The Garden Route and the Little Karoo Restaurants

Most medium-size towns along the Garden Route offer a decent selection of restaurants, and the smaller towns of the Little Karoo usually have one or two good restaurants and a handful of lesser eateries. On the Garden Route the emphasis is often on seafood in general and oysters in particular. (Knysna has an oyster festival in July.) Restaurants in the Little Karoo feature fresh ostrich meat and organic mutton or lamb, which is delicious accompanied by a good South African red wine. Look out for farm shops between towns. These make excellent comfort stops where you can buy traditional home-baked fare, dried fruit, and other snacks for the road.

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  • 1. Ile de Pain

    $$

    Almost every South African you meet along the Garden Route will tell you to visit Ile de Pain. Its stellar reputation is well deserved, because owners Liezie Mulder and Markus Farbinger have an uncompromising attitude toward quality that shows in their superb wood-fired breads and mouth-watering pastries. Local and organic suppliers are used wherever possible, the perfectly executed menu changes seasonally, and everything is made on the premises. For something different, try a red cappuccino made from traditional rooibos plant. It's very, very busy in season but you can watch the activity on Thesen Harbour as you wait.

    8-10 The Boatshed, Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa
    044-302–5707

    Known For

    • Folks come from far and wide for the baked goods
    • Plenty of choices for vegetarians
    • Enthusiastic staff

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No dinner
  • 2. Zucchini

    $$

    This popular spot is all about free-range, organic, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients, and chances are the garnishes on your plate will have been freshly picked from the organic herb garden outside. The vegetarian-friendly menu changes regularly and features a range of dishes served either roasted or raw. Meat eaters, you have not been neglected. Venison frikkadells (meatballs) are served with a buttery potato mash and beetroot chutney, hearty steaks come with potato wedges, and slow-cooked springbok shanks are dished up with roasted vegetables. You can also sample four craft beers, locally made cloudy cider, or freshly pressed juices. The setting is a wooden cottage where guests are encouraged to linger over their meal. Zucchini is part of Timberlake Farm Stall, which has a number of shops.

    N2, Wilderness, Western Cape, 6560, South Africa
    044-882–1240

    Known For

    • Rustic atmosphere
    • Lots of choices for vegetarians
    • Coffee roasted on site
  • 3. 34° South

    $$

    Right on the water's edge in what appears to be a former warehouse, bustling 34° South manages to combine elements of a fishmonger, a bar, a bistro, a deli, a coffee shop, and a seafood restaurant. Choose from the huge array of fresh fish (including sushi), opt for a rustic pizza, or just fill a basket with tasty breads, pickles, cheeses, meats, and other delights. Whatever your choice, enjoy your feast while sitting on the jetty looking out at the boats. 

    Knysna Quays, 6571, South Africa
    044-382–7331

    Known For

    • Knysna oysters
    • Good wine selection
    • Vibey atmosphere
  • 4. Delfino's

    $$

    With tables on the lawn right next to the beach, Delfino's has a fantastic view of the bay and the Cape St. Blaize lighthouse. It's great place to spend a sunny afternoon or lazy evening. You can't beat the thin-crust artisanal pizzas with unusual toppings like fried chicken liver or smoked mussels.

    2 Point Rd., Mossel Bay, Western Cape, 6500, South Africa
    044-690–5247

    Known For

    • Lively atmosphere
    • Weekend breakfast buffet
    • Lovely views
  • 5. Jemima's Restaurant

    $$$$

    Named after the mythical guardian angel of love, good taste, and good cooking, this restaurant would not disappoint its muse. All the ingredients are sourced locally from farmers in the district, and the menu focuses on such local delicacies as olives, mutton, and, of course, ostrich. Meat lovers often opt for the Trilogy—medallions of beef, ostrich, and venison fillet. Herbivores love the butternut cheesecake.

    94 Baron van Reede St., Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, 6620, South Africa
    044-272–0808

    Known For

    • A meat-lover's paradise
    • Extensive list of local wines
    • Tasty deserts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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  • 6. Marilyn's 60's Diner

    $

    Slick back your hair, put on your blue suede shoes, and sashay into this red-and-white checkered diner for a burger and fries or an indulgent chocolate toffee sundae. Posters of Elvis, the Beatles, and Marilyn Monroe adorn the turquoise walls while music from a jukebox plays classic tunes. Vintage motorcycles and a flamingo-pink roadster complete the scene.

    Darnell St., Storms River, Eastern Cape, 6308, South Africa
    042-281–1711

    Known For

    • Fun atmosphere
    • Decor is a blast from the past
    • Surprisingly good diner favorites
  • 7. Meade Café

    $

    In an 18th-century townhouse, this light and airy bistro-style restaurant has a lovely outdoor seating area. The kitchen serves breakfast and lunch favorites like eggs Benedict and fish-and-chips. They also have an excellent selection of salads and sandwiches with interesting ingredients such as hickory-smoked pork loin, roasted vegetables, or marinated chickpeas and apricots.

    91 Meade St., George, Western Cape, 6530, South Africa
    044-873–6755

    Known For

    • Buttery croissants
    • Chicken mango curry
    • Signature quiche

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner
  • 8. Pomodoro

    $

    Friendly service, great food, and good value are the highlights of this eatery serving authentic Italian food with a local flavor. Try the pizza with butternut squash, goat cheese, and chopped tomatoes or the prawns panfried with fennel, garlic, and caper butter—both local favorites. It's very busy in season, so book ahead if you can. 

    George Rd. at Leilas La., Wilderness, Western Cape, 6560, South Africa
    044-877–1403

    Known For

    • Crispy thin-crust pizza
    • Slow-roasted lamb shank
    • Central location
  • 9. Ski Boat Club

    $$

    Fishing boat crews, ski boat skippers, and other folks who are in the know frequent this casual eatery located right on the beach. Expect a bit of a wait, but it's worth it if you're looking for a great deal. Everything is fresh and well-prepared, but not too fancy. There's also the usual burgers and toasted sandwiches. Many locals can reliably be tracked down to the popular bar on weekday afternoons, especially if there is a rugby or cricket match on TV.

    Central Beach, Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, 6600, South Africa
    044-533–4147

    Known For

    • Great views of the ocean
    • Lively atmosphere
    • Full English breakfast

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations not accepted
  • 10. The Deacon House

    $

    A lovely colonial-style house is the setting for this charming restaurant. Eat beneath shady umbrellas in the lush gardens where inviting paths are flanked by nicely trimmed hedges and low stone walls. Sip superb coffee on the cushioned sofa or enjoy some quiet moments on the airy verandah. The food is healthy, tasty, and innovative, and there's a small but comprehensive wine list.

    2 Barrie Rd., George, Western Cape, 6529, South Africa
    044-050–3572

    Known For

    • Specialty coffee
    • Scots porridge
    • The Deacon Burger with ostrich, brie, and figs

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner

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