Ocean Basket has ushered in the summer season with a fresh lineup of dishes and drinks unveiled at its recent Tastes Like Summer event, held at the brand’s first-ever store in Menlyn, Johannesburg.
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The showcase introduced several new menu additions that are now available nationwide, marking the start of a season shaped by lighter flavours, bold seafood twists, and a renewed focus on sharing-style dining.
A new drinks lineup for sunny days
One of the biggest talking points from the launch was the debut of OB Bubbly, a sparkling new addition served by the glass or bottle. It brings a lighter pairing option to the seafood-led menu, designed for leisurely afternoons and warm evenings.
Ocean Basket also revealed an updated OB Wines range, now presented with a cleaner, more modern look.
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Meanwhile, the brand’s OB Sodas return in recyclable cans, including a new Lemonade flavour inspired by the restaurant’s signature citrus notes.
Seafood with a seasonal shift
The food innovations presented at the event revealed a menu that leans into freshness, texture and South African sourcing.
Among the key updates:
- Full-shelled mussels, a new addition intended to elevate the classic mussel dish.
- Locally sourced tuna, selected for its sustainability and lighter flavour profile, now featured in multiple dishes.
- A growing selection of bite-sized plates, reflecting a broader shift towards shared eating experiences.
“We continuously build and elevate our fish offering, keeping trends and sustainability in mind,” says Alet Kilchenmann, head of food at Ocean Basket. “Tuna was the obvious choice for this summer.”
A Bold twist on sushi
Ocean Basket’s sushi menu has undergone its most dramatic update yet under the new Epic Sushi range. The refreshed offering leans heavily into texture and richer flavour combinations, incorporating elements like calamari-infused rolls, smoky toppings, crunchy panko coatings, and saucier profiles.
“This is a fresh, exciting evolution inspired by global trends yet firmly rooted in the flavours South Africans love,” says Andrew, Head of Sushi. “It’s generous, bold, and unmistakably Ocean Basket.”
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A frozen yoghurt collaboration for the season
In a first-time partnership, Ocean Basket has teamed up with Marcel’s Frozen Yoghurt to launch three coated frozen-yoghurt sticks as new dessert options.
Flavours include:
- Lemon Poppy with a yoghurt coating
- Salted Caramel with a choc-mint coating
- Vanilla with a caramel-crunch coating
The playful range brings a fresh, summery alternative to traditional desserts.
Across the board, Ocean Basket’s seasonal update reflects a shift toward lighter options, shared plates, and flavour-forward twists grounded in the brand’s seafood identity. The new menu is now available nationwide, offering diners a taste of the restaurant’s fresh direction as summer gets underway.mer gets underway.
