La Parada serves Spanish-inspired tapas, grills, seafood, pasta, sushi, burgers and sharing platters in South Africa. This guide covers the V&A Waterfront sample menu and gives clear prices for planning a visit, collection or delivery order.
The menu was reviewed on 29 September 2026. Its publisher marks it as a sample last updated on 27 June 2025, so dishes and prices can differ on the day. Always confirm the exact branch, current menu and order channel before paying.
La Parada price range at a glance
| Section | Reviewed range |
|---|---|
| Bar snacks and small plates | R33-R187 |
| Tapas and salads | R91-R264 |
| Main courses and pasta | R184-R446 |
| Grill cuts | R358-R549 before extras |
| Sushi | R66-R325 |
| Desserts | R77-R132 |
| Kids food | R51-R148 |
| Sharing platters | R875-R2,167 |
How to use this price guide
The prices below come from the La Parada V&A Waterfront sample menu reviewed on 29 September 2026. That menu says it was last updated on 27 June 2025 and warns that dishes can differ on the day. Treat every figure as a useful planning reference, then check the menu presented by your chosen restaurant before ordering. La Parada has branches in several provinces, so a Cape Town figure should not be assumed to be a guaranteed national price. Delivery platforms may also show a different amount from the dining room.
This guide keeps the branch scope visible because that makes comparison honest. It explains what the dishes contain, how to build a sensible order and where extra costs usually appear. Prices for drinks, optional choices and every possible modification were not available in one consistent public list. Ask for the current drinks menu and final bill details at the restaurant.
Bar snacks and small plates prices
| Item | V&A Waterfront reference |
|---|---|
| Truffle Potato Skins | R33 |
| Marinated Olives | R44 |
| Cauliflower Bites | R66 |
| Poppers | R99 |
| Amazeballs | R117 |
| Prawns | R132 |
| Spicy Kingklip Bites | R143 |
| Grilled or Fried Calamari | R151 |
| Chicken Wings | R154 |
| Chicken Tenders | R163 |
| Wagyu Beef Potstickers | R187 |
Quick budget overview
A small snack can begin with Truffle Potato Skins at R33 or Marinated Olives at R44. Most small plates sit between R66 and R187, while the listed tapas range from R91 to R264. A customer choosing one small dish and one non-alcoholic drink will spend far less than someone ordering steak, sides and cocktails. The menu works best when the budget is decided before several sharing dishes reach the table.
Main courses in this review run from R184 for the Crispy Chicken Burger to R446 for Earth and Ocean or Seared Norwegian Salmon. Pasta is R215 to R311. Grill cuts start at R358 before sauce and side. Sushi spans from R66 for a two-piece option to R325 for Salmon Bombs. Add service, drinks and any unlisted extras to your estimate.
Tapas and salads prices
| Item | V&A Waterfront reference |
|---|---|
| Miso Aubergine | R91 |
| Bikini Toastie | R99 |
| Ham Croquetas | R110 |
| Tuna Tacos | R110 |
| Harissa Chicken Salad | R127 |
| Bao Buns | from R138 |
| Chicken Waldorf Salad | R157 |
| Poke Bowl | from R171 |
| Caesar Salad | R171 |
| Pork Belly | R187 |
| Beef Fillet Tapas | R204 |
| Asian Calamari Salad | R204 |
| Fillet Tagliata | R207 |
| Beef Short Rib | R264 |
Choosing small plates
Small plates are useful when people want variety, but the name does not mean the total will stay small. Two diners who choose four dishes around R150 each already have a R600 food subtotal. Start with two or three choices, see how generous the portions are, and add another dish only if needed. This also prevents hot calamari, wings and prawns from sitting while the table works through too much food.
Balance the order by mixing rich and fresh flavours. Cauliflower Bites at R66 bring a lower-priced fried option, while Prawns at R132 or Kingklip Bites at R143 add seafood. Chicken Wings at R154 are familiar for a group. Wagyu Beef Potstickers at R187 cost more, so treat them as a featured dish rather than an automatic extra.
