In this edition of The Travel Enhancer, we’re taking a closer look at the food spots worth the detour on your next mini-break or weekend getaway from Cape Town.
Overberg
Bientangs – Hermanus
This International award-winning destination venue is the most unique restaurant setting in the world. Created out of an authentic, cave previously inhabited by a Koi Strandloper of the same name, the restaurant spills out onto the oceans rocks of Walker Bay in Hermanus, where Whale Watching is the preferred local pass-time.
Still a firm favourite for the best whale watching with lunch spot in Hermanus. Miles
The Burgundy – Hermanus
Burgundy Restaurant overlooks the Hermanus Old Harbour and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
The Burgundy is always a safe bet and the location is prime. Maurice
Casa Cello Restaurant – Stanford
Discover Casa Cello, the premier dining destination at Stanford Hills Estate. Led by acclaimed chef Jose Marinho, Casa Cello offers an exquisite menu of Portuguese-inspired dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re joining us for breakfast or lunch, Casa Cello combines fresh, seasonal ingredients with innovative culinary creations, making every meal a memorable experience.
Casa Cello Restaurant is a family favourite, we associate it with time spent away as a family. It’s a place we go back to each year and we are never disappointed! Frances
Embers – Hermanus
Ridiculously good thin crust pizza and amazing views of the mountains , in old town Hermanus central ! Proud supporter of local wine and beer makers.
Oh my word, what excellent pizza! Thin crust, lots of wonderful ingredients, including proper mozzarella, to choose from. For me, the best vegetarian, non-cheese pizza I have had for years! The service is so welcoming too! We will be returning! Lesley
Ficks Pool Restaurant
Ficks’s food is social, tapas-style dining designed for sharing. It takes inspiration from pinchos, the small-sized dishes typically served on a skewer.
Undoubtedly the trendiest spot to hang-out in Hermanus! Rachel
Le Chalet – Fisherhaven
Fine dining in a wooden chalet with a beautiful view of the lagoon.
Beautifully presented food which tastes as delicious as it looks.
Chef Louis explains each dish and if you give him warning before you come, he can cater to all allergies and dietary requirements. Lesley
Newton Johnson – Hemel en Aarde
The Restaurant is a Modern and Ethical eatery where we bring the freshest of local ingredients to the plate. Our main goal is to set a relaxed atmosphere.
Restaurant at Newton Johnson is very good with superb views. Maurice
Madre- Stanford
Madré is situated in the beautiful country side of Stanford, Western Cape. Here you will find a country kitchen producing a delicious array of freshly prepared foods for the soul.
We love to spend time with friends and family over lunch at Madre’s. This is an elegant but down-to-earth restaurant. The menu changes frequently and there is always something fresh and inspiring on offer. Pen
Moggs Cookhouse – Hemel en Aarde
This restaurant rose to success with its frequently changing menu which combines the best of country and Mediterranean cuisine.
My favourite is Mrs Moggs which is very rustic and unpretentious with good food in a lovely setting. Maurice
The Rock – Hermanus
The Rock is one of the best-loved destinations in Hermanus, offering spectacular 280-degree views over the New Harbour, Walker Bay and the Kleinrivier mountains.
The views across Walker Bay from this restaurant seem to go on for ever, just gorgeous, as is their seafood! Nick
Rupert’s Bistro – Greyton
Rupert’s Bistro in Greyton offers a seasonal blackboard menu. The food is British Modern with a Mediterranean twist.
We had a lovely dinner here! It was our second night in Greyton and our 5th restaurant experience. The menu is extensive, catering for all tastes. We had a pizza and a fish curry. Both were delicious and a good size. We tried the lemon curd meringue as well and it was delicious.
We will definitely return again! Lesley
The Pavilion at The Marine Hotel – Hermanus
The Pavilion at The Marine Hotel offers an elegant dining experience with breathtaking ocean views. This sophisticated restaurant showcases a menu inspired by fresh, seasonal ingredients, highlighting the finest local produce. Guests can enjoy expertly crafted dishes in a refined yet relaxed setting, making it the perfect destination for a memorable culinary journey.
Top of list is The Marine, very expensive and can be very sterile if half empty. Food excellent though. Maurice
https://www.themarinehotel.co.za/restaurants-bars/the-pavilion/
West Coast
Gaatjie – Paternoster
Situated in a former fisherman’s cottage right on the beach in Paternoster, this little gem is known for its smack-of-the-sea fish and seafood.
