cater to all tastes.”
Platters and Sharing Options
One of the defining features of Ocean Basket’s menu is its generous platters designed for sharing. These platters are perfect for groups or families, offering a variety of seafood items in one harmonious presentation.
Sharing a platter provides not only a taste of multiple dishes but also encourages a communal dining experience.
The Seafood Platter is a signature item that includes a combination of hake, calamari, prawns, mussels, and often a few surprise seasonal items. It is served with an assortment of sides such as chips, fresh salad, and a variety of sauces.
Other popular sharing options include the Mixed Grill Platter which features grilled seafood alongside chicken or steak, catering to mixed preferences within a group. These platters encourage diners to explore different textures and flavors, creating a dynamic meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
Benefits of Sharing Platters
- Offers a wide variety of seafood in one meal
- Encourages social interaction and sharing
- Great value for money with generous portions
- Allows diners to sample multiple signature dishes
| Platter | Contents | Accompaniments | Ideal For |
| Seafood Platter | Hake, calamari, prawns, mussels | Chips, salad, sauces | Groups and families |
| Mixed Grill Platter | Grilled fish, chicken, steak | Vegetables, chips, sauces | Mixed preference groups |
“Platters at Ocean Basket transform dining into a shared experience that celebrates variety and abundance.”
Kids’ Menu and Family-Friendly Options
Ocean Basket recognizes the importance of catering to younger guests and families, offering a dedicated kids’ menu that features smaller portions and familiar flavors. This section of the menu is designed to be both nutritious and appealing to children, ensuring they enjoy their meal as much as the adults do.
The kids’ menu includes options such as Fish Fingers, Mini Calamari, and Chicken Nuggets, all served with child-friendly sides like fries or rice. These meals are crafted to be easy to eat and flavorful without overwhelming young palates.
Parents appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere and menu selections, which make dining out with children less stressful. The inclusion of a kids’ menu demonstrates Ocean Basket’s commitment to being a welcoming destination for all ages.
Popular Kids’ Dishes
- Fish Fingers: Crispy and golden, served with fries
- Mini Calamari: Lightly fried and bite-sized
- Chicken Nuggets: Classic comfort food for kids
- Cheesy Pasta: Creamy and mild, a favorite among children
| Dish | Portion Size | Side Options |
| Fish Fingers | Small (3-4 pieces) | Fries, salad |
| Mini Calamari | Small (4-5 pieces) | Fries, rice |
| Chicken Nuggets | Small (4 pieces) | Fries, vegetables |
| Cheesy Pasta | Small bowl | None |
“The kids’ menu at Ocean Basket ensures that even the youngest diners leave with happy taste buds and satisfied appetites.”
Beverages and Accompaniments
No meal at Ocean Basket is complete without the perfect beverage or accompaniment. The menu includes a well-rounded selection of drinks and sides that complement the seafood dishes beautifully.
From refreshing soft drinks to carefully selected wines, there is a drink to suit every preference.
The Wine List features both local and international varieties, with options specifically chosen to pair well with seafood. Whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are popular choices, enhancing the flavors of grilled fish and shellfish.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, fresh juices and soft drinks are readily available.
Side dishes include classics like French Fries and Rice Pilaf, as well as fresh salads and seasonal vegetables. These are designed to balance the meal, providing texture and variety alongside the main seafood courses.
Perfect Pairings
- Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and acidic, ideal with shellfish
- Chardonnay: Buttery and rich, pairs well with grilled fish
- Fresh Juices: Mango, orange, and apple options
- French Fries: Classic side, crispy and salted
| Beverage | Type | Pairing Suggestion |
| Sauvignon Blanc | White Wine | Shellfish, spicy mussels |
| Chardonnay | White Wine | Grilled fish, prawns |
| Fresh Orange Juice | Non-alcoholic | Appetizers, light salads |
| French Fries | Side Dish | Almost all seafood mains |
“Choosing the right beverage or side can elevate a seafood meal from delightful to unforgettable.”
Desserts and Sweet Endings
Ocean Basket rounds off the meal with a selection of desserts that provide a sweet contrast to the savory seafood dishes. The dessert menu is thoughtfully curated to include a mix of classic favorites and unique creations that reflect the restaurant’s coastal inspiration.
Popular desserts include the Lemon Meringue Tart, which offers a refreshing citrus burst, and the Chocolate Fondant, a rich and indulgent choice for chocolate lovers. These desserts are crafted to provide the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, leaving guests with a lasting impression.
For those seeking lighter options, fresh fruit platters and sorbets are available, providing a refreshing and palate-cleansing finish to the meal. The dessert offerings demonstrate Ocean Basket’s attention to detail, ensuring every course concludes on a high note.
Dessert Menu Highlights
- Lemon Meringue Tart: Tart and sweet with a fluffy meringue topping
- Chocolate Fondant: Warm, gooey chocolate center
- Fruit Platter: Seasonal fresh fruits, light and healthy
- Sorbet: Refreshing and cleansing, various flavors
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Texture | Flavor Profile |
| Lemon Meringue Tart | Lemon curd, meringue, pastry | Creamy and fluffy | Tart, sweet, citrusy |
| Chocolate Fondant | Dark chocolate, butter, eggs | Soft, molten center | Rich, chocolatey |
| Fruit Platter | Seasonal fruits | Fresh, crisp | Sweet, natural |
| Sorbet | Fruit puree, sugar | Light, icy | Refreshing, fruity |
“Desserts at Ocean Basket provide a perfect, indulgent finale that complements the fresh flavors of the sea.”
Conclusion
Ocean Basket’s menu is a celebration of seafood that marries freshness, variety, and culinary expertise. From the enticing signature dishes to the thoughtfully prepared appetizers, main courses, and desserts, every item reflects a dedication to quality and flavor.
The menu’s diversity ensures that there is something for every guest, whether you are seeking a light starter, a hearty platter to share, or a sweet ending to your meal.
Moreover, Ocean Basket’s focus on family-friendly options and carefully paired beverages demonstrates its commitment to providing a holistic dining experience. The inclusion of sharing platters fosters connection among diners, while the vibrant flavors and textures keep guests returning for more.
With an emphasis on sustainable sourcing and authentic taste, Ocean Basket remains a premier destination for those who appreciate the ocean’s bounty served with passion and care.
Ultimately, exploring the Ocean Basket menu is not just about eating seafood; it is about embracing a culinary journey that invites you to experience the richness and diversity of the sea in every bite.
