2 Best Restaurants in The Garden Route and the Little Karoo, South Africa

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.

At the Pezula Resort Hotel and Spa, Zachary's Grill Room is well worth the 10- to 15-minute drive from Knysna. Although its locally known as a gourmet destination, the restaurant's color-theme of soft brown, honey, and orange makes it comfortable and inviting. It specializes in high-quality organic and seasonal dishes that might include shiitake mushroom broth, butter-poached crayfish, and venison. There's an excellent wine list and a sommelier on hand to make recommendations.