Gaatjie in Paternoster is excellent and we had lunch there 2 weekends ago. The consensus regarding Wolfgat reviews from friends have been a bit of a miss. Gaatjie yes, it is a seafood restaurant. The presentation was amazing and taste as well. Dionne
The Jetty Restaurant at Freyer’s Cove – Doringbaai
A wine tasting at the edge of the ocean next to an old factory is certainly a unique experience. Enjoying fresh seafood at Freyer’s Cove’s Jetty Restaurant is the most obvious next step to paradise.
Doringbaai is a bit of a drive from Cape Town, so probably a place to visit as part of a West Coast trip. It is, however, worth the tip. We absolutely loved this rustic fishing village with its rugged old jetty. One watches locals’ line-fishing off the jetty and knows that the seafood could literally not get fresher. Luci
Weskus Padstal (West Coast Farmstall) – Yzerfontein
Discover Weskus Padstal, a charming farm stall in Yzerfontein offering homemade preserves, hearty meals, and a delightful shopping experience.
For a real local vetkoek/braai brootjie there is a very ‘informal’ farm stall on West Coast Road that serves the most delicious babotie roosterkoek! OMG. Frances
Garden Route & Route 62
Ile de païn – Thesen Islands
Ile de païn is a buzzing café-style restaurant situated on Thesen Islands, surrounded by the picturesque Knysna Lagoon.
Ile de Painbeing our personal favourite breakfast and lunch spot. They have really fabulous bread and pastries for sale. It’s always busy so you need to go early to avoid the queue, but it is worth the wait! Lauren
Le Fournil De Plett Bakery and Café – Plettenberg Bay
Le Fournil is a slice of France in the heart of Plettenberg Bay. A place where the locals meet for breakfast and lunch.
The best coffees and pastries are at Le Fournil! Lindsay
Newstead Lund Family Vineyards – Plettenberg Bay
Limited quantities of artisan food is prepared daily at this family run winery. Enjoy winning wines & bubbles & infused craft cocktails in the vineyard.
Newstead is amazing, you cannot fault this place. Lindsay
Ristorante Enrico – Plettenberg Bay
An Italian restaurant that offers a beautiful view of the bay, and a kitchen serving up some of the freshest fish and original recipes created by Enrico himself.
The little gem is situated right on the rocks. The terrace of Enrico’s in Plettenberg Bay is a prime site for watching dolphins and whales with swooping views across the bay to Robberg. We love to visit this restaurant in the quieter months, because it is super popular! Lindsay
Saggy Stone Brewery – Robertson
Saggy Stone is a proudly South African craft brewery that offers a range of delicious & distinctively different craft beers. Offering wood-fired pizzas and burgers and other favourites.
Off a dirt road and great place to go. Frances
The Restaurant at Fairview House– Plettenberg
Fairview House is a family-owned boutique hotel situated on 68-acres of spectacular countryside, named for its exceptional views over the Tsitsikamma.
Fairveiw is absolutely stunning, although it is a little bit formal. The restaurant is set in a renovated luxurious Cape Dutch style homestead. We highly recommend this restaurant. Lindsay
The Bell Tavern – Belvedere
The Bell Tavern, Knysna’s smallest pub, is a charming and intimate establishment located on the site of the original Belvidere farmhouse.
The Bell Tavern is very quaint and one of our favourites, but can sometimes be slow. Make a booking because it’s a tiny place and hasn’t got a big seating capacity. Lauren
The Butterfly Blu – Brenton on Sea
The Butterfly Blu is a French styled seafood restaurant.
The Butterfly Blu restaurant is a great place to have a sundowner after a walk on the beach. The pizzas and seafood are great, there is something for everyone and it’s not too pricey…a perfect family restaurant. Lauren
Riverdeck – Buffelsbaai turnoff
Enjoy a lovely, lazy extended lunchtime… sip on long, lingering sundowners while gazing out over the deck soaking in the late afternoon setting sun, or simply stay for dinner and enjoy the tranquil night while savouring delicious dishes, lovingly prepared for you.
A holiday seldom goes by without a stop at Riverdeck, one of our favourite spots. This is a hidden gem where you can truly experience the laid-back Garden Route vibe. Lauren
We’d love to hear your road trip favourites—whether it’s a hidden gem eatery or a can’t-miss coffee stop. Got an area you want us to explore next?