Eat your heart out

KNYSNA NEWS - One is spoilt for choice when dining on the Garden Route as from Sedgefield to Plettenberg Bay there are a plethora of restaurants to cater for everybody's needs, not to mention tastebuds. Oysters, sushi, burgers, pizza, crocodile, seafood and fine food are available and much more.

You can eat looking at the beach, you can eat overlooking the yachts and the estuary. One thing is for sure, you will a restaurant or cafe that fits your mood.

In the limited space here it is impossible to highlight all the restaurants that Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Sedgefield boast of.

Mention will be made of some, but to find a comprehensive listing google Knysna Tourism, www.visitknysna.co.za and look under the dining section.

The same can be done to source restaurants in Plettenberg Bay by going to Plett Tourism at www.plett-tourism.co.za

• The Quintet of Knysna offers five experiences in four breathtaking waterfront locations.

Each restaurant is distinct in character and has its own special ambience, yet all share a commitment to delicious food, good services, great wines and attention to detail. A visit to Knysna would not be complete without dining at The Drydock Food Co at the Knysna Waterfront (great sushi), while 34 South, Sirocco and Tapas, all on Thesen Island, are musts. While you are at any one of them, have a cocktail at the Project Bar Lounge (above Sirocco) and just wallow in the spectacular views.

• Bazala is a newish kid on the block situated at the Waterfront. If you are a tourist, quite apart from the scrumptious fare which is exactly the touted "truly authentic South African experience", the decor and menu are totally African too. The intro to the menu sums up the essence of Bazala: "For those who 'smaak' (like) food, kiff (cool) dop, 'schweet tunes' and lank (loads of) cool vibes… this is the place. Pull into our 'sharp pozzie' (nice place) and check out our traditional fusion 'chow' (food) and local 'puza' (drinks). There is something for every 'smaak' (taste). It's going to be a 'lekker jol' (good time)."

Some starters are served on a shovel, and an African cooking pot called a "potjie" is used to serve various dishes like oxtail, lamb, beans. Crocodile strips, boerie (sausage) rolls and malva krimpvarkies (Lamingtons) are just some of the South African treats. This restaurant is a winner with foreign tourists, but also a warm and fuzzy experience for locals.

Learn South African slang words explained at the back of the menu like "shap-shap" which means something is sharp and fine. You will be "chuffed" (pleased with yourself) for eating here!

• Cruise Café next to the estuary presents diners with a soothing yet sophisticated ambience, graced by lots of blond wood, sepia-coloured alcoves and enlarged nautical photographs. Enjoy specialty coffees and classy cocktails on the lagoon deck with superb views, or sample the delightful breakfasts, healthy lunches and mouthwatering dinners from a fine selection of menu items.

• On the beach and out in the country, some daytime options are Totties Farm Kitchen which takes you on a lovely drive out to Rheenendal to a popular family country restaurant which has a kiddies play area.

• Flippin Knys at the Goukamma Station on the Buffalo Bay road serves breakfast, lunch and coffee and is great for pancakes. It’s very child-friendly with outdoor seating in the garden, which the old railway line runs through.

• Buffalo Bay beach restaurant looks over the beach and bathing area so you can spend the day on the beach, but have lunch, good pizzas, in your cozzie (bathing suit) on the wooden deck.

• Butterfly Blu restaurant in Brenton is perched on a dune top with beautiful panoramic sea views, making it one of the most idyllic restaurants in Knysna with excellent food, an outdoor/indoor deck, lounge areas, cocktail bar, and a contemporary interior. Directly below the restaurant is a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach and rolling dunes covered in vegetation. The setting is perfect to enjoy a rosy sunset after a stroll on the beach.

• Ocean Basket is South Africa's favourite chain of seafood restaurants and there is one at the Waterfront including a Spur.

• On the rocks is East Head Cafe – more than just a cafe or coffee shop, it is a local landmark where family and friends have a good time with fabulous food. Situated on the rocks of the Eastern Head, this restaurant has the most spectacular view looking directly through the Knysna Heads.

Coffee shops
Indulge in delicious full English breakfasts and scrumptious light lunches under the shade of ancient fig trees at the Leisure Island Coffee Shop. Other coffee shops in town include African Bean on Main Road, The Daily, Avopomme and Cafe Knysna in Woodmill Lane and Lunar Cafe at the Village Mall.