West Hill Restaurants

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

With stretching views spilling over onto the most beautiful lagoon and golf course and a dining experience that will delight the most discerning palate, The Orchid Room boasts the freshest, very finest local and imported ingredients on their Ala Carte menu. Enjoy a satisfying Sunday buffet lunch or authentic sushi from skilfully crafted Japanese Sushi Chefs around the wrap around counter display. Compliment your meal with distinctive selections of award winning wines, chosen and suited to heighten each meal. The Orchid Room oozes opulent sophistication for a distinctive dining experience that will please the most discerning patrons.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.