Forty8
Forty8 is a rooftop lounge on Main Road in Sea Point, perched above street level with views stretching across the Atlantic. The space is split between an indoor cocktail bar with comfortable seating and an open-air terrace that becomes the main attraction in warm weather. DJs play from a booth near the terrace, keeping the energy at a level where conversation is still possible. The cocktail menu is well-constructed with a lean toward tropical and citrus profiles that match the seaside setting. Weekend nights bring a well-dressed, professional crowd that treats the venue as both a starting point and a destination.
What to Expect
An elevated space with ocean views, well-made drinks, and a crowd that's dressed for the occasion. The terrace fills first and stays packed on summer weekends. The indoor section is cooler (temperature and energy) with deeper seating. Music is present but not dominating.
Breezy, polished, and social. The rooftop setting and ocean proximity create a mood that's relaxed during golden hour and energized after dark.
Deep house, Afro house, and lounge music. Volume increases after 9 PM on weekends.
Smart casual to upscale. Clean shoes, collared shirts for men, and polished outfits are the norm. Sea Point standards apply.
After-work sunset drinks, date nights, and groups who want good cocktails with a view without the full club commitment.
Cash and cards accepted
Price Range
No cover, cocktails ZAR 100-160, wine by glass ZAR 80-130
≈ €5-9 / $5-9
Hours
Wed-Sun 4 PM to midnight, Fri-Sat until 1 AM
Insider Tip
Sunset is the prime window. Arrive by 5 PM on weekends to claim a terrace spot. The indoor bar area is quieter and the bartenders have more time for conversation.
Full Review
Forty8 gets the rooftop formula right. The terrace offers genuine ocean views rather than the partially-obstructed glimpses that some Sea Point venues call 'ocean-facing.' On a clear evening, you can see all the way to Robben Island while sipping a cocktail that someone actually spent time making.
The drinks menu changes seasonally but maintains a core of crowd-pleasers. The house G&T uses a South African gin (Clemengold or Inverroche, depending on the season) with quality tonic and proper garnish. Signature cocktails run ZAR 110-150 and justify the price through both taste and presentation. The wine list favors Cape Winelands producers, with by-the-glass options covering the major varietals.
The terrace is the draw, but the indoor space shouldn't be overlooked. Deep couches, lower lighting, and a more intimate atmosphere make it the better choice for conversation. The bartenders inside are the same team but with more time per customer, which means your custom requests get proper attention.
The DJ programming favors deep house and Afro house, which suits the setting. Volume is managed intelligently, loud enough to create energy but not so loud that the terrace conversation becomes a shouting match. This changes after 10 PM on Saturdays, when the volume climbs and the crowd shifts from drinks-and-chat to drinks-and-dance.
The crowd skews 28-45, professional, and international. Sea Point residents mix with visitors staying at the nearby hotels. The gender balance is good, and the atmosphere is genuinely social without being predatory.
Weekend terraces fill by 6 PM in summer. There's no reservation system for terrace spots, so timing is everything. Wednesday and Thursday visits are more relaxed.
The Neighborhood
On Main Road in Sea Point, surrounded by restaurants and bars that form the strip's nightlife corridor. The Sea Point Promenade is a short walk for daytime exploration but should be avoided after dark. Other venues like Strolla and Modular are nearby for bar-hopping.
Getting There
Uber from the City Bowl or Long Street costs ZAR 40-60. From Camps Bay, ZAR 50-70. The venue is on Main Road with a visible entrance at street level.
Other Venues in Sea Point
Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen
Award-winning cocktail bar where mixologists create custom drinks based on your flavor preferences. Regularly named among Africa's best bars.
Chinchilla
Camps Bay's see-and-be-seen rooftop bar overlooking the beach. Sunset sessions draw a glamorous crowd of locals and tourists.
Modular
Minimalist cocktail bar in Sea Point with a focus on local spirits and seasonal ingredients. Intimate space that fills quickly on weekends.
Strolla
Italian-inspired bar and eatery on the Sea Point strip. Aperol spritzes, charcuterie boards, and a Mediterranean atmosphere draw a social after-work crowd.