Must-see restaurants in Garden Route

  • Nguni

    Plettenberg Bay

    Tucked away in a quiet courtyard, this is one of Plett's most upscale eateries. The speciality is dry-aged beef, though you'll also find some South…

  • Ile de Pain

    Knysna

    Ile de Pain is a wildly popular bakery and cafe that's as much a hit with locals as it is with tourists. There's an excellent breakfast menu, lots of…

  • Serendipity

    Garden Route

    Readers and locals all recommend this elegant restaurant with a deck overlooking the lagoon. The South African–inspired menu changes monthly but always…

  • 101 Meade

    Garden Route

    Whether you're after freshly baked bread and good coffee to start the day, inventive tapas plates to share at lunchtime or heavier evening fare like…

  • Kaai 4

    Garden Route

    Boasting one of Mossel Bay’s best locations, this low-key restaurant has picnic tables on the sand overlooking the ocean. Most of the dishes – including…

  • Freshline Fisheries

    Knysna

    It can work out to be quite pricey since sides are ordered separately, but the seafood here really is worth it. It's a simple spot with tables on a sandy…

  • Ristorante Enrico

    Plettenberg Bay

    Highly recommended by readers and right on the beach, this is the place for seafood in Plett (well, just outside Plett). Enrico has his own boat that,…

  • Carola Ann's

    Garden Route

    Close to the museum, Carola Ann's serves inventive breakfasts, delicious, healthy lunches and not-so-healthy slabs of cake. Grab a packet of the chocolate…

  • Old Townhouse

    Garden Route

    In the one-time town administration building dating back to 1848, this long-standing restaurant is known for its excellent steaks and ever-changing game…

  • Zucchini

    Garden Route

    Stylish decor combines with home-grown organic produce, free-range meats and lots of vegetarian options at this delightful place. There's a coffee…

  • East Head Café

    Knysna

    There’s an outdoor deck overlooking the lagoon and ocean, lots of fish and seafood, plus a few vegetarian dishes. It's a very popular spot so expect to…

  • Girl's Restaurant

    Garden Route

    It doesn’t look much from afar – a restaurant tucked down the side of a petrol station – but Girl's gets rave reviews. Try the venison fillet or the fresh…

  • Route 57

    Garden Route

    This elegant place in a century-old house is one of Mossel Bay's swankiest dining options. Try the seafood potjie (stew) or the fillet steak topped with…

  • Sirocco

    Knysna

    Inside, it’s a stylish place to dine on sushi, steak and seafood; outside, it’s a laid-back bar with wood-fired pizzas and a range of Mitchell’s beers…

  • Le Fournil de Plett

    Plettenberg Bay

    Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a freshly baked pastry in the courtyard or on the balcony overlooking Plett's main road. There's also a small lunch menu,…

  • Beejuice

    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,…

  • Chatters Bistro

    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…

  • Mossel Bay Oyster Bar

    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…

  • Café Gannet

    Garden Route

    Part of the Protea Hotel, this bright bistro has an extensive menu featuring seafood, steaks, sushi and pizza.

  • Table

    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.

  • Olive Tree

    Knysna

    One of Knysna's more upmarket restaurants is a romantic spot with a blackboard menu that changes regularly. Bookings advisable.

  • Café Havana

    Garden Route

    The Cuban-themed stalwart of Mossel Bay's drinking and dining scene is still going, although it's not as popular as it once was. Stews, steaks and seafood…

  • 34 South

    Knysna

    With outdoor tables overlooking the water, decent sushi, deli produce and lavish seafood platters, this is a nice spot for lunch. The wine selection is…

  • Kingfisher

    Garden Route

    Locals love the seafood dishes and ocean views at this long-standing place. It also serves salads, sushi and meat, and has a children’s menu and…

  • Big Blu

    Garden Route

    This ramshackle place right on the rocks at the Point serves burgers, seafood and steaks. The deck overhanging the ocean is a perfect spot for sundowners.

  • Lookout Deck

    Plettenberg Bay

    With a deck overlooking the beach, this is a great place for a simple meal and perhaps views of dolphins surfing the waves.

  • Dutton's Cove

    Garden Route

    A popular local lunch spot sitting high above the beach. There's lots of seafood, including a selection of combo platters.

  • Buffelsbaai Waterfront

    Garden Route

    The only place to eat in Buffalo Bay serves burgers, steaks, seafood and salads and has great ocean views.

  • Caffé Mario

    Knysna

    At the Waterfront, this is a good place for breakfast or coffee and cake. It also serves pizza and pasta.