Garden Route Restaurants

The well-stocked wine cellar generously compliments the dining experience, as does the lingering aroma of freshly baked bread and spreading reputation of pickled fish. Albertinia Hotel offers delicious traditional food served plentiful for a soothing experience of true comfort food. Enjoy lazy pub lunches or refreshing light meals in the shady tea garden, however you choose to dine, Albertinia Hotel will comfort the palate with nostalgic African cuisine and welcoming smiles.

Enjoy tasty food with a difference or light lunches and breakfasts. Alte Feste Restaurant sweeps the palate away with decadent deserts for a little slice of heaven. From great choice salads to vegetarian meals, Alte Feste caters for the easygoing palate in relaxed informal setting perfect to soothing the day away.

Bahia Dos Vaqueiros beacons recognition as Mossel Bay’s premier restaurant lit by the sparkling lights of Mossel Bay and cradled by the shores of Outenqua Mountains. Offering locally grown fresh produce cooked with opulence beneath The Fantasy of the Discovery of the World ceiling known as the largest fresco ceiling in the Southern Cape, dining at Bahia Dos Vaquerious captures the imagination with pure sophistication. Delight in iconic wines housed in the walk in cellar or international brandies, whiskies and beers alongside fusion choices of first class meals at the Bahia Dos Vaquerious in the Diaz Strand Hotel.

Perched along the shimmering shores of Lake Pleasant Living, enjoying far-reaching views and cooling breezes, Bistro on the Lake slows down the palate and conversation with delectable cuisine and breathtaking views for a lingering awe inspiring dining experience. Offering an array of seafood and contemporary dishes overlooking the lake, patrons can indulge in superb food complimented by unobtrusive service and good wine with the occasional silence broken by fish eagle. Whether enjoying a hearty breakfast, lingering lunch or romantic dinner, Bistro on the Lake seduces the senses with mouth-watering cuisine, languid dining and friendly service immersed in a tranquil setting that captures the essence of relaxation.

Known as one of Knysna’s top restaurants blended with old world charm and housed in a quaint 1848 year old manor house, Boogies Restaurant charms the palate and senses with original and unique dishes much suited to the characteristics of this old manor house. Charming and unique, patrons can dine on daily specials or experience cuisine from the menu taking in the fresh breeze on the veranda under the shady oak tree. If intimate dining suits the taste - cosy up to the crackling fireplace warmed by original yellowwood and Oregon pine floors for a wintery warm experience.

Enjoy excellent South African cuisine and a warm welcome at Topsi and Co. A brilliantly friendly and unpretentious spot in Franschhoek, diners can enjoy both classic and unique creations with South African cuisine in mind. Taditional meets modern in a delicious fusion of new and old dishes that have been expertly designed by the talented team behind the scenes. A casual and relaxed place, Topsi’s is decked out with endearing antiques, making diners feel more like they are eating at someone’s home rather than a popular restaurant.

Café Dijon is a pocket of Paris in the heart of Stellenbosch. Ideally located at the centre of town, this quaint eatery is a gem for food lovers who enjoy true French cuisine. Its indoor café is perfectly Parisian in décor and ambience while being seated outside, under ancient oak trees and umbrellas, allows for a relaxed reflection of passers-by on the street in true European style. Expect an impressive and authentic French menu. There are classic hors d’ oeuvres and salads such as Pear, Parma ham and Gorgonzola that are designed to please the palate. The main course selection and restaurant specialties are extended to include regional French dishes to the likes of South West of France Cassoulet. The multi-dimensional menu has an array of asides and desserts and caters well for those who like to round off their eating experience. The combination of true French style and food makes this bistro style establishment a delight any time of day – breakfast, lunch or dinner.

In beautiful country surrounds, set amongst oak trees on the shores of Knysna’s famous lagoon is Caroline’s Bistro. Sustainable, locally-sourced food is used as much as possible, as are local suppliers, keeping the offerings fresh and flavourful. The menus are seasonal and therefore change regularly so the choices are kept as fresh as the ingredients that create them!