Main courses and pasta prices
| Item | V&A Waterfront reference |
|---|---|
| Crispy Chicken Burger | R184 |
| Wagyu Beef Burger | R215 |
| Moules-frites | R203 |
| Pork Loin and Grilled Cabbage | R216 |
| Karoo Lamb Rump | R341 |
| Steak au Poivre | R374 |
| Earth and Ocean | R446 |
| Seared Norwegian Salmon | R446 |
| Prawn Pasta | R215 |
| Pulled Beef Pasta | R215 |
| Mushroom Pappardelle | R237 |
| Kingklip Chardonnay Pasta | R311 |
Tapas for a mixed table
The tapas list covers vegetables, seafood, pork and beef. Miso Aubergine at R91 is the lowest-priced reviewed choice and can give a shared order a vegetable centre. Bikini Toastie is R99, while Ham Croquetas and Tuna Tacos are both R110. Bao Buns begin at R138 and Poke Bowl begins at R171 because the final protein choice can change the amount.
Ask how many pieces arrive before ordering for a group. One dish may give everyone a taste but not a full serving. Select one crisp item, one saucy item and one substantial protein, then add a salad or side. This produces a more complete meal than ordering several fried plates with similar textures. People with dietary needs should identify their dishes before sharing begins.
Grill, sauces and sides prices
| Item | V&A Waterfront reference |
|---|---|
| Beef Fillet 300g | R358 |
| Beef Ribeye 300g | R358 |
| Wagyu Ribeye 300g | R549 |
| Salsa Roja, Mustard Cream or Hot Sauce | R50 |
| Green Peppercorn or Mushroom Ragout | R55 |
| Shoestring Fries | R44 |
| Garlic Potato Mash | R50 |
| Smashed Cucumber Salad | R55 |
| House Side Salad | R66 |
| Kimchi Mac and Cheese | R72 |
| Patatas Bravas | R77 |
| Broccolini | R97 |
| Baby Veg Bowl | R99 |
Burgers and everyday main courses
The Crispy Chicken Burger is R184 and the Wagyu Beef Burger is R215 in the reviewed sample. Both include a choice of side, which matters when comparing them with a grill cut that requires a side to be purchased separately. The chicken burger uses crunchy chicken, avocado, tomato and La Parada burger sauce. The Wagyu burger includes mature cheddar and roasted red pepper chutney.
Moules-frites at R203 provides mussels, white wine and garlic sauce with fries. Pork Loin and Grilled Cabbage is R216 and also includes a side choice. Read the description rather than choosing from the name alone. Sauces, cheese, avocado, shellfish and alcohol used in cooking may matter for allergies or preferences.
Sushi prices
| Item | V&A Waterfront reference |
|---|---|
| Nigiri, 2 pieces | from R66 |
| California Roll, 8 pieces | from R73 |
| Prawn Bombs, 8 pieces | R132 |
| On Fire Tempura, 8 pieces | from R138 |
| Cajun Supreme, 8 pieces | R143 |
| Sashimi, 4 pieces | from R154 |
| Tuna Crunch, 8 pieces | R176 |
| Calamari Sushi, 8 pieces | R187 |
| Prawn Top Tempura Roses, 4 pieces | R237 |
| Ultimate Rainbow, 8 pieces | R281 |
| Rockpool Platter, 8 pieces | R319 |
| Salmon Bombs, 4 pieces | R325 |
Premium mains
Karoo Lamb Rump costs R341 and Steak au Poivre is R374. Earth and Ocean and Seared Norwegian Salmon are both R446, placing them at the top of the individual main-course examples. Earth and Ocean combines ribeye steak and prawns, while the salmon is served with baby vegetables and teriyaki sauce. These dishes suit a customer who wants one composed plate instead of several shared items.
Confirm the available side and the requested meat temperature when ordering. A premium main plus dessert can move the food subtotal above R500 before drinks and service. If two people also want starters, sharing one small plate is a practical way to experience another flavour without turning the meal into a large platter order.
Desserts and kids meals prices
| Item | V&A Waterfront reference |
|---|---|
| Churros | R77 |
| Chocolate Brownie | R77 |
| Classic Lemon Tart | R99 |
| Ginger and Miso Caramel Cheesecake | R116 |
| Spiced Malva Pudding | R132 |
| Kids Ham and Cheese Toastie | R51 |
| Kids Chicken and Potatoes | R64 |
| Kids Chicken Burger | R64 |
| Kids Ham Bites | R82 |
| Kids Calamari | R110 |
| Kids Mushroom Pasta | R148 |
| Kids Shakes | from R51 |
Pasta choices
Prawn Pasta and Pulled Beef Pasta are both R215. Mushroom Pappardelle is R237, and Kingklip Chardonnay Pasta is R311. The first three use rich ingredients such as butter, Parmesan, beef ragout or mushroom ragout. The Kingklip dish adds a seafood fillet to tagliatelle with chilli, garlic and parsley, which helps explain its higher price.
