Restaurants and Pubs
The Knysna area offers visitors a great selection of cafés, restaurants and pubs. Fresh seafood is available in most establishments and there are a number of great spots to try some delectable oysters. There are also plenty of healthy and vegetarian options, as well as lovely places to enjoy a Sunday lunch buffet or set menu. Many of the restaurants offer amazing views of the Knysna Lagoon and surrounds.
East Head Café
Zachary's
Cafe Z
George Rex Drive
East Head Café
Situated on the rocks of the famous Eastern Head, East Head Café has the most spectacular view, directly through the Knysna Heads. Seating is indoors, with a wood-burning fireplace, as well as outside on the covered terrace. The food is simple and consistently well made, with a focus on flavour and freshness. Service is friendly and fast and the restaurant has an outdoor play area for kids.Phone: +27 44 384 0933. 25 George Rex Drive, Knysna
Blend
Nestled in its own private forest on George Rex Drive, Blend is an idyllic country restaurant, serving a variety of good food. It's the perfect spot for family lunches or dinners, and there is plenty of space for kids to run around, as well as a jungle gym to play on. The cosy and inviting pub is the ideal place to wind down and listen to live music on weekends.Phone: +27 44 384 0493. George Rex Drive, Knysna
Bosun's
This old-style English pub is a local favourite and serves locally brewed ale and value-for-money delicious pub fare. It's the perfect spot to watch the rugby or cosy up to a roaring fireplace during the colder winter months.Phone: +27 44 382 6276. George Rex Drive, Knysna
Pezula
Zachary’s Bistro
Located on the lower level of the Pezula Nature Hotel, this relaxed and stylish bistro offers comfortable seating and a warm and inviting atmosphere. Café Z is all about delicious, simple and wholesome food, prepared with locally sourced produce. The menus constantly evolve to reflect seasonal quality and availability, thus always ensuring excellent value.Phone: +27 44 302 3333. Conrad Pezula, Lagoon View Drive, Knysna
Noah’s Bar
Enjoy liquid perfection at the chic and laid-back Noah’s Bar. With a spacious and stylish interior, and some of the best cocktails and speciality drinks in Knysna, Noah’s Bar offers the perfect setting in which to unwind and relax with friends+27 44 302 3333. Conrad Pezula, Lagoon View Drive, Knysna
Leisure Isle
Nadine's Corner on Leisure Island
Situated in a quiet area of Leisure Isle, the delightful, charming coffee shop and restaurant serves breakfast, burgers and sandwiches, as well as vegan and vegetarian meals. They have a delicious range of cakes to choose from and the outside seating under the big tree offers a welcome respite from the heat in summer.Phone: +27 44 384 1746. No. 12 Kings Way, Leisure Isle, Knysna
Coffee Craft
Tucked away in the peaceful streets of Leisure Isle, rests our little piece of caffeinated heaven. We serve you only the finest coffee and delicious meals from Monday to Saturday. Our coffee will leave you with a taste of inspiration that keeps you coming back for more.Phone: +27 63 802 7412. Cnr Links & Kingsway Coral Isle, Leisure Isle, Knysna
Sirocco
Tapas & Oysters
The Island Cafe Restaurant
Thesen Island
île de païn
Enjoy long breakfasts and lazy lunches, served in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The food is consistently good and there is a great selection of desserts. Wood-fired oven bread, using wholesome, natural ingredients, is baked daily.Phone: +27 44 302 5705. No. 8-10 The Boatshed, Thesen Island, Knysna
Tapas & Oysters
This vibrant, waterside restaurant offers a wide selection of Spanish, Mediterranean and South African Tapas, as well as oysters, sushi, fresh seafood, home-made dips and olives, crunchy salads, desserts and lots more. They have big screen TV’s, boat parking and a children's play park for the young ones to enjoy.Phone: +27 44 382 7196. TH 29, Thesen Island, Knysna
Flo & Co.
