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Considering the scenery, endless experiences and, most importantly, the food – there really isn’t only one excuse to travel through the Garden Route.
Some of the best food the country has to offer can be found in this region, and to help you plan your Garden Route food tour, we’ve compiled a list of highly-rated restaurants, so you don’t have to live off of petrol station sausage rolls and packets of chips.
George
101 Meade Street Restaurant 
(George Central, George)
Rated: 4.7
From starters and mains to something from their dry-aged grill section – 101 Meade Street Restaurant showcases seasonally driven dishes made fresh from local produce. Enjoy a relaxing setting with high-quality food, no matter the time of day. In winter, the restaurant’s wood log fireplace creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere – even on the chilliest of days.
Absolutely lovely. Food, wine, and service – all top notch! I have been a couple of times and it never disappoints.
Apprentice Restaurant
(Airport Road, George)
Rated: 4.6
Aspiring chefs-in-training work alongside a professional team to deliver a genuine fine-dining experience on the Garden Route. On the plate, you can expect traditional South African flavours reimagined – think slow-cooked lamb, fresh yellowtail, and a delicious Sunday breakfast buffet complete with live waffle and crumpet cooking stations.
We had, once again, a fabulous experience. Can’t fault the establishment, staff or anything, superb venue for a meal or a private function. This manager, Johannes, and the chefs are on top of everything.
Clay Café George
(Montagu Street, George)
Rated: 4.7
Clay Café is as much about creativity as it is about food. The sunny courtyard and bright indoor tables are filled with people painting ceramics while enjoying a meal. The menu is straightforward and fresh, offering items like crispy pizzas and child-approved meals. It’s a relaxed space where the clinking of paintbrushes meets the hum of a busy kitchen, making it a favourite for families and groups looking for a hands-on afternoon.
Excellent service from Tristan. Our place to go on a Sunday for lunch. Beautiful surroundings with the whole area well-maintained. Enjoy watching the youngsters painting. Would recommend Clay Cafe to friends and visitors for a special place to go. Won’t be disappointed.
Cowfish George
(Outeniqua Street, George)
Rated: 4.5
Pairing handmade sushi, flame-grilled meat, and an extensive drinks list that features signature cocktails – Cowfish George is a space that works well for both family dinners and evening drinks. Choose between fresh sushi, bao buns, and dim sum, or something meaty straight off the grill. With its lively atmosphere and varied menu, it’s a great choice when the group cannot decide on a single cuisine.
Delicious sushi. And the other members of our group loved the steak. It’s my fourth time eating at you CowFish restaurant and have enjoyed every meal.
Cula Restaurant
(Saint George’s Road, George)
Rated: 4.7
Focusing on pan-Asian flavours and modern techniques, Cula delivers a menu ranging from dim sum to ramen, Korean fried chicken, and sushi, all served in a contemporary space complete with a hand-painted mural by artist Samantha Jordaan. With slick service, an open kitchen, and a tempting cocktail line-up, Cula is a must-add to your dining checklist.
Forester at The Hawthorn Boutique Hotel
(Heatherlands, George)
Rated: 4.8
Located at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, The Forester offers a quiet escape from central George. The menu is uncomplicated, featuring dishes such as prawn risotto, beef fillet, and fresh salads. Inside, high ceilings and large windows keep the space bright, opening onto a wraparound porch. With soft background music and attentive service, it’s a comfortable setting for a long lunch or a private dinner.
What a delightful dining experience. From the moment you walk in till you leave the service, food and ambience was top class. Thank you, we will definitely be back!
The Hussar Grill George
(York Street, George)
Rated: 4.7
A familiar and welcome sight on your Garden Route tour, The Hussar Grill menu focuses on the fundamentals of a great steakhouse: aged beef, succulent steaks, signature mushroom sauce, and award-winning wines. The Hussar Grill in George is an ideal spot for a celebratory dinner or a quiet glass of red wine after a long day of travelling.