Pasta can be filling enough without a side. Order a fresh salad for the table if the meal needs contrast, rather than adding another starch. Ask whether Parmesan can be left off and whether the pasta itself contains egg if those details matter. A dish described as mushroom based may still contain dairy, stock or other ingredients that strict vegetarians need to confirm.
Sharing platters prices
| Item | V&A Waterfront reference |
|---|---|
| Tapas Platter | R875 |
| Plato de Carne Pequeno | R989 |
| Plato de Mariscos | R1,089 |
| Plato de Carne Grande | R2,167 |
Understanding the grill price
The 300g Beef Fillet and 300g Beef Ribeye are each R358. The 300g Wagyu Ribeye is R549. These listed grill prices should be read with the sauce and side sections because those additions are priced separately. A standard steak with a R50 sauce and R44 fries becomes R452. Choosing Wagyu, Mushroom Ragout at R55 and Baby Veg at R99 creates a R703 food subtotal before drinks.
Ask whether the cut weight is before cooking and state the preferred temperature clearly. Fillet is usually chosen for tenderness, while ribeye has more visible fat and a stronger beef flavour. Wagyu carries the largest premium. The best-value choice depends on texture preference, not only the price or prestige of the name.
Sides and sauces
Shoestring Fries at R44 and Garlic Potato Mash at R50 are the lowest-priced side examples. Smashed Cucumber Salad is R55, House Side Salad R66, Kimchi Mac and Cheese R72 and Patatas Bravas R77. Broccolini costs R97 and the Baby Veg Bowl is R99. Select a side that balances the main rather than automatically choosing fries with every order.
Sauces cost R50 for Salsa Roja, Mustard Cream or Homemade Hot Sauce, and R55 for Green Peppercorn or Mushroom Ragout. A sauce can be a meaningful percentage of the meal when added to a lower-priced dish. Ask whether a main already includes a sauce. Shareable sides can work for two diners if the serving is generous, but confirm before relying on one portion.
Sushi price guide
Sushi prices depend on both the style and the filling. Two pieces of Nigiri start at R66, while an eight-piece California Roll starts at R73. Prawn Bombs are R132, On Fire Tempura begins at R138 and Cajun Supreme is R143. Tuna Crunch costs R176 and Calamari Sushi R187. Higher-priced signature options include Ultimate Rainbow at R281 and Salmon Bombs at R325.
The word from is important because salmon, tuna, prawn and vegetarian options can carry different prices. Count pieces when comparing rolls. An eight-piece roll can be better for sharing than a four-piece rose option even if their prices appear close. Raw fish, shellfish, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sesame and soy are common, so discuss allergies before placing a mixed platter in the centre.
Dessert choices
Churros and Chocolate Brownie are both R77, making them the lowest-priced reviewed desserts. Classic Lemon Tart is R99, Ginger and Miso Caramel Cheesecake R116 and Spiced Malva Pudding R132. Many include ice cream, cream, chocolate, caramel or pastry, so the desserts are rich enough to share when diners only want a sweet finish.
Choose churros for a crisp, cinnamon-coated dessert with chocolate dip. Lemon tart offers a sharper flavour after a heavy main. Malva pudding is warm and comforting, while cheesecake brings a salty caramel note. Ask about serving temperature and allergens. Wheat, dairy, egg and nuts may appear, and a garnish can introduce an ingredient that is not obvious from the short title.
Kids menu planning
The kids Ham and Cheese Toastie is R51. Chicken and Potatoes and the Chicken Burger are R64 each, Ham Bites are R82, Calamari is R110 and Mushroom Pasta is R148. Shakes begin at R51 and juices begin at R39 on the reviewed menu. A drink can therefore add a noticeable amount to a child's meal.
