Nguni Restaurant, Plettenburg Bay

Supplied / Nguni Rest

8 of the best Garden Route restaurants

From breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between these Garden Route spots include a few off the beaten track gems will delight your taste buds

Nguni Restaurant, Plettenburg Bay

Supplied / Nguni Rest

While the greater Cape Town and Winelands area is widely regarded as the foodie region of the country, the Garden Route is edging close to that title with their own collection of culinary stars that are well worth a visit when in the area.  

  1. 34 degrees south, Knysna Quays  
    A Knysna landmark renowned for their oysters and variety of dishes in the heart of the Knysna waterfront. Open for lunches, dinners and in between.
  2. De Vette Mossel, Great Brak River
    The renowned informal seafood experience on the beachfront for a memorable and fun meal with friends/family. Open for dinner. Booking essential, especially during the holidays.
  3. Carola Ann’s, Mossel Bay
    The best deli in the town for home cooked, fresh and healthy orientated meals. Unique salad combinations, smoothies and more all made on-site by the chef and owner Corelie who together with her husband Sam who will quickly feel like family.
    Open for breakfast, lunch, and coffee.
  4. Serendipity restaurant, Wilderness
    Fine dining with a South African flair by award-winning executive chef, Lizelle Stolze on the banks of the Touws River Lagoon with a focus on locally sourced sustainable ingredients. Open for dinner. Booking recommended.
  5. Nguni restaurant, Plettenberg Bay   
    Expect South African classics with a twist at this restaurant, situated in a beautiful historical monument.
    Open for lunch and dinner. Booking essential.
  6. The Veg Table private dining room, Rheenendal, Knysna  
    Four-course vegetarian menu by chef/owner extraordinaire, Brett Garvie in a magical forest cabin that will delight and amaze even the most ardent carnivore. Dinner from Wednesday – Fridays. Advance booking required.
  7. Fynboshoek Cheese, Storms River
    Heaven for the cheese lover! Out of the world goat and cow’s milk cheeses incorporated into a range of dishes using fresh ingredients grown on-site.
    Lunch by appointment.
  8. East Head Cafe, Knysna
    A casual and airy fuss free eatery focused with an incredible view overlooking the majestic Knysna heads. No bookings available and only open for lunch.

Don’t delay deciding – the majority of these restaurants would require bookings for the festive season.

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