There’s more to Plettenberg Bay than sun, sea, sand and surf – though we’ll admit those breakers look pretty inviting from our desks right now! Search and ye shall find excellent spots for cocktails at sundown, sushi, an elegant evening out. Cooking at home? There are plenty of delis selling fabulous Garden Route produce and some great markets, just a short drive away. Here’s our guide to all of our favourite restaurants, stores and markets in and around Plettenberg Bay.

Bramon Restaurant  
Pull up a table among the vines at this picturesque wine estate and attack the wide range of tapas on offer.

Emily’s Restaurant  
A magnificent view and a sundowner deck make this a great spot for cocktails and sushi from Katy’s Sushi Bar on the premises. There’s also a range of grilled fish and meat for the more carnivorous folk.

Fynboshoek Cheese  
You may need to call for directions but it’s worth the effort to find this quirky spot. Order the full cheese lunch, and host Alje van Deemter will take you on a journey from goat’s cheese crostini bites, steaming rosemary focaccia with crunchy baked parmesan and fresh garden salads to an impressive array of herb-adorned cheeses, smoked provolone and fresh ricotta.

Katarina’s Restaurant  
The former barn at the Kurland Hotel has been elegantly renovated to make the most of the views of the farm. Lunch and dinner options include homey staples like fillet, salmon cakes and roasted baby chicken.

Le Fournil de Plett Bakery and Café  
Relax in the shady courtyard at this charming bakery. Sandwiches are made with bread baked on the premises using stoneground flour and the shoestring chips are addictive.

Nguni Grill  
Stylish, tasty South African fare, from springbok to bobotie springrolls, in a charming historic cottage.

Ristorante Enrico  
Sweeping ocean views, fresh fish and Italian dishes are on offer here. There’s a sports bar inside for those trying to catch the cricket.

Seafood at the Plettenberg  
This restaurant has been given an elegant make-over, and serves contemporary food that would be worthy of a larger city than Plett. Ingredients are carefully sourced, from the local free-range poultry to the fresh seafood. Request a table next to the window for a spectacular view.

Scotty’s Restaurant and Bar  
From moreish, comforting dishes like burgers and beer-battered hake to tasty tapas, this is a light and comfortable spot. Tables spill out onto the lawn in summer.

Zinzi  
This stylish, relaxed restaurant offers a range of exotic options from Persian chicken to Moroccan lamb shank. Also a good option for vegetarian diners.

We also recommend:
Cornuti Al Mare  
Grand Café and Rooms  
Kitchen Café  
Lookout Restaurant and Deck

Markets

Outeniqua Farmers Market  
Located opposite the Garden Route Mall on the N2, this market is home to nearly 140 food and craft stalls offering everything from berries and fresh bread to fish and flowers. It’s open Saturdays between 8am and 2pm.

Harvest Time Saturday Market  
On the N2 between Knysna and Plett, this market takes place on Saturdays between 8am and midday. Offering everything from organic fruit and veg to artisan bread and cheese, this down-to-earth market has a great community feel to it.

Wild Oats Community Market  
This Sedgefield market offers over 70 stallholders. Look out for the free-range meat from Fernbank Farm; free-range chicken from Kitwama Farm; naturally farmed blueberries from Bright Berries Farm; and award-winning cheese, yoghurt andbutter from Gansvlei Dairy. Head here on Saturdays from 7.30am to 11.30 am.

Delis

Thyme and Again  
A worthwhile pitstop on the N2. Pies, quiches and sweet treats keep hungry travellers going, but there’s also a good range of exotic grocery supplies, vinegars, olive oils and wines.

The Hot Chocolate Café  
This chocolatier turns out confectionary made with the finest Belgian couverture. Stop in for one of the chocolate beverages on the menu and pick up chocolate fudge, dark chocolate biscotti with white chocolate chips, Brazilian nuts, truffles and marshmallows while you’re at it.

The Deli Factory  
Located in the industrial area, this deli supplies a large number of restaurants and hence offers many luxury items like imported cheese, smoked fish and duck breasts.

Lo Spuntino  
The deli portion of the restaurant of the same name stocks plenty of authentic Italian ingredients from giant capers and fine Balsamic vinegar to homemade cakes and desserts and Marco’s Italian gelato.

Nature’s Way  
This family-run farm stall on the R102 stockshomemade and imported cheese, home bakes and preserves, free-range eggs and also serves up light meals.

San Francisco Coffee Roastery  
Coffee fiends fear not: Plett has its very own roaster in the shape of San Francisco Coffee Roastery. The beans – both imported and African – can be ordered in custom blends, and are roasted on-site in a vintage roaster all the way from San Francisco.

By Katharine Jacobs

Photographs (from top on this page): Ian Wilson, Emily's Restaurant, Jonty Fisher, Seafood at The Plettenberg and Jonty Fisher.
Featured on home page: Jonty Fisher