Must-see restaurants in Western Cape

  • Old Gaol on Church Square

    Western Cape

    It might not be in the Old Gaol any more, but the food at this empowerment venture is still just as good. There’s lots of seating outside under the trees…

  • La Petite Ferme

    Franschhoek

    In a stupendous setting overlooking Franschhoek Valley, this contemporary restaurant makes a big deal of local ingredients. Try the biltong-dusted ostrich…

  • De Villiers Chocolate Cafe

    Franschhoek

    The excellent single-origin chocolate here is made at a boutique chocolatier in Paarl and used in all the cakes, pastries and ice cream on offer. There's…

  • Carola Ann's

    Garden Route

    Close to the museum, Carola Ann's serves inventive breakfasts, delicious, healthy lunches and not-so-healthy slabs of cake. Grab a packet of the chocolate…

  • Bistro at Just Pure

    Hermanus

    Adjoining a shop selling natural cosmetics, this seafront bistro is all about fresh, local, organic ingredients. Try the 'famous' cheesecake and watch…

  • Old Townhouse

    Garden Route

    In the one-time town administration building dating back to 1848, this long-standing restaurant is known for its excellent steaks and ever-changing game…

  • Root 44 Market

    Stellenbosch

    A large indoor-outdoor market with fresh produce, plenty of crafts and clothing as well as wine by the glass, draught craft beer and a host of food stalls…

  • Nature’s Valley Trading Store

    Western Cape

    A spade's throw from the beach (but without sea views), the only eatery in the village serves burgers, salads, steaks and seafood, and the adjoining shop…

  • @ Four Cousins

    Winelands

    There's something to keep everyone entertained here – wine tasting, a microbrewery, sweetie pairings for the kids and an excellent jungle gym. The menu…

  • Nature's Way Farm Stall

    Western Cape

    This charming roadside store on a dairy farm sells light breakfasts and lunches, tapas, cake, coffee and a smorgasbord of local produce, including cheese,…

  • Zucchini

    Garden Route

    Stylish decor combines with home-grown organic produce, free-range meats and lots of vegetarian options at this delightful place. There's a coffee…

  • Burgundy Restaurant

    Hermanus

    This long-standing restaurant is still going strong, popular with both locals and tourists as much for its superb sea view as for its menu. Seafood is the…

  • Pavilion

    Hermanus

    Found within the Marine hotel, this is the place for a special breakfast with ocean views – try the croissant French toast with maple syrup and bacon,…

  • East Head Café

    Knysna

    There’s an outdoor deck overlooking the lagoon and ocean, lots of fish and seafood, plus a few vegetarian dishes. It's a very popular spot so expect to…

  • Tebaldi's

    Winelands

    Based within Temenos Retreat but open to all, this quaint dining room offers a small but varied menu featuring homemade ravioli, fish 'n' chips, curries…

  • Girl's Restaurant

    Garden Route

    It doesn’t look much from afar – a restaurant tucked down the side of a petrol station – but Girl's gets rave reviews. Try the venison fillet or the fresh…

  • Readers Restaurant

    Winelands

    The menu changes regularly, but always features a few traditional South African dishes and plenty of local ingredients. The attached gift shop is aimed at…

  • Route 57

    Garden Route

    This elegant place in a century-old house is one of Mossel Bay's swankiest dining options. Try the seafood potjie (stew) or the fillet steak topped with…

  • Helena's

    Stellenbosch

    A cosy, charming restaurant within a boutique hotel. The menu is small but features some traditional dishes and lots of locally sourced goodies – the…

  • 96 Winery Road

    Stellenbosch

    Off Rte 44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, this is a long-established restaurant, best known for its dry aged beef. There's plenty of other meat…

  • Sirocco

    Knysna

    Inside, it’s a stylish place to dine on sushi, steak and seafood; outside, it’s a laid-back bar with wood-fired pizzas and a range of Mitchell’s beers…

  • Le Fournil de Plett

    Plettenberg Bay

    Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a freshly baked pastry in the courtyard or on the balcony overlooking Plett's main road. There's also a small lunch menu,…

  • Beejuice

    Garden Route

    Although no trains ply the tracks any more, this cafe filling the old station building is still a nice spot for salads and sandwiches. In the evenings,…

  • Fyndraai Restaurant

    Franschhoek

    Serves original dishes inspired by the Cape's varied cultures and using herbs from the on-site indigenous garden. A handy glossary on the menu helps you…

  • Koornlands Restaurant

    Western Cape

    An eclectic menu featuring African meat with Asian influences is served in an intimate candlelit setting. Among the more unusual offerings are crocodile…

  • Origins

    Hermanus

    Based within the plush Marine hotel, the focus here is perfectly prepared seafood dishes, plus a few meaty options and some enticing desserts.

  • Chatters Bistro

    Knysna

    Restaurants seem to come and go in Knysna, but this pizza joint has been around a while. You'll also find burgers, pasta and some salads, plus a pleasant…

  • Blue Goose

    Western Cape

    Based in an old fishing cottage, this local favourite has a menu that showcases local, seasonal ingredients. It's best known for seafood, though the lamb…

  • Franschhoek Market

    Franschhoek

    Based in the grounds of the church, this market has a real country fete vibe. Shop for crafts and lunch on a range of light dishes, or buy a bag of…

  • Wijnhuis

    Stellenbosch

    There’s an interesting menu and an extensive wine list with more than 500 choices. Around 20 wines are available by the glass and tastings are available …

  • Mossel Bay Oyster Bar

    Garden Route

    On the water's edge, this is one of the best places in town for a sundowner. Sushi and oysters are on the menu alongside a selection of cocktails (R40 to…

  • Peccadillos

    Western Cape

    The chalkboard menu changes often, but always features no-nonsense dishes like rump steak, lamb shank and curries, largely created with local, organic…

  • Eatery

    Hermanus

    Tucked away in a side street, this is a local hang-out lauded for its excellent coffee, fresh salads and sandwiches plus a range of tasty cakes baked on…

  • Blacksmith's Kitchen

    Winelands

    Grab a table under the trees and enjoy an unfussy lunch of wood-fired pizza or roast pork belly with views of the vineyards, town and mountains beyond.

  • Café Gannet

    Garden Route

    Part of the Protea Hotel, this bright bistro has an extensive menu featuring seafood, steaks, sushi and pizza.

  • Table

    Plettenberg Bay

    A funky, minimalist venue with pizzas, seafood and a very tasty lamb shank. There's an indoor kids' play area and live music on Fridays.

  • Olive Tree

    Knysna

    One of Knysna's more upmarket restaurants is a romantic spot with a blackboard menu that changes regularly. Bookings advisable.

  • French Connection

    Franschhoek

    No-nonsense bistro-style food using only fresh ingredients is dished up at this long-standing and deservedly popular place.

  • Decameron

    Stellenbosch

    This Italian-food stalwart of Stellenbosch’s dining scene has a shady patio next to the botanical garden.

  • Blaauwklippen Market

    Winelands

    A particularly family friendly farmers market with craft, foodstuffs and carriage and pony rides on offer.

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