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Quick Picks
Quick Picks
🌅 Best for "The Heads" experience – East Head Café The ultimate spot for breakfast or lunch. You are literally at the edge of the channel. It’s iconic, the food is consistently excellent, and it’s a short walk or 1-minute drive from your villa or chalet.
🍷 Best for sunset drinks – Sirocco Located on the water’s edge at Thesen Islands. This is the place to be as the sun goes down over the lagoon. It’s sophisticated, trendy, and offers a fantastic cocktail list with a view of the marina.
🥩 Best for steaks & grills – The Drydock Food Co. A Knysna staple at the Waterfront. While they do great seafood, they are famous for their high-quality steaks and ribs. The outdoor seating overlooks the lagoon, providing a great atmosphere for a hearty meal.
🐚 Best for authentic Knysna oysters – 34 South Located in the Waterfront, this is the place for the "Knysna experience." It’s part deli, part restaurant, and has the freshest oysters and sushi in town. Great for a lively lunch while browsing for local gifts.
🍝 Best "Destination" Lunch – Enrico’s (Keurboomstrand) A scenic 30-minute drive that rewards you with incredible Italian food and one of the best ocean-side decks in the country. Great for dolphin spotting!
🔥 Best for a "Local" night out – Blend Country Restaurant Located just up the road from you. It has a fantastic outdoor garden vibe under the trees, often with live music. It’s the best "no-stress" dinner option nearby – perfect for families or a casual beer and pizza.
🥐 Best for foodies & bread lovers – île de païn Located on Thesen Islands. This is Knysna’s most famous bakery. The breakfasts are artistic and the pastries are French-standard. It’s the best place for a slow, indulgent morning.
GEORGE REX DRIVE (THE HEADS)
East Head Café – Restaurant / Coffee Shop
25 George Rex Drive, The Heads, Knysna
A relaxed waterfront café with a wood-burning fireplace in winter, ocean views, and a delightful kids’ play area. Ideal for breakfast and lunch.
Tel: 044 384 0933
Piza E Vino – Italian Restaurant
36 (or 1406) George Rex Drive, The Heads, Knysna
Set above the Knysna Heads, this Italian eatery serves wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, salads, and vegetarian/vegan options. Enjoy panoramic views of the lagoon and iconic Heads lookout.
Tel: 083 227 6211 | Email: knysna@pizaevino.co.za
GEORGE REX DRIVE
Blend Country Restaurant & Pub – Restaurant / Bar
18 George Rex Drive, Hunters Home, Knysna
Family-friendly pub in a forest garden setting, with wood‑fired pizza, outdoor play area, and live music on weekends.
Tel: 044 384 0493
Bosun’s – Pub / Restaurant
George Rex Drive, Knysna
Classic English-style pub with locally brewed ales, hearty meals, and a cosy fireplace in winter. Great for watching sports.
Tel: 044 382 6276
Salmon Restaurant – Fine Dining
1 George Rex Drive (Premier Hotel), Knysna
A stylish, intimate fine-dining venue with al fresco garden seating and indoor fireplace dining.
Tel: 044 302 7000
LEISURE ISLE
More at the Gallery
12 Kingsway Street, Leisure Isle, Knysna
A stylish gallery–café–restaurant on Leisure Isle offering pizza, sushi, light meals, breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and house‑made desserts. Guests can dine indoors or relax in the garden among curated artworks. Casual, creative, and family‑friendly.
Tel: 082 047 5679
Lindy’s Table
5 Hall Road, Leisure Isle, Knysna
A charming, personal café tucked beneath towering wild fig trees on Leisure Isle. Lindy’s Table is ideal for breakfast, brunch, light lunches or teatime treats. Expect fresh, seasonal meals, excellent coffee, homemade cakes, generous salads, quiches, sandwiches, and ice creams. Dogs and families are warmly welcomed.
Tel: 044 384 1746 | Mobile: 081 024 3275
PEZULA RESORT – LAGOON VIEW DRIVE, KNYSNA
Zachary’s Bistro – Grill and Bistro
Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa, Lagoon View Drive, Knysna
A stylish all‑day bistro offering flame‑grilled steaks, seasonal menus made with locally sourced produce, and options for plant‑based diners. Dining extends onto garden terraces and pool decks with lagoon views.
Tel: 044 302 3333 | Email: fbmanager@pezulahotel.com
Noah’s Bar – Cocktail Lounge
Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa, same address as above
A chic, relaxed bar serving signature cocktails, local wines and beers in a contemporary, lounge-style setting—ideal for a pre-dinner drink or late evening unwind.
Tel: 044 302 3333
Ile de Chocolat – Café & Chocolate Boutique
Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa, Lagoon View Drive, Knysna
An artisan chocolate studio offering hand-crafted truffles, cupcakes, cookies and cakes. Workshops available where guests can make their own treats.
