Garden Route Restaurants

Alba Lounge, above the Hildebrand Restaurant offers visitors some of the best views in Cape Town. With 360 degree views across the harbour, the V & A Waterfront, Table Mountain and the City, this is a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. Rain or shine, Alba Lounge is the perfect place to be, sipping on something cool and delighting on some of the delicious tapas treats that are on offer. The Venetian inspired menu features a delicious range of classic Italian tapas with a modern twist. Visitors are invited to sit back and take in the scenery while feasting on such sumptuous morsels as smoked salmon, horseradish and dill crostini or Springbok, sage and apricot terrina. One of the chef’s specialities is the Umbrian sausage with peppers. There are also classic breaded mozzarella balls, Prosciutto San Daniele with melon, Ham on grilled polena and flash friend prawns. The fabulous selection of tapas is the ideal accompaniment for one of the many delightful cocktails on offer. Alba Lounge is an upmarket tapas lounge. Luxurious and trendy, with out of this world views it is the place to be for a chilled drink and a light snack.

Balducci’s Ristorante is nestled in Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront. Famous for its sublime food, attentive service, understated formality and fabulous view of Cape Town's working harbour and Table Mountain, Balducci’s prides itself with its fine food and extensive international award winning wine list. The ethos at Balducc’s is to provide outstanding food that is simple, clean and delicious, using traditional Italian recipes that have been modernised. Dishes are prepared using only the best ingredients, with passion and contemporary creative flair. Heavily influenced by Italian cuisine, there is also an Africa twist with dishes such as ostrich lasagne and carpaccio of venison. There is something for everyone, from gourmet pizzas to traditional Osso Buco, from biltong salad to freshly shucked oysters, as well as a Sushi Bar, where only the finest, freshest fish is served to a discerning clientele. Diners looking for something a little lighter flock to Balducci’s for the award winning 180g Karan beef rump and sirloin burger, served on a freshly toasted roll with thick cut chips. This is the ultimate in gourmet burgers! Crisp linen, an award winning wine list and outstanding food with a sophisticated ambience makes Balducci's an absolute must for fabulous eating experience.

The Bascule Bar is Cape Town’s whisky bar supreme. With over 400 whiskeys on the menu and a huge variety of some of the best wines South Africa has to offer patrons are spoilt for choice. The food menu is simple, elegant and delicious, with the menu’s emphasis on a gastro pub theme. Situated on the edge of the marina in Cape Town’s Waterfront where the international yachts are moored, the Bascule Bar is where trendy whisky and wine lovers gather. Vibrant and bustling, it is the ideal place for a light lunch – patrons can sit out on the water’s edge and take in the sunshine. By night the Bascule bar becomes a hub of sophisticated elegance where wine and whisky flow, and all the beautiful people of Cape Town come out to play. The gastro pub menu consists of snacks and tapas, with specialities that include goat’s cheese peppadew poppers with saffron aioli and salt and pepper squid with sweet chilli mayonnaise. Main meals are traditional pub fare with a modern twist – Cape Grace fish and chips, seared tuna burger with avocado salsa and sweet potato wedges and beef burger with sweet pepper relish, emmenthal cheese, crispy onions and French fries. Bascule Bar patrons enjoy the finer things, but appreciate the simple style of this unique spot in Cape Town's harbour.

With spectacular mountain views across Steenberg vineyards, Constantia Valley and False Bay, Bistro 1682 boasts an interactive dining experience in a setting that flows from open spaces to indigenous gardens surrounded by reflective water features and floating glass bridges. Enjoy a complete multi-sensory experience that entices you to stay and relax savouring every delicious mouthful while refreshing the palate with delectable wines straight from the state-of-the-art Steenberg wine cellar. This 70 seater bistro offers a unique raw bar and counter seating experience alongside their menu with temptingly delicious morsels of raw cuisine such as sashimi, gravadlax, ceviche and oysters to mention a few. With so much variety and flavour at hand Bistro 1682 captivates the palate with a feast of senses while remaining interesting, healthy and true to the concept of raw food dining. Bistro 1682’s warm and welcoming ambience makes it the perfect place to linger and relax. Enjoy the awe inspiring scenery coupled with modern sophistication and delectable food, your visit to Bistro 1682 will see returning again and again and again.

