3 Best Restaurants in Oudtshoorn, The Garden Route and the Little Karoo

With frilly, mismatched furniture and all manner of paintings, knickknacks, and ornaments adorning the interior, this long-standing restaurant feels a lot like going to your great aunt's home for dinner—and the food is every bit as authentic as a passed-down family recipe. Ostrich, of course, makes an appearance, but South African specialties in general are the stars here, including bobotie, lamb shank, pickled fish, venison stew, and malva pudding. The vast menu also has a good range for vegetarians and vegans.

This long-running restaurant is rightfully popular. All the ingredients are sourced from local farmers, and the menu focuses on such local delicacies as olives, mutton, and, of course, ostrich. Carnivores often opt for the beef and ostrich duo. It's a meat-forward menu but there are a couple of dishes suited to vegetarians.

At the turnoff to the Cango Caves, Wilgewandel serves well-cooked simple fare like hamburgers, sandwiches, and ostrich steaks. Shady outdoor tables overlook a big lawn and duck-filled pond. This is a great place for kids, who can jump on a trampoline, go for a camel ride, or hurtle down water slides.