Tel: 044 302 3333 / bookings via resort reception
KNYSNA INDUSTRIA
Maillard’s Bakery – Artisan Bakery & Pizzeria
5 Uil St, Knysna Industrial
A small artisanal bakery tucked away in a leafy part of Knysna’s industrial area, right next to the Knysna Gin Distillery. From 10 AM enjoy deluxe coffee and rustic pastries, and from 12–6 PM indulge in authentic Neapolitan pizzas baked in a large wood-fired oven. Fresh sourdough and speciality breads are baked daily.
Tel: 068 400 8887
THESEN ISLAND
Sirocco – Restaurant / Bar
TH 28, Thesen Harbour Town, Long Street, Knysna
Waterside dining with modern decor, fresh seafood, sushi, steaks, and lagoon views. Stylish evening spot.
Tel: 044 382 4874 | Email: info@sirocco.co.za
Tapas & Oysters – Restaurant / Bar
Thesen Island, Knysna
Lively waterfront venue offering tapas, oysters, sushi, big-screen TVs and a children’s playpark. Boat mooring available.
Tel: 044 382 7196
The Island Café – Restaurant
The Turbine Hotel, Thesen Island, Knysna
A cosy café with sweeping lagoon views, open fireplaces, and an à la carte menu in relaxed surroundings.
Tel: 044 302 5746
île de païn – Café / Bakery
8–10 The Boatshed, Thesen Island, Knysna, 6571
A well-loved artisan bakery-café known for daily wood‑fired sourdough, freshly baked pastries, wholesome seasonal dishes and relaxed brunches by the lagoon.
Tel: 044 302 5705
Nest Food Bar – Café / Bar
The Lofts Boutique Hotel, Long Street, Thesen Island, Knysna
Stylish and vibrant food bar, serving tapas-style light meals, salads, hearty platters and cocktails. Set on a deck overlooking the estuary.
Tel: 063 714 5398 / 044 302 5705
Flo & Co – Restaurant / Bar
TH 33, Sawtooth Lane, Thesen Harbour Town, Knysna, 6571
Laid-back dining among trees and water views. Popular for original pizzas, inventive pastas, grills, cocktails, and desserts, with patios, family-friendly vibes and scenic estuary views.
Tel: 044 518 0799 | bookings@floco.co.za
Mane by the Sea – Waterside Restaurant & Cruise Partner
Long Street, Thesen Island Harbour Town, Knysna, 6571
Relaxed yet stylish dining right on the lagoon, adjacent to the Thesen Island marina launch point. Ideal before or after the Knysna Lagoon cruise, it offers fresh seafood platters, tuna steaks, salads, wraps, and cruise-ready picnic options. Enjoy indoor and deck seating with panoramic views and soothing coastal vibes.
Tel: 044 518 0240 | Email: indalopride@gmail.com
KNYSNA WATERFRONT (QUAYS)
34 Degrees South – Restaurant / Deli
Shop 19, Waterfront Drive, Knysna Quays
A stylish deli/restaurant offering seafood, sushi, baked goods, gifts, and casual dining on the edge of the harbour.
Tel: 044 382 7331
O’Pescador – Portuguese / Mediterranean
First Floor, Waterfront Drive, Knysna Quays
A warm restaurant serving Mediterranean‑Portuguese cuisine: fresh seafood, steaks, chicken and seasonal specials.
Tel: 044 382 3476
The Drydock Food Co. – Restaurant
Waterfront Drive, Knysna Quays
Fusion seafood and sushi restaurant with a wide beverage menu including wines, craft beers and spirits.
Tel: 044 382 7310
Falcon Creek Spur – Family Restaurant
Waterfront Drive, Knysna Quays
Family-oriented steakhouse serving generous portions of ribs, steaks, burgers, with an indoor kids’ play area.
Tel: 044 382 1195
Cruise Café – Seafood Restaurant & Bar
1 Remembrance Drive (at the Featherbed Ferry Terminus), Knysna Quays
A modern and relaxed waterside venue offering fresh seafood, tapas-style dishes, cocktails, and stunning views of the Knysna Lagoon. It’s located at the ferry departure point for Featherbed Nature Reserve, making it a convenient and scenic stop.
Tel: 044 382 1693
L’Opera – Waterfront Restaurant & Café
Shop 9, Knysna Quays, Waterloo Drive, Knysna Waterfront
A cozy café and restaurant offering breakfast, artisan coffee, sandwiches, salads, and light meals with beautiful waterfront views. Known for friendly service and a relaxing ambiance for both casual and leisurely dining.
Tel: 044 011 5020 | Email: bookings@lopera.co.za
KNYSNA TOWN AREA
African Bean Café – Breakfast & Light Meals
29 Main Road, Knysna Central
A beloved locals’ café offering Cape Malay-inspired breakfasts and brunches like curries, roti wraps, burgers and hearty South African staples in a cozy homestyle setting.
Tel: 044 382 2845
Anchorage – Seafood & Steakhouse
11 Gray Street, Knysna
Knysna’s oldest restaurant, known for excellent seafood and matured beef in a traditional setting.
Tel: 044 382 2230
Café Mario – Italian / Café
17 Hedge Street, Knysna Central
A famous local café serving authentic Italian cuisine — pasta, seafood, breakfast — with generous portions.