A Home away from home, Nestled between two giant palm trees on the far side of Regent Street in Sea Point, Italian restaurant Casa Nostra is a slice of home-style Italian comfort that in Cape Town, is particularly hard to come by. Translated, Casa Nostra means “Our House” – but I suppose we lied because here at Casa Nosta, we would like you to consider our house, your house, by making yourself truly at home. Our kitchen is another story in itself. Spearheaded by a passionate (and slightly temperamental) head chef, our kitchen prides itself on the best homemade pasta this side of the Atlantic. And our rustic-style pizzas have also proved more than popular with the locals and the returning tourists. However, apart from our homely food, we acknowledge that a good dining experience draws from a number of factors. When they’re not playing backgammon or drinking copious amounts of coffee at outside tables, our trusted and welcoming team who run the floor will go to great lengths to make sure you’re comfortable and well-looked after. Whether it’s a special occasion or a private function, we will accommodate anyone and everyone, but be sure to book a table because with no more than fifteen of them, we tend to fill up quite fast on most nights. Just like a home, it takes a combined effort to make a restaurant work and having been open for a little over two years, we hope to brighten the street with our red and white checked tablecloths long into the future. So whether your prefer an ice local cold beer or a tall glass of Sangiovese, pop in and let Casa Nosta cater to your every culinary desire.

Indulge your fantasies and your senses at this sparkling Moroccan-style dining and leisure space. It’s always playtime in this exotic North African baroque eatery. The décor and cuisine is fun and fanciful from the mosaic chameleon to Gaudi-style lizard lazing off the pool, and colourful cocktails to tagines, dates and Turkish delight...from candelabra to mellow hubbly bubbly pipes. Need to know? Cuisine style is North African/Moroccan, 6 courses are served feasting style. Cost: Dinner is R300.00 pp excl. drinks and gratuity. Open for dinner Monday to Saturday from November to April.

Rated as one of the top 10 restaurants in the Garden Route, Cinnamon Boutique Restaurant offers the best of culinary delights, freshly prepared in a spacious and intimate setting exclusively designed. Relax while enjoying the tropical surroundings and elegant setting before setting off on a culinary journey freshly prepared from the Ala Carte menu partnered with a complimenting wine from the extensive wine lists chosen exclusively to compliment your choice of food. Begin your meal with Smoked Salmon with Potato Rosti and black pepper Crème Fraiche followed by fresh Line Fish of the day with sesame seed tiger prawns or a Springbok Babootie with Saffron Basmati rice and roasted vegetables. Wrapped in a sumptuous setting dressed in warming paprika red walls and heightened by high back chairs, contrasting silver cutlery, fine crystal glasses and the tranquil surrounds of the gardens, diners can peruse in a choice of delectable food and extensive wine list. Relax and enjoy the serene ambience sipping a soothing cognac or coffee on the patio or in one of the exclusive lounge areas before heading home from a magical dining experience at Cinnamon Boutique Restaurant.

Dressed in creamy white on white elegance with a relaxed atmosphere, patrons can enjoy light and airy dining or al fresco overlooking Bollard Bay and the lagoon. Boasting an Ala Carte menu balanced with luscious ingredients and wine list selectively prepared to compliment the menu, patrons are ensured of an elegant dining experience silhouetted by the picturesque shores of Leisure Island.

A new generation of women are paying homage to the roots of South African dining with delectable cuisine freshly prepared for the whole family. This well kept secret in Tsitsikamma follows the tradition of good, home-cooked food revived by and era long forgotten. Renowned for international recognition by the New York Times, De Ouda Restaurant boasts the culinary genius of Martha influenced by British flare. Using only fresh, local organic ingredients with emphasis on lots of fresh herbs from the garden, patrons experience an explosion of flavours and tastes combined with a welcoming service for a truly delectable experience.