Choose according to appetite and familiarity rather than ordering the largest dish. Chicken strips, toastie or a plain burger may be easier for a younger child. Let hot food cool, cut it into safe pieces and keep cocktails or hot plates out of reach. Ask about spice, sauces and allergens. Shared fryers and common ingredients such as wheat, egg, milk and seafood require care.
Sharing platters and group costs
The Tapas Platter is R875. Plato de Carne Pequeno is R989, Plato de Mariscos is R1,089 and Plato de Carne Grande reaches R2,167. Platters combine several proteins and are meant for groups, but the reviewed menu does not provide one universal number of diners for every appetite. Ask the branch how many people a platter normally serves before making it the centre of the order.
Divide the price by the realistic group size, then add sides, drinks and service. A R1,089 seafood platter shared by four has a base food cost of about R272 per person, but that figure rises quickly with extras. Confirm seafood allergies and keep separate utensils where cross-contact is a concern.
A meal for one
For a light solo meal, choose one small plate or salad and a drink. Cauliflower Bites at R66 may need another item, while Harissa Chicken Salad at R127 or Chicken Waldorf at R157 is designed as a more complete plate. A burger provides a clear single-person main with an included side. Pasta also avoids the need to coordinate several sharing dishes.
Set a food ceiling before reading the drinks list. A Crispy Chicken Burger at R184 plus Churros at R77 gives a R261 food subtotal. Wagyu Burger and Lemon Tart total R314. These examples exclude drinks and service, but they show how quickly a starter or dessert changes the bill. Confirm live prices first.
A meal for two
Two diners can share one small plate, order two mains and split dessert. Fried Calamari at R151, two Crispy Chicken Burgers at R184 each and Churros at R77 create a R596 food subtotal. Replacing the burgers with two R358 steaks, then adding sides and sauces, takes the same structure well above R1,000 before drinks.
Another approach is three or four tapas dishes with one salad. This gives more variety, but check portion sizes and avoid choosing only rich fried food. Agree in advance about shellfish, pork, spice and raw fish. When one person has a strict dietary need, individual plates can be safer and easier than a fully shared table.
Ordering for four people
A group of four should decide between a platter-led meal and a collection of individual choices. The Tapas Platter at R875 may provide a convenient base, after which the table can add salad and sides. Four separate burgers cost R736 to R860 using the reviewed chicken and Wagyu prices. Four premium mains can cost considerably more, especially when steak sauces and sides are separate.
Ask one person to coordinate the order so dishes are not duplicated accidentally. Write down dietary restrictions and keep raw seafood separate for anyone who does not eat it. Order an initial set of plates, then add food if the table is still hungry. This usually gives better freshness and less waste.
Best options on a smaller budget
Begin with the lower-priced dishes that still match the appetite. Truffle Potato Skins are R33, Marinated Olives R44, Cauliflower Bites R66, Miso Aubergine R91 and Bikini Toastie R99. These prices make it possible to taste several styles, although a collection of snacks can become expensive if the table keeps adding plates.
For a full meal, Harissa Chicken Salad at R127 is the lowest reviewed substantial salad, while Crispy Chicken Burger at R184 is the lowest reviewed main. Shoestring Fries are R44 if a side is necessary. Water and one shared dessert control the total more effectively than chasing a promotion while ordering unwanted drinks and extras.
When premium choices make sense
Premium items make sense when the ingredient or experience is the purpose of the visit. Wagyu Ribeye at R549, Seared Norwegian Salmon at R446 and Salmon Bombs at R325 all carry a clear price premium. Ordering one featured item and keeping the rest of the meal simple is often more satisfying than selecting the most expensive option in every section.
Ask about availability before building the meal around a premium dish. Steak cut, fish supply and sushi ingredients can change. If the preferred item is unavailable, choose a substitute because its flavour and preparation appeal to you, rather than because its price is similar. The live menu and server can clarify current portions.
Vegetarian and plant-focused choices
Possible vegetarian choices include Truffle Potato Skins, Marinated Olives, Cauliflower Bites, Miso Aubergine, Mushroom Pappardelle and several vegetable sides. A California roll may have a vegetarian filling depending on the selected option. These dishes are not automatically vegan. Cheese, cream, butter, mayonnaise, honey, egg and shared frying oil may be involved.
