Garden Route Restaurants

A warm, relaxing home away from home the Library offers hotel guests a the Cape Grace hotel , and outside patrons alike, an area to sit back and unwind, while enjoying the delicious treats on offer. There is a special menu for the library, as well as a Sugar Buffet and Sugar and Spice Buffet for guests to indulge in. The Sugar Buffet consists of a variety of sweet treats, from candy apples to cupcakes it is a wonderful indulgence, and a great place to have tea with friends. There is also a Sugar and Spice Buffet: as well as all the delicious cakes and pastries on offer, guests can delight in a wonderful array of traditional Cape Malay fare. Visitors to the Library can also choose from the a la carte menu – a variety of light meals, seafood and fabulous desserts. With house specialities such as Chalmar beef fillet, seared tuna, shellfish and a rooibos smoked chicken salad there is a wonderful selection of fabulous food to choose from. Filled with hundreds of books, old and new, as well as over 200 pieces of art, the Library offers patrons an elegant place to sink into the richly upholstered chairs and let go of the day’s stresses and strains.

Pamper the pallet with prawns, mussels, Mossel Bay oysters and freshly caught line fish straight off the coast infused with Asian aromas or delight in the delicious buffet breakfasts sipping frothy cappuccinos. The Lighthouse Restaurant is situated within the pulse of a bustling holiday resort, proudly flanked by the rocky shores and a natural rock pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. Tuck into mouth-watering cuisine or simply sit back and enjoy a leisurely drink watching the Humpback and Southern Right Whales frolic along the shores followed by a cooling sundowner or dip in the rocky pool.

The Lookout Restaurant lies on the picturesque Lookout Beach, boasting unsurpassed views and freshly prepared mouth-watering food. This jewel in the crown of the Garden Route boasts a reputation as one of the most popular restaurants in the Western Cape. Perched along the rolling shores of Keurbooms Beach and lagoon flanked by the magestic Tsitsikamma Mountains patrons can enjoy an unforgettable dining experience sampling fine cuisine, fine wines and frolicking Whales. Feast the palate on a diverse menu ranging from hearty breakfasts, scrumptious brunches, light meals and voluptuous seafood. Meat lovers indulge in succulent char grilled steaks matured on the premises rounded off by decadent deserts for an unforgettable dining experience. Dine in sophisticated ambience or relax under the cool shade of the midday sun, indoors or alfresco savouring the extensive menu and well appointed wine list at Lookout Restaurant and Deck in Plettenberg Bay.

If superb seafood and wonderful in a convivial and inviting atmosphere is what you’re after, look no further than The Med Seafood Bistro. This cosy restaurant is a great choice for a satisfying meal for all the family or a light bite with a couple of good friends. A charming, family-run establishment, the team behind The Med have two decades of experience to call upon, and it shows in the quality of the service and the volume of regular clientele. A warm interior full of deep colours and mirrors creates a stylish setting in which to relax and enjoy the delicious offerings from the extensive menu which caters for all tastes though the emphasis is on superb seafood presented simply with local ingredients. The perfect accompaniment from the extensive and award-winning wine list is just waiting to be chosen to round off a dining experience to remember.

Take a trip to the Middle East at this cosy deli-style cafe in Rondebosch. A menu to suit almost every palate, there are dishes from the Mediterranean, the Middle East and a nice selection of light bites and vegetarian options. A self service meze deli counter is a must try and there is honey and olive oil on tap – literally. A unique spot that is well worth a try, visit The Olive Station.

With stretching views spilling over onto the most beautiful lagoon and golf course and a dining experience that will delight the most discerning palate, The Orchid Room boasts the freshest, very finest local and imported ingredients on their Ala Carte menu. Enjoy a satisfying Sunday buffet lunch or authentic sushi from skilfully crafted Japanese Sushi Chefs around the wrap around counter display. Compliment your meal with distinctive selections of award winning wines, chosen and suited to heighten each meal. The Orchid Room oozes opulent sophistication for a distinctive dining experience that will please the most discerning patrons.

Wine and dine freshly caught harvests offloaded each day. Experiment with fresh ideas and discover delightful innovative ways to lay back these snappy delicacies. These succulent treasures are available in a variety of combinations, ready and fresh from the estuary beds perfect with a glass of champagne.