Great steaks. Very enjoyable experience. Always a winner. We visit regularly. Thank you.
La Cantina
(Fancourt, George)
Rated: 4.5
La Cantina captures the casual feel of a traditional Italian eatery – inside remains busy at all times with the sound of the wood-fired pizza oven, while large glass doors open onto a serene terrace overlooking the garden. The menu is built on simple, honest flavours, ranging from classic pastas and thin-crust pizzas to more traditional dishes like porchetta and the all-important tiramisu – which is not to be missed.
A fantastic evening at La Cantina with fabulous food & service.
La Capannina
(George Central, George)
Rated: 4.7
Reliable and unpretentious, this long-standing local favourite brings a slice of Italy to the heart of George. The interior is warm and traditional, featuring paintings on the walls and red accents throughout that create a homey feel. On the menu, you’ll find Italian classics, from perfectly charred wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas to their signature dishes, steaks, and an extensive wine list.
Awesome food, one of my favourite restaurants when in George.
La Famiglia Mediterranean Restaurant
(Kingswood Golf Estate, George)
Rated: 4.8
Overlooking the green fairways of Kingswood with the Outeniqua Mountains in the distance, La Famiglia Mediterranean Restaurant invites the whole family to pull up a chair and share a meal. The open-plan space is built for conversation, while the menu serves up hearty Mediterranean staples like creamy seafood pastas and crispy pizzas. It’s an easy choice for a stop on a family road trip, as the friendly service and outdoor play area keep things relaxed for both parents and kids.
The restaurant has a great atmosphere, the pasta (especially the slow beef) was delicious and very good value for money, the cheeseburgers were huge and very tasty. great evening out, thank you.
Kafe Serefé
(Bodorp, George)
Rated: 4.8
If you’re looking for a friendly spot with a bit of magic, this little corner in George is a must-visit. Inside is warm, colourful, and brings together Turkish hospitality and ingredients from the Karoo – plus the occasional belly dancer. The menu is packed with authentic Middle Eastern favourites like moussaka and lamb shank, along with weekly specials. Whether you’re there for the festive energy or just a great meal, you’ll feel right at home the moment you walk in.
Like every visit, we enjoyed it. We order different things each time and haven’t been disappointed yet, from steaks to stews and lamb burgers-all is delicious and flavourful.
Portobello Italian Kitchen
(George Central, George)
Rated: 4.7
Add a little bit of Italy to your Garden Route road trip. Expect simple, fresh food inspired by Italy’s 20 distinct culinary regions. The menu centres on simple, high-quality Italian fare, featuring handmade pasta and traditional Naples soft base pizzas tossed in an open kitchen. The atmosphere is consistently buzzy, polished, and effortlessly cool, making it a great choice for a quick espresso or a long, wine-filled lunch.
Great food great service – chef out chatting with diners to get feedback… Excellent as always
The Fat Fish George
(York Street, George)
Rated: 4.6
Whether you’re stopping in George or making your way down to Plettenberg Bay, The Fat Fish is a must-visit where, simply put, you will be served the freshest fish, moreish tapas, mouthwatering original dishes, platters, and delicate sushi. If your journey takes place during the winter months, stop by The Fat Fish for a cosy dining experience next to the roaring fireplace while wrapped up in fluffy blankets.
The Terrace – George
(Blanco, George)
Rated: 4.8
Set against a breathtaking backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains, The Terrace – George is a favourite for its relaxed, fire-focused dining. The space is warm and welcoming, designed with large windows and an outdoor area that celebrates its rugged landscape. The menu centres on wood-fired pizzas, flame-grilled steaks, and traditional roosterkoek, served alongside Outeniqua beer on tap, brewed locally.
Our firm favourite restaurant. Always such a treat.
Knysna
34 South
(Knysna Central, Knysna)
Rated: 4.5
Part deli, part bakery, and part restaurant – with high ceilings and shelves stocked with imported treats and wine – 34 South feels like stepping into a busy Mediterranean marketplace. Sit outside on the deck for a classic Knysna oyster experience or grab a table inside near the fish tank to dive into a seafood platter.
