A Fresh Catch for Pretoria: Waverley Welcomes Ocean Basket

For thirty years, Ocean Basket has brought the joy of the ocean to neighbourhoods across the country, one delicious dish at a time. Now, the newest addition in Waverley Plaza, Pretoria, has officially opened its doors with a fresh new design and personal touches from franchisees Johannes and Anna Pienaar.

For the Pienaars, Waverley is store number three and a dream long in the making. After being introduced to Ocean Basket in early 2023, the couple dove in and launched Zambezi Junction in July of that year, followed by the takeover of Woodlands Boulevard in August 2024, which has a stylish revamp on the horizon.

A New Space with Big Heart

“From the moment we stepped into Zambezi, we noticed how many customers were travelling from Waverley just to enjoy our food,” says Johannes. “We knew we had to bring it closer to them.” Though the Waverley space came with its challenges of being compact and unconventional, it sparked creativity rather than hesitation.

The Waverley restaurant opened three weeks ago, and Johannes and Anna Pienaar opted for a community-focused approach. “Big openings are exciting, but we chose to open in a way that felt right for us,” says Anna. “Waverley is home to many elderly residents, and we didn’t want anyone queueing in the cold or feeling rushed.”

A Fresh Chapter in Ocean Basket’s Story

The Waverley location stands out as one of the first to showcase Ocean Basket’s new-look interiors, featuring a modern, intimate setting that brings a coastal calm to every table. It’s a shift that reflects the brand’s evolution while staying true to what South Africans have always loved: generous portions, bold flavour, and a welcoming vibe.

Ocean Basket Waverley is officially open and ready to welcome guests. Whether you’re after a quiet solo bite or a shared seafood feast, you’ll find the same warmth and flavour that’s made Ocean Basket a household name for three decades and counting.

You can find the new restaurant at Shop 0086, Waverley Plaza, Pretoria. Follow Ocean Basket on Instagram or Facebook to keep up with their latest openings and specials.