Tucked away amongst Macadamia nut orchids and a lily filled dam, The Red Barn Restaurant offers scrumptious cuisine from within a 20 year old Cape Cod barn surrounded by Rheenendal farmlands and the indigenous forests of Knysna. With fresh produce cultivated from nearby farms, meals inspire true country style dining pampered by artisan meats and cheese, pickles, preserves, home-made mayonnaise all made locally and an affordable wine list. The Red Barn soaks up the idyllic setting with assortments of free-range chicken and eggs, traditional cured bacon, breads baked on the premises and coffee certified free trade. Enjoy a scenic drive through The Garden Route or refreshing cycle through the Homtini Mountains before unwinding the day away with a long lazy lunch and sumptuous meal inspired by nature.

With rustic charm and roaring winter fires, The Red Herring serves fine country cuisine with a South African twist in a relaxed casual setting. With freshly baked pizzas straight from the wood-fired oven and cooling cocktails bidding farewell to the lingering sun, Red Herring caters for the most discerning palates with fresh seasonal produce and intimate surroundings. Popular with locals and visitors alike, dining on deck offers lighter meals with beautiful forest canopies below and mountainside surrounds. For more sophisticated dining, enjoy the intimate setting of the downstairs restaurant. Red Herring boasts a reputation awarded by the Diners Club Platinum Wine List through experimenting and creating mouth-watering recipes. Enjoy delectable creations such as Pressed Tomato and Salmon Terrine - marinated tomato and red pepper terrine, topped with avocado and smoked salmon, dressed with a freshly made basil mayonnaise and a Lamb Duo - rack and loin with fondant potatoes, confit tomatoes and a pea and mint puree. With a downstairs restaurant and garden pergola, The Red Herring is the perfect place to enjoy a festive meal with family and friends.

Inspired by soul and hearty culinary dishes from around the world, The Rose on York Restaurant tempts the palate with home-style fusions of gastronomic delights. Soak up the relaxed and languid ambience warmed by tasteful antiques, laughter and happiness while savouring good dining and the sounds of soulful soothing music. Nestled in “Die Oorskotjie Gebou” in York Street, The Rose on York Restaurant is one of George’s best-kept secrets. With hearty culinary dishes from around the world, sourced locally, patrons can be sure of the freshest selections served with delicious vegetables and exotic herb salads. The sumptuous rich interior provides the perfect place to curl up and relax in front of the fireplace for a game of chess while waiting on the delectable cuisine to be prepared. With wine selections from the seductive “in the mood” menu and delicious fusions of home-style delights, The Rose on York Restaurant offer fine dining and what the imagination desires.

The Royal Moose is the place where the plate meets the world for feast of the senses and discovery of culinary treasures. Crafted with passion perfected over time, the world traveller can kick back and relax while marvelling at the seductive flavours. The Royal Moose is nestled in the heart of George and the scenic Garden Route and makes for a cosy, friendly reception, the perfect meeting place for family and friends. With excellent service and mouth-watering food served and prepared from fresh, The Royal Moose pays homage to the bastion of culinary treasures.

Theresa's quirky and flamboyant personality won't be the only reason you'll visit this established and beloved restaurant, as the food is equally unforgettable. Renowned for her perfectly prepared steaks and robust main courses, Theresa's combines elements that are usually difficult to create; atmosphere, ambiance and delicious food. The success of Theresa's may have something to do with the entrancing bohemian overtones that lend it such warmth, or perhaps being able to watch Theresa's antics in the kitchen add to the feeling of intimacy. Expect hearty fare on the menu, in generous portions. Whatever contributes towards the magic, it's a successful recipe.

Enjoy the warm hospitality of an owner managed fully licensed restaurant, and unique homely tea garden patio with a collection of price tagged antiques and collectables scattered about. Our traditional South African dishes as well as fresh line fish and ocean platters are enjoyed in the beautiful garden with seating under two old fig trees. Country home baked cheese cake with sticky figs, lemon meringue, scones with homemade jam, carrot cake muffins, or our death by chocolate are all to die for. A la Carte evening dining in homely Victorian decor. Karoo lamb chops, Springbok steaks, Game pie, matured fillets are a few of our dishes served on antique platters with old silver cutlery. Walls are papered in original 1916 newsprint with log fire lit on chilly winter evenings. Prepare to be surprised.