Nestled away on Thesen Island, Flo & Co is situated right on the water, amongst beautiful big trees and a fresh sea breeze. Sip on a cocktail while you enjoy a delicious meal with the best view in Knysna. From patio dining to cellar service Flo & Co. has something for everyone. The restaurant is located next to a children’s play area, making it a great spot for families.Phone: +27 44 518 0799. 33 Sawtooth Lane, Thesen Island, Knysna
The Island Cafe Restaurant
The 90-seater Island Cafe restaurant at the Turbine Hotel and Spa serves up chic food in a unique environment. Tables are set in between the original refurbished turbines, or overlooking the canal outside. Warm open fireplaces and magnificent sliding glass doors add to the ambience.Phone: +27 44 302 5746. 36 Sawtooth Lane, Knysna
Sirocco
Sirocco is situated on the water’s edge of Thesen Harbour Town. The trendy lunch and dinner venue offers relaxed sophistication, modern design, great food and friendly service. Enjoy a variety of cuisine, including pizza, sushi, salads, seafood, poultry and meat dishes.Phone: +27 44 382 4874. TH28, Thesen Island, Knysna
The Waterfront - Knysna Quays
34 Degrees South
Situated on the harbour's edge, 34 Degrees South has a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Offering a very wide and varied menu to choose from, the restaurant specialises in seafood and sushi. It is also a deli, gift shop, clothing emporium, food store, fish monger and bakery.Phone: +27 44 382 7331. Shop 19 Knysna Quays, 21 Waterfront Drive, Knysna
The Drydock Food Co
Situated on the water's edge at the Knysna Waterfront, this restaurant serves intimate lunches and dinners, and caters to large groups and tour groups. The freshest seafood, tempting salads, sushi, fusion cuisine and sinful desserts are complemented by a range of the finest local and imported wines, beers and spirits. They stock a good assortment of craft beers.Phone: +27 44 382 7310. Knysna Quays, 21 Waterfront Drive, Knysna
Falcon Creek Spur
Generous portions of a variety of dishes are served in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. From starters and light meals, to steaks, burgers, ribs, kiddies favourites and a selection of desserts – there is something to cater for everyone’s meal requirements. The Spur also offers an indoor play area for kids.Phone: +27 44 382 1195. Shop 29A Knysna Quays, 21 Waterfront Drive, Knysna
O Pescador
This warm and friendly restaurant with its open-plan kitchen and lovely views of the waterfront, offers traditional Mediterranean Portuguese cuisine. The menu includes fresh fish caught daily and a variety of steaks, chicken and seafood dishes like prawns, crayfish and oysters. It can get very busy, so booking is advisedPhone: +27 44 382 3476. Shop No. 20, First Floor, Knysna Quays, Waterfront Drive, Knysna
L’Opera
Run by the friendly husband and wife team of Jacques and Julie, the restaurant serves quality coffee, light meals (salads, pies, sweet and savoury pancakes), cakes and desserts. There is a kiddies menu as well as an ice-cream stand.Phone: 044 011 5020. Knysna Quays, 21 Waterfront Drive, Knysna
Chatters Bistro
Freshline Fisheries
Cruise Café
Waterfront Drive
Cruise Café
Known for its fresh seafood and modern styled cuisine, Cruise Café presents diners with a relaxed atmosphere and exceptional views of the Knysna Lagoon. Enjoy coffees and cocktails plus seafood and modern cuisine in a soothing, yet sophisticated space with a lagoon-side deck, offering incredible views.Phone:+27 44 382 1693. Remembrance Drive, The Waterfront, Knysna
John Benn Cruise
With twice-daily departures from the Knysna Waterfront Quays in Waterfront Drive, the John Benn double-decker floating restaurant offers Lagoon cruises to the Knysna Heads. Enjoy a memorable family day out. A la carte and tapas menus are available on-board with fresh Knysna oysters, local beer and sparkling wine. There are two full bars on the upper and lower decks and it's all fully enclosed, so not dependent on the weather.Phone: +27 44 382 169321, Waterfront Drive, Knysna
Caffe Mario
Caffe Mario is a well-known Italian restaurant in Knysna. It is a family-run establishment that offers a range of authentic Italian dishes. It is well known for its warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu features a variety of classic Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, seafood, and meat dishes. They use fresh ingredients and strive to create flavours that capture the essence of Italian cuisine.Phone: +27 44 382 7250. 17 Hedge Street, Knysna
Freshline Fisheries
Freshline Fisheries offers a wide selection of seafood in an informal beach-like setting. Enjoy West Coast Snoek from the barbecue or the old time favourite Fish and Chips. Other delectable dishes include oysters, clam chowder, mussels in white wine, traditional home-baked mielie (corn) bread with fresh farm butter and home-made jam, traditional sherry trifle, crayfish and prawns. The restaurant is not licensed, so you are welcome to bring your own drinks - no corkage chargedPhone: +27 44 382 3131. Railway Siding Dockyard, Cnr Long & Waterfront Drive (Behind Tait Marine), Knysna
