3 Best Restaurants in East London, The Eastern Cape

An East London institution, Buccaneers has been open since 1992, and not a lot has changed here in the last 20 years or so. There's hearty, unpretentious pub fare and atmosphere, lots of seafood, sports, draft beer aplenty, live music, raucous student nights, and spectacular sea views from the big sun-soaked wooden deck. The food and service aren't great, and neither is the decor inside, but there's usually plenty of atmosphere and on a hot, sunny Sunday afternoon it's an absolute must, at least for a drink or two, especially if you're staying at Sugarshack Backpackers next door. It's also a favorite with families and it has a kids menu.

Constantly busy and bustling thanks to its simple formula of good, well-presented gourmet burgers and thin-crust pizzas topped with only the freshest ingredients, combined with sharp but always friendly service. The decor and layout of the place are equally simple and effective, with heavy wooden tables and exposed brick walls and pillars, and lots of air and light, despite the tightness of the space. If the weather suits (which it generally does in these parts), you can eat outside in the courtyard. There's a good selection of South African craft beers as well as a decent wine list. The one drawback, though, is the location on a very busy road that can feel quite intense, almost industrial.

The creators of what was East London's first discernibly "trendy" eating spot (Sanook Cafe), have added a few new venues to their small empire including Sanook Eatery. Situated a way out of the maelstrom of the city, you can breathe a bit easier while you tuck into the usual selection of excellent pizzas, gourmet burgers, and Buddha bowls, or summon something more sophisticated such as dukkah-crusted fillet, a stack of ostrich, or a marvelous sirloin steak rubbed with traditional biltong spice. While this venue is good for a night out, the light-filled venue is also wonderful for any of their scrumptious breakfasts.