The menu at Time-Out Cafe has been designed with the intention of serving business people who are on the go, as well as the more leisurely shoppers and tourists who frequent Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront. The restaurant is in the Breakwater Lodge, part of the Protea Hotel group. With stunning views of Table Mountain and the harbour, it is very convenient, and even offers patrons free and easy parking right outside – a rarity in the area! For the busy businessmen the chef has designed a section of the menu where “salads-in-a-second” and “meals-in-a-minute” are prepared using the freshest and finest ingredients, and with speed as the essence. For those patrons with a little more time on their hands, the a la carte menu has a distinctly South African flavour. The Time-Out Cafe is elegantly relaxed. The decor is funky, without being pretentious, and the restaurant is patronised by a distinctly diverse crowd, ranging from businessmen and women to tourists, from professional shoppers to those looking for somewhere to sit back and relax while feasting on a delicious meal and a thirst quenching cocktail.

Housed in the historic Great Brak River Station, this charming restaurant lingers in slow perfection and hearty food fit for weary travellers and refined palates of the day. The comfortable and casual setting embraces rustic wooden floors, panelled walls and alfresco wooden benches, beaconing a lingering drink. Delicious daily menus graced by the seasons compliment the local and international wines. Using only the best seasonal South African ingredients, a fusion of contemporary twists entice the palate with slow perfection and fall off the bone meals. Enjoy a heavenly lamb neck roulade brought to fruition in a low oven for five hours or oxtail from the bone in perfect tender pieces complimented by moist malva pudding drenched in rich creamy custard topped with redolent and apricots. Take a culinary journey back in time and dine on the platform celebrating a special moment or meal with exclusive treatment, fulfilling food and decadent wines at Transkaroo Restaurant.

Trattoria Luigi serves two of Italy’s most famous culinary delights, pizza and pasta including a range of meat and fish dishes. Inside you will find cosy dining dressed in red, green and white napery illuminated by flickering candle lights and characterful wall pictures that add a sense of history and old world charm to the room. Enjoy dining al-fresco or linger in the cosy dining rooms while flavouring the wafer thin slices of beef topped with mushrooms, parmesan shavings and rocket, dressed with olive oil, lemon sauce and black pepper for starters followed by angel hair pasta with smoked salmon, tomato, chopped onion a hint of chilli finished with a touch of cream. Round off your meal with a velvety warm mousse served with savoiardi biscuits and delectable vintage wine. Trattoria Luigi’s laid-back ambience is a well-known destination for tourists and celebrities alike who enjoy the traditional fare and bustling vibe of Naples.

With the renowned restaurant district in Tribeca, New York, as its inspiration, interiors at Tribeca Bakery include photographs of the New York skyline and scenes from the vibrant city. Situated in the middle of the Main Road in Kalk Bay and facing towards the sun, this light filled coffee shop is always bustling and inviting. Tribeca has it's own bakery on site, making freshly baked goods daily which are displayed in the windows facing passerby's. Shelves heave under the weight of pretty cupcakes, fresh croissants, muffins and decadent sandwiches. When not indulging in speciality coffees and baked goods, patrons can enjoy a creative menu with a great selection of salads, open sandwiches and delicious meals with a fresh twist. Try the coffee cocktails if you're feeling adventurous and want to experience a caffeine kick in a new and interesting way.

Healthy, Green, Organic, Youth and Long Life is the meaning behind Tsing Asian Fusion’s inspiring logo and this philosophy blends over into the ambience of the restaurant. Serving an extensive variety of Asian cuisine such as the Kung Fu Sushi 30 piece Combo Platter and the Beijing Duck served with pancake, spring onions, cucumber and plum sauce, the options and choices are impressive and full of flavour. With soft relaxing Chinese inspired interior blending into warm wooden furniture and fixtures, Tsing Asian Fusion caters for exotic palates with refreshing authentic Asian beers like Tsing Tao and Kirin served crisp and cold; a complimenting addition to the energetic Asian cuisine. Enjoy the delectable tastes of Asian inspired dishes coupled with friendly, helpful service for an authentic cultural experience, truly Asia.

Tsitsikamma – The place of much water – provides sweeping views of the dramatic and beautiful coastline. Their Tsitsikamma Platter is great value for money and a firm favourite with fresh fillet of hake, a prawn skewer and calamari served with savoury rice and tartar sauce. Take in the views, cross the swing bridge and enjoy a delicious meal as part of your Garden Route experience. From tour groups and individual tourists, both local and foreign. Tsitsikamma Restaurant delights all their guests with idyllic views, great service and an amazing a la carte menu with emphasis on mouthwatering seafood.