Bravo lounge is situated in the Garden Route Casino and is a trendy and stylish bar-lounge serving both food and drinks. This upmarket dining option caters for groups of up to 200 people and often hosts local entertainers like Elvis Blue, Heinz Winkler and Charlize Berg, just to name a few. The Bravo lounge is also a great venue to enjoy a light lunch, whilst surfing the internet utilizing their free Wi-Fi facilities.

Buena Visa Social Cafe near Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront is a Cuban themed restaurant and bar. Its authentic decor is eclectic, with a touch of shabby chic this combined with Cuban and Latino beats, Cuban inspired menu and great friendly service combined transport visitors to Havana -the Buena Vista Social Cafe a popular destination for Capetonians, as well as international visitors. The menu has been designed around traditional Cuban, Central American and Caribbean fare, with a heavy Mediterranean influence too. There is a varied tapas menu, with both hot and cold dishes to choose from, including a meze platter, piquant jalapenos chilli poppers, scrumptious chicken skewers and flambéed chorizo. There is also a wide selection of Mexican favourites on the Comidas menu, all with a Cuban twist, such as the Chicken Churasco, which is grilled chicken breast with guacamole and salsa on traditional toasted Cuban flat bread. The Buena Vista Social Cafe is also famous for this meat and seafood. The beef is SA grain fed super beef, aged for 21 days. The Lamb Al Ron, a house speciality, is delicious slices of roasted lamb flambéed in a creamy, Cuban rum sauce. The sea fare includes Cuban inspired linefish, fresh from off the boats and an indulgent seafood platter. The piece de resistance is the Cuban paella – a traditional rice dish with a generous selection of seafood, including prawns. The dish is packed with flavours and made to an authentic recipe; the paella is a fabulous feast!

The de Beers cold Storage building was designed in 1901 by Francis Edward Massey and build for Cecil John Rhodes in 1902. With its sandstone facade bay windows and rustic looks, the building lends itself to the setting for a romantic upstairs restaurant with views over the yacht harbour and naval dockyard. One of our customers called Captain’s Table the best kept secret in Simon's Town. Well it may have been but it is no longer a secret. Yes we have finally opened Captain's Table upstairs above the Two and Sixpence Tavern. The experience was described as follows: "Enter the pub and ask the bar person to direct you to the Restaurant. Through the swing doors, up the stairs and then enter a completely different world" Captain’s Table is old world in style, where everything was designed to enhance your experience as our guests. The atmosphere upstairs is relaxed with dimmed lighting, candles on the tables and soothing background music. The venue is ideally suited for smaller functions and parties. The restaurant can be divided to allow privacy for smaller groups and can accommodate up to 48 people. The restaurant is open for lunch 12h30 - 14h30 on Fridays to Sundays and for dinner 18h30 – 21h30 Fridays to Wednesdays. The restaurant will be closed on Thursdays except for functions.

The Chartfield Guest House Restaurant is located a few roads above the main road, in Kalk Bay. Owing to its elevated position above the harbour town, views from this restaurant will keep you coming back for more. Pale, clean interiors and fresh décor create an atmosphere of serenity and relaxation. The restaurant specialises in a buffet style breakfast, with a mountain of delicious and beautifully presented food laid out daily on a groaning buffet table. The views can also be appreciated from the pretty outdoor seating area, with the raw stone and natural rock still preserved in the restaurant's exterior lending a rustic feel to the terrace. The restaurant only caters for bookings of over 10 people for lunch and dinner, so be sure to book beforehand.

Located in the middle of Palmer Road in Muizenberg, Closer is a purely vegan restaurant and welcome addition to Muizenberg Village. Its fresh and artistic modern interiors speaks of their attitude towards their food, which uses only meat, egg, refined sugar and dairy free ingredients yet bursts with flavour. Cow’s milk is replaced with oat, soya and rice milk, making Closer’s smoothies all the more delectable. Daily specials are written on a chalkboard, enticing customers in with their organic ingredients and interesting flavour combinations.