Tell the server whether the requirement is preference, vegetarian, vegan or allergy based. Ask about stock, sauces and garnishes rather than relying on the dish title. A vegetable item prepared in the same fryer as seafood does not suit every diner. The restaurant's current kitchen information should guide any strict choice.
Seafood choices
Seafood appears across the menu: prawns, calamari, kingklip, mussels, salmon, tuna and sushi. A guest can start with Prawns at R132, choose Moules-frites at R203 or select Kingklip Chardonnay Pasta at R311. Seared Norwegian Salmon is R446. Sushi adds raw and cooked choices, while Plato de Mariscos is designed for a group.
Consider preparation as well as species. Fried calamari feels different from grilled calamari, and raw tuna brings different food-safety and preference questions from cooked kingklip. Shellfish allergy can be serious, and cross-contact is possible in a seafood-heavy kitchen. Confirm current ingredients and tell staff clearly before ordering.
Meat choices
Chicken appears in wings, tenders, salad, burgers and platters. Pork appears in belly, loin, ribs and ham dishes. Beef ranges from a Wagyu burger and tapas fillet to 300g grill cuts. Lamb rump provides another premium main. This range makes it easy to build a meat-heavy meal, but several rich proteins together can feel repetitive.
Mix one grilled or roasted choice with a vegetable side or salad. State steak doneness and ask whether pork or chicken dishes are spicy. Diners avoiding pork should check croquetas, toasties and platters carefully. Sauces may also use alcohol or animal stock, so a short conversation with the server prevents assumptions.
Allergy questions
Common allergens on this menu include wheat, egg, milk, soy, sesame, nuts, fish and shellfish. Sushi and shared plates make accidental cross-contact easier because serving utensils move between dishes. Fried items may use shared oil. Sauces, aioli, pastry, bread and marinades can contain ingredients that are not obvious from the main dish name.
Tell staff about a serious allergy before ordering and ask them to check the current recipe and kitchen process. Keep the allergy-safe plate separate when food arrives. A price guide cannot provide medical assurance or replace the restaurant's current allergen information. If the kitchen cannot give a safe answer, choose a simpler dish or another restaurant.
Dine-in versus delivery
The reviewed figures come from a Waterfront sample menu, not a promise that every delivery screen will match. Delivery platforms can apply different item prices, service fees, small-order charges and distance fees. Some dishes also travel better than others. Burgers, pasta and sturdy sides usually tolerate a short trip better than flambéed sushi, crisp calamari or plated steak.
Compare the final basket with the dine-in plan, not only the headline item price. For delivery, select the exact branch and check the address before payment. Unpack fried dishes quickly so steam does not soften them further. Raw fish should arrive cold and should not be left at room temperature.
Branch differences
La Parada lists branches across Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. Menus can differ because of local demand, kitchen format, stock and service style. Breakfast is available at some locations, while another branch may focus on the main food, tapas and drinks menus. Operating hours also depend on the venue.
Use this V&A Waterfront review to understand categories and likely spending, then open the menu for the exact restaurant you plan to visit. Check the branch name again after following a booking or delivery link. If travelling for one specific dish, contact the restaurant on the day because sample menus may change without notice.
Booking and busy periods
The V&A Waterfront is a busy leisure destination, so booking is sensible for weekend evenings, holidays and larger groups. Give the correct number of adults and children and mention accessibility or seating needs. A booking secures a table according to the venue's rules, but it does not guarantee that every sample-menu item will be available.
Arrive on time and contact the restaurant if plans change. Groups should agree whether the bill will be split and whether a platter is being ordered. Ask about deposits, cancellation terms or automatic service charges when booking a large table. These policies can change and are separate from the food prices listed here.
Drinks and the final bill
La Parada has separate drinks and wine menus, and the food sample reviewed here does not provide one complete drinks price list for every branch. Cocktails, wine, bottle service, coffee and soft drinks can materially change the final bill. Decide whether the occasion is food focused or drink focused before setting the budget.
Ask for tap water if that is the preference and confirm whether bottled water is being opened. Check wine vintage, bottle size and price before ordering. For a group, keep a simple note of shared bottles and individual drinks. Review the bill calmly at the end, including service, rather than trying to reconstruct every round from memory.
