Grahamstown Restaurants

Enjoy delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners in intimate surrounds or alfresco in the private courtyard. This home away from home lingers with the aroma of freshly baked bread and old world charm. Enjoy freshly baked scones and cakes baked daily at 137 High Street in Grahamstown.

With warm views of Grahamstown, this sunny spot offers a range of teas, sweet treats and light lunches in bustling surrounds. Visit Fynbos Hub Coffee Shop for delicious coffees, cappuccinos and silky espressos at Fountain Court near Settlers National Monument.

Exuding a cosy, bustling ambiance, Gino’s Italian Restaurant invites hearty meals brimming with traditional Italian cuisine and fantastic value for money. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the ladies bar before settling down in the simply rustic setting dressed in wooden panels and low lighting. This popular haunt offers a traditional menu alongside daily specials and bambino selections with delightful pizza, pasta and steak choices. Pop into Gino’s in New Street for a slice of Italy and contented chatter at this lively establishment in Grahamstown.

This beautifully decorated restaurant transports the senses to a bygone era wrapped in luxurious drapes and banquet style seating. The large menu secures speciality cuisine with a hint of flamboyant jest. Sample bold meals such as chocolate chilli steak complimented by a great selection of wines. Henry Ate drapes the palate in pampered cuisine and ornate setting reminiscent of feasting banquets fit for a king.

Situated within the Cock House Guest House, an 1820 Settler National Monument, is the gracious Norden's Restaurant. The gleaming yellowwood floors and period style decor make it an irresistible setting for a memorable meal. Complete your evening with coffee and liqueurs in the elegant drawing room, warmed by a roaring log fire on winter evenings. Cooking at Norden's follows traditional lines and makes full use of seasonal ingredients and local produce. Home-baked wholemeal bread, stocks and plenty of herbs from the garden to flavour soups and sauces, and after-dinner rum chocolate truffles. The innovative menu combines the best of South African and international influences and is superbly complimented by the excellent wine selection. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily except Monday lunch. Sunday buffet lunch.

Small yet deliberate, Ruanthai embraces quirky Asian pieces and mismatched tables in colourful surrounds with authentic four course buffet meals spilling off the menu. From spring rolls to mild and spicy curries, this tiny restaurant packs a tasteful punch.

Situated in historic Grahamstown city centre amidst the peaceful ambiance of country surrounds is The Calabash Restaurant. Enjoy truly African inspired cuisine and warm hospitality in a rustic country style setting. The décor whispers bushveld and stone, warmed by low hung exposed beams and country charm. The Calabash Restaurant evokes Africa’s colourful nation, evident in the food and hospitality.

Retaining much of its historic character, The Cock House transpires seasonal ingredients and local produce into decadent home cooked creations. The lingering aroma of wholemeal baked breads flood the senses, freshly brewed soups infused with rich stock, dressed in fresh herbs and bewitching selections of rum chocolate truffles intoxicate the senses at The Cock House. Start the day with magnificent breakfasts traditionally cooked and welcomed by original “Welcome Dover” stove. The Cock House embraces a bygone era with comfortable elegance and excellent dining.

Noted as Grahamstown’s village gastro pub, this lively establishment features an array of delectable dishes spilling off the extensive menu. Start with spicy pan-fried chicken livers followed by an irresistible beef fillet with gooseberry and peppercorn sauce. The delicious butternut-stuffed gnocchi makes for a wonderful vegetarian option. Featuring the best-requested pizzas in town and the quintessential bangers and mash, The Rat and Parrot quenches the longing for hearty pub food in a dash.

With a trademark 1938 Wurlitzer grand piano taking centre stage, Yellow Piano captures the attention of fine dining connoisseurs. Enjoy a three course lunch or dinner set menu, sampling appetizers, tender roasts with fine gravy, chicken fillets with creamy sauce, homegrown mushrooms and delicious vegetarian dishes, accompanied by fine vegetables. Round off the meal with tempting deserts. Enjoy a varied and well-prepared cuisine and crisp Italian style pizzas from the wood-fired oven at this art deco style establishment in Grahamstown.