Along the beautiful coastline of the Garden Route, sits Plettenberg Bay a town renowned for its breathtaking views incredible beaches and great restaurants that will leave you coming back time and time again. This coastal town is a must if you are travelling along the garden route to or from Cape Town, it boasts a large selection of restaurants, from cosy cafes to elegant fine dining establishments and beachside hotspots. So are you on your way to Plettenberg Bay? Here are our picks for the top restaurants in Plettenberg Bay you must visit.
Table of Contents
The list below is in no particular order. Each entry is equally celebrated for their achievements, and the sequence of names is arbitrary, not indicating any ranking or preference.
The Lookout Deck 🐬
Overlooking Lookout Beach in Plettenberg Bay, The Lookout Restaurant and Deck is where beach vibes meet fantastic food. Locals and tourists flock here for its seafood paradise and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Imagine feasting on locally sourced prawns, oysters, and crayfish, or digging into hearty meat dishes, pizzas, and refreshing salads, all while soaking up the incredible views of the coastline. Their menu has the classics like Eggs Benedict and the Snack Platter they also have a selection of delicious burgers. And don’t miss their Cape Malay Mutton Curry and Seared Tuna Salad they’re divine! and if you have a sweet tooth Wrap up your meal with homemade Cheesecake or the luscious Pavlova Jubilee.
Thirsty? They’ve got you covered with a lineup of fine wines, beers, and cocktails like Margaritas and Daiquiris and Milkshakes. Downstairs offers a chill and classy vibe, perfect for a relaxed evening of good eats with breathtaking ocean views. So whether you’re looking for a great spot to grab a bite to eat or to celebrate a special moment, The Lookout is your go-to spot for a memorable dining experience by the sea.
The Lookout Deck Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 9 am to 10 pm
Address: Hill St, Lookout Beach, Plettenberg Bay, 6600
Website: https://lookout.co.za/
Contact Number: 044 533 1379
The Fat Fish 🐟
The Fat Fish, with locations in Plettenberg Bay and George, is your go-to destination for seafood that promises not just great food but a memorable experience. They’ve got something for everyone, specializing in fresh seafood, tapas, and mouthwatering sushi. Their commitment to quality service shines through in every aspect, ensuring patrons a faultless dining affair. What sets them apart? Well, they’re not just about the food but about inclusivity. At their outdoor seating areas, your furry friends are welcome, embracing responsible pet ownership while considering fellow diners’ comfort.
Ever been caught in a power outage? Fear not! The Fat Fish keeps the good times rolling with generators, guaranteeing uninterrupted service even during load shedding. Planning an event? They’ve got you covered! From private parties to corporate gatherings, their detailed event planning services cater to diverse occasions, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. And wait, Saturdays are extra special! Dive into their Saturday Sushi Special and enjoy a 30% discount, making your weekend even more delicious. With a commitment to freshness, inclusivity, and exceptional service, The Fat Fish restaurant promises an experience you won’t forget.
The Fat Fish Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 pm to 10 pm
Address: Milkwood Centre, 22 Hopwood St, Plettenberg Bay, 6600
Website: https://www.thefatfish.co.za/
Contact Number: 044 533 4740
Nineteen 89 🍔
Nineteen 89, a distinguished fine dining spot in Plettenberg Bay, invites visitors to enjoy an exquisite dining experience with stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Located conveniently on Plett’s main road, this restaurant’s nostalgic yet modern interior exudes warmth, making guests feel right at home. With a menu that highlights South African cuisine, Nineteen 89 grabs your attention with standout dishes like the Paella Sirloin steak, flavorful Thai peanut curry, and the indulgent surf and turf burger. Noteworthy recommendations include the calamari peanut curry, wagyu beef carpaccio, popcorn cheesecake, and pistachio ice cream.
The restaurant’s bar offers an array of cocktails, soft drinks, and wines to complement the exquisite dishes. The attentive staff ensures exceptional service, catering to both locals and tourists seeking a remarkable dining experience. While the price range might lean higher (R190 to R470 per person), the overall quality of food, service, and ambience justifies Nineteen 89’s reputation as a premier restaurant in Plettenberg Bay. With outdoor seating, wheelchair accessibility, Wi-Fi, and parking available, Nineteen 89 is a top choice, promising an unforgettable restaurant experience for those seeking sophistication and flavour by the ocean’s edge.
Nineteen 89 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 11 am to 9 pm
Address: Upperdeck Centre, The, Main St, Plettenberg Bay, 6600
Contact Number: 079 165 3576
Surf Cafe 🏄♂️
At the heart of Plettenberg Bay’s social scene lies The Surf Cafe, a dynamic venue that seamlessly blends the vibes of a bar, restaurant, and live music hotspot. It’s all about creating an atmosphere where people can unwind, socialize, and enjoy a relaxed dining experience. Live music takes centre stage, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere that defines The Surf Cafe. As patrons enjoy the tunes, they’re treated to a delicious menu, emphasizing social dining with its large selection yet approachable food choices.
