Route 62
Based in Queen's Hotel, this smart restaurant serves local fare like Karoo lamb, Cape Malay curry and venison, as well as a range of international dishes.
Must-see restaurants in South Africa
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
One of the most popular eateries in Underberg, this big barn of a place in the Village Mall has great coffee, good cakes and a wide selection of pasta,…
Garden Route
Although no trains ply the tracks any more, this cafe filling the old station building is still a nice spot for salads and sandwiches. In the evenings,…
The Wild Coast
This funky restaurant has a fabulous view of Second Beach and the sea, and an eclectic menu that includes a recommended mezze platter, delicious shwarma,…
Limpopo
A pretty garden setting, a range of snacks and international dishes such as burgers and consistently good reviews from travellers – Seringa is a fine…
Green Point & Waterfront
Its menu bursting with flavourful food, Giovanni’s can make any sandwich you fancy, which is ideal for a picnic if you’re on your way to the beach. The…
Franschhoek
Serves original dishes inspired by the Cape's varied cultures and using herbs from the on-site indigenous garden. A handy glossary on the menu helps you…
Route 62
Set in a lovely old building, this sleek place has a seasonal menu. The emphasis is on home cooking, with everything from the bread to the ice cream made…
Eastern Cape
This popular venue, in a quaint, A-frame house with a lovely, shady outdoor eating section, serves flavoursome veggie dishes, breakfasts, salads, pizzas,…
Cape Town
You can always rely on this atmospheric Turkish joint that’s a little piece of Istanbul in Cape Town. Make a meal out of their delicious meze, both hot…
Western Cape
An eclectic menu featuring African meat with Asian influences is served in an intimate candlelit setting. Among the more unusual offerings are crocodile…
West Coast & Swartland
A better location you couldn’t wish for – you can hop from your table right onto the sand. Specialising in seafood, this is also an excellent spot to…
Hermanus
Based within the plush Marine hotel, the focus here is perfectly prepared seafood dishes, plus a few meaty options and some enticing desserts.
KwaZulu-Natal
The best burgers in the South Coast are served in this large, airy restaurant in Ramsgate. If you come for breakfast make sure to treat yourself to one of…
Western Cape
Based in an old fishing cottage, this local favourite has a menu that showcases local, seasonal ingredients. It's best known for seafood, though the lamb…
Knysna
Restaurants seem to come and go in Knysna, but this pizza joint has been around a while. You'll also find burgers, pasta and some salads, plus a pleasant…
Franschhoek
Based in the grounds of the church, this market has a real country fete vibe. Shop for crafts and lunch on a range of light dishes, or buy a bag of…
Cape Town
Free range chicken roasted to juicy perfection and served with home-made gravy and a full range of sides. Eat within the historic surrounds of Heritage…
Cape Town
Bollywood chic rules at this colourful South Indian culinary outpost serving decent dosas (lentil pancakes) and thalis (set meals with a variety of…
Port Elizabeth
Occupying a former workshop, this cheery cafe has a high-quality menu. Choices run from excellent salads and wraps to a variety of burgers and sandwiches…
North West Province
A cafe with a large terrace that provides good views of a waterhole popular with wildebeest and giraffes. It serves pizza, burgers, wraps and salads, plus…
West Coast & Swartland
Perhaps Darling’s most upmarket place to dine, with a constantly changing menu that is designed to pair with Groote Post’s wines.
Route 62
A popular cafe, recommended for its freshly baked bread and cakes. Light lunches are on the menu, or if you're suffering in the morning, give the hangover…
Limpopo
The village pub has a warm country atmosphere made even better by a new beer garden. Decent pub menu and braai (barbecue) options are available; venison…
Sunshine Coast
Seafood and grills, available on hefty platters, are served alongside sweeping harbour views and arty, nautical-themed decor. Locals rave about the…
Stellenbosch
There’s an interesting menu and an extensive wine list with more than 500 choices. Around 20 wines are available by the glass and tastings are available …
KwaZulu-Natal
The perfect place to eat your way through a hot afternoon, under a canopy of lush coastal forest. Feast on fabulous homemade cakes or a range of healthy…
Garden Route
On the water's edge, this is one of the best places in town for a sundowner. Sushi and oysters are on the menu alongside a selection of cocktails (R40 to…
Free State
This stylish place on the square serves Portuguese and Mozambican dishes like trinchado (braised beef), peri peri chicken, spicy prawns and egg tarts.
Western Cape
The chalkboard menu changes often, but always features no-nonsense dishes like rump steak, lamb shank and curries, largely created with local, organic…
Hermanus
Tucked away in a side street, this is a local hang-out lauded for its excellent coffee, fresh salads and sandwiches plus a range of tasty cakes baked on…
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
This friendly place serves up zesty pastas, burgers, wraps and pancakes at lunchtime. In the evenings dine out on trout, kudu fillet and springbok…
Durban
Lunch spots don't come any more unlikely than this – a cafe tacked onto a betting shop. But the bunnies here are legendary and, indeed, award-winning.
Winelands
Grab a table under the trees and enjoy an unfussy lunch of wood-fired pizza or roast pork belly with views of the vineyards, town and mountains beyond.
Route 62
Popular with locals and widely recommended around town, this Italian restaurant serves well-priced pizza, pasta and seafood. Reservations recommended.
Garden Route
Part of the Protea Hotel, this bright bistro has an extensive menu featuring seafood, steaks, sushi and pizza.
KwaZulu-Natal
A patio with peaceful sea views makes this restaurant worth the visit alone. The menu is basic bistro fare, but locals rave about the pizzas.
KwaZulu-Natal
Casual, friendly Fat Cat is a nice, open spot tucked away off the main drag. Breakfast is recommended, especially the Mediterranean Surprise.
Plettenberg Bay
A funky, minimalist venue with pizzas, seafood and a very tasty lamb shank. There's an indoor kids' play area and live music on Fridays.
Geelbek Visitor’s Centre & Restaurant
West Coast & Swartland
There's a wide menu here, focusing on traditional fare. It’s also an information centre for the park and can help with accommodation.
