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

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.

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. 

Mossel Bay's premium seafood house serves fresh oysters and seafood alongside inventive dishes like ostrich fillet with caramelized onions and port-soaked apricots. In summer, it's virtually mandatory to sip a cocktail on the deck of the Blue Oyster bar with its great sea view. If you crave privacy, there's also a private dining room. Tour-bus crowds occasionally descend on this popular spot, located right next to the Dias Museum and Old Post Office Tree but don't let that put you off.

The blue and white tiles on the facade of this popular, casual Italian eatery—a favorite with locals that's usually pretty full—give the place a beach-house feel. Try the pastas or the thin-crust wood-fired pizzas; the potato pizza is so much tastier than it sounds. Salads, seafood, and steaks round out the menu. In summer, get here early to get a seat on the veranda.

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.

The chef always makes an effort to come out of the kitchen to greet patrons at this popular Italian eatery perched above the rocks on Keurboom Beach. The atmosphere is lively and loud and there’s usually a big crowd on weekends and during holidays. Head to the terrace, grab a table under a shady umbrella, and gaze out at the Robberg Peninsula. Enrico also runs fishing trips, so you could even catch your own fish of the day.

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.

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. 

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.

This place is favorite with both locals and visitors, and you’ll realize why the minute you tuck into some of the freshest, tastiest food in Plett. The super-friendly staff will talk you through the seafood-heavy menu, but you can’t go wrong with the fish-and-chips. The dining room has a stylish blue-and-white tiled floor, but you'll probably head to the terrace to take in the views the Beacon Isle Peninsula. Although you can pop in without a reservation, don't risk it on a weekend. 

Painted kingfisher blue, this popular seafood restaurant overlooking the beach and the St. Blaise lighthouse is where the locals hang out. Head to the deck shaded by umbrellas and enjoy some of the area's best fresh seafood. You may be lucky and spot whales or dolphins as you dine. This popular spot is often very busy, particularly on weekends and in high season, but it's worth the wait. There's also a good selection of local wines. 

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.