Fun restaurant in a market, full of atmosphere and great food and service.
Butterfly Blu Restaurant
(Brenton-on-sea, Knysna)
Rated: 4.6
If you’re looking for a spot with panoramic sea views, this is it. Perched high above the sand, Butterfly Blu Restaurant features an open-plan interior and a massive wooden deck that feels like an extension of the beach below. The menu is a mix of coastal classics – think fresh Knysna oysters, signature sushi, and moreish mains – ideal for a long lunch after a walk on the shore. As the day ends, the lounge area transforms into a prime sunset viewing point, where the sound of the surf and a cold cocktail make it hard to leave.
Drydock Restaurant
(Knysna Central, Knysna)
Rated: 4.6
If you’re spending the afternoon at the Knysna Waterfront, this is the perfect spot to sit with a wine flight and watch the yachts glide by. The menu is a tribute to Knysna, featuring everything from cultivated oysters to the signature seafood platter. Spread across two levels, the restaurant offers a choice between the buzzing downstairs terrace and a quieter upper deck, with views that stretch right across the water.
Beautiful spot with a gorgeous view!! Great for a family outing in breathtaking Knysna.
Sirocco
(Thesen Island, Knysna)
Rated: 4.7
Right on the water’s edge of Thesen Harbour Town, Sirocco is a mix of contemporary and cosy, with an upstairs sunset bar offering panoramic views of the lagoon. The menu is comprehensive – ranging from cultivated oysters and fresh sushi to more hearty dishes like lamb shank. It’s the kind of place where you can dress up for a romantic dinner or spend a relaxed afternoon sipping on a cocktail, listening to live music.
Lovely Sunday lunch at Sirocco with friends Food was great and the live music added to the lovely ambience.
Social Eatery & Bar
(Rexford, Knysna)
Rated: 4.6
Tucked away at Knysna Hollow, Social Eatery & Bar has been designed for laid-back gatherings. The high ceilings, dark wooden accents, and a glass-walled wine cellar flow naturally onto a sun-drenched deck overlooking the pool and gardens, making it the perfect setting for a slow afternoon or long dinner. Whether you’re settling in for a smoked salmon salad, a homemade burger, or sharing bobotie spring rolls over an ice-cold craft beer, the atmosphere is consistently warm and welcoming.
Mossel Bay
Café Gannet
(Market Street, Mossel Bay)
Rated: 4.6
Famously known as “Mossel Bay’s seafood house”, Café Gannet is a must for fresh seafood straight from the local coastline. The menu is served next to a selection of over 50 South African wines, and while a celebration of the ocean, their à la carte menu also offers burgers, pizzas, and vegetarian options. Whether you’re tucked away in the sun-kissed courtyard or sipping a cocktail at the Blue Oyster Bar, the views of the Indian Ocean make it the perfect spot for a long, lazy lunch.
I really wish we had taken photos, but the food was just too delicious to even think about our phones. Every single plate went back empty — not even a chip left behind! We definitely left with very happy hearts.
De Vette Mossel – Grootbrak
(Groot Brakrivier, Mossel Bay)
Rated: 4.7
Offering an authentic feet-in-the-sand seafood experience at Souwesia Beach, De Vette Mossel isn’t fine dining – it’s a three-hour rolling buffet of West Coast classics. Think garlic mussels, snoek with sweet potato, and freshly baked potbrood. Between the open-fire cooking and the massive kids’ play area, it checks all the boxes of a coastal dining experience for the whole family.
Not on the Garden Route? Visit De Vette Mossel in Hermanus, Harties, or Parys!
This is not just a meal, its an experience! You have to go. As often as you can.
