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. Serendipity

    $$$$

    Start your evening at this award-winning restaurant with pre-dinner drinks on the patio overlooking the river, then move inside to a candlelit table for a fabulous five-course menu that takes classic South African ingredients and gives them an original, modern twist. The menu changes frequently with acclaimed chef Lizelle Stolze combining locally sourced fresh meat, fish and vegetables that are beautifully presented and paired with husband Rudolf's selection of fine wines. Dishes could include Cape salmon served with sautéed vegetables and hollandaise sauce, or desserts with a South African touch, such as saffron-infused milk tart. There are also four luxurious guest rooms upstairs, all with river views and a large communal balcony. if you're not staying here, there's a guest shuttle to drive you to and from your accommodation.

    Freesia Ave., Wilderness, Western Cape, 6560, South Africa
    044-877–0433

    Known For

    • Some of the region's best food
    • Excellent service
    • Attention to detail

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch, Reservations essential
  • 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. 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
  • 4. Salinas Seafood Restaurant

    $$$

    Locals and holidaymakers love this well-established restaurant whose two spacious decks overlook the main beach, the lagoon and the distant mountains. Sip a cocktail as you enjoy a gorgeous sunset view before dining on tasty seafood, a succulent steak or the fresh fish of the day. It's kid-friendly with a pirate ship for them to explore and in season you may well spot a whale or two. It's also fun watching paragliders glide down to the beach as you place your orders with the friendly, charming staff.

    458 Zundorf Lane, Wilderness, Western Cape, 6560, South Africa
    044-877–0001

    Known For

    • Beef kebabs
    • Seafood curry
    • Grilled fresh local fish
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

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