Knysna, formerly known for its feathered dream catchers, hippies and mythical forest elephants, has grown up. The seaside town is now a top golfing destination; it offers beautiful nature reserves and outdoor activities; and its annual oyster festival – complete with cycle race, marathon, live music and loads of other entertainment – has boosted the coastal town’s profile. Whether you want to sip sundowners on a deck overlooking the lagoon, soak up the atmosphere in a street-side bistro or indulge in wood-fired gourmet pizza, Knysna has it all.

Best for bistro-style dining

Café Z for seafood laksa, charcuterie and duck confit.

Caroline’s Bistro for springbok and eland fillet and butternut soufflé.

Cruise Café for light lunches and dinners of seafood, steak and prawn tempura.

Daniela’s for fusion food, springbok loin and local cheeses.

Firefly Eating House for fiery prawn curry.

Island Café for mussels, pork belly and grilled line fish.

Île de Païn for tacos, falafel, sandwiches and baked goods.

The Olive Tree for bobotie spring rolls, roasted kingklip and seafood curry.

Pembrey’s for a seasonal blackboard menu.

Phantom Forest for a six-course menu including game dishes.

The Veg Table for four-course meals with dishes such as mushroom risotto and lemon pesto pasta.

Zachary’s for local seasonal produce and organic veg and herbs.

Best for Italian

Caffé Mario for pastas and osso bucco.

Chatters for rocket parmesan salad, pastas, and home-made desserts.

Best for pizza

Chatters for crispy, wood-fired pizzas (with wheat-free options).

The Red Barn for gourmet pizzas.

Best for seafood

34 Tapas & Oyster Restaurant for oysters and seafood bisque.

Caffé Mario for pasta puttanesca and catch of the day.

Caroline’s Bistro for fresh oysters and local fish.

Cruise Café for prawn tempura.

Firefly Eating House for fiery prawn curry and Goan fish curry.

Island Café for mussels, crab claws, fish stew, and grilled line fish.

JJ’s Seafood Resturant for mussels, calamari, fish soup and garlic prawns.

The Olive Tree for roasted kingklip and seafood curry.

The Orchid Room for a sushi bar.

Best for tapas and snacks

34 Tapas & Oyster Restaurant for prawn, calamari and snoek tapas.

East Head Café for breakfasts, salmon, burgers and wraps.

JJ’s Seafood Resturant for grilled mushrooms, snails, sushi and oysters.

Mon petit pain for quiches, sandwiches with fresh bread and home-made toppings.

The Red Barn for peri peri chicken livers.

Best for views

34 South for a view of the harbour.

Cornuti al Mare for sundowners on the deck.

East Head Café for proximity to the heads and open ocean.
Pictured (from top): The Veg Table, Café Z, Christiaan Botha, Zachary’s, Nyaa Birdies Perch.

Looking for more ideas? Geoffrey Murray – executive chef at Zachary’s – has some personal recommendations for restaurants in Knysna.