Kay & Monty

At the end of the Redford Road is the newest addition to the growing Plett wine route — Kay & Monty. The oversized tasting room, housed in a former orchid greenhouse, opens up onto rolling hills alongside a tranquil dam. Large tables with benches spill from inside on to the wraparound deck. Platters are for sharing, and the Monty steak is always a favourite. Don’t let the state of the road deter you.

Open Tuesday to Sunday
Redford Road, The Crags
044 534 8387
kayandmonty.com


Veg Table

Discovering Brett Garvie’s Veg Table is like unearthing a prized truffle deep in the forests of Rheenendal. The 16-seater is open only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and is understandably booked-up until June 2017. If, however, you manage to get a cancellation spot, jump to it. As Garvie says, it’s more like being in someone’s private dining room than a restaurant.

Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Pecan nut orchard, Mermaid’s Rest Farm, 5.7km along the Rheenendal Road
074 833 9516
vegtable.co.za 


East Head Café

East Head Café is everything it should be — stripped white interiors, a great deck with a superb view of the West Head, a kids’ play area, and the best fish and chips available on the Garden Route. This is not just slapped-out seafood fare, but the freshest local fish, plated with care, and served with swiftness. There is also an extensive cocktail menu, with exciting local artisanal gin varieties.

Open daily; closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
25 George Rex Drive, Knysna
044 384 0933
eastheadcafe.co.za 


Le Fournil Bakery

There’s been a lot of speculation about the relocation of Plett’s iconic bakery, Le Fournil, but the happy news is it’s no longer going anywhere. This institution, housed in the Lookout Centre, serves freshly baked bread and pastries from dawn to dusk, plus light meals and treats to take away. Truth coffee is on offer, plus a to-die-for almond croissant that’s undeniably worth the calorie count.

Open daily
Lookout Centre, Main Street
044 533 1390
lefournildeplett 


Kaai 4

Hard to believe, but Mossel Bay is becoming home to more and international families looking for a seaside lifestyle that’s easily commutable. Sean Magannon runs the established Kaai4 beach restaurant. The shell-free mussel pot is legendary, as is his authentic roosterkoek.

Open daily
Mossel Bay Harbour
044 691 0056
kaai4.co.za


Mosselbay Oyster Bar

The Mosselbay Oyster Bar is enviably set in the harbour. Service can be a bit slow, but if you have time, the sushi and oysters are fresh, and don’t miss out on the local wines from Jakkalsvlei.

Open daily
Quay 4, Mossel Bay Harbour
044 333 0202
mosselbayoysterbar.co.za 


Ile de Pain

Knysna’s Ile de will be open for the season. Following 2015’s fire and a full refurbishment by local architect Chris Mulder (of Turbine Hotel fame), the cult Thesen Island eatery has been welcoming guests from late November. Alongside established classics — such as the massive Companio, a wheat and rye sourdough — there is also a new menu.

Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed on Christmas Day, the Day of Goodwill, and New Year’s Day
10 The Boat Shed, Long Street, Knysna
044 302 5707
iledepain.co.za

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