St Francis Bay: The Calamari Capital of South Africa
South Africa's Calamari Capital
From ocean to plate, discover why St Francis Bay is home to South Africa's finest calamari and one of the country's most celebrated seafood traditions.
When people think of St Francis Bay, they often picture white-walled homes, endless beaches, world-class surfing, and spectacular ocean views. Yet beneath the surface lies another claim to fame that has earned this coastal village international recognition: St Francis Bay is proudly known as the Calamari Capital of South Africa.
For decades, the waters stretching between St Francis Bay, Cape St Francis, Jeffreys Bay and Gqeberha have produced some of the finest squid in the world. Known locally as Chokka, this species of squid has become one of South Africa's most celebrated seafood exports, appearing on menus from Europe to Asia while remaining deeply rooted in the culture and economy of the Eastern Cape.
What Makes St Francis Bay Calamari So Special?
The calamari harvested along the Eastern Cape coastline is known as Chokka squid (Loligo reynaudii), a species found almost exclusively in South African waters. Every year, these squid migrate to the shallow reefs along the coastline between St Francis Bay and Gqeberha to spawn, creating one of the country's most important fishing industries.
Unlike imported calamari often served elsewhere in the world, St Francis Chokka is renowned for its naturally tender texture, delicate flavour, and exceptional quality. The squid is traditionally caught using hand-jigging methods, a sustainable fishing practice that has been passed down through generations of local fishermen.
The Story Behind South Africa's Calamari Capital
The rise of St Francis Bay as South Africa's calamari hub began during the 1980s when the Chokka fishing industry expanded rapidly along the Eastern Cape coastline. As demand grew, Port St Francis was developed into one of South Africa's few privately owned commercial harbours, becoming home to the region's fishing fleet and seafood industry.
Today, the calamari industry supports thousands of jobs throughout the Kouga region and remains one of the area's most important economic drivers. Locals often refer to Chokka as "White Gold" because of its value to the community and the livelihoods it supports.
Following the Famous Calamari Route
The Calamari Route is one of the Eastern Cape's most unique culinary experiences, connecting visitors with the fishing heritage, coastal towns, harbours, restaurants, and seafood culture that make this region so special.
A journey along the route typically includes:
Exploring Port St Francis and its working harbour.
Watching fishing vessels return with fresh catches.
Learning about the Chokka industry and local fishing traditions.
Enjoying fresh calamari at local seafood restaurants.
Discovering nearby destinations including Cape St Francis and Jeffreys Bay.
Sampling different preparations, from grilled calamari tubes to crispy fried calamari strips.
For food lovers, it offers a unique opportunity to enjoy calamari only a short distance from where it was caught.
Where to Enjoy Calamari in St Francis Bay
No visit to St Francis Bay is complete without sampling the local catch. These restaurants are popular stops for visitors looking to experience the area's seafood culture:
Chokka Block Restaurant
Located within Port St Francis, this harbour-side favourite has become synonymous with local seafood. Positioned right at the heart of the working harbour, it offers visitors an authentic taste of St Francis Bay's fishing heritage.
Website: chokkablock.co.za
Phone: 042 294 1615
Location: Port St Francis Harbour, St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape
Distance from Mykonos Luxury Accommodation: 3.5–4 km approx. 5–7 minutes by car
The Quays Restaurant
Known for waterfront dining and beautiful canal views, this local favourite regularly showcases fresh seafood inspired by the surrounding coastline.
Website: thequays-sfb.co.za
Phone: 042 294 0386
Location: 15 Sea Glades Dr, Sea Vista, St Francis Bay, 6312
Distance from Mykonos Luxury Accommodation: 2.5 km approx. 4-5 minutes by car or 30-35min walk.
Joe Fish Restaurant (Cape St Francis Resort)
Website: www.facebook.com/joefishrestaurant
Phone: 042 298 0054
Location: Da Gama Way Cape St Francis Cape Saint Francis, 6313