The Hussar Grill Mossel Bay
(Marsh Street, Mossel Bay)
Rated: 4.6
The Hussar Grill Mossel Bay is the perfect pit-stop for a great steakhouse meal. The menu is a meat lover’s dream, featuring perfectly aged cuts like the Chateaubriand and the iconic Hussar Carpetbagger – fillet stuffed with smoked oysters and cheddar. Whether you’re there for the Tuesday date night special or an indulgent Sunday lunch, the dark wood interiors and exceptional service make it a standout along the Garden Route.
Plettenberg Bay
Barrington’s Plettenberg Bay
(Greenpoint Avenue, Plettenberg Bay)
Rated: 4.6
Home to Plettenberg Bay’s first craft brewery, this impressive timber-framed space feels like a modern farm estate. The menu features anything from slow-cooked meats and vegetables prepared in Barrington’s custom-made smoker to a selection of tapas and freshly baked breads. Reserve your table and enjoy a flight of flagship beers in the sunny courtyard or settle into the high-ceilinged bar for a hearty meal.
Excellent friendly venue for great food and wine. Service was excellent
Bramon Wine Estate Restaurant
(The Crags, Plettenberg Bay)
Rated: 4.8
Set directly within the vineyards, Bramon Wine Estate Restaurant offers views stretching across the Tsitsikamma Mountains. The interior is bright and airy, featuring a central fireplace for cooler days and a working cellar that adds to the estate’s charm. The menu is uncomplicated, ranging from Italian meatballs and butternut ravioli to cheese and cigar boards. Paired with their award-winning wines, it’s an unhurried destination for your Garden Route journey.
Delicious food, great service and an all round wonderful experience.
Crags Country Lodge
(The Crags, Plettenberg Bay)
Rated: 4.9
Tucked away in the heart of The Crags, this restaurant offers panoramic views that sweep across the Tsitsikamma and Outeniqua mountains. Crags Country Lodge is small and quiet, with a fireplace for misty mountain evenings and an outdoor deck for clearer days. The à la carte menu changes daily and ranges from local seafood to hearty, farm-style meats. Paired with wines from the nearby estates, it’s the perfect stop on your Garden Route tour.
Crags Country Lodge is simply amazing. Setting, food and the staff all get 5 stars. Our favorite place to have dinner.
Emily Moon
(Rietvlei Road, Plettenberg Bay)
Rated: 4.7
Perched on a hill overlooking the Bitou River, Emily Moon is adorned with artefacts from the owners’ travels around the world. Antique tables, carved wooden archways, and kilim-covered floors make up the interior, while in the kitchen, homegrown produce is used for incredible dishes like their cider-braised pork belly served with a pineapple and apple salsa. To drink, enjoy a bottle of wine from the boutique estate wine list while taking in the views of the river right below.
Hunter’s Country House
(Hunter’s Estate, Plettenberg Bay)
Rated: 4.8
Located within the quiet Hunter’s Estate, Sage Restaurant at Hunter’s Country House features warm interiors, comfy seating, and a fireplace to keep you snug during the chilly months. The menu highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients through dishes like biltong-spiced springbok loin and masala-glazed Norwegian salmon. Guests can enjoy a curated list of South African wines while looking out over the green gardens. It’s a calm space where attentive service and creative cooking round out the whole experience.
Thank you for a wonderful evening. The staff are so attentive . Ace, we enjoyed your service. Thank you . The food as always was delicious. The starters, mains and desserts. The lamb curry, the salmon and the beef fillets.. just delicious. See you again soon.
Kay & Monty Vineyards
(The Crags, Plettenberg Bay)
Rated: 4.8
Light pours through the glass walls of this converted orchid greenhouse, where river and mountain views replace the usual coastal bustle. You won’t find a formal menu here – instead, the focus remains on generous, seasonal sharing boards, flatbreads, and estate wines. Found in the heart of The Crags, Kay & Monty Vineyards is perfect for those who prefer a slower pace.