Service and tipping
Food prices do not automatically describe the complete amount paid. A restaurant may add a service charge for a large party, or the table may choose a tip based on local practice and service received. Ask about group charges when booking so the organiser can communicate a realistic per-person budget.
Check whether service is already included before adding another amount. If the bill is split, agree whether shared dishes and gratuity are divided equally. One person can settle the full amount and receive transfers, but verify the totals before leaving. Keep the receipt until any payment issue is resolved. The branch controls current policy.
How to read from prices
Bao Buns, Poke Bowl, California Roll, Nigiri, Sashimi and On Fire Tempura use a from price in the reviewed menu. This means the lowest option starts at that figure, while another protein or style may cost more. It is not safe to multiply the starting price before choosing the exact variant.
Open every option in a delivery app or ask the server to state the chosen price. Repeat the protein and quantity when ordering for a group. A small difference on one plate becomes larger when several portions are ordered. The final basket or written bill should show the selected variation, making it the best reference.
Avoiding food waste
Sharing menus encourage variety, but ordering every appealing dish at once can leave expensive leftovers. Start with an amount suited to the group and add later if the kitchen is still taking orders. Combine rich dishes with salad or vegetables, and avoid ordering several potato sides without discussing it.
Ask whether safe leftovers can be packed. Refrigerate cooked meat, seafood, dairy and rice promptly, and follow sound reheating practice. Raw sushi and food that has stayed warm for a long period need extra caution. Packaging food does not make unsafe leftovers safe. When uncertain, follow current food-safety guidance or discard the item.
Checking an order on arrival
For delivery or collection, compare the receipt with every bag before the driver leaves or before travelling far from the branch. Count sushi pieces, sauces, sides, kids drinks and desserts. Similar containers can hide a missing item. Identify allergy-related and vegetarian meals first so they are not opened or shared by mistake.
Photograph labels and the received food if something is wrong. Report the issue through the ordering channel promptly and keep the receipt. For dine-in service, raise a missing side or incorrect steak temperature as soon as possible, giving the kitchen a fair chance to correct it while the meal is still underway.
What may have changed
The source menu was still published during this review but carried a June 2025 update date. Prices, dish names, recipes and availability may have changed since that menu was prepared. A seasonal dish may disappear, and a branch can introduce local items. Inflation, supplier costs and delivery commissions can also affect the amount shown at checkout.
This article records the source date and review date so readers can judge freshness. It does not hide uncertainty behind a national claim. The current restaurant menu, server quote or checkout total always wins. If a figure differs, use the live amount and check that the branch and order mode are correct.
Simple ordering checklist
First choose the exact La Parada branch and decide whether the meal is dine-in, collection or delivery. Set a food and drinks budget. Check current opening hours, booking needs and menu availability. For shared dining, list allergies and strong dislikes before selecting tapas. Ask how many pieces or portions each dish provides.
Next verify every from option, steak temperature, side and sauce. Review drinks and service separately. At checkout or bill presentation, confirm quantities, branch, prices and any fees. Keep the receipt until the meal and payment are complete. These short checks protect the budget and reduce mistakes without making a relaxed restaurant visit feel complicated.
Frequently asked questions
The lowest reviewed food price is R33 for Truffle Potato Skins, while Marinated Olives cost R44. The Crispy Chicken Burger is R184 and Wagyu Beef Burger R215. Pasta runs from R215 to R311. A 300g Fillet or Ribeye is R358 before separately listed sauce and side choices. The reviewed Wagyu Ribeye is R549.
La Parada is suitable for shared tapas, individual mains, sushi and group platters. Vegetarian possibilities exist, but vegan status and shared preparation need confirmation. Kids meals begin at R51 in this sample. Prices are for the V&A Waterfront planning reference and can differ by branch and channel. Check the live menu before ordering.
Final menu advice
Use the price tables to build a realistic food subtotal, then allow for drinks, service and branch differences. Small plates are best when the table agrees on quantity and dietary needs. Individual burgers, pasta and mains make budgeting simpler. Grill customers should add the chosen sauce and side to the steak price before comparing it with a composed main.
For the clearest value, order food that matches the appetite and occasion. A lower-priced dish that everyone enjoys is better than a premium item chosen only for status. Confirm the current menu at the V&A Waterfront or the exact branch you visit. That final check keeps the meal, bill and expectations aligned.
