Knysna 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.

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.

This Authentic Italian Café gastronomically infuses the palate with traditional Italian cuisine on the patio overlooking the water. Considered by many as the most popular restaurant in town, Café Mario serves intimate meals and hearty breakfasts complimented by reasonable Italian wines. A wonderful place to linger the day away, people watching and indulging in flavour infused Italian faire.

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!

Easily located within the scenic Garden Route and famously known by locals as the place to enjoy made to order, thin crispy pizzas straight from the traditional wood-fired oven with wheat free bases available. Dine on outdoor terrace or within the large garden on balmy summer days choosing from an array of delicious pastas, potatoe bakes, salads and voluptuously filled pita breads. Leave enough space for decadent deserts and smouldering coffees for a pleasant, well-rounded day out.

Chef’s @ Nauticus Place Restaurant, Brenton-on-Sea, Knysna, was bought over on the 15th November 2009. The Restaurant has been going from strength to strength. We at Chef’s @ Nauticus Place Restaurant pride ourselves on serving excellent food and drink. The beautiful, unique surroundings of Brenton-on-Sea guarantees a great time for everyone, young and old. We are open throughout the year for tour groups. Set menus can be arranged ahead of time according to the budget of the client / company. We cater groups, kid’s parties, weddings, team building, birthdays, anniversaries and anything else you could think of.

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.

Located at one of Knysnas most impressive landmarks this premier restaurant in The Garden Route is the place where patrons can indulge and gather, sharing pizzas, sundowners and tasty antipastos. Offering seductive Italian cuisine and classic cocktails, Cornuti Knysna oozes Rivera chic in a chilled out atmosphere catering fine wines and fresh produce for their signature mouth-watering dishes.

Crabs Creek Restaurant and Pub is a place so special, even the tide visits them twice a day. Well, that’s what the sign says and during season you will be hard pressed to find a table. Right on the water’s edge, the gorgeous views of Knysna Lagoon don’t get better. Offering fresh seafood, standard pub grub and bistro meals, draught on tap and live music, Crabs Creek is the place to visit for a guaranteed good time. Open for lunch and dinner daily, 11am until late.

Renowned for the freshest seafood presented in contemporary dishes, this favourite amongst locals and tourists alike is a must-try!A lively but laid-back spot, Cruise Cafe boasts spectacular views of the Knysna Lagoon from the deck or through impressive large glass doors when the weather is less inviting.The decor is elegant with blond wood, earthy tones, alcoves and nautical photos. It’s the perfect setting to relax and enjoy whatever you fancy, be it a speciality coffee, a hearty lunch or a sundowner.

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.

The perfect setting to enjoy lazy breakfasts and alfresco lunches indoors or on the sheltered terrace marvelling at the awaking of the early morning or lingering sunset; East Head Café is where friends and family meet to reconnect for good food and casual conversation cooled by cocktails and wine. East Head Café boasts quality and service accentuated by flavour and freshness using the best local ingredients for sumptuous breakfasts and creamy cappuccinos. Indulge in a selection of the finest wines by glass or bottle complimented by fresh battered fish and chips or a delicious gourmet burger from the Café style menu. Kids are welcome and catered for ensuring parents get much needed time to relax and enjoy the well thought out setting and food. With a kiddies menu complimented by colouring boards, blackboards and toys, kids can be kids without the worry and stress associated with dining out. You can be forgiven spending a little more time here than expected, enjoying delicious food on a balmy summer days or curling up to the crackling fireplace.

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.

Iridescent with red walls and fairy lights, The Firefly Eating House and Chai Bar is housed in a charming original 1906 Knysna tin mining house on the Knysna lagoon with a view of the famous Knysna Heads. The 'Eating House' explores the complexity of spice, and the 'Chai Bar' explores the subtleties of tea.Their irresistible spicy food draws inspiration from around the globe. Firefly's top dish is the Cape Malay bobotie spring rolls with a mint chutni; and the spice tea latte wins as top tea. Try a Firestarter like the orange and ostrich spring roll with a Juniper berry dip followed by smoked berbere beef with quail egg, served with apricot and mint couscous. Berbere, a key ingredient in North African cuisine, is a spice mixture which usually includes chillies, ginger, cloves, coriander and allspice. Of course dinner at Firefly wouldn't be complete without sugar and spice. Highly recommended is the saffron and cardamom basmati rice cream.