Delight your taste buds with wholesome hearty food in a relaxed intimate setting distinctly Mexican. The colourful lighting and authentic memorabilia blended with funky tunes transports you to the lively back streets of Mexico. Aromatic spices dressed with vivid colours and flavours tantalise your taste buds with an abundance of margarita and tequila to put out the flames for those brave enough to sample the chilli on tap. Seating just 22 patrons inside - this hip and happening tequila shrine offers great value for money and starter portions large enough to pass around the table. On balmy summer days, laze around beneath the old El Dinal by the river while satisfying your palette with tacos, burritos, enchiladas and temptingly delicious frozen margaritas.

Nestled in the heart of the Rivera Hotel along the banks of the Hartenbos Lagoon is a sanctuary bursting with flavour inspired by Africa and the deep blue sea. Cradled by the Indian Ocean and outstretched beaches, lush vegetation and the rocky face of the Outeniqua Mountain, Driftwood inspires a décor fresh from the sea and roots of Africa. The calm and spacious nautical theme compliments the mouth-watering comfort food served in generous portions of fusion. Entice the palate with delicious morsels before watching the sun set from the open deck sipping a cooling cocktail or selection of local wines. Boasting mouth-watering food and a view to kill, Driftwood Restaurant is your nautical retreat to the sea for casual cool comfort.

Boasting versatile cuisine influenced by European / Swiss dishes, Fat Susi’s Bistro offers something new to visitors looking for authentic Bistro food. With ever- changing specials and reasonable prices, this long-standing bistro has become a hot spot with locals and tourists alike. Discover home roasted coffee, delectable cakes and mouth-watering selections of freshly made food imported and local at Fat Susi’s Bistro on Main Street.

Beguile the taste buds with classic French cuisine combined with modern culinary art that will tantalise and tickle the most adventurous palate. Using only the freshest locally sourced ingredients Foam Restaurant entices and displays pure sophistication with wine pairing suited to compliment every meal. Start the meal with dullstroom Trout and Tuna chessboard, preserved lemon and Asian greens dressed in a rocket emulsion. Next, tantalise the palate with aged beef fillet, spring onion and potato croquettes, root vegetables, béarnaise ice cream and tarragon jus with enough room for the most exotic deserts imaginable. Foam Restaurant pampers the palate with sophisticated elegance for a truly melt-in-the-mouth pleasure experience.

This signature restaurant located at the upper deck lifestyle piazza is the cornucopia of fine Asian fusion cuisine – a delightful Asian classics infused with a nouveau twist. Innovative sophistication blends the purity of Asian food with classical cuisine for an explosion of world tastes and textures that immerse the senses in Asian sophistication. Simplicity, diversity and imagination lends a hand to calm interior layered in rich textural layers of faux leather, Belgian linen and dark chocolate Wenge flooring heightened by a glass fish tank and double tower stainless steel wine holder housing 240 superb wines. Inspired by the East, conceived by innovative décor, patrons dine surrounded by a glass façade leading in from the terrace while savouring evocative cuisine for a refreshing innovative approach to dining.

Embracing the principles of the International Slow Food Movement, Gordon’s Restaurant seduces the appetite with local venison, organic Karoo Lamb and legendary dinners. Located in the heart of Andreas Stockenstrom Guest House, Gordon’s Restaurant invites good honest food spilling off the seasonal menu complimented by fine South African wine. Savour fine Karoo cuisine in a relaxed dining experience immersed in a four course set menu at this culinary oasis in Graaff-Reinet.

Tempt the taste buds with fine dining, Ala Carte menu or social tapas alongside an extensive wine list well suited to compliment the palate. Housed is an old Victorian house built in 1862, Harry B’s is the place to unwind and meet up with friends savouring the delights and wonderful ambience mixed with a traditional twist. Explore exciting taste sensations combined with history and modern pleasures for a warm and welcoming eclectic mix of tastes and presentations. For food that looks beautiful dressed in flavour and colour, visit Harry B’s restaurant in Knysna on Main Street.

