"A beachfront Summerstrand fine-dining room with Bell Restaurant heritage since 1963, plating salt-and-pepper squid for a coastal anniversary."
About Ginger The Restaurant
Ginger The Restaurant sits inside The Beach Hotel on Marine Drive in Summerstrand, looking straight onto the seafront of Gqeberha, the city long known as Port Elizabeth. Its lineage runs back to The Bell Restaurant, established in 1963, and it has grown into the polished special-occasion address of our Port Elizabeth guide. The seasonal menu reaches from the coast's fresh seafood to slow-cooked meats and a considered vegetarian path.
An award-winning wine list rounds out the room, and bookings are treated as essential. It is the city's go-to for an evening that is meant to feel like an event rather than a meal.
The Kitchen
The kitchen changes with the season and the catch, but a handful of plates have become signatures: salt-and-pepper baby squid, a slow-braised lamb shank and a homemade spice-route trio of ice cream to close. Fresh coastal seafood leads the card, with succulent meats and a carefully built vegetarian path alongside. Most main courses sit in the mid-range for South African fine dining.
The Room
The dining room trades on its beachfront position, pairing a smart, contemporary interior with sea views through the windows. It is dressy without being formal, the kind of setting that carries a proposal or a landmark dinner. Service is attentive and the pacing relaxed, so an evening here stretches comfortably.
Best for a coastal anniversary or a proposal
Book a window table at dusk for an anniversary or a proposal; the sea view, the squid and the wine list also make it an easy choice for a memorable first date.
Not for
A budget or grab-and-go meal. This is a dressy beachfront hotel dining room where booking ahead and a relaxed pace are expected.
Frequently Asked
Where is Ginger The Restaurant in Port Elizabeth?
Ginger is inside The Beach Hotel on Marine Drive in Summerstrand, on the seafront of Gqeberha, the city formerly known as Port Elizabeth. Bookings are on 041 583 1229.
What is Ginger's signature dish?
Signatures include salt-and-pepper baby squid, a slow-braised lamb shank, and a homemade spice-route trio of ice cream, on a seasonal menu that leans into fresh coastal seafood.
What is the history of Ginger The Restaurant?
Its heritage stems from The Bell Restaurant, established in 1963, and it has since grown into a contemporary beachfront fine-dining room with an award-winning wine list.
How much does Ginger cost?
It sits in the mid-range for South African fine dining, with most main courses roughly 150 to 260 rand, before wine.
Do I need to book Ginger?
Yes. Bookings are treated as essential, and a window table is worth requesting for the sea view at dusk.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Ginger The Restaurant
Bookings essential; request a window table for the sea view.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
AddressThe Beach Hotel, Marine Drive, Summerstrand, Gqeberha
NeighbourhoodSummerstrand beachfront
CuisineContemporary South African / Seafood
Price$$$ · mains roughly R150-260
RecognitionHeritage from The Bell Restaurant (1963); award-winning wine list
SignatureSalt-and-pepper baby squid