For those diners who want something a little different, Vaaljapie Station Restaurant entices the palate with traditional Afrikaans cuisine where patrons can linger away time on the balmy platform setting. Sporting an Afrikaans tongue in cheek formality warmed by pure Afrikaans cuisine, the dishes on offer entice hearty breakfasts, lunches, cosy dinners and satisfying snacks including teatime treats. With vegetarian options available including meaty mix and match choices, patrons can enjoy a finger licking experience that caters for hearty palates. Dine al fresco on the platform or cosy up to the sweltering black stove, Vaaljapie Station Restaurant is a little piece of “Boere Kitch” perfect for satisfying a culinary itch.

Situated in the V & A Waterfront, looking out across Cape Town’s harbour, Wang Thai offers the best in Royal Thai cuisine in an exquisite setting. With Table Mountain as a backdrop, patrons can indulge in an authentic Thai dining experience while watching the resident Cape fur seal colony at play. Diners are treated to delicious, authentic dishes from across Thailand, freshly prepared using only the highest quality ingredients. Each meal is prepared under the watchful eye of the Thai trained master chef using traditional regional recipes. Diners can delight on favourites such as spicy Tom Yum soup or traditional Thai curries. For the more adventurous there is Ped Pi-Roed – Angry Duck – served with crispy seasonal vegetables. For an African twist on a Thai meal Wang Thai has created an ostrich curry served with fresh bamboo shoots. There is a variety of seafood available, as well as an extensive sushi menu. The decor is elegant, and features traditional Thai pieces, and this coupled with the delicately balanced flavours of the food and the wonderful views of Cape Town give diners a truly Thai experience.

Wharfside Grill, regarded as one of Africa’s best seafood restaurants exudes a bustling maritime ambience that transports you onboard the decks of historic ships and their sea-faring days. Here you can indulge in the taste of exotic seafood such as Lobster, Crayfish and Kingklip while marvelling at nautical artefacts and local sea life. The private deck scattered with umbrellas is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine while enjoying the stunning scenery and vibrant harbour atmosphere. The Wharfside Grill boasts seating for 350 hungry shipmates and six intimate and private dining cabins capture the character and flavour of historic ships such as Queen Mary, Union Castle and the infamous Shipwreck who fell victim to ravages of the Cape Storms. The extensive menu offers an impressive selection of Lobster, Prawns, Calamari and freshly caught fish including chicken and succulent steak while vegetarians can enjoy harvest from the land onboard the Landlubber’s Luck. Alongside the extensive menu, you can explore the excellent variety of Cocktails, Spirits, Beers, Ciders and Wine. The Wharfside Grill is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is within easy access from Cape Town, Fish Hoek and Constantia Nek.

Stylish, comfortable and intimate, Whispering Waves oozes warmth and elegance with a trendy approach to eco dining. The menu boasts tantalizing appetizers like Peppadew and Feta Poppers, Malay Samoesas with Banana Jam and Balsamic infused Brown mushroom served with Sweet Chilli Sauce. For main courses savour the exotic Chicken Curry Roti with Sambals, Pan fried Leg of Lamb and uncomplicated Sole with a Marie-Rose dressing flattered by the Dolphin Bay Vin Doux Sparkling Wine and Driemersdal Pinotage. Whispering Waves Restaurant whisks the palate on an enchanting journey of tantalising discovery and flavour.

With flavour bursting foods taking the spotlight, the interior remains simple and elegant heightened by interesting wall textures and large modern prints. Fast becoming known as the ‘local spot’ in Hout Bay – a place where you can enjoy slow food Sundays with large gatherings of family and friends and reconnect, share and enjoy the company of delicious food and wine. Start off your meal with steamed saldhana mussels, white wine, tomato & chorizo followed by braised shoulder of lamb, red wine, tomato, rosemary & semolina gnocchi and if you can manage to squeeze in souffle beignet, ice cream & hot chocolate sauce it will be well worth it. Wild Woods sources only the freshest seasonal local ingredients with special emphasis on sustainable dining for the eco conscious diner. With plenty of cosy corners and breathing space Wild Woods provides a light and cheerful environment complimented by breathtaking scenery, sumptuous food and unpretentious ambience.