A true passion for Italian food is what makes Col’Cacchio the place to go for the best in Italian dining. Situated in a stunning location at Camps Bay, with glorious mountains behind and a beautiful white sandy beach in front. Col’Cacchio has become famous, in particular, for the range of perfectly crisp, thin pizza bases as well as pastas and fresh salads. With an endorsement by the Heart Foundation of South Africa, the creative selection of health and vegetarian pizzas make this place a must-try. The delicious sauces are all freshly prepared and organic ingredients are used wherever possible. As part of the extensive and well-thought out menu, Col’Cacchio features wheat-free tagliatelli and gluten and wheat-free pizza bases. The variety of pizza combinations are never-ending, with 50 standard options on the menu and the option of creating your own pizza to your own specification. Whatever your taste, there is a pizza to suit. If salads are more your thing, you’ll be spoilt for choice with 20 different offerings. With friendly, knowledgeable staff on hand to help you choose the perfect meal from the extensive menu, you can be assured of a great time at Col’Cacchio.

Doubleshot puts Plettenberg Bay on the South African coffee map. Doubleshot installed the first Kees van der Westen Mirage espresso machine in Africa, and it now buy its beans from Origin Roastery in Cape Town. Two former Lufthansa flight attendants, Karin and Karin, spent their working years checking out the best coffee shops around the world before opening up their own at The Square shopping center in Plettenberg Bay. To eat, the café offers cakes, sandwiches piled high with local meats and cheeses, and muesli worth skipping your hotel breakfast for. For coffee made with passion do to Doubleshot Coffeebar in Plettenberg Bay.

With an array of savoury and sweet desires, Florentines bewitches the senses with playful décor and homemade delicacies. Serving mouth-watering freshly baked muffins, cakes and tarts alongside speciality coffee blends, you can relax on comfy couches while enjoying the beautiful gifts and quirky décor. Upon entering, you are welcomed by Florentines and seduced by delightful temptations of sweet and savoury. Enjoy light lunches, high teas and satisfying platters. Florentines is a sweet retreat with melt-in-the-mouth pleasures for a truly sinful 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.

Situated in the bustling centre of Plettenberg Bay is Ghillies Grill. A superb location with stunning views of the ocean and of lively Main Street. This popular venue proffers hearty food in generous proportions. Must-try dishes include the garlicky mussels, the tender streaks and the sumptuous seafood platter. A spacious deck for alfresco dining allows for spectacular views and people-watching as diners enjoy the sumptuous dishes on offer.

île de païn - Island of Bread is something of an oasis, even amoungst the plethora of good eateries in Knysna. When Liezie Mulder and Markus Farbinger together with a small, young team opened the doors of île de païn in 2002, it was as though they tapped into something so treasured by the collective consciousness, that the appeal was indeed universal.They built a wood fired oven and baked large, dark loaves of Companio bread for the nearby farmers market. Soon after, Liezie put a small menu together to complement the bread. Today the bread “complements” Liezie’s food breakfast and lunch take centre stage at île de païn. She draws from her love of local ingredients and utilizes her international experience and training to create menu‘s that are thoughtful, simple and unique for everyday enjoyment. The wine list changes as often as the menu and receives equal attention and care. The desserts on display are for the finale or to take home for a postponed indulgence. On your way out you remember to take along a loaf (locals reserve one or two before sitting down) and some of the specialties as a gift to yourself or those near to your heart. Their annual gastronomic trips around the globe will ensure that île de païn will keep on going for years to come.Need to know? Tuesday till Saturday: 8am to 3pm; Breakfast 8am to 11am; Lunch 11:30am to 3pm; Sunday: 9am to 13:30 breakfast and lunch menu all day. Closed on Mondays.

