Port Elizabeth Restaurants

Casual and laidback, 34 Degrees South has latitude. Start with a platter of freshly shucked wild coastal oysters still tasting of salt and sea. Tuck into calamari and mussels 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 line fish brought in through the Knysna Heads, east-coast sole, linefish espetada, Portuguese sardines, jambalaya and seafood paella.

This upmarket and cool restaurant serves quality food and unobtrusive service with an ever-changing menu offering delights ranging from side portions, mains, sexy salads and decadent deserts. Start with the pork fillet stuffed with spinach, feta and peppadews wrapped in smoked bacon, served with sautéed potatoes and apple cream. Meze platters compliment social affairs brimming with cold meats, cheeses, gherkins, pickled onions, bread sticks and rustic bread. For a healthy fish options go for the Mediterranean meze with popcorn prawns, calamari, marinated mussels, fishcakes, taramasalata, curried mayo, rustic bread and sundried tomatoes. 78 Restaurant and Bar provides the perfect setting for breakfast, lunch and dinners with interesting cuisine and cool ambience to compliment the meal.

Serving great food in a family setting and bistro cuisine, Blue Orange Garden Café invites relaxed meals spilling off the a la carte menu.

Soak up the country modern feel touched with rustic elegance enjoying decadent selections and freshly baked artisan breads. Vibrant and fresh scattered with mismatched tables and elegantly curved chairs, Bocadillos transcends to elegant chic with focal mirrors, leather banquets, chandeliers and striking wallpapers. The menu bursts with gourmet delights, artisan breads, French patisserie, sumptuous breakfasts, salads, sandwiches and heavenly bakes. Enjoy a slow breakfast with a creamy cup of coffee and newspaper taking in the lingering aromas of freshly baked bread at Bocadillos.

This popular restaurant is situated within close proximity to the prestigious Paxton Hotel in a prime location above Humewood Road. Framed by eclectic décor warmed by natural crete-stone walls and vibrant abstract artwork, Café Brazilia exudes a contemporary Mediterranean feel bustling with activity. Boasting an excellent variety of dishes from open sandwiches, tramezzinis, and salads to impressive seafood platters and peppered ostrich fillet. Portuguese inspired dishes include the famous espetada, trinchado and Brazilian steak served with fried egg. Alongside the aforementioned, Café Brazilia offers beautifully presented salads of which the spicy grilled chicken salad comes highly recommended. Conclude the dining experience with a selection of cakes and tarts, which includes Café Brazilia's famous baked Cheesecake.

Ideally located on popular 6th Avenue, Cobblestone Bakery seduces longing palates with fresh bread baked daily, cappuccinos, breakfasts, healthy lunches and crispy pizzas. Focusing on traditional methods using old-fashioned grained flours flourished in a labour of love and a selection of heavenly treats. Dine indoors in the softly balanced and calming ambiance or lounge alfresco on the sheltered porch, beach café style. Sample signature creamy chicken livers, crispy flat bread with salmon and cream cheese, magic bars, coffee and cappuccino. Cobblestone Bakery exudes a clean, vibrant setting softened by elegant fabrics and decadent fare.

Exuding a café society feel complimented by highly innovative culinary traditions, Deli Street Café satisfies the soul with familiar food, straight forward yet seductive. Enjoy well-rehearsed signature dishes such as breakfast with basil or the deli st.falafel, dipper platter or Egyptian fillet. Discover Deli Street Café for a haute couture take on deli cuisine.

Exuding a relaxed ambiance in a light and airy setting, Dessies Fine Food and Wine takes deli dining to a new level. Relax on the large deck overlooking the nursery or inside, cooled by the terracotta floors and high ceilings. Daily specials grace the chalkboard menu using the finest ingredients and produce available. The breakfast/brunch menu features lighter options like muesli as well as sweet and savoury muffins, delectable frittata, omelettes and eggs Benedict for those with a healthier appetite. The lunch menu offers temptations such as handcrafted gourmet burgers, sexy salads and sandwiches with delightful antipasti platters and homemade quiches. Dessies Fine Food and Wine invites you to linger the day away taking delight in handcrafted cuisine and well paired South African / Italian wines.

Exuding a casual yet sophisticated ambiance complimented by timber frames, sea grass chairs and handcrafted tables; Farriagers Restaurant invites fusion dining laced with European and South African influences. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks watching dolphins at play on the viewing deck sampling an array of local and imported wines before succumbing to the terrace to dine. Using the finest local ingredients and elegant influences, diners at Farriagers can enjoy breakfasts, light lunches and intimate candle-lit dinners.

Reputed as the place to be and be seen, Gondwana Café invites celebration and gathering for like-minded people. Relax drawing and savour light meals, seafood, grills and fusion. Gondwana Café is the local hip and happening place to be seen for breakfast, lunch dinners.