Salt & Petal
In the heart of the Knysna Shopping Quarter on Waterfront Drive, enjoy a delicious meal and refreshments with a friend or while you catch up on work. Shop stunning flowers or delicious treats in the store.Phone: +27 44 166 0999. 3 Union Street Waterfront Drive, Knysna,
Grey Street
Anchorage Restaurant
Situated in the heart of Knysna, this traditional seafood restaurant is the oldest restaurant in Knysna - well-known for their seafood and their superb matured beef. The menu offers a selection of fresh fish, shellfish, seafood platters and oysters, as well as ostrich fillet, kudu fillet, chicken and vegetarian dishes.Phone: +27 44 382 2230. No. 11 Grey St, Knysna
Chatters Bistro
This small, vibey, owner-run restaurant is famous for its made-to-order, thin-n-crispy, wood-fired pizzas, also available on wheat- or gluten-free bases. Apart from delicious pastas, potato bakes, home-made burgers, filled paninis and ciabattas, the restaurant also serves scrumptious salads and home-made desserts. With over 80 wines to choose from, there’s sure to be something to suit your taste – and your pocket.Phone: +27 44 382 0203. 9a Grey Street, Knysna
Knysna Town
Persello Pizzeria
A highly traditional, family-friendly Italian restaurant, Persello offers great value, generous portions and a warm atmosphere. In addition to the usual suspects such as Alfredo, carbonara and lasagne, there are special options such as brinjal lasagne and gnocchi. The wood-fired pizzas are lauded by locals as the ‘best in Knysna’.Phone: +27 44 382 2665. Memorial Square, Knysna
African Bean Café
Located on the main road of Knysna, African Bean has been an ongoing coffee shop / local café for the past 30 years. Serving great food, freshly prepared by dedicated kitchen staff and lovingly served by super friendly waiters. Excellent Union Roast Coffee which is the same as Seattle Coffee Co. Daily specials are always on offer and all meals are generous and delicious.Phone: +27 44 382 2845. 29 Main Road, Knysna
Trinity Coffee Co.
We’re an artisan roastery nestled away in a coastal town, Knysna. Established in 2019, with a task to bring speciality coffee to Knynsa. The name Trinity is a representation of the group of 3 things when it comes to the coffee industry, Farmer-Roaster-Cup.Phone: 083 787 0140. 9 Gordon Street , Knysna, South Africa.
Knysna Mall
Mugg & Bean
Seasonally inspired menus, generous portions and bottomless drinks. Our coffee credentials only feature the best coffees from around the world.Phone: +27 44 868 0606. Knysna Mall Shopping Centre
The Bell Tavern
Butterfly Blu Restaurant
Totties Farm Kitchen
Old Cape Road
MUSE Fusion Food
The menu offers an array of casual dishes like delectable wood-fired pizzas, robust starters like chilli poppers, free-range chicken bites on a skewer and one of the best veggie burgers around. The restaurant features a warming indoor fireplace and picnic tables under the trees. There's a lovely garden for children to play in.Phone: +27 44 382 0804. No. 152A Old Cape Road, Knysna
Lungalo Restaurant
With views stretching across the lagoon and Heads as well as the golf course and pool, this restaurant offers a dining experience sure to please even the most discerning patron. The a la carte menu is seasonal and a variety of tastes are catered for. With so many delights to choose from, Sunday Buffet lunch is a local favourite and the restaurant also boasts a sushi bar. Enjoy an award-winning wine list or the opulent sophistication of Sir Roy’s Bar.Phone: +27 44 302 9660, Simola Hotel, No. 1 Old Cape Road, Knysna
Belvidere
The Bell Tavern
Knysna's smallest pub, The Bell, is housed on the site of the original Belvidere Estate farmhouse. A favourite of the Belvidere locals and a great spot for Sunday lunch, the quaint tavern offers pub meals in the garden in summer, or by the cosy wood-burning stove in winter. A wide selection of beers, wines and spirits are available. They don't take bookings, so get there early.Phone: +27 44 387 1055. No. 169 Lower Duthie Drive, Knysna
Oak Leaf Café
Brunch Cafe, Gourmet Deli & Coffee Bar located in the heart of the Garden Route, Belvidere Knysna. We offer beautifully crafted and delicious breakfasts, lunches, cakes, scones, exquisite coffees and more! We have plenty of outdoor seating options, have a kiddies play area, and a large vegan menu!Phone: +27 66 141 5204. 68 Duthie Dr, Belvidere Estate, Knysna
Brenton-On-Sea
Butterfly Blu Restaurant
With exquisite views over Brenton Beach and Buffalo Bay, the stylish and elegant restaurant serves delicious seafood, succulent meat on the grill and authentic Croatian Pizza. Breakfast, pastries and baked goods are available daily at Indigo Deli.Phone: +27 44 381 0027198. State President C R Swart Road, Brenton-on-Sea