Adding zest to the experience, The Surf Cafe boasts a selection of tequilas, offering various ways to enjoy them, whether straight up or paired perfectly with a meal. It’s about fostering a laid-back yet engaging environment where every sip and bite contributes to an unforgettable social experience. Not just content with providing fantastic food and drinks, The Surf Cafe invites patrons to be a part of the experience by sharing their moments on Instagram using #SURF_CAFE. This engagement strategy encourages interaction and amplifies the cafe’s social media visibility, inviting others to join in and be a part of the vibrant community they’ve cultivated. So next time you’re in Plett be sure to check them out.
The Surf Cafe Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10:30 am to 1 am
Address: 10, Beacon Isle Centre, Pharos Ave &, Beacon Isle Dr, Piesang Valley, Plettenberg Bay, 6600
Website: https://www.surfcafeplett.com/
Contact Number: 044 533 6801
Nguni Restaurant 🍛
Nguni Restaurant located in the middle of Plettenberg Bay, is housed within one of the town’s historic structures that was once a dairy dating back over a century. This gem fuses nostalgia with creativity, presenting a South African menu that’s both traditional and artistically reinvented. Freshness is the key at Nguni, where locally sourced produce takes centre stage to ensure maximum flavour in every dish. With a comfortable capacity for 120 guests, the dining experience offers a charming courtyard for relaxed lunches and an exquisitely appointed restaurant for elegant fine dining. But Nguni offers more than just an exceptional meal; they extend their expertise through catering services, crafting memorable events, whether it’s a lively party, a beautiful wedding, or home-cooked meals delivered to preferred venues.
Led by the passionate duo, Jacqui and Natalie, the team at Nguni Restaurant cherishes South African cuisine and its flavours, as echoed in glowing customer reviews praising their delicious food, innovative dishes, and warm service. Beyond their culinary prowess, Nguni shares the captivating story of the Nguni cattle, delving into the historical and cultural significance of these indigenous treasures within South Africa, especially in Zulu heritage. This narrative adds depth and richness to the overall experience, making Nguni Restaurant a unique experience you won’t want to miss.
Nguni Restaurant Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 12 pm to 10 pm and Saturday 6 pm to 10 pm
Address: 6 Crescent St, Plettenberg Bay, 6600
Website: https://nguni-restaurant.co.za/
Contact Number: 044 533 6710
The Sanctuary Restaurant – Plettenberg Bay 🍳
At The Sanctuary Restaurant, it’s all about creating a cosy gathering spot where friends and families can enjoy fantastic food and good times. With locations in Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay, it’s the perfect blend of nostalgia, local tastes, and innovative dishes that make every meal memorable. Located on Kloof Street in Cape Town, this place dishes out homely yet modern cuisine crafted from locally sourced goodies. Plus, their rooftop pool offers killer views of Table Mountain, setting the scene for a relaxing vibe. Over in Plettenberg Bay, on Main Street, The Sanctuary captures the essence of the coast, serving up local flavours with a dash of history. It’s more than a meal; it’s a passionate celebration of this paradise by the sea.
What about their menus? they have a breakfast menu which includes classics like eggs benedict and a full English breakfast, the lunch and dinner menu adds a modern twist and features the freshest local ingredients that make every bite delicious from fresh salads to a wide variety of starters and main courses. But hold up! It’s not just about eating. The Sanctuary knows how to throw a party with wine pairings, art shows, and live jazz! Their calendar is always buzzing with something fun. Are you booking a table? its Easy-peasy! Just hop online, whether you’re heading to Cape Town or Plettenberg Bay, and get ready for a dining experience that’s cosy, tasty, and full of good vibes.
The Sanctuary Restaurant Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 7 am to 10 pm
Address: 9 Main St, Plettenberg Bay, 6600
Website: https://thesanctuaryrestaurant.co.za/
Contact Number: 044 004 0309
Barrington’s Plettenberg Bay 🐏
Barrington’s Plett isn’t just a restaurant, it’s an entire experience that blends a dining hotspot, bakery, and terrace into one charming destination. From breakfast to dinner, it’s a journey through a distinctive South African approach to smokehouse cuisine, resonating authentically with the locale. As the day unfolds, Barrington’s welcomes diners with a terrace overlooking the Klein Piesang river bank, offering a serene breakfast setting adorned with freshly baked pastries, cakes, and tarts straight from their bakery. Inside, the ambience is a cosy mix of brass, leather, sheepskin, and wood finishes, complete with an inviting fireplace that adds to the sophisticated warmth.
The menu is a celebration of slow-cooked, smoked free-range meats and veggies paired with regional ingredients, alongside homemade pickles, preserves, and delicious chutneys. And let’s not forget the homemade bread, innovative desserts, and fresh garden salads, a testament to their commitment to using locally sourced produce, looking for a place to have a private gathering? Barrington’s got you covered, offering event arrangements for those seeking a special touch. From early-morning breakfasts to late-night bar vibes, Barrington’s Plett thrives on delivering an authentic, artisanal, and locally resonant experience, making every visit a flavorful journey through South African culinary traditions.