La Playa is one of the more trendy eateries in Cape Town's V & A Watefront. This Greek owned cafe/restaurant offers diners the best in upbeat, vibrant cafe lifestyle, with spectacular views and delicious food. La Playa offers diners a selection of Greek influenced dishes that include Rosemary infused lamb and Greek milk tart, as well as a wide selection of breakfast dishes. It the prime spot for those looking for somewhere to sit back, take in the atmosphere of the Waterfront and marvel at the fabulous views. Trendy and modern but relaxed, La Playa is reminiscent of European cafe style cuisine and ambience. Frequented by locals as well as visitors to the city, it gives a glimpse of typical Cape Town life. This funky fun cafe is the place to see and be seen. With a lively atmosphere and great food La Playa is relaxed, trendy and offers patrons European style and service in a very Capetonian setting. With views out over the mighty Atlantic Ocean, there is no end of beauty to indulge in while sipping on a cool cocktail and nibbling on something sublime from the menu.

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.

OYO Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is one of the most stylish, trendy places to be in Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront. Specialising in local seafood, including West Coast crayfish, Saldanha mussels, Paternoster oysters, calamari and fresh line fish from the Cape Coast, OYO is a diner’s delight. Visitors can sit back and take in the awe inspiring view of Table Mountain and soak up the busy atmosphere of the harbour while sipping on a cocktail or a glass of bubbly. Part of the Victoria and Alfred Hotel, one of the original parts of the Waterfront development, OYO is steeped in style, class and quality.

This little gem in Harfield stimulates the senses and warms the palate with its bold cuisine and finger licking morsals of delicious seafood, tapas and platters. With a few tables elegantly scattered around contrasted by dark woods and bold colours, Ruby Tuesday oozes chic opulence and good value for money. Enjoy gourmet burgers dinging al-fresco or gather inside sampling the revitalising colours and décor while eating mouthfuls of delightful creations from the menu.

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.

Silhouetted by the bold backdrop of Table Mountain, Salushi serves long lazy lunches and relaxing dinners flavoured with authentic noodle dishes and spectacular grills and Sushi. With an enclosed outdoor area warmed by heaters, enchanting fairy lights and a relaxing lounge for sipping unwinding cocktails, Salushi refreshes the palate with delectable choices such as Chicken Strips Wok Seared in a Malay coconut style curry sauce, vegetables and fresh chilli. To round off your meal, indulge in the ultimate melt-in-the-mouth desert, Lindt Chocolate & Almond Spring rolls followed by a Wild Berry Mojito dressed in lime wedges muddled then built tall with mint, Spiced Gold, strawberry puree, crème de cassis, crushed ice and soda. Salushi refreshes the palate with authentic dishes, refreshing cocktails and decadent deserts in a relaxed, welcoming setting flattered by the dramatic scenery of Table Mountain.

Sevruga has become one of Cape Town’s most renowned restaurants. Famous for its sophistication and elegance, the ethos behind Sevrugs is to offer patrons the best possible raw ingredients combined with awesome professional and creative suppliers, as well as craftsmen, to create a truly amazing experience. With over 200 of the finest South African wines to choose from and a sophisticated menu, patrons are spoilt for choice. On offer is the finest caviar and oysters, as well as the freshest fare from the sea; all meals are expertly prepared by some of Cape Town’s finest chefs, and the sushi bar is overseen by Alan Huang, considered to be the best in his field. Diners can choose from elaborately prepared meals to sushi, from meat dishes to seafood, as well as being able to opt for lighter meals, salads and a range of freshly prepared sushi. The chef’s specialities include Kingklip and Langoustine with tarragon butter, pomme neuf and a lemon beurre blanc sauce and the Wharf Fillet, which consists of fillet and a crayfish tail with a garlic and lemon velouté. The flavours are strong, but the ingredients are simple and perfectly matched. Sevruga is fast becoming the word in fine dining at the V & A Waterfront.

Enjoy a wide range of sumptuous dishes from all over the globe at Sinn’s. Offering everything from curries to tapas, this popular restaurant is at the forefront of contemporary, international cuisine. A wine list proffering local, French and Italian bottles makes for a great choice of accompaniment. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to help diners decide on the right dish for them and the well-planned lay-out of the venue means a dining experience to remember.

