East London Restaurants

Situated on the banks of the Kwelera tidal river, Areena Quays is the ideal setting for languid lunches and tranquil surrounds. Dine alfresco beneath a majestic wild Fig Tree soaking up tranquil surrounds and picturesque setting sampling buffet and a la carte menu. The sundeck secures unsurpassed views and fiery sunsets perfect for sundowners and alfresco dining. Open from Wed – Sun Areena Quays Restaurant escapes the senses to a la carte in the wilderness.

Boasting a prime wharf side location offering simple seafood fare, Ballyhoo Bistro embraces a cosy nautical feel complimented by efficient service and outstanding food. Graced by a beautiful view diners can sit back, relax and enjoy freshly prepared cuisine with a touch of classic elegance. Try baskets of calamari, pots of mussels or succulent grilled line fish with a salad. Steaks, wraps, burgers and breakfasts wet the appetite, while the eat-as-many-prawns- as-you-like special beacons loyal followers back every time. Ballyhoo Bistro provided the perfect wharf side setting bursting with simple seafood and beautiful views.

Cradled in indigenous bush setting high above Chinta East, Country Bumpkin Restaurant exudes relaxed dining and quality food indoors or alfresco on the wrap around porch. Serving buffet meals, seafood platters and an array of delicious delicacies, diners explore the cuisine over candle lit dinners and relaxed family lunches. Country Bumpkin Restaurant relaxes the senses in a laid-back setting complimented by fiery sunsets and natural bush setting.

Nestled among the dunes of Nahoon Point Nature Reserve, Footprints Café is the place to get away from it all and within close proximity of the famous Nahoon Reef. Offering a superb menu and the best cup of coffee in East London, here diners can relax and soak up the tranquil surrounds complimented by stunning sea views and perfect location.

With a spacious and light interior drawn in by large windows and sea views, Grazie Fine Food and Wine offers simple clean décor warmed by dark wooden furniture for a sophisticated feel. Fresh hearty dishes inspired from around the world spill off the menu dressed in fresh herbs, olive oil, balsamic and garlic for a Mediterranean infusion. The additional a la carte menu compliments well-chosen dishes including traditional favourites such as the afettato misto and carpaccio. The butternut soup comes highly recommended. Boasting an Italian influence, pasta features with the linguini alla marinara a popular choice with diners including vegetarian layered gnocchi. Main course specialities such as the whole pork fillet stuffed with spinach and mozzarella covered with a creamy Dutch sauce is a must try alongside the Corsican lamb shank cooked until tender then wrapped in phyllo pastry and oven baked. For dessert, the traditional Tiramisu rounds off a decadent meal satisfying those with a wicked sweet tooth. Visit Grazia Fine Food and Wine to experience excellent service and upmarket ambiance with sublime Italian food wetting the appetite.

Located 35km from East London in the heart of a lush reserve, Huberta Restaurant offers a unique blend of luxury and dining that caters to the heart of culinary connoisseurs. Relive the legend of the travelling hippo; dine in close proximity in a strategically built setting above the Mpongo hippo waterhole. Linger the day away on a decadent afternoon meal, watching hippos at play tempting a delicious blend of African and European cuisine. Cooled by stylish décor and a touch of Xhosa, diners relive the colonial days savouring traditional breakfasts, light lunches and a wide range of wine carefully chosen to compliment each meal. Treat the palate to a unique dining experience pampered by acclaimed chefs at Huberta Restaurant in Mpongo Private Game Reserve.

Situated in one of the oldest seaside suburbs, Imbizo welcomes traditional cuisine and magnificent sea views. Set adjacent to the picturesque harbour, diners soak up the maritime ambiance in pleasant surrounds at Imbizo Restaurant.

Dominated by beautifully appointed furniture and dark wood panelling, Le Petit Restaurant oozes plush red carpeting, ornate glass lampshades and Swiss memorabilia for an authentic old country dining experience. For mains, try unusual specialties such as crocodile steak "Dundee", buffalo fillet, and a superb ostrich steak flambé, prepared at the table. Le Petit specialises in seafood and top grade steak specialities. Conclude the meal with homemade pecan nut pie. For an unforgettable dining experience with Swiss and French influences, visit La Petit Restaurant – a firm favourite with locals.

Known for some of the best curries in Port Elizabeth, Royal Delhi Restaurant sits on the suburban side of central. Dressed in rich shades on a palate of deep blue walls framed by gold drapes, Royal Delhi invites exotic India onto adventurous palates. Curries take focal point on the menu with various options available for non-curry eaters. Try the cool crisp salads followed by an excellent sole bon femme topped with prawns and asparagus. On chilly winter evenings go for the cream of butternut and cinnamon soup followed by the braised lamb shank served with mash, gravy and vegetables. For an unusual starter try the puree and patha, a crisp pastry with spicy fried mudoombie leaves. Various starters such as samoosas and fish cakes served with a delicious piquant Royal Delhi sauce make for excellent choices. Curry favourites are the deboned lamb or the chicken and prawn curry followed closely by the curried oxtail. For a cool soothing dessert, the Bombay crush concludes the finale to first class South Indian cuisine.

This fine dining experience seduces with spicy, flavoursome choices using only the freshest quality ingredients. With the resident chef from Bangladeshi, Smokey Swallows compliments the palate with global fusion cuisine and award wining wine cellar paired perfectly for each meal.

Serving gourmet meals and fine wines, diners focus on light conversation and sumptuous cuisine partnered well with fine wines and warm atmosphere. Panoramic views indulge the senses alongside delectable food with excellent spread of dishes, salads and deserts served buffet style or a la carte. Sink into the comfortable surrounds and gourmet cuisine at Three Ships Restaurant in Premier Hotel Regent.

Exuding an upmarket ambiance and fine dining recognition, Two Dogs Bistro invites lavish cuisine freshly prepared in the open kitchen. Dine alfresco soaking up balmy summer days or relish in the unique night time ambiance sipping on selections from the tight, well selected wine list. For starters, try the black pepper crusted beef carpaccio with rocket salad and shaved parmesan and for mains lamb fusion curry served with basmati rice and sambals. Two Dogs Bistro is a funky offbeat restaurant boasting excellent food and ambiance, perfect for lunch and dinners.

Exuding a relaxed setting that chills the mind with cooling cocktails watching the tail end of the setting sun, K-Knot Pub and Restaurant provides the perfect place for light lunches. Watch dolphins at play or linger in the pages of a good book as you escape from the day at Y-Knot Pub and Restaurant in Premier Hotel Regent.

Boasting a steady stream of regulars and a good assortment of Chinese favourites, Zhong Hua offers simple understated décor alongside exotic cuisine. The menu displays a combination of dishes alongside a set menu offering delights such as spring rolls, sweet and sour pork, chicken chop suey, and chicken with cashew nuts. In addition, enjoy some unusual chef specials such as the wan tan soup with pork pieces, and the wandering dragon layered with beef, chicken, prawns and oriental vegetables in a black bean and garlic sauce. Zhong Hua satisfies a steady stream of palates in a relaxed and simple setting where food serves as a gastronomic hub of conversation.