Garden Route Restaurants

Casual and laidback, Knysna's bustling food emporium claims that it's "not exactly a restaurant, not exactly a bar, definitely not a deli... well, not exactly a deli... it’s an eating place, a drinking place and definitely a meeting place". Well, it's a good place to be if you enjoy fresh seafood and fancy a bit of shopping. 34 South is also "a gift shop, a clothing emporium, a food store, a fish monger and a bakery, too. And the finest wine shop this side of the grape curtain!" Start with a platter of freshly shucked wild coastal oysters still tasting of salt and sea. Tuck into calamari (tubes, heads and steaks) and mussels (in and out the shell) done in many ways - in vinaigrette, masala, with peri-peri or with wine and garlic. The herring comes six ways, the fish pates four and the mezze too many ways to mention. Traditional Greek, Spanish and Portuguese themes run through an eclectic menu that highlights Mediterranean flavours - with chicken, ostrich and vegetarian options for diners averse to seafood. With tastebuds still tingling from oysters and bubbly, the mains are sure to tantalise. Signature dishes tempt with fresh linefish brought in through the Knysna heads, east-coast sole, linefish espetada, Portuguese sardines, jambalaya and seafood paella.

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.

Enjoy famous dishes or a relaxing drink marvelling at the beauty of the handcrafted natural tree bar or unwind in front of the crackling fireplace sipping heart-warming sherry. Rekindle the summer spirit with cooling cocktails savouring the sun and lapping waters around the Lapa with family and friends or just enjoy simple dining warmed by caramel woods and cooling wrought iron tables and chairs heightened by nautical stripes. Tantalise the palate with Tiger Prawns sautéed in chilli and garlic oil with onion and peppers, 600gm flame grilled Spare Ribs, medium spiced Chicken Curry, Chicken Tagliatelle with mushroom, tomato and garlic sauce topped with parmesan. Beach Tree Restaurant flirts casual dining surrounded by a soothing ambience fit for those who just want to kick back, relax and enjoy what the day has to offer.

Positioned perfectly with unrivalled views of Table Mountain and Table Bay, Blowfish Restaurant, one of Cape Town’s finest seafood and sushi restaurants is an all-round sensory experience. With windows spanning the length of the restaurant guests can enjoy the magnificent views, fresh sea breeze and sound of the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Distinguished by impeccable service and stylish, contemporary decor, Blowfish Restaurant serves a variety of mouth-watering seafood, sushi and some of the Cape’s finest wines. Our unique fresh fish counter serviced by skilled fishmongers allows you to choose your fish by weight and have it prepared to your individual preference. This unique atmosphere, service excellence and superb cuisine combine to make Blowfish the ideal setting for any meal; from intimate business lunches, romantic dinners and special occasions as well as large scale events for up to 180 people.

Acclaimed for ingeniously prepared local seafood specialties, the Café Gannet Restaurant is Mossel Bay's seafood house. Coastal oysters, black mussels and Mossel Bay Sole are delivered daily from the harbour to make a delectable and varied a la carte menu, which includes pizza, salads, meat dishes, light lunches and Rainbow Cuisine.Enjoy a relaxing afternoon followed by cocktails overlooking the Indian Ocean. The Cafe Gannet is a great treat, bound to please the most discerning palate. It’s also very trendy, so bookings are recommended. Open 7 days a week from 7am to 11pm.

Get your fix of abundant seafood and enjoy it the best way - right on the beach with sand under your toes and the smell of the ocean tickling your nostril.Guzzle, munch and slurp through nine gut-busting courses of mussels, West Coast Snoek with ultra sweet potato, seafood potjie with 4 types of fish, calamari, mussels and prawn tails, ostrich potjie, catch of the day, West Coast kreef (if you order), calamari steak, pot bread, salads, veggie dish, sweet melon, coffee and koeksisters. You may eat as much as you like but this is not as easy as it sounds! De Vette Mossel (The Fat Mussel) offers much more than perfectly prepared seafood – this is an experiencein unusual and informal surroundings with traditional Cape fishing culture in true West Coast Style.Behind which dune? De Vette Mossel is situated literally on the beach at Souwesia, between Klein- and Groot Brak River, near Mossel Bay on the Garden Route. Between courses, the young ones and the young of mind go for a swim or play on the beach.De Vette Mossel not only exists of creators Niël and Laurika but the dozen or so chefs, cleaners and kitchen staff who all have wonderful stories in their own right. Only jobless people were employed, trained and today they form an integral part of De Vette Mossel. Without them, De Vette Mossel is not possible – they therefore also share in the fruits of success. Need to know? Booking is essential. Open every year from 4 December. Please phone or SMS 079 339 0170. (No credit card facilities – they are on the beach!)

With all the charm of a working harbour fish and chips shop, Lucky Fish has the added edge of offering delicious seafood at excellent prices. Situated amongst Harbour House and its sister tapas and cocktail venue, Polana, this fast food seafood canteen is worlds away from any other. It's harbour location makes it a perfect stop whilst meandering through Kalk Bay. In typical Kalk Bay style, Lucky Fish is just about the only fish shop you'll ever find that also sells freshly baked croissants, ciabatta loaves and fresh green salads to accompany newsprint wrapped crumbed seafood. A range of food is on offer, from crumbed hake, chips and calamari, to freshly prepared soups and mutton rooti's. Not only is the seafood fresh and delicious, but the generous portion sizes offer even more value for money. Patrons can enjoy their meal at the tables inside and outside Lucky Fish, or take a walk along the harbour wall and sit amongst the seagulls and the fisherman. Enjoyed with friends, family or as a fast delicious meal, you'll be glad you tried this fish shop with a difference.