Housed in an old stone house, just off Main Street, Jazzbury’s Restaurant soothes the senses with hearty cuisine and light jazz drifting in the background. Famous for Ostrich, diners choose from extensive starters and mains. Starters boast fried Ostrich Liver, dressed in butter and brandy and served with grilled vegetables. Main course entices with Ostrich wings - marinated in oyster sauce, ginger, honey and chilli. For heartier appetites choose the mixed Ostrich grill served with traditional South African mielie-meal, sweet potato and sweet corn. The menu boasts popular meals such as bobotie and Karoo Lamb shank and large fresh soles, purchased daily from the harbour. Delight the senses with heaven on a trolley. Pick from delectable choices such as Cape Brandy pudding and cheesecake to mention a few. Jazzbury’s warms the spirit with African delights and a wine selection straight from the heart of the Karoo.

Settle into the comfort and welcoming ambience infused by glorious aromas and tantalising flavours for the finest meals cooked using only the freshest local ingredients; freshly picked from Hoekwil near Wilderness. Discover a unique and exciting cuisine from the menu or social tapas for lunch, whatever you choose, JJ’s Restaurant will delight the palate complimented by Diners Club International wine list of the year. Enjoy lunch or dinner at this romantic quayside location brimming with a welcoming ambience and superb food and wine.

South African cuisine with a Turkish twist ensures a superbly unique dining experience at Kafe Serefe. With a menu that includes both South African favourites like steak, lamb and pork as well as traditional Turkish fare, Kafe Serefe is a one-of-a kind restaurant on the stunning Garden Route. Continuing the Turkish theme, there is Belly Dancing on selected evenings as well as traditional Turkish welcoming rituals for diners upon arriving. The warm and inviting atmosphere and excellent service will make sure that your experience at Kafe Serefe is a memorable one.

Voted SA top 100 restaurants in 2007 and Diners Club Award, Kurland Hotel embraces a soft elegance warmed by flickering candlelights and the aroma of freshly cut flowers over crisp white linen table clothes. Exuding plush opulence and whisked away romance, Kurland Hotel offers gracious dining and outstanding cuisine with elegant alfresco setting romantically Mediterranean pampered by a picturesque fountains and candelabra for a distinctive alfresco dining experience.

La Capinnina meaning “Little House” does it the way true Italians do – with style. Exuding a continental ambience and intimate atmosphere, diners can expect first class friendly service and crispy thin baked crust pizzas baked to perfection. Warmed by shades of gold, green and copper red, the décor relishes rustic country-style dining enhanced by interesting artwork and wrought iron fixtures. The artwork serves food-for-thought alongside an intimate atmosphere. The comprehensive menu serves up homely Italian fare such as crispy wood-fired pizzas, pastas, fish and grills with a good selection of specials. Dining indoors or al fresco on the front patio by candle light creates a soft soothing ambience. La Capinnina’s homely menu and attractive location is a must for everything Italian for a relaxing and welcoming affair.

For a true slice of the famous Italian passion for food and cooking, try La Locanda. A wonderful a la carte menu is complemented by a smaller menu that changes daily to keep the options as fresh as the ingredients used to make them. The wine list is modest, providing just the options that have been expertly selected to go perfectly with the traditional Italian fare on offer and features a nice selection of imported Italian tipples. The surroundings have been designed with Tuscan homes in mind with warm colours, paintings and even a water feature to add to the relaxing atmosphere. Experience the best of Italian food on the beautiful Garden Route at La Locanda.

This small intimate café exudes opulence softened by chic chandeliers and warm woods. Funky white designer chairs grace an 80-year-old Persian wrapped around a luxurious built in sofa oozing comfort and abundance. Small quaint tables compliment the double volume veranda and terrace for a pleasant alfresco dining experience flattered by 180-degree views of the breathtaking waterside. Illuminated by a cosy log fireplace, stars and Chinese style lanterns, Lunar Café infuses a modern slick décor with 5 star service and first class cuisine. Discover the magical ambience with unsurpassed views at Lunar Café for a trendy relaxed setting.

This newly decorated oasis is renowned for quality food and price list. Small and intimate setting offers secluded privacy or bustling companionship around the continental style buffet just off the hustle and bustle of the main road. Linger around enjoying good food and company before browsing walls lined with local arts and crafts. Maureen’s is a relaxing retreat from the daily hustle and bustle of life.