Buffels Bay
The Riverdeck
Situated alongside the picturesque Goukamma River, the restaurant offers a selection of meals cooked on the barbecue, delicious Chicken RiverDeck Salad, old family recipe Bobotie, and mouthwatering malva puddings, among other delectable fair. Canoes, hydro-bikes and paddle boats are for hire and there are miniature horse rides for the kids.Phone: +27 78 134 5873, off the N2 at the Buffalo Bay turn-off
Rheenendal Road
The Cowshed at Portland Manor
The Cowshed eatery is located on Portland Manor Country Estate and serves delicious fire-based food. Look out for our blackboard specials. Open Wednesday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner and on Sundays for breakfast and lunch. Child-friendly with a kiddies menu and jungle gym.Phone: + 060 753 7870. 187 Rheenendal Rd, Portland Manor, Rheenendal
Totties Farm Kitchen
𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 showcases artists, crafters, young entrepreneurs, local clothing, fresh organic local produce & preserves, flowers and plants, homemade healthy food, The Cheese Man, Home-made ice-cream, organic products and traders from Rheenendal and surrounds. 𝑨 𝑪𝑯𝑰𝑳𝑫𝑹𝑬𝑵'𝑺 𝑴𝑼𝑺𝑻-𝑫𝑶-𝑺𝑼𝑵𝑫𝑨𝒀 𝑶𝑼𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑮!! Knysna Model Trains running from 10 to 12 - weather permitting. Self-peddle Ponies, Jumping Castle, Clown & Balloon Guy, Playground and Trampolines - safe and secure for children. A market like no other and a perfect relaxing outdoor Sunday outing for the whole family. Support Local – a simple concept with the potential to change a small entrepreneur’s world! Pet-friendly Market.Phone: +27 44 389 0092. 12 kilometres along the Rheenendal Road, Knysna
PiliPili Beach Bar
Zinzi
Emily Moon
Sedgefield
Montecello Pub & Restaurant
Famous for its espatada, this pleasant and vibey, no-frills restaurant with its old-school interior, also serves excellent fish, paella, prawns, squid heads, calamari, beef schnitzel and much more. Portions are generous and meals are well priced. It is very popular with the locals and booking in advance is essential.Phone: +27 44 343 1780. Main Service Road, Sedgefield
Trattoria da Vinci
Hands-on owners, Steve and Leah, offer a true traditional taste of Italy. Steve cooks mains in the pizza oven, from slow-roasted lamb shanks to fresh line fish and the crispiest of thin base pizzas. On the menu, you'll find Leah's marinated vegetables and crumbed pork fillet, served with mushroom sauce. Try the seafood pasta or creamed spinach with feta. Decadent desserts include coffee espresso cake with almond meringue and Frangelico cream, and the fabulous Toblerone ice cream.Phone: +27 44 343 1867. No 1 Paul Kruger St, The Island, Sedgefield
PiliPili Beach Bar
Dig your toes into the beach sand while you enjoy unpretentious food in a relaxed atmosphere. The menu offers a laid-back selection of burgers, grilled food, seafood, salads and thin-based, wood-fired pizzas. An open fire in the evenings creates a lively atmosphere.Phone: +27 44 343 3087. 2 Claude Urban Drive, Myoli Beach, Sedgefield
Plettenberg Bay
Zinzi
Located in an incredible forest setting on the beautiful Hunter's Lodge estate, this vibrant and casual restaurant is a masterpiece of architecture, interior design and delectable food. The custom-made furniture is slightly oversized for comfort and the tables provide for ample space, with fabulous dishes beautifully displayed during each course. The restaurant offers an abundant and tasty menu with distinctive international flavours. Booking in advance is essential.Phone: +27 44 532 8226. Harkerville, 10 kilometres west of Plettenberg Bay
Emily Moon
The spirit of Africa is in every antique table and in the collectors’ items which adorn every nook and cranny. Enjoy lunch by the pool or dinner by candlelight. The home-style menu offers dishes like Karoo Lamb Rack, Tomato & Butter Bean Bredie, Butter Chicken Samoosas, beetroot lentils, orange braised sweet potato and Napoli vegetables. Sip on a cocktail or glass of wine while enjoying the spectacular riverside views..Phone: +27 44 501 2500. Emily Moon River Lodge, Rietvlei Road, Plettenberg Bay
Bocca Dolce Coffee Shop : Open on Wed, Sat & Sunday’s ONLY
Situated on Quarry Lake just outside Plettenberg Bay, the coffee shop serves organic, home-grown vegan and vegetarian food, using ingredients from their gardens. On Saturday and Sunday, they serve their popular buffet-style "Harvest Table" lunch. They don't serve alcohol but you are welcome to take your own. They also produce a delicious range of freshly roasted coffee beans, which can be bought over the counter.Phone: +27 83 562 7236. Quarry Lake Estate, Stofpad, Wittedrift, Plettenberg Bay
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