Neptunes Seafood Kitchen is owned and operated by award winning chef Alan Tavares. With an extensive menu offering delectable choices of grilled and low fat meals you can be sure to reap the benefits of seafood. Alongside healthy options, Neptunes serves traditional seafood faire in a dimly lit minimalist setting typical of express seafood. Enjoy seafood platters, tiger prawns in mild chilli rice or traditional battered fish and salt-slaked chips with fresh dollops of tartar Sauce. Pop in for a quick bite or satisfy your craving for good old tasty seafood, Neptunes Seafood Kitchen is located on Rosemead Avenue in Claremont.

A warm welcome awaits you at this homely but lively eatery. Sit back and relax as you are tended to by a dedicated and friendly team of staff and enjoy superb cuisine, including the freshest seafood and a range of sumptuous side orders to complement your main meal. A family friendly restaurant, Off The Hook is a brilliant place to bring the kids for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a snack. Come and feel truly welcomed at this friendly and inviting spot in beautiful Plettenberg Bay.

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.

With live bands, big screens and a warm fireplace, Quay Four on Thesen Islands, Knysna, is all about keeping you entertained and giving you a space to relax, unwind and enjoy a good meal without breaking the bank.Quay Four on Thesen Islands, offers a variety of light meals and salads, as well as hearty pub fare for those with a bigger appetite though the emphasis is on sumptuous seafood. Visitors can spend a leisurely day on the deck at Quay Four drinking cocktails and enjoying delicious oysters while soaking up the numerous spectacular Thesen Islands views.

Enjoy sublime views over the ocean and Mossel Bay Harbour while you indulge in a colourful cocktail or tuck into prawns, oysters and other yummy seafood dishes.In season this is an awesome place to watch the whales in the bay.Mingle with the locals at this funky, vibey restaurant and bar situated right next to the harbour wall where anything closer to the waves is still swimming. Maybe you just want to munch a toasted sandwich washed down with a beer or glass of wine while admiring the gorgeous view? The staff at the Sea Gypsy Café are friendly and caring and kids are welcome - they even have their own menu. The atmosphere is very chilled and welcoming. Don't miss this great spot if you're visiting the area.

Nestled on a quite street in the heart of Knysna, The Anchorage Restaurant is one of the oldest Restaurants in Knysna. Exuding a warm hospitality with selections of the most mouth-watering seafood, beef, venison, chicken and vegetarian dishes. Experience freshly caught line fish, Knysna Oysters and sizzling steaks complimented by well-paired wines and excellent service at The Anchorage Restaurant for a truly unforgettable experience.

Located right on the waters edge of Kalk Bay adjacent to the Kalk Bay Harbour, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the sea, mountains, and the atmospheric Kalk Bay Harbour. Soak up the nostalgia of this quaint harbour while relaxing in 1 of 3 restaurants all exquisitely located for a memorable dining experience. The Cabin Restaurant offers a small, intimate dining experience overlooking the ocean, perfect for whale watching and savouring the delights on offer. For more refined dining, The Main Restaurant offers formality with a selection of exquisite seafood dishes and wine with a lovely harbour charm atmosphere. In summer, there is no better place to sit and relax while soaking up the sun and surf than the Bikini Deck. With its cocktail bar at the centre of the terrace spilling over onto the Tidal Pools, this vibrant spot invites lazy summer days and casual dining. Serving meals off the Ala Carte menu and all that is seafood, The Brass Bell Restaurant indulges the palate with delightful burgers, crispy pizzas and succulent steaks. Why go anywhere else, when you can savour the delights of The Brass Bell while soaking up the fresh sea breeze and warming sun.

Discover the freshest seafood, tantalizing salads and a fusion of flavours and textures garnished by sinful deserts all while taking in the idyllic surroundings over a glass of wine. The Drydock Food Company serves fusion cuisine touched by International elegance inside or out on the enormous deck overlooking the yacht basin. Boasting a casual elegance combined with tasty honest cooking, diners can enjoy intimate lunches or dinners along the magnificent waters edge. Discover tantalising starters - Thinly sliced fillet of venison, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, parmesan, marinated mushrooms and rocket before savouring 18 delicious prawns grilled and drizzled with olive oil and fresh lemon juice, served with savoury rice and your choice of garlic butter, lemon butter or peri-peri. The Dry Dock Food Company is the perfect choice for a lazy lunch or romantic evening lit by candlelight and the sweeping harbour basin.

For fabulous seafood, The Kingfisher Seafood Restaurant is a must-try. This popular restaurant has a well-earned reputation for offering the finest and freshest seafood dishes and now, fantastic sushi thanks to the new addition of a talented sushi chef. With a dedicated children’s menu, The Kingfisher Seafood Restaurant is a great venue for all the family. Spread out over two levels and with flexible seating arrangements and bright, spacious dining areas, the versatile layout can accommodate a variety of dining requirements. For patrons wishing to dine al fresco, there is a large open deck overlooking the stunning Outeniqua Mountains. For superb seafood and impeccable service, take some time out at The Kingfisher Seafood Restaurant.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.