UPDATE Tuesday 8 December: Due to the growing concerns around escalating Covid-19 cases in Knysna, the likelihood of further restrictions and a possible all-out ban on events in the near future, these shows have been cancelled.
It's Time for a Knysna Restaurant Update!
High season is almost upon us and at this time of year one needs to make dinner reservations as without a reservation you might lose out! So I thought I would put together some of my recommendations and reviews of restaurants that we like to go to!
A few metres from Hope Villa you will find East Head Café. This is an ideal spot for coffee and cake, or lunch. They close at 15h00 so it is not a dinner venue. It is rated #2 on TripAdvisor. Stunning location, friendly and efficient staff, great food and prices. No bookings accepted and in high season you will more than likely have to wait for a table. East Head Cafe
For those of you familiar with the Heads area you will recall there used to be another restaurant close to East Head Café (previously Senza). This closed at the end of April 2017 and the restaurant went to tender in August but apparently none of the applicants for the tender fitted the criteria so it has to go out to tender again. Unfortunately it seems there will not be a restaurant in that spot until early 2018.
Freshline Fisheries is a very popular seafood/fish restaurant situated just before you cross the lagoon to Thesen Island. It is a relaxed, rustic, outdoor venue with excellent seafood/fish. Most of our guests who go there, go there twice during their stay! They are not licensed so it is necessary to take your own alcohol and no corkage is charged. Only seafood and fish served there and it is highly recommended! #3 on TripAdvisor. Freshline Fisheries
Café Mario is another very popular restaurant in Knysna. Always humming! Booking essential. It is situated at the Waterfront and serves Italian – fantastic pizzas and pastas, calamari but no other fish, salads, steak. #8 on TripAdvisor. Cafe Mario
MUSE Fusion Food is a relatively new find for us although it has been in operation for 3 years. Also amazing pizzas, pastas but serves a lot more variety than that too. Caters for vegan and vegetarians. Very relaxed and buzzy and a completely enjoyable restaurant! Also a live music venue on certain nights. A popular place with the locals which is always a good sign! MUSE Fusion Food
Bosun’s Pub and Grill is another restaurant well-supported by the locals. Great food, great prices, nice pub and a separate dining area although one can book a table in the pub section. Excellent steak, ribs and eisbein! Bosun's Pub & Grill
Another top pizza place is Chatter’s. Try the Rustico! Pizza prices are a bit higher than most but well worth it. It is a family-run restaurant which shows in the service. #9 on TripAdvisor. Chatters Bistro
If you are looking for a vibey, busy evening out try Tapas & Oysters on Thesen Island. Good for oysters, tapas and sushi. Tapas & Oysters
Not too far down George Rex Drive from us you will find Blend Country Pub and Restaurant. Set amongst the trees with indoor and outdoor dining areas. Relaxed and great for kids as there is a play area and lots of space! Live music Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. A wide-ranging menu. Blend Country Restaurant
We like to go to The Bell Tavern in Belvidere for their Sunday roast. It is a quaint pub with indoor (cosy) and outdoor dining areas. A menu ranging from light to more substantial freshly-cooked meals. A lovely relaxed restaurant in beautiful surroundings. I don’t think they take bookings. The Bell Tavern
A bit further away but worth a visit is Enrico Restaurant which is situated right on the beach at Keurboomstrand just on the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay. Stunning location, great seafood and fish, pastas and pizzas, meat. Also no bookings accepted. Well worth a visit! Enrico Restaurant
A new restaurant in town which is getting rave reviews and is more fine-dining is Le Maquis. It is run by a couple who previously ran a restaurant in Knysna called Die Gieter. Le Maquis is more expensive but the reviews rave about the food and apparently well worth every cent. French cuisine cooked with passion and love! We haven’t tried this one out but guests and locals who have been there have only good things to say about it! Le Maquis
Happy holidays!
Further Reading
We like to use the quieter winter weeks constructively, to educate ourselves on Knysna and its surrounds! Today’s educational was to walk the trail to the Drupkelders mountain pools!
Totties is situated 15 kilometres along the Rheenendal road, close to the Millwood area where there have been recent sightings of the Knysna elephants as well as sightings of fresh dung and tree damage.
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