Indulge your senses with an extensive variety of gourmet pizzas in an authentic Italian pizzeria touched by dark wood, deep colours, low hung chandeliers and a warm ambient glow from the wood-fired oven. With a wide choice of vegetarian and wheat free options available, Morituri Pizzeria caters for most pampered palates to the health conscious with ease and creativity elevating wheat free dining to a gastronomic status. Enjoy enticing combinations such as Red Pesto, Proscuitto & Rucola (Rocket) pizza or delectable pastas and prawns tossed with Thai Pesto, Rosa Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Garlic & a hint of Fresh Chilli. With a good selection of wines flattered by uncomplicated recipes and a vibey ambience, Morituri Pizzeria boasts the belief they make the definitive wood-fired thin-based pizza in Cape Town. To believe it, you have to try it.

Myatt Café & Chocolatier is elegant and opulent; the decor is more like a designer haute couture showroom. Crockery from Villeroy and Boch, designer Vitra chairs and Eileen Grey tables all contribute a quintessentially chic experience. Fashioned on a French salon, a leading trend setter, this cafe offers patrons the utmost in style and sophistication, and a gourmet menu of delicious sweet treats and light meals. Breakfast ranges from croissant baskets with either homemade jams or hams and cheeses to fruit and muesli. There is also the Myatt Breakfast Treat, which consists of mini croissants filled with emmenthaler cheese, scone with clotted cream & preserve, selection of finger sandwiches, fresh fruit salad & macaroons, fresh orange or grapefruit juice, Myatt special blend of tea or coffee. Lighte meals include a delicious range of filled sweet and savoury croissants, gourmet sandwiches and salads, as well as a mouth watering range of freshly baked tarts. The High Tea, masterfully prepared by a renowned confectionary chef includes pastries, cakes, mini croissants and finger sandwiches freshly made to order. There is an out-of-this-world range of sweet treats to choose from, and a fabulous range of speciality teas and coffees. All the delicacies are available at the retail counter, along with a delectable delight of imported Belgian chocolates.

Located in the heart of picturesque George is a fine country Bistro that offers a cosy dining experience and superb array of homemade cuisine. The Old Townhouse Restaurant reputation is a consistently good as their food with mouth-watering creations spilling off the menu and homemade ice cream to die for. Specialising in seafood, steaks and speciality dishes with good honest food the focus of their menu, the Old Townhouse Restaurant knows what it takes to make good pasta and grill using only the best ingredients available. Flair up the palate with sizzling Roquefort pork chips or springbok shanks, slow-roasted in beer and wine followed by delicious and to die for homemade ice cream. The wine list compact and well paired with certain wines available by glass. Stroll in and linger the day away at the Old Townhouse for a truly cosy, warm and very homely setting warmed by attentive, helpful and accommodating staff.

Warmed in shades or burned orange, golden yellow and striking floral drapes this cool restaurant tempts the palate with exotic selections of Portuguese dishes and traditional fare. Seduce the senses with a starter of Caldo Verde - a traditional soup with potatoes, kale and sliced Chorico, perfect for cold winter evenings or the Prego Frenchado - cubes of pan-fried steak served with a wine sauce mopped up with delicious bread to soak up the heavenly homemade sauce. For main course, the Bacalhau Assado - grilled salted codfish - prepared in true Portuguese fashion and served with baby potatoes, strips of green pepper and a vinaigrette sauce will explode the palate. Now into its ninth successful year, O’Pescador Restaurant knows what it takes to keep the belly satisfied – excellent food, great service and mouth-watering flavours!

Set on a secluded old country estate, Pecan Tree Grill emits a timeless ambience cradled by ancient oak and pecan trees. Silhouetted against a shimmering lagoon in a gracious old manor built in the bygone era, diners can expect an unforgettable dining experience graced by genuine hospitality in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Discover fine food seduced by flavours and influences from around the globe that will stimulate the senses with an infusion of African specialities such as Karoo Lamb and Venison followed by decadent deserts and extensive wine lists that feature excellent Cape wines. Refine the senses in a relaxed secluded setting for an unforgettable journey of true unpretentious dining.