Perfectly located within the heart of Knysna, perched on the shimmering waters edge, surrounded by sweeping views and tranquil sunsets, Fisherman’s Cabin welcomes patrons with a warm laidback ambience and fresh selection of seafood, meat and combination dishes. Enjoy a lazy al fresco lunch sampling Malay Seafood Curry Pot – A medley of seafood medium spiced served in a “Potjie” with savoury rice or fresh oysters dressed in fiery Tabasco sauce. With a selection of the freshest seafood, fish, combination dishes and sushi, patrons can also enjoy a choice of beef, chicken and pork dishes rounded off by delicious homemade baked deserts and fresh local wines and beers. Watch the lingering sunset over the Marina and lagoon while enjoying a tranquil lunch or romantic dinner indoors or on the covered terrace.

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.

Dine on the high seas with Heads Explorer, Knysna.Weather permitting, this beautiful catamaran to venture through Heads and beyond to the Indian Ocean. Enjoy views of the lagoon and spot dolphins, seals, birds and if you’re lucky enough to be in season, whales.Passengers have the option of a daily cruise or a sunset trip complete with sundowner, anti-pasti platter and wine. For that added bit of decadence, oysters are available on request.Experience the stunning Knysna Lagoon in luxury aboard the Heads Explorer.

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.

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.

Indulge in delicious full English breakfasts and scrumptious light lunches under the shade of ancient Fig Trees. Shaded from the wind, Leisure Isle Coffee Shop invites diners to relax and soak up the tranquil surrounds enjoying loving cuisine and decadent teas. Leisure Isle Coffee Shop embraces the art of relaxation and leisurely cuisine in the picturesque Leisure Island of the famous garden route.

Located at Knysna waterfront, Limani Blue offers Greek cuisine that compliments a diversity of cooking styles, ingredients and flavours. Coloured by a unique and colourful history, this eatery refreshes the palate with mouth-watering Greek buffets, decadent deserts and a wonderful setting. Winner of the Top Restaurants of the Year Award with an impressive fifth award and Southern Cape, Food and Wine Society Award, Limani boasts an impressive reputation and cuisine. Indulge in a fall of the bone shoulder of Lamb - slow roasted in the oven over-night, seasoned with garlic, fresh oregano, Lemon & Olive oil compliment by smooth glass of wine. Limani Blue will explode the palate with its voluptuous cuisine in an authentic Greek setting right in the heart of Knysna.

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.

NumNum Wholefoods is the place to grab natural wholesome food that's also a taste sensation. Delicious eat-at-home meals, superb pate', the best bush honey, delicious handcrafted jams with honest sugar, farm made hams, salami's, goat's cheese, wholesome yoghurt, the best most naturally cured salmon, fresh organic vegetables and grass fed beef, Namibian lamb, Karoo bush fed Springbok and whole grain spices, mountain salt and MSG free condiments. Fresh platters of asparagus lightly dressed with aged balsamic vinegar and shavings of sheep's pecorino dusted with lightly flavoured paprika salt.All in all honest food that is healthy and the way it should be!

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.

For the simple, easygoing palate, Pembrey’s compliments the experience basic classic styles reduced sauces and Bistro style main courses. Delight in the flavours of Quall, Lamb Shank, lovely homemade churned ice creams. Vegetarians can take delight in the extensive salad buffets and legendary deserts such as traditional Bread and Butter pudding. Pembrey’s boast top 180 in American Express Restaurants and won Restaurant and Chef of the Year in The Garden Route. Dine al fresco on the enclosed porch with views of the shimmering lagoon or cosy up to the crackling log fire on a chilly winter night. With commitment to flavour and natural fresh ingredients, Pembrey’s transports the palate on a Mediterranean journey for a simple, easygoing experience.