Tel: 044 382 7250
Chatters Bistro / Wine Bar
9a Gray Street, Knysna
Vibrant bistro offering wood-fired pizzas (including gluten-free), a broad wine list, and cosy vibes.
Tel: 044 382 0203
Persello’s – Pizzeria
Memorial Square, Knysna
Family-friendly Italian pizzeria with wood‑fired pizzas and hearty atmosphere — a local favourite.
Tel: 044 382 2665
Bloo Bistro World Café – Bistro / Nightclub
Shop 10b, 29 Main Rd, Knysna
Bohemian-style café serving Mediterranean/South African fusion meals by day, then nightclub vibes after 22:00.
Tel: 082 923 1185
Freshline Fisheries – Seafood Hub
Railway Siding Dockyard, Long St & Waterfront Drive, Knysna
Beach-style seafood spot where guests bring their own drinks — no corkage fee.
Tel: 044 382 3131
OLD CAPE ROAD
Muse Fusion Food – Casual Family Dining
152A Old Cape Rd, Knysna
Offers pizza, veggie burgers and a cozy garden space — ideal for children and relaxed lunches.
Tel: 044 382 0804
The Farm – Country Kitchen
The Farm, Simola Hill, Old Cape Road, Knysna
A relaxed countryside eatery next to Simola, perfect for a post-forest cycle breakfast or leisurely lunch. Expect fresh, wholesome fare in a peaceful setting. Friday evenings are popular pizza nights.
Tel: 060 528 9232
Lungalo Restaurant (Simola Hotel) – Fine Dining
1 Old Cape Rd, Knysna
Elegant dining with scenic views, sushi bar, award‑winning wine list and fine seasonal à la carte menus.
Tel: 044 302 9600
BELVIDERE
Oak Leaf Café – Country Café & High Tea
168 Duthie Dr, Belvidere Estate, Belvidere, Knysna
Set within the charming Belvidere Estate, Oak Leaf Café offers relaxed breakfasts and lunches in a tranquil, historic setting. They also serve a traditional afternoon high tea by prior booking — a lovely option for something special.
Tel: 066 141 5204
The Bell Tavern – Pub & Lunch Spot
169 Lower Duthie Drive, Belvidere Manor, Knysna
Charming, rustic pub situated on an original estate farmhouse — great for Sunday lunch.
Tel: 044 387 1055
BRENTON-ON-SEA
Butterfly Blu – Seafood & Grill
State President C R Swart Rd, Brenton-on-Sea
Stylish beachfront restaurant with seafood, grilled dishes, and panoramic ocean views.
Tel: 044 381 0027
RHEENENDAL
Totties Farm Kitchen – Farm-style Meals
Rheenendal Rd, Knysna
Traditional farmhouse breakfasts, lamb curry, bobotie, and fun buffet setups — especially popular on Sundays.
Tel: 044 389 0092
VegTable – Vegetarian Restaurant
Rheenendal Rd (5.7 km from N2), Knysna
Four-course vegetarian menu with a BYO drinks policy — bookings essential.
Tel: 074 833 9516
SEDGEFIELD
Montecellos – Pub & Restaurant
Main Service Rd, Sedgefield
Owned by locals, known for espetada, seafood and schnitzel — booking advised.
Tel: 044 343 1780
PiliPili Beach Bar – Beachfront Dining
2 Claude Urban Drive, Myoli Beach, Sedgefield
Casual beachfront venue serving burgers, seafood, salads and pizzas in a relaxed setting.
Tel: 044 343 3087
Mr Kaai’s Fish & Chips – Takeaway & Garden
36 Uil St, Sedgefield
Simple spot specialising in crispy fried fish and chips. Outdoor seating in a small garden; BYO drinks.
Tel: 074 756 8103
BUFFELS BAY
The Riverdeck – BBQ & Relaxed Dining
Buffels Bay (off N2 turn-off), Knysna
Offers barbecue meals, tropical beach setting, canoe and hydro-bike rentals, plus mini-spa services.
Tel: 078 134 5873 / 078 488 6341
PLETTENBERG BAY & KEURBOOMSTRAND
Ristorante Enrico (Keurboomstrand)
296 Main St, Keurboomstrand
Iconic Italian dining on a massive deck literally meters from the waves. It is arguably the best sundowner spot on the Garden Route – look out for dolphins while you eat!
Tel: 044 535 9818
Zinzi Restaurant – Fine Dining
Hunter’s Estate (Harkerville), Plettenberg Bay
Scenic forest restaurant known for creative plating and exceptional cuisine – reservations essential.
Tel: 044 532 8226
Emily Moon – Lodge Dining
1 Rietvlei Rd, Plettenberg Bay
Meal-by-pool or candlelit dinner options with Caribbean influences and warm atmosphere.
Tel: 044 501 2500
The Lookout Deck – Oceanfront Bar
Lookout Beach, Hill Street, Plettenberg Bay
Seafood and drinks overlooking the ocean – great for sunset views.
Tel: 044 533 1379
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