Luka Vineyards
(Elephant park road Harkerville, Plettenberg Bay)
Rated: 4.7
Overlooking a quiet dam and rows of Sauvignon Blanc, Luka Vineyards offers an escape between Knysna and Plett. The interior is bright and open, designed to keep the focus on the surrounding farm views. On the menu, you will find a variety of platters, crispy pizzas, and seasonal mains that pair naturally with their award-winning wines. If a picnic is on the cards, make your way outside to enjoy local baked goods, pastries and grazing boards.
Love Luka. Food is always amazing, cozy on cool days and gorgeous on sunny days to sit outside. Management are amazing and very attentive. Staff are friendly and greatest food and wine
Newstead Lund Family Vineyards
(The Crags, Plettenberg Bay)
Rated: 4.9
Each time you visit Newstead Lund Family Vineyards, expect something new, fresh, and different. From locally sourced dishes inspired by what’s growing in the garden to fresh, oven-baked pizzas and, of course, top-class wines to sip on, it’s no wonder they’ve been a firm favourite among reviewers for the past two years, placing in the top 20 for 2024 and 2025 for the Dineplan Reviewers’ Choice Awards.
Lovely – one of my favourite places to visit. Great food and wine.
Restaurant 1777 at The Old Rectory
(Bull Street, Plettenberg Bay)
Rated: 4.7
Step into the oldest building in Plettenberg Bay to escape the busy coastal energy just outside when you take your seat at Restaurant 1777. The bistro-style menu focuses on simple, honest, and delicious dishes where fresh line fish and local flavours are the primary highlights. Whether you settle into the stone-walled interior or sit under the ancient milkwood trees in the courtyard, the team invites you to gather your nearest and dearest and join them for an incredible dining experience.
A very nice meal in very nice surroundings, ate outside on the terrace. Attentive staff and a really nice meal. Thank you.
Sotto Restaurant & Lounge – Plettenberg Bay
(Beacon Isle Drive, Plettenberg Bay)
Rated: 4.7
This light-filled corner of Plett trades coastal themes for a polished, Middle Eastern aesthetic. Inside, comfortable seating and soft textures create a space that feels calm, with flowery accents and an inviting, fully stocked bar. On the menu, you’ll find za’atar-crumbed halloumi, lamb koftas, and fresh flatbreads, to name a few. The cocktail list is just as inviting, with a long list of classic and creative options. Whether you’re popping in to grab something from the deli, or settling in for dinner, Sotto is the perfect spot for a relaxed experience.
A great restaurant – incredible food and fantastic service – would most definitely recommend and will be back when next in Plett.
The Fat Fish Plettenberg Bay
(Hopwood Street, Plettenberg Bay)
Rated: 4.7
Located just a few steps from Central Beach, this all-teal, jewel-like restaurant offers views of the river estuary, the sea, and the distant Tsitsikamma Mountains. The menu is a celebration of the ocean, ranging from fresh sushi and tapas to traditional beer-battered fish and chips. With its open-plan design and coastal feel, it is an easygoing spot for a post-swim lunch or a relaxed dinner as the sea breeze drifts through.
An absolutely perfect meal. Fabulous fresh ingredients cooked perfectly without too much fuss. Service was warm and welcoming wig recommendations and advice on choices. Would recommend 100%.
The Palms Plett
(Main Street, Plettenberg Bay)
Rated: 4.6
Escape busy Main Street and meet at The Palms, where the tables are set, the views are unmatched, and the atmosphere is unhurried, friendly, and naturally cool. The menu offers honest, home-style cooking, featuring everything from generous breakfasts and toasted sandwiches to hearty burgers and bottles of bubbles. It’s a quiet retreat perfect for a slow morning coffee or a relaxed lunch away from the coastal crowds.