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.

This cheerful authentic Indian restaurant delivers a variety of beguiling tastes within a split-level setting with cool al fresco dining to soothe the palate. Serving traditional Indian cuisine with a variety of mouth-watering curry dishes on mopped up with fragrant flavoured garlic or butter naan breads made in the traditional clay oven. Delight in spicy Mumbai with starters of Tandoori Chicken and Chicken Tikka made in the clay oven. The food is meticulously prepared by experienced & qualified chefs from India all served with ethnic style in copper kadai, handis, tavis and balti.

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.

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.

Vibrant and buzzing, this popular lunch and dinner venue is the perfect spot for great food, attentive service enhanced with edgy decor. Situated in a scenic spot in Thesen Harbour Town, right by the water’s edge, this lively restaurant features waterside terraces, tall windows, strategically designed lighting and comfortably stylish seating. The decor is a simple and clean, using green tone to invite and create a lowing warmth. The menu is a fusion if inspirational cuisines and features a wonderful selection of shellfish. A memorable time awaits you at Sirocco.

Located along the waters edge of trendy Thesen Harbour Town, Sirocco Restaurant boasts a vibey sophisticated attitude with relaxed sophistication. Embodied by cutting-edge design, clever lighting and plush seating, dining at Sirocco Restaurant by night transforms the evening into a romantic ambience. Begin the meal with voluptuous mussels tossed in a classic white wine and garlic sauce finished with a garlic crouton before indulging in a mature beef fillet seasoned and grilled on the open flame. Served with crispy fries, garlic & paprika roast potatoes or savoury rice. Round off the tantalizing meal with a decadent chocolate coffee, berry, frangelico and nut mousse served with wafer biscuits. Serving long lazy lunches and relaxing dinners from the dramatic waters edge location, dining at Sirocco Restaurant warms the palate sophisticated cool.

Set on beautiful gardens and private acre estate, St James Restaurant promises lingering lunches on balmy summer days and cosy winters huddled in front of crackling log fires. Boasting a superb dining room, generously stocked wine cellar and mouthfuls of delicious country style breakfasts, light lunches, teas and snacks, dining at St James delights the palate with contemporary fusion. With spectacular panoramic views of Knysna lagoon and options of dining on various patios and terraces, St James is the perfect meeting place for a warm friendly experience touched by contemporary elegance.

Finally musicians and bands have a home on the Garden Route! The Swing Café is the brain child of Derek, Marc and Wendy Oldfield. Derek and Wendy were both active musicians in the 80's. Derek moved on to become a succesful investment broker. Wendy carried on making albums and performing. In early 2009 Wendy, Derek and Marc (who are cousins) shared their dreams of opening a music venue and restaurant together. With Marc’s experience in the international hospitality industry and Derek's move to the Garden Route, the idea became a reality.Derek called Wendy a few weeks later and said "I'm in, are you?" She was and so they went venue hunting and found the most perfect location and building and ... well the rest is becoming history.Finally musicians and bands have a home on the Garden Route. Already artists such as Arno Carstens and Dan Patlansky have packed the house.

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.

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.

Favoured as one of Knysna’s favourite hot spots serving good pub meals with a glass of locally brewed beer or wine, The Bell Tavern retains its rustic charm with wrought iron roof, iron block floor and whitewashed walls. Serving a choice of grills, pies, burgers and salads, patrons can relax and linger the day away mulling over the locally brewed beers and wine housed by the small stone-lined wine cellar. Enjoy hearty chicken & mushroom or steak pies, baked daily or the Belvidere burger brimming with trimmings followed by moist finger licking Malva pudding. Arrive unannounced, relax and order a drink in the comfort and character of The Bell Tavern in Knysna.

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.

A beautiful pleasure cruiser, The John Benn at Knysna is a nautical dining experience for the whole family. This unique floating restaurant makes daily cruises to the scenice Knysna Heads while patrons eat, drink and enjoy themselves. An enthusiastic onboard team serve tasty, fresh food with a smile and ensure that everyone on board is having a superb time.