Stretching for approximately 300 kilometres, the Garden Route lies between Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, boasting an abundance of flora, indigenous forests, secluded lagoons and sun-kissed beaches.
If you’re venturing down the Garden Route in the near future, we’ve gathered 10 restaurants to visit during your next Garden Route road trip, using the help of TripAdvisor. Just remember car hire in George is your best option to see them all, public transport is not an option in Africa.
Image was taken from – http://www.gardenroutemeander.co.za
Where: 24 Cathedral Street, 6529 George, Western Cape, South Africa
Contact: +27 44 873 4422
Rated by OfLocal as the top restaurant to visit during your next Garden Route road trip, The Bayleaf Cafe is hosted in an old renovated house, giving you a cosy, homely feeling. Serves you breakfast, brunch and burgers with a combined French and Italian twist – there’s something for everyone’s taste at Bayleaf’s.
Photo was taken from – http://www.serendipitywilderness.com/breakfast/
Where: Freesia Avenue, 6560 Wilderness, South Africa
Contact: +27 (0)44 877 0433
The Serendipity Restaurant is a luxurious guest house and restaurant located on the banks of the Touws River and bordering the Wilderness National Park. Their restaurant is run by Lizelle Stolze, executive chef & co-owner of Serendipity. Their menu changes regularly as they only use fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Image was taken from – http://www.gardenroutemeander.co.za/
Where: 12 Church Street, Mossel Bay, South Africa
Contact: +27 (0)44 690 3477
Carola Ann’s is still a pretty new restaurant which was opened around a year ago. It offers a healthy breakfast and lunch. The kitchen serves European food but it also has a slight Middle Eastern influence. According to TripAdvisor, it is currently the best restaurant in Mossel Bay.
Photo was taken from – https://www.tripadvisor.com/
Where: 25 George Rex Drive, The Heads, Knysna, South Africa
Contact: +27 (0)44 384 0933
The East Head Cafe located in Knysna provides you with spectacular views of the blue lagoon, sandstone cliffs, the Milkwood Forest and the coastal fynbos. You can sit both in and outside to enjoy this view. The restaurant believes in simple food packed with flavour and freshness – using the best local produce that they can find. Rated on OfLocal as one of the best restaurants in Knysna.
Image was taken from – http://zinzi.hunterhotels.com/gallery/
Where: Harkerville, 6600 Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Contact: +27 (0)44 532 8226
The Zinzi Restaurant, not only famous for its great food. It is also a masterpiece of architecture. The menu is inspired by Africa but also includes some international flavours. However, the menu changes seasonally. The chefs at Zinzi Restaurant originate from different culinary backgrounds, bringing their own passion and creativity to the table.
Image was taken from – https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/
Where: Wood Mill Lane Centre, Main Road, Knysna, 6571, South Africa
Contact: +27 (0)44 382 5867
According to Trip Advisor is the Olive Tree restaurant the second best restaurant in Knysna. The restaurant is known for serving fresh and tasty food with a delicious presentation as well as a great atmosphere.
Image was taken from – https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/
Where: Brenton Road, Belvidere, Knysna 6570, South Africa
Contact: +27 (0)44 386 0005
Pembreys, a bistro offering a well-balanced menu based on the seasons. The freshness of the food is ensured by the extensive herb garden. Next, to the good food, they also have an award winning wine-list. The cooks at Pembrey’s – Peter and Viv Vadas are 100% committed – if they’re are not there, the restaurant does not open.
Image was taken from – https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/
Where: The Crags, Plettenberg Bay 6602, South Africa
Contact: +27 (0)44 534 8007
The Bramon Wine Estate is situated 20 kilometres from Plettenberg Bay in The Crags area, a mountainous area. While overlooking the vineyards, Tsitsikamma Mountains and elephants, you can enjoy some great wines and a fresh tapas-styled dinner.
Image was taken from – http://www.food-blog.co.za/gardenroute/the-girls-restaurant/
Where: 1 George Road, Wilderness 6560, South Africa
Contact: +27 (0)44 877 1648
The Girls Restaurant is located in the middle of the Wilderness village. They serve a menu with local food with distinctly different flavours of high quality. A nice thing about the Girls Restaurant is that the kitchen is open, you can see the chefs doing their work. However, if you’re planning on visiting this beautiful restaurant, car hire Cape Town is a cheap and reliable option, it might add some extra scenery along the way though.
Image was taken from – http://www.freshlinefisheries.co.za/fresh-fish
Where: Railway Siding Dockyard, Knysna 6570, South Africa
Contact: +27 (0)44 382 3131
The Freshline Fisheries restaurant is an outdoor beach restaurant with delicious seafood. Next, to the seafood menu, there is also a possibility to braai. If you want to drink some alcohol, make sure you bring your own.