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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 “culinary tour” we’ve compiled this list, so you don’t have to live off of petrol station sausage rolls and packets of chips!
Still Bay
Inverroche Distillery
(Still Bay, South Africa)
Whether you opt for one of their tutored tastings, a chocolate and gin pairing or their famous Gin Academy experience, Inverroche Distillery is an unmissable experience for gin-lovers. Get involved with all that Inverroche has to offer while being immersed in the surroundings that inspired this unique botanical spirit.
Jakkalsvlei
(Herbertsdale, Garden Route)
Situated inland from the Indian Ocean, next to the Langeberg Mountains – Jakkalsvlei is a great destination for all. Enjoy their unique and acclaimed wines, craft beer, Jackal Lager or Wolf Ale while snacking on customised cheese boards, build-your-own pizzas and gourmet burgers. Head down to the green lawns and order a picnic basket and take in the scenery. Rated by diners as one of the top 50 restaurants on Dineplan in 2022, this is a must-stop on your garden route adventure.
Mossel Bay
De Vette Mossel
(Souwesia Beach, Groot Brakrivier, Mossel Bay)
Indulge in perfectly prepared seafood, in abundance. Relax, kick off your shoes and wind-down at De Vette Mossel situated on an isolated beach, where eating as much as you like, for as long as you like is encouraged while sipping wine and gazing over the pristine beach and ocean.
If you’re a seafood lover, this is a prime stop as it placed in the top 50 list of the most-loved restaurants as voted by reviewers in 2022.
Cafe Gannet
(3 Market St, Mossel Bay Central, Mossel Bay)
The freshest and finest sustainably sourced seafood the local coastline has to offer can be found at Cafe Gannet. Famously known as “Mossel Bay’s seafood house”, this is a must-visit spot for a memorable occasion.
A vibrant seafood menu is served up next to a selection of over 50 South African wines. Their à la carte menu also caters to vegetarians, meat-lovers and pizza fans! Bookings are highly recommended during the summer months.
George
The Hussar Grill
(131 York St, George Central, George)
A familiar and welcome sight on your Garden Route tour The Hussar Grill serves up perfectly aged, succulent steaks paired with delicious house specialities and award-winning wines.
Placing in the top 50 in Dineplan’s Reviewers’ Choice Awards in 2022, The Hussar Grill in George ensures that you will enjoy a quality meal and extraordinary experience.
The Fat Fish
(124A York St, George Central, George)
Whether you’re stopping in George or making your way down to Plettenberg Bay, The Fat Fish is a must pit-stop where, simply put, you will be served the freshest fish, moreish tapas, mouth-watering 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.
Apprentice Restaurant
(Farm 208. R102 Airport Road, George)
Aspiring chefs-in-training work alongside a professional team serving customers a genuine fine-dining experience along the Garden Route. Expect delicious meals from morning to evening, and everything in between. Join them for their Sunday Lunch set menu for only R250 per person, or join them every Thursday and treat your significant other to dinner and receive a complimentary bottle of wine!
101 Meade Street Restaurant
(101 Meade St, George Central, George)
From tapas, and mains to something from their dry-aged grill section – 101 Meade Street Restaurant boasts seasonal, contemporary 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 most chilly days.
Portobello Italian Kitchen
(104 Meade St, George Central, George)
Add a little bit of Italy to your Garden Route road trip. Expect simple, fresh food inspired by Italy’s 20 distinct culinary regions. You can try something new every time you dine as this modern trattoria features exciting weekly menus, including creamy risottos from Northern Tuscany, the tomato-based recipes of Southern Italy, and handmade pizza and pasta. When the cold months set in, settle next to their crackling fire and enjoy everything Portobello has to offer.
Wilderness
Serendipity
(Freesia Ave, Wilderness)
Situated on the bank of the Touw River Lagoon adjacent to the Wilderness National Park a relaxed fine dining experience awaits. Enjoy indigenous ingredients from sustainable sources, where everything is prepared freshly and deliciously by executive chef, Lizelle Stolze. Serendipity invites guests to spend time with them, and enjoy a warm, friendly and luxurious atmosphere.
Ilali Restaurant
(197 George Rd, Wilderness)
Meaning “village” in Xhosa, Ilali is all about bringing people together while serving up a hearty meal. Tucked away in a seaside village sits a social restaurant and bar, where the weekend is vibey and the weekdays are slow to 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.
Knysna
Butterfly Blu
(198 State President C R Swart Rd, Brenton-on-Sea, Knysna)
Perched on top of a dune with beautiful panoramic sea views, this idyllic restaurant is the only one in Knysna with a beachfront setting. With an ever evolving contemporary menu inspired by Northern Europe and fresh seasonal produce, the beach-side dining experience at Butterfly Blu is a must.
Plettenburg Bay
Luka Vineyards
(Elephant Park Road, Harkerville, Plettenberg Bay)
Between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna lies a slice of paradise. A stop along your Garden Route tour should include Luka Vineyards. Stretch your legs and enjoy views of the vineyard, Elephant Park, and mountains while dining in their restaurant or dig into a picnic basket on their green lawns.
The whole family is invited, so bring the kids and take in the scenery.
Nguni Restaurant
(6 Crescent St, Plettenberg Bay)
Voted as one of the top 10 restaurants in the Dineplan Reviewers’ Choice Awards in 2022, Nguni is a place for people who love food.
They offer a distinctive and creative South African menu where each ingredient on the plate is allowed to shine. Enjoy starters, such as the mouth-watering bobotie spring rolls, before tucking into a main course, like one of their lazy-aged steaks, before topping it all off with something sweet from their dessert menu.
1777 @ The Old Rectory
(2 Bull St, Plettenberg Bay)
Midweek dinner under the stars, Friday evening with friends and celebrations for those special occasions, 1777 @ The Old Rectory offers up an experience like no other as said by the many reviewers who placed them in the list of top 20 restaurants in 2022.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the centuries-old heritage building that inspired their bistro-style menu.
The Bungalow
(Meeding St, Plettenberg Bay)
With unparalleled views, The Bungalow Restaurant is open seven days a week. Choose to dine pool or beach-side and enjoy their selection of appetising seafood, healthy snacks, pizza and deliciously fresh sushi served up alongside a bespoke cocktail menu and extensive selection of wines and spirits. Keep an eye on their social media for weekly specials!
Culinary Guide to SA
If you’re looking for more culinary-focused destinations to explore, be sure to check out our Culinary Guide to South Africa.
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