With its Mediterranean feel, trees and open air space, Sirocco has all the right ingredients for long, lazy lunches in the sun. Situated on the Main Road in Kalk Bay, Sirocco is a seasonal restaurant that only opens in Summer, specialising in fresh food. There are decadent and healthy options on the menu for breakfast, with freshly squeezed juices and baked goods on offer. The menu consists of relaxed yet sophisticated food, from Eggs Benedict to fresh salmon and cream cheese croissants. Gourmet salads are popular choices on the lunch menu, with fresh line fish and calamari competing as favourites. Draw out the experience with excellent local wines or cocktails and experience the energy and magic in Kalk Bay during season. Breakfast and Lunch Monday to Sunday, 8am until 4pm from 1 October until 30 April only.

Savour in delightfully tasty food and warm genuine hospitality at Stars Restaurant and Sports Bar. With impressive music, sports and viewing facilities, families and sports enthusiasts can dine with the favourite sports stars while sampling the extensive menu. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee and quick breakfast before work or a leisurely lunch alfresco on the deck surrounded by impressive views or simply dine inside surrounded by the memories and triumphs of stars. The extensive menu caters for breakfasts, brunch, light snacks, lunches and dinners including a well-catered kiddies menu all in the comfort and triumphs of Stars Restaurant and Sports Bar.

Tapas & Oysters is the place where great food, good friends and sticky fingers meet. It’s all about Knysna’s laid-back lifestyle, that’s why we like to say that 34 Tapas & Oysters is “Not too shabby... Not too chic... definitely dockside.” Join us every day of the year in our bright and cheerful restaurant with its beautiful views over the Knysna Lagoon for oysters (the whole range, of course, fresh from our own holding tanks), tapas (with a South African twist, naturally), cocktails (including the coolest mojitos around), or a glass of Knysna’s famous Mitchell’s beer, which like 34 itself, is a celebration of the way we like to live down here beside the lagoon.

The Annex is an upmarket, yet cosy restaurant, with arguably one of the best views in Kalk Bay. This aesthetically pleasing venue is tucked behind Kalk Bay Books and is therefore often missed by visitors to the area. But when you find it you'll be delighted that you did, because on a fresh Summer's day, there are few better places to be. Three seating areas within the restaurant property offer patrons a different experience at each space, from the indoor library area to the 'al fresco' terrace under a massive palm tree, which has endless views over the harbour and the ocean. Meals at The Annex are tasty and beautifully presented, from muesli and fresh fruit for breakfast, through to rich, hearty meals for lunch and dinner. Popular menu choices include the sirloin steak sandwich, served with caponato and creamy mushroom sauce on freshly baked ciabatta and the mushroom risotto. The dinner menu includes fresh line fish, slow-roasted duck on vegetable stir-fry and ostrich on either braised lentils or mustard mashed potatoes.

Enjoy decadent dining at its best at The Grand Restaurant. A superb array of local and international dishes leaves diners spoiled for choice, though the fish cakes are a must-try. A wonderful wine list proffers plenty of options for the perfect accompaniment. A bright and breezy patio allows for al fresco dining when the weather permits. On less favourable days the cosy but nicely laid-out dining room provides lovely surroundings in which to enjoy the sumptuous meals.

The Grand Cafe and Beach is one of the trendiest places to be seen in Cape Town. Beach cafe style meets Parisian chic with vast crystal chandeliers, Persian rugs, rich fabrics and antique furniture. This eclectic mix of style and panache is set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain, with views that are out of this world. The menu is melange of old meets new, with fabulous east meets west fusion, as well as tried and tested classics and modern contemporary dishes. Pushing the envelope with its unique style, the Grand Cafe and Beach offers patrons a unique dining experience. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu is exciting and varied, and is filled with strong flavours, fresh ingredients and fabulously innovative combinations. The Grand favourites include tempura prawns, classic Caesar salad, bouillabaisse, fillet béarnaise and an out of this world crayfish sandwich. The Grand Cafe and Beach also offers diners fabulous thin crusted gourmet pizzas, served on long wooden platters. With a sun deck and sea sand beach that is gently lapped by the ocean, fabulously opulent decor and delicious food, the Grand Cafe and Beach offers all the ingredients for a perfect meal.

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.

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.