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…
Must-see restaurants in Western Cape
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…
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…
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 …
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…
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…
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.
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.
Knysna
One of Knysna's more upmarket restaurants is a romantic spot with a blackboard menu that changes regularly. Bookings advisable.
Franschhoek
No-nonsense bistro-style food using only fresh ingredients is dished up at this long-standing and deservedly popular place.
Stellenbosch
This Italian-food stalwart of Stellenbosch’s dining scene has a shady patio next to the botanical garden.
Winelands
A particularly family friendly farmers market with craft, foodstuffs and carriage and pony rides on offer.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch's original farmers market features lots of artisanal produce as well as crafts.
Winelands
Based in a 19th-century toll house on Mitchell's Pass, this place makes for a fun lunch stop. The small and quirky menu is filled with traditional treats…
West Coast & Swartland
With perfect surf shack decor, Wit Mossel Pot is a cool place for breakfast, coffee, a plate of seafood or just a beer and a chat about where the best…
West Coast & Swartland
This Greek-themed, pseudo-Mediterranean resort might not appeal as a place to stay over, but it is a fun spot to spend an evening. There are eight…
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…
Winelands
A firm favourite with locals, this long-running restaurant offers everything from jambalaya and Southern-style ribs to Thai green curry or a hearty game…
Winelands
A friendly spot serving decent coffee and a little bit of everything, food-wise. There are tables on the front stoep, but the shady terrace at the back is…
Western Cape
The fish at this ramshackle joint overlooking the harbour is fresh off the boat – be sure to ask about the catch of the day. You'll also find some meaty…
West Coast & Swartland
A splendidly kitsch restaurant within the Evita se Perron complex serving traditional food such as boerewors (famers' sausage) and koeksisters (a deep…
Winelands
You can buy home-baked goodies and swig on fresh ginger beer in this eatery based in a family home. Meals must be booked ahead; they always include…
Western Cape
A multifarious place that dishes up fresh seafood (including hard-to-find abalone), clothing and curios, helps with tourist information and offers…
Route 62
Specialising in South African classics like oxtail, Karoo lamb and bunny chow (a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry), this is the town's…
West Coast & Swartland
In a town with a dearth of eating options, Grapevine is a pleasant place for a light lunch in the pretty garden. It serves decent coffee and a range of…
Western Cape
This bright, cosy house offers the best coffee in town, a selection of South African dishes and stocks home-baked goodies and crafts. The menu offers a…
Stellenbosch
Tucked away in the corner of the botanical garden and surrounded by exotic plants, this is a lovely spot for coffee, cake or a light lunch. Some…
Western Cape
This appealing tearoom had the honour of serving Nelson Mandela in 1999. In an old Masonic lodge with shaded outdoor tables beside the Koornlands River,…
West Coast & Swartland
The music and the menu at this à la carte restaurant will take you back 50 years, but it's a long-standing favourite and there are few other places to eat…
Western Cape
Beaufort West doesn't have much of a dining scene but you'll get a decent burger here. The lamb curry is also recommended. Grab a table outside if you can…
West Coast & Swartland
For an afternoon coffee or all-day breakfast, this is the place to go. It also serves sandwiches, delicious cheeses and homemade sweet treats. Friday…
Route 62
It's a jack-of-all-trades menu, but locals love this long-running restaurant. There are a few South African specialities like bobotie and Cape Malay curry…
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…
Route 62
Drawing inspiration from Portugal, Mozambique and indeed, the Karoo, this popular restaurant on the main road serves spicy seafood and meat. The chicken…