With comfortable private booths and leather banquets, Grillers American Diner evokes 1950’s and 60’s memorabilia contrasted by black and white chequered floors and bold colours. Peruse the menu for great, 100% pure beef burgers, grills, surf and turf combos, sandwiches, breakfasts, hot dogs, fish, chicken, salads and pastas. Relax and relive the swinging 60’s in style complimented by fantastic children areas and a well thought out menu.

Norma Jean’s invites informal chats and mesmerized stares over bold canvases of Norma Jean softened by neutral walls and well appointed furniture. Serving a range of scrumptious breakfasts, tempting lunches, great coffees, smoothies and light meals at fantastic prices, diners can soak up surrounds and relive the memories of Norma Jean.

Open Sky invites family get togethers in the beautiful outdoors serving lunches and daily Sunday treats soothed by relaxing water features. From freshly baked cakes, tarts, quiches and homemade pies to signature dishes such as prawns on rice and calamari with chips, Open Sky satisfies the palate in tranquil treed surrounds.

Complimented by views overlooking citrus orchids and the Kouga Mountains, Padlangs invites relaxation and languid dining in a shabby chic setting exuding rustic elegance. Serving a wide variety of country delights such as venison pie, curried pineapple and famous Patensie potatoes, diners are spoilt with hearty favourites and delicious Sunday carveries.

Warmed by caramel rich floors and ornate chandeliers, Ripple Hill Hotel nestles on the brim of Baviaanskloof Reserve. Built in 1946, this hotel is reminiscent of a bygone era complimented by warm ambiance and good friendly service. The extensive menu boasts best AAA grade matured beef, pizzas and salads to burgers, toasted sandwiches, fish and chicken dishes, with an occasional treat of fresh fish caught off the coast. For starters, try the crab sticks, crumbed and deep-fried served with tartar sauce and for light meals the fish special, 150g hake fillet, topped with creamy mushroom sauce and cheddar cheese, wood oven baked served with chips. Mains tempts the palate with chicken cordon bleu, stuffed with ham, cheese and mushrooms, coated in breadcrumbs, deep-fried and smothered in a creamy sauce served with vegetables and chips. Steeped in history and delicious cuisine, Ripple Hotel provides a cosy setting indoors or on the stoep perfect for languid dining.

Enjoy full buffet breakfasts, light lunches and Sunday buffets on the sunny shores of Beach Road. For starters, enjoy calamari, shrimps and mussels, baked in a creamy cheese sauce topped with more cheese. For mains, the grilled salmon fillet dressed with Mediterranean salsa on crushed new potatoes with seasonal vegetables and a saffron sauce hits the spot concluded by silky smooth crème brule with caramelized turkey and apricots. Peruse the buffet oasis at Sandpiper Restaurant across the road from pristine Kings Beach.

This home away from home setting exudes warm décor lifted by dark wood, old paintings and chic chandeliers, balanced with a mix of wood and leather, cleverly mismatched country style. Enjoy everyday breakfasts and lunches made with the highest quality food and ingredients including homegrown vegetables and personal butchery. Friday evening menu contains a feast of dishes that includes slow-roasted lamb shank, matured beef steaks, veal dishes, sushi, pastas and seafood. Sue-Anne’s Food brings together Ouma’s traditional cooking techniques and international trends for a fine dining emporium experience.

Embracing traditional décor enhanced by white rattan chairs and large murals on the wall, The Bayside Pantry invites casual buffet dining. Extensive choices offer salads, seafood, buffet breakfasts, Sunday buffets and a la carte breakfasts. Enjoy a feast for the senses at The Bayside Pantry in Summerstrand where buffet dining transports the palate to another dimension.

Large tables lie scattered under shady spots lingering an African theme with choice of dining in several settings. Welcoming bonfires enchanted by fairy lights seduce the senses wrapped in lush vegetation and gourmet cuisine. The Boma invites a welcoming retreat and delicious meals at this safari style restaurant.

Located on the verandah of The Beach Hotel with sweeping sea views and beachfront ambiance, The Verandah Restaurant dwells on a lovely shaded verandah indoor or alfresco. Enjoy fresh, quality ingredients bistro style at The Verandah Restaurant in Marine Drive.

The mouth-watering menu explodes with flavour and colour perfect for romantic lunches and alfresco breakfasts under shady trees. The décor embraces country chic elegance resulting in a refreshed and relaxed experience. Enjoy fresh wholesome light dishes, breakfasts and lunch thoughtfully presented and served. Valley Harvest offers a unique bistro dining experience with an added bit of retail therapy at the onsite gift shop.