Port Elizabeth
Treat yourself to a series of dainty tacos and enchiladas at this casual, postage-stamp-sized spot in trendy Richmond Hill. The tapas menu is a steal, and…
Must-see restaurants in South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini (Swaziland)
Garden Route
This elegant place in a century-old house is one of Mossel Bay's swankiest dining options. Try the seafood potjie (stew) or the fillet steak topped with…
Cape Town
Feel-good food from farm to plate is on offer at this laid-back, tastefully turned out and oh-so-trendy neighbourhood cafe. Try their all-day breakfast…
Durban
Serving vegetarian Indian food, including bunny chow, this is a long-running spot for a tasty inner-city lunch. There's also a branch in Umhlanga, but…
Stellenbosch
A cosy, charming restaurant within a boutique hotel. The menu is small but features some traditional dishes and lots of locally sourced goodies – the…
Stellenbosch
Off Rte 44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, this is a long-established restaurant, best known for its dry aged beef. There's plenty of other meat…
Cape Town
Order a coffee and sandwich at this charming cafe with street-side tables amid the daily flea market. Upstairs is a lovely quiet space in which to surf…
Knysna
Inside, it’s a stylish place to dine on sushi, steak and seafood; outside, it’s a laid-back bar with wood-fired pizzas and a range of Mitchell’s beers…
The Wild Coast
Off the main drag, this popular shack serves wood-fired pizzas with predictably wacky names, eaten with fingers and accompanied by sweeping beach views…
Cape Town
Pause at this convivial gourmet deli on your way from climbing up or down Table Mountain or Lion’s Head. The French toast with grilled banana is yummy,…
eSwatini (Swaziland)
With gourmet sandwiches, comfy couches, good coffee, cold beer and a deck offering fine Mbabane views, eDish is a worthy place to spend an hour. Best of…
Plettenberg Bay
Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a freshly baked pastry in the courtyard or on the balcony overlooking Plett's main road. There's also a small lunch menu,…
Garden Route
Although no trains ply the tracks any more, this cafe filling the old station building is still a nice spot for salads and sandwiches. In the evenings,…
The Wild Coast
This funky restaurant has a fabulous view of Second Beach and the sea, and an eclectic menu that includes a recommended mezze platter, delicious shwarma,…
Limpopo
A pretty garden setting, a range of snacks and international dishes such as burgers and consistently good reviews from travellers – Seringa is a fine…
Franschhoek
Serves original dishes inspired by the Cape's varied cultures and using herbs from the on-site indigenous garden. A handy glossary on the menu helps you…
Eastern Cape
This popular venue, in a quaint, A-frame house with a lovely, shady outdoor eating section, serves flavoursome veggie dishes, breakfasts, salads, pizzas,…
Cape Town
You can always rely on this atmospheric Turkish joint that’s a little piece of Istanbul in Cape Town. Make a meal out of their delicious meze, both hot…
Western Cape
An eclectic menu featuring African meat with Asian influences is served in an intimate candlelit setting. Among the more unusual offerings are crocodile…
Hermanus
Based within the plush Marine hotel, the focus here is perfectly prepared seafood dishes, plus a few meaty options and some enticing desserts.
KwaZulu-Natal
The best burgers in the South Coast are served in this large, airy restaurant in Ramsgate. If you come for breakfast make sure to treat yourself to one of…
Knysna
Restaurants seem to come and go in Knysna, but this pizza joint has been around a while. You'll also find burgers, pasta and some salads, plus a pleasant…
Western Cape
Based in an old fishing cottage, this local favourite has a menu that showcases local, seasonal ingredients. It's best known for seafood, though the lamb…
Lesotho
Hotel restaurant serving salads, steaks, burgers, good pizzas and more elaborate dishes, such as chicken with peppers in white-wine sauce.
Franschhoek
Based in the grounds of the church, this market has a real country fete vibe. Shop for crafts and lunch on a range of light dishes, or buy a bag of…
Cape Town
Bollywood chic rules at this colourful South Indian culinary outpost serving decent dosas (lentil pancakes) and thalis (set meals with a variety of…
Cape Town
Free range chicken roasted to juicy perfection and served with home-made gravy and a full range of sides. Eat within the historic surrounds of Heritage…
Port Elizabeth
Occupying a former workshop, this cheery cafe has a high-quality menu. Choices run from excellent salads and wraps to a variety of burgers and sandwiches…
Limpopo
The village pub has a warm country atmosphere made even better by a new beer garden. Decent pub menu and braai (barbecue) options are available; venison…
Sunshine Coast
Seafood and grills, available on hefty platters, are served alongside sweeping harbour views and arty, nautical-themed decor. Locals rave about the…
Stellenbosch
There’s an interesting menu and an extensive wine list with more than 500 choices. Around 20 wines are available by the glass and tastings are available …
KwaZulu-Natal
The perfect place to eat your way through a hot afternoon, under a canopy of lush coastal forest. Feast on fabulous homemade cakes or a range of healthy…
Garden Route
On the water's edge, this is one of the best places in town for a sundowner. Sushi and oysters are on the menu alongside a selection of cocktails (R40 to…
Western Cape
The chalkboard menu changes often, but always features no-nonsense dishes like rump steak, lamb shank and curries, largely created with local, organic…
Hermanus
Tucked away in a side street, this is a local hang-out lauded for its excellent coffee, fresh salads and sandwiches plus a range of tasty cakes baked on…
Durban
Lunch spots don't come any more unlikely than this – a cafe tacked onto a betting shop. But the bunnies here are legendary and, indeed, award-winning.
Winelands
Grab a table under the trees and enjoy an unfussy lunch of wood-fired pizza or roast pork belly with views of the vineyards, town and mountains beyond.
Garden Route
Part of the Protea Hotel, this bright bistro has an extensive menu featuring seafood, steaks, sushi and pizza.
KwaZulu-Natal
A patio with peaceful sea views makes this restaurant worth the visit alone. The menu is basic bistro fare, but locals rave about the pizzas.
KwaZulu-Natal
Casual, friendly Fat Cat is a nice, open spot tucked away off the main drag. Breakfast is recommended, especially the Mediterranean Surprise.
