The African Voyager

Garden Route, South Africa

Rise and chow: the Garden Route’s 5 best breakfast spots

Southern Africa • Eat & drink • Rise and chow: the Garden Route’s 5 best breakfast spots

Start your day right at these breakfast spots along the Garden Route

Breakfast is the meal that fuels adventure and along the Garden Route, it’s served with creativity and care. This stretch of South Africa’s coastline, known for its stunning landscapes and laid-back charm, is also home to some unique breakfast spots. These spots know how to impress with not only a good breakfast but also stunning settings – many with impressive views! We’ve handpicked some of the best spots to make sure your mornings get the perfect beginning as you soak in the region’s beauty. Let’s dig into the standout breakfast destinations that deserve a spot on your itinerary.

Nest Food Bar

Nest Food Bar manages to strike that delicate balance between trendy and chill – perfect if you’re looking to enjoy a laid-back vibe and a really good breakfast. Their poached eggs on sourdough, paired with tangy hollandaise and a side of local smoked salmon – simply delicious. The avocado smash, sprinkled with dukkah and paired with a side of perfectly grilled mushrooms, is also a hit. Need a caffeine boost? Their baristas whip up excellent flat white! Plus, its location inside The Lofts means you’re just steps away from exploring Thesen Island’s charming boutiques after enjoying your meal. Call it a breakfast win-win.

Nest Food Bar
The Boatshed
Long St
Thesen Island
Knysna
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Nest Food Bar

101 Meade Street Restaurant

101 Meade Street Restaurant, housed in a beautifully restored building, has gained a cult following for its precision in the kitchen wrapped in a cool, contemporary atmosphere. We love how effortlessly they bring together European elegance and South African heart with their award-winning interior design, featuring warm wood tones and African artworks. The standout on their menu is the brioche French toast, crowned with mascarpone, local honey and a medley of seasonal fruits. If you’re not in a rush, check out their drinks selection – craft gins and local wines that double as the perfect partner for their tapas-style dishes if breakfast flows into brunch. And trust us, that happens easily here.

101 Meade Street Restaurant
101 Meade St
George
South Africa

Photography courtesy of 101 Meade Street Restaurant

The Sanctuary Restaurant

Overlooking Plettenberg Bay’s shimmering waters, The Sanctuary Restaurant offers breakfast with a view. Whether seated indoors or on the terrace, the calming ocean backdrop is a key part of the experience. This spot combines upscale dining with a relaxed coastal feel, making it a local favourite and a must-visit for anyone travelling along the Garden Route. The eggs benedict, served on buttery croissants instead of traditional English muffins, is a winner. Pair your meal with a cup of amazing coffee, brewed from local beans – a perfect pairing for the salty sea air.

The Sanctuary Restaurant
9 Main St
Plettenberg Bay
South Africa

Photography courtesy of The Sanctuary Restaurant

Sandwich Shack

If you’re craving breakfast simplicity done right, Sandwich Shack in Knysna is your answer. Walking into this little gem, you’re hit with the unmistakable smell of fresh coffee and freshly baked bread – an aroma that immediately tells you good things are coming. Their signature breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon and a touch of spicy mayo on freshly baked sourdough bread hits all the right notes. And why stop at breakfast? Weekend doughnuts are kind of their thing and they’ll absolutely steal your heart. The Sandwich Shack’s casual setup feels welcoming and laid-back, making it an ideal stop if you’re on the go. Sometimes, simple hits the spot and Sandwich Shack in Knysna delivers just that.

Sandwich Shack
Shop 1
11 Gray St
Knysna
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Sandwich Shack

Jack’s Bagels

Jack’s Bagels in George is a standout spot on the local food scene. It’s a part of the Jack’s Bagels brand, which was founded by Jack Liddle, an entrepreneur with a passion for bagels and creating comfortable spaces for people to enjoy quality food. Over the years, Jack’s Bagels has expanded across the Western Cape, becoming known for its fresh, hand-rolled bagels and inviting atmosphere. Wooden furniture, warm lighting and light splashes of green décor create a relaxed environment to enjoy your breakfast. As the name would suggest, we obviously recommend having one of their bagels for breakfast. Our favourite is the Morning Sunshine bagel, filled with creamy scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and a touch of dill cream cheese. The toppings are always generous and pairing them with a solid cup of coffee makes for a breakfast combo that hits all the right notes.