We had the Chimichurri fillet and it was absolutely outstanding! The service and value for money is unmatched! Will definitely be back 🙂
Tsala Treetop Lodge Restaurant
(The Crags, Plettenberg Bay)
Rated: 4.9
Sitting high within the forest canopy, Tsala Treetop Lodge Restaurant is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass and timber decks to bring the outside in. The menu focuses on seasonal flavours and spans from dishes like mustard and maple pork belly to Egyptian aubergine. Whether you are dining by the fireplace or out on the deck, the atmosphere remains quiet and refined, making it a unique destination for a long dining experience.
It’s always a pleasure to come to Tsala. Everything is top-notch.
Zinzi Restaurant
(Hunter’s Estate, Plettenberg Bay)
Rated: 4.8
Nomadic African and Indian design meet in this forest kitchen, where the rotating seasonal menu focuses on local, fresh produce. Head Chef William Campbell leads a passionate team that delivers dishes like Tuscan salmon and spicy prawn and chorizo pasta, while the wine cellar pays tribute to South African winemakers, housing a curated selection of vintage and young labels.
Still Bay
Hulle ‘by die see’
(Still Bay West, Still Bay)
Rated: 4.8
Sitting on the banks of the Goukou River, Hulle ‘by die see’ blends a laid-back Mediterranean vibe with the charm of the Garden Route. The menu stars fresh seafood and Spanish tapas – think anything from garlic flatbread to kataifi prawns, and classic fish and chips. Whether you’re grabbing a kiosk soft-serve or joining a lively bingo night, the coastal views are unbeatable.
20/10 for Hulle by die see! They are our favourite place! The food is excellent and the staff is the greatest! They are so well dressed and friendly! Love the ambiance of the whole restaurant!
Inverroche Distillery
(Riversdale Road, Still Bay)
Rated: 4.8
Known for pioneering fynbos-infused spirits, Inverroche Distillery is a must-stop for gin lovers along the Garden Route. Enjoy artisanal grazing boards featuring local cheeses and gin-infused marmalades in the tranquil Gin Garden, while the café serves gourmet toasties and gin-infused gelato. For a hands-on experience, craft your own bespoke 500ml bottle with botanicals of your choice at the Gin Academy.
We absolutely loved our tour and tasting at Inverroche. It was extremely well organised, and Annelise’s knowledge really enhanced the experience. Highly recommended! The light lunch afterwards was delicious as well.
Jakkalsvlei
(Herbertsdale, Still Bay)
Rated: 4.8
Situated inland from the Indian Ocean, next to the Langeberg Mountains – Jakkalsvlei is a great destination for all. Enjoy everything from unique fudge and wine pairings, build-your-own pizzas, and generous cheese platters to hearty farm dishes like slow-cooked lamb shank. While kids play on the lawns, soak in the vineyard views with award-winning wines, craft beers, or a gourmet picnic basket.
Wilderness
Ilali Restaurant
(George Road, Wilderness)
Rated: 4.7
Meaning “village” in Xhosa, Ilali is all about bringing people together. Located in a seaside village, they keep the weekend vibey and the weekdays slow, with the sounds of jazz music keeping you entertained. During winter, the cosy wood stove adds warmth to the space, making it an ideal place to enjoy a meal and warm up before venturing out to discover the wonders of the Garden Route.
Lovely meal with friendly and efficient staff. I had the paella and it was absolutely delicious.
Serendipity Restaurant
(Freesia Avenue, Wilderness)
Rated: 4.7
A spot that feels like a lucky discovery in the heart of the Garden Route, Serendipity’s 5- or 8-course menu is a journey from the coast to the Karoo, featuring locally foraged ingredients that change with the seasons. Whether you are enjoying a wine-paired dinner or taking in the quiet river views from the terrace, it’s a spot that turns an ordinary meal into a special occasion.
To Make The Cut
- The restaurants must be listed on Dineplan and accepting guest reviews.
- The restaurants must be located on the Garden Route in South Africa.
- Each restaurant must have received 60 or more public reviews within the past 12 months (April 2025 – April 2026).
- Have a rating of 4.5 or higher at the time the article is published.
one of my hobbies is scuba diving. and when i’m scuba diving this works great.