Gaaitjie Restaurant Paternoster — Restaurant in Saldanha Bay Local Municipality

Beautiful view but the atmosphere was ruined by the blatant racism. We were a family of five. We waited years to be served, there were seats available but they refused to seat us on them, and made us wait even longer on a dirty table to which the waitress did not want to clean. Even while other waiters were serving other (white) clients. It’s clear they didn’t want serve Black-Africans so we left. Extremely disappointing that establishments like these are even in business. Especially in such a beautiful place with lots of tourism, especially during festive.

UPDATE/EDIT🚨After the restaurant’s reply:

Dear Manager,

Thank you for your detailed response. While I appreciate your perspective, our experience at Gaaitjie Unplugged on Wednesday, 20 December 2023, differed significantly from your false description. Our disappointment stemmed from factors beyond the table clearance pace, including the less than inviting atmosphere and lack of customer service.

It's crucial to acknowledge that our intention is not to unjustly criticize but to provide constructive feedback for improvement. We would be open to discussing this matter further to ensure a fair understanding of both perspectives.

After the embrassment you caused us, your long reply is actually refreshing.

You had signage in the restaurant reading “Please wait to be seated” We waited years and you did not invite us onto the patio to look at the menu - WE HAD TO BRING OURSELVES TO YOUR ATTENTION. Your “friendly” waiters/waitresses passed by us like we didn’t exist - PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED VIDEO.

Your establishment WAS NOT FULL. The 6 seater was clean and had nobody on it and yet you insisted we wait at the dirty 4 seater (which was actually a 6 seater) which we accepted assuming you were willing to clean it.

I appreciate your efforts to address the concerns with your staff. However, it seems rather patronizing to assume the role of apologizing on our behalf. Our intention is not to offend but to provide honest feedback - which seems you are too defensive to see. It would be more constructive to engage in a proper dialogue instead of trying to create a false narrative. We would very much like to speak to the owner, you (the manager) are seemingly too...

A Gastronomic Gem by the Sea

On a serene stretch of Paternoster’s coastline, Gaaitjie Restaurant is not just a feast for the palate but a balm for the soul. With its timeless seaside charm and elegantly casual decor, the ambience is a tribute to the natural beauty it sits amidst. Bookings here are not merely a recommendation but a necessity, revealing the exclusivity and care put into each dining experience within the restaurant's accommodating operational hours. On my first night in Paternoster, and indeed my first visit to this quaint town, fortune smiled with a beach view table that seemed where the sand almost meets your toes, this place ensures a memorable setting.The menu, a harmonious blend of local flavors and inventive cuisine, unfolded into a three-course journey of culinary delight. It began with a smoky snoek salad, an ode to local fare with a refreshing twist. The main courses were nothing short of spectacular – a hearty cauliflower slice for myself and, for my husband, the fish of the day, a Yellowtail that was an art piece in both flavor and presentation. Each dish, an undeniable triumph of taste and aesthetics, left us in awe of the chef's prowess. Desserts are usually not my forte, but Gaaitjie's Almond & Pear Torte was an irresistible indulgence that even a non-dessert person would celebrate. The carefully curated wine selection added an extra layer of sophistication to our meal, ensuring that each bite was accompanied by the perfect sip. In summary, Gaaitjie Restaurant is a place I'd not only recommend but insist upon for anyone visiting Paternoster. Its blend of exceptional food, enchanting ambience, and the soothing murmur of the ocean is a siren call for anyone seeking a dining experience that resonates...

Horrible, vile service. Waited eons to be seated, only to be met with animosity and hostility. If you aren't from the whiter side of life, keep your money and eat elsewhere.

Clear that restaurant values colour over profit.

Menu is overpriced for dust. It's clear that a below average dining experience is the name of the game for the Gaaitjie.

IN RESPONSE TO THE GAAITJIE: Firstly,  thank you for finally responding Secondly, I would like to correct a few inconsistencies that I picked up on in your reply. I have time stamps of our interaction that I don't mind sharing

We arrived at 14:20, being met with signage that said, "Please Wait To Be Seated". We waited with anticipation as wait staff passed by. Only at 14:31, were we met by a waitress who came to notify us that we'll shown to a table soon. Thereafter, only then did we approach a manager come to speak to us about fish(Snoek) and where else to get it.

We were then told to wait so that the tables were cleaned so we can be seated. Another wait ensued, at this point, it was so long since we arrived, the waitress eventually came to ask if we were assisted and if the table had been cleaned. We said no and only then did she remove things off the the table( ice bucket, wine glasses, crumpled serviettes).

We eventually left around 15h00, you can check your side to confirm if I'm mistaken

Yes, your wait staff is diverse however that doesn't excuse the fact that service was lackluster to begin with.

P.S. there wouldn't be any animosity if basic respect was applied in this situation

P.p.s. you were seated with your patrons, and not being interactive until you...