Red Cherry Café is situated within the Garden Route Casino directly adjacent to the world renowned Pinnacle Point Hotel and Golf Resort. Embracing a warm and welcoming ambience heighted by a delicious Ala Carte menu, Red Cherry Café is a welcoming retreat from the glitz and glamour of The Garden Route Casino. Serving a wide variety of meals ranging from hearty and healthy breakfasts, traditional and gourmet burgers, toasted sandwiches, crispy dippy wedges, steaks, seafood specialities and classics, palates are well catered for and tempted with moist cakes, muffins and crumbly scones. A well-hosted drinks menu compliments each meal alongside a delightful kiddies menu ensuring all patrons, young and old are well catered for.

With every exquisite dish, there is an exquisite wine to compliment the meal. Enjoy Continental cuisine at its best with evocative oysters, duck breast, kudu, ostrich and a variety of line fish freshly caught. This restaurant exudes a romantic, old-fashioned feel with an interesting menu and complimenting wines straight from the Windmill Valley in Paarl. Dine within the cosy interior or al fresco on the wooden deck with far reaching views over the ocean.

Rated by local restaurant guides with a prestigious award from Diners Club Wine Awards, Rioja serves up international courses infused with local dishes for a truly alluring take on African dining. Owners and chef, Simon and Ceri’s extensive training and experience abroad inspired mouth-watering creations that delight and entice the palate. With special emphasis placed on using only the freshest and local produced ingredients, nothing is more personal than the aromatic taste of freshly picked vegetables from the chefs’ personal garden and chickens from the free-range enclosure. Enjoy dinner, lunch and a new introduction on breakfast with family and friends in the tranquil surrounds of Solole Private Game Reserve with activities and jungle gyms at hand to give much need parents time to savour and enjoy the culinary delights prepared by acclaimed chefs at Rioja.

Set in the heart of The Garden Route on the unspoilt village of Great Brak River is a country style getaway brimming with traditional ambience in the warmth and former glory of a restored 1850 cottage. With an innovative evening menu and delightful light meals, Rose n Vine Restaurant embraces country charm with sophisticated grace and earthy attitudes as they prepare and create mouth-watering creations from freshly grown seasonal produce. Enjoy unspoilt days savouring a variety of homemade scones, muffins, cheesecakes and other temping delights in the refreshing gazebo or indulge in an intimate setting by candlelight discovering the innovative cuisine. Rose n Vine Restaurant can be found lingering the day away halfway between Mosselbay and George in the Great Brak River Village just off Amy Searle Street. Pop in and enjoy the traditional taste of country style cuisine.

With delightfully creative menus, designed with passion and flare, Sage at Hunters Country House is a must try spot in beautiful Plettenberg Bay.A chef with true culinary passion and an acclaimed background makes for deliciously creative and unique dishes that diners won’t soon forget. Using sustainable, local ingredients as much as possible, the menu alters according to what is available.A wonderful setting, there is a safari deck complete with tented cover, comfortable sofas and open fires, for diners to enjoy a semi-al fresco environment as they enjoy the sumptuous food on offer. Inside, the colonial feel to restaurant is endearing and welcoming, with soft fabrics and candle light.A strictly South African wine list showcases the best the country has to offer care of the 2000 bottle wine cellar.For a truly memorable dining experience at a stunning venue in Plettenberg Bay, take some time out at Sage.

Located within The Premier Hotel in Knysna surrounded by the beauty of The Garden Route, Salmon Restaurant and bar serves up contemporary swing and jazz music to the notes of bistro dining. Enjoy a delicious meal al fresco on the refreshing patio looking out onto the garden or cosy up in front of the roaring fire on a nippy winter’s day. This intimate eatery offers breakfast and lunch with flair and dinner by candlelight seduced by cool jazz in the background.

Superb cuisine, wonderful wines, friendly and professional service in a setting that is elegant is the credo for fine dining at Serendipity. The five course South African inspired table d’hôte menu, experienced leisurely in a refined atmosphere that increases the pleasure of your dining experience is the benchmark of Serendipity.