Willoughby & Co, in Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront, is best known for its deliciously prepared fresh seafood and sushi. Named Best Seafood Restaurant for 2007/8 by the V & A Waterfront Restaurant Guide, Willoughby & Co offers diners sublime food, great service and an outstanding wine list. Using only the finest ingredient and freshest seafood Willoughby & Co is committed to providing its clientele with a menu that reflects modern food trends that are innovative, delicious and for the most part unique to the restaurant. Whether it is sushi, mussels, freshly shucked oysters, fresh line fish or carnivorous dishes from the menu, diners are guaranteed to be dazzled by the outstanding quality of food that is produced by Willoughby’s. There is a full Japanese kitchen where signature dishes such as Rainbow Reloaded and Soft Shell Crab in Ponzu Sauce are prepared under the watchful eye of Asian Chef Sam. The renovations in 2008 gave an entirely new dimension to the restaurant, creating more seats inside. Diners can sit at the sushi bar and watch as their meal is prepared, alternatively there is a seated area in the mall where diners can feast on a variety of fresh seafood, sushi, oysters and a selection of other dishes. Famous for quality, freshness and consistency, Willoughby’s is great value for money.

Located in the Majestic Village on the main road of Kalk Bay, this upmarket venue is a delightful escape. Patrons are treated indoor and to alfresco style dining with the comfort of modern luxury, with a terraced outdoor area skilfully protected from the elements with a see-through tarpaulin and warmed with gas heaters. The effect is magical and serene. Winesense offers patrons the unique concept in wine tasting, with glass fronted cabinets housing bottles of wine which can be tasted or enjoyed by the glass or by the bottle, depending on which mood strikes you. The menu at Wine Sense is an impressive selection of gourmet fusion cuisine, with an emphasis on tapas and wine pairing, as the restaurant’s name suggests. The restaurant is well known for delectable sushi offerings and fresh oysters, which should be enjoyed after a busy day’s shopping with a bottle of sparkling wine. A welcome addition to Kalk Bay, Winesense adds a touch of luxury to the bohemian fishing village. Enjoy excellent food from lunch until evening.

Recently named of the top 10 deluxe eateries in South Africa by 2008 Dine Awards, Zachary’s oozes contemporary classic ambience in the culinary heart of award winning Pezula Resort, Hotel and Spa. With magnificent views stretching across the greens and four ways, patrons can indulge in fine dining in a luxury 5 star environment with breathtaking views complimenting the gourmet experience. Zachary’s embodies an honest approach to food maintaining integrity of ingredients, complimenting textures and flavours with focus on keeping produce local. Savour the delights in an intimate setting or dine al fresco on the terrace overlooking the pool area and idyllic views.

Drawn from the cradle of Africa, dressed in earthy tones and bare metals, Zinzi inspires a textured canvas painted in worn leather, soft suede’s, luscious velvets and hand painted fabrics touched by colourful lizard prints. Evoking relaxation and opulence with handcrafted oversized furniture, low tables and lazy ottomans scattered with cushions, Zinzi pampers the senses with elegance and beautifully crafted dishes complimented by unique designed cutlery and thoughtfully catered ambience. Indulge in an imaginative dining experience embraced by the spirit of Africa with honest cuisine and zesty ingredients spilling off the Ala Carte menu for a truly magical African forest dining experience.

Immerse the senses with natural surrounds and food seasoned with the seasons for country dining mixed with modern sensibility. Embracing a self-sustained, locally sourced approach to food captured by simplicity – Zucchini’s Restaurant menu springs to life with flavourful dishes and taste experiences that will entice the natural foodie. Fresh, vibrant food straight from the surrounds of Timberlake organic garden graces the menu with lighter meals of fresh organic spinach and smoked salmon salad, layered sandwich style (seasonal) dressed with spinach, cucumber, zucchini, fennel, rocket, raw nuts and smoked salmon, drizzled with olive oil and fresh lemon juice and pieces of orange, to mention a few. For delicious sarnies, choose from traditional springbok burger on a bagel with lettuce, balsamic onions & tomatoes or for The Hungry - slow cooked shanks with butter mash and veggies. Zucchinis Restaurant is the ideal place to linger the day away immersed in natural beauty and delicious food located at Timberlake Organic Village in Wilderness.