Barrington’s Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 8 am to 9 pm
Address: Erf 2104 Piesang Valley Rd, Piesang Valley, Plettenberg Bay, 6600
Website: https://www.barringtonsplett.co.za/the-restaurant/
Contact Number: 044 050 3767
Moby’s 🏖️
Perched along Central Beach in Plettenberg Bay, Mobys Seafood Grill and Deck is more than a restaurant, it’s a slice of paradise. With sweeping views of the bay, Robberg Peninsula, and the majestic Tsitsikamma Mountains, it’s the ultimate spot for dolphin and whale spotting while you dine. Henk and Di Visser’s brainchild, Mobys, began as a cosy tearoom in ’92 and has since blossomed into an iconic international hotspot. Despite facing challenges like COVID-19, fires, and floods, Mobys holds dear memories and heartwarming experiences. Their menu is full of flavours everything from meat, pasta, seafood, and fish galore! You can mix and match your platters or dive into specially crafted ones, perfectly paired with an array of fine wines. And let’s not forget their daily specials like Thursday’s burger bonanza and Sunday’s seafood fiesta!
Mobys isn’t just about food; it’s about inclusivity! They cater to various tastes, whipping up vegan-friendly versions of their veggie dishes. Plus, there’s a dog-friendly deck, wheelchair-accessible sections, and even WiFi! Kids can run around on the beach area while you kick back and take in the view. But what truly sets Mobys apart? It’s the laughter-filled moments, the shared joy, and the promise of crafting unforgettable memories against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. Here, happiness reigns supreme!
Moby’s Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 9 am to 9 pm
Address: Central Beach, Hopwood St, Plettenberg Bay, 6600
Website: http://mobydicks.co.za/
Contact Number: 044 533 3682
Roadside Cafe Plettenberg Bay 🥓
Tucked away in Plettenberg Bay, the Roadside Cafe isn’t your typical spot, it’s the town’s favourite hangout! the cosy wooden interiors, a chilled-out outdoor area, and views that’ll steal your breath away are just a few reasons to check them out. Ranked as Plettenberg Bay’s top cafe, it’s the go-to for families, couples, and solo diners. Have you got kids? They’ve got a farm and play area for them. Now, let’s talk food! Get ready for mouthwatering braai steaks, vegan burgers, and crumbed calamari wraps that taste like pure heaven. Oh, and their cakes and scones? Divine!
They’ve also got drinks to satisfy every mood, soft sips, cocktails, wines, and the must-try Dirty Chai. But what makes this spot special? The fantastic service and the chill vibe! Customers can’t stop raving about those fries and the overall laid-back feel. And guess what? You won’t break the bank here! With prices up to R190 per person, you’ve got a menu loaded with goodies, poultry, salads, seafood, steaks, cakes, and French toast. From breakfast through dinner, the Roadside Cafe offers affordable, tasty eats in a relaxed atmosphere with a killer view. It’s the local gem that everyone’s buzzing about!
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 8:30 am to 4 pm and Sunday 8:30 am to 3 pm
Address: 4 Piesang Valley Rd, Plettenberg Bay, 6600
Contact Number: 084 727 1777
The Lemon Grass Seaside Restaurant 🦗
Located on Lookout Beach, Lemon Grass Seaside Restaurant & Beach Bar is a true feast for the senses. Its prime location offers breathtaking panoramic views, from the lagoon to the majestic Tsitsikamma mountain range. From Monday to Saturday, starting at 6 pm, Lemon Grass serves up a tasty dinner service. But the magic starts earlier at 4 pm on the Lagoon Deck, where you can unwind with sundowners and tasty snacks amidst the stunning scenery.
When it comes to their menu, variety is the name of the game. They’ve got something for everyone, from drinks like speciality cocktails to beer, delectable food options, and a well-curated wine list. The restaurant’s open-air terraced design beautifully integrates with the natural beauty that surrounds it, creating a vibe that’s as inviting as the views. For those hungry for more details or eager to get in touch, a quick visit to their website will provide a peek into their offerings. If you’re in Plettenberg Bay and looking for a treat, Lemon Grass Seaside Restaurant & Beach Bar is the spot to visit.
Opening Hours: Monday to Tuesday 4 pm to 10 pm, Wednesday 6 pm to 10 pm and Thursday to Saturday 4 pm to 10 pm
Address: Salmack Rd, Plettenberg Bay, 6600
Website: https://lemongrassrestaurant.co.za/
Contact Number: 044 533 0420
Plettenberg Bay has quite a few restaurants to choose from, with each establishment offering something unique from seaside eateries to fine dining restaurants, each restaurant mentioned here offers the best Plettenberg Bay experience, Whether seeking fresh seafood, innovative cuisine, or homestyle comforts, Plettenberg Bay’s restaurants promise incredible views, awesome food and welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts exploring the Garden Route.
Haha shocking.
Cafe’s better than Enrico’s and Ice Dreamland?