Heading to Port Elizabeth this summer for the pearly-white sand and watersports? Our panel of critics headed out on the town and selected the following eight spots as the must-visit restaurants in the friendly city.

Beershack (Humewood)

Best for a buzzing feel-good experience near the beach. Scrumptious snack baskets with ribs, wings and fully loaded nachos make for a perfect starter at this vibey beach bar. Their legendary burgers and pizzas are the real deal. Try the brie-and-pear burger, the appealing buddha bowls, steaks, and craft beer-battered fish. For drinks, choose from a huge selection of South African craft beers, including their very own brews. By night the restaurant transforms into one of Port Elizabeth’s premier nightlife spots, featuring live music and DJs.

 

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A post shared by BeerShack (@beershackpe) on Dec 3, 2018 at 12:48am PST

BeerYard (Richmond Hill)

Best for burgers, thin-crust pizzas and craft beer in a casual setting. All the food here is freshly prepared using only the finest local ingredients. The gorgonzola burger consists of a charred 100% pure beef patty, a tangy gorgonzola sauce, crisp bacon and fresh rocket on a toasted white bun. All burgers are served with chunky fries and onion rings (you can also order zucchini fries, sweet potato fries or a side salad). Sip on craft beers from their own brewery, Richmond Hill Brewing Company.

 

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A post shared by BeerYardPE (@beeryardpe) on Nov 25, 2018 at 1:48am PST

Charlie’s Pizza and Pasta (Summerstrand)

Best for a special dinner or simply sipping on a cocktail. Charlie’s is known for its delicious breakfast menu, wood-fired thin-crust pizzas and hand-made pastas. Order the gourmet mac-and-three-cheese pasta and add bacon, if you dare. There are many options for vegetarians, including healthy buddha bowls. Find a seat outside for breathtaking ocean views.

 

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A post shared by Charlie’s Pizzeria PE (@charliespizzeriape) on Nov 27, 2018 at 12:48am PST

Fushin Sushi & Eastern Cuisine (Richmond Hill)

Best for a celebration or a romantic evening. Main meal options include Thai green chicken and seafood curries. Other favourites include the classic Fushin roll, a rendition of the rainbow roll. Don’t like sushi? Try the deep-fried black pepper squid or the black pepper crispy ribs. Quench your thirst with carefully selected SA wines and MCCs, sake and spirits. The social atmosphere is always buzzing at this modern spot.

The Kindred Kitchen (Richmond Hill)

Best for vegan dishes, catching up with an old friend or a family breakfast or lunch. The buckwheat-and-beetroot pancake looks like a traditional omelette, with the exception of being deep purple. The filling is a butterbean hummus with slow-cooked mushrooms, onions, rocket and sprouts. Then there are the meals like the zoodles and bean balls – light yet surprisingly filling. Sip on everything from smoothies to coffee roasted in the Wilderness forest, or unusual lattes.

 

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A post shared by The Kindred Kitchen PE (@kindredkitchenpe) on Dec 3, 2018 at 4:08am PST

Muse Restaurant (Richmond Hill)

Best for celebratory dinners. This quaint 40-seater restaurant boasts a seasonal menu. Think beef short rib with crunchy corn salsa, chilli and lime roasted baby potatoes and chipotle aïoli; smoked pork belly finished with salted bacon jam, veggies, apple sauce, crackling and maple jus; and a sweet ending of a signature carrot-cake ice-cream popsicle. More down-to-earth options include pastas, pizzas, wraps, tacos and curries. Delicious gourmet milkshakes come highly recommended, with the toasted marshmallow milkshake screaming for attention.

Remo’s Italian (Baakens Valley)

Best for celebrations, business meetings and dinner dates. Remo’s is authentically Italian and always buzzing. After a tasty start of antipasti, the margherita pizza ticks all the boxes – the thin crust is crisp, the tomato base has the perfect tang and the mozzarella isn’t overpowering. The lasagna al forno baked pasta is a classic beef Bolognese rendition, layered with béchamel sauce, ground beef, tangy tomato sauce and sheets of pasta. For dessert, there’s chocolate cake, carrot cake and tiramisu.

 

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A post shared by Remo’s PE (@remos_pe) on Sep 24, 2018 at 12:16am PDT

Tilting Heads (Richmond Hill)

Best for trendy Mexican eats and a colourful vibe. The nachos are a hit (crisp corn chips, salsa fresca, cheddar cheese, sour cream, guacamole and coriander), while the Pescado Crujiente (crispy battered fish, shredded cabbage, avocado crema, salsa fresca and coriander) is simply incredible. End with churros – a must. Wash it all down with margaritas or try the ‘hot shot’ if you dare: three habanero chillies, a tequila shot and lime juice.

 

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A post shared by Tilting Heads (@tiltingheads) on Nov 7, 2018 at 11:41pm PST

Eat Out’s professional critics dine unannounced and pay their way in full. Have you been to any of PE’s finest? Write a review on the Eat Out app and we will pledge a meal for a hungry child through Rise Against Hunger. Write a review now.