The African Voyager

Garden Route, South Africa

Knysna’s 5 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)

Southern Africa • Eat & drink • Knysna’s 5 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)

A guide to Knysna’s best restaurants and their signature dishes

Knysna’s restaurants are as much about the experience as they are about the food. In this coastal town along the Garden Route, dining feels intentional – crafted with care, shaped by the seasons and steeped in local charm. Local chefs work with what’s around them – ocean-fresh seafood, seasonal greens and a creative spark that never seems to dim. We’ve hand-picked these restaurants because they offer not only innovative dishes but also stunning settings and dining experiences that are sure to charm you into falling in love with this little coastal town.

Nest Food Bar

Set on the edge of the Knysna Lagoon within The Lofts Boutique Hotel, Nest Food Bar has quickly become a go-to waterside foodie destination. Nest Food Bar’s interior is a mix of modern and natural elements, with light, airy tones and an open layout that maximizes the scenic views of the surrounding Knysna Lagoon. Soft lighting, hanging plants and earthy accents, including minimalistic wooden tables and chairs, add warmth and texture to the space. The menu is just as impressive as the interior, offering innovative meals from the land and sea. Our favourite meals include the Malaysian Seafood Laksa, a seafood medley with coconut broth served with noodles and the Nest Steak served with rocket, parmesan shavings, horseradish cream, truffle oil and sea salt.

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

Photography courtesy of Nest Food Bar

Butterfly Blu Restaurant

Located atop a dune in Brenton-on-Sea, Butterfly Blu Restaurant offers some of the most spectacular ocean views you’ll find in Knysna. It’s the only beachfront restaurant in the area and its setting alone makes it a bucket-list stop on the Garden Route. The restaurant’s contemporary design features both indoor and outdoor seating, including a deck and lounge areas that seamlessly blend with the coastal landscape. Seafood, naturally, is a star here – their freshly prepared mussels, prawns and calamari are all delicious. We couldn’t resist their seafood platter, a feast of all these perfectly grilled catches, accompanied by a bottle of local Sauvignon Blanc – a standout seafood dinner experience!

Butterfly Blu Restaurant
198 State President C R Swart Rd
Brenton-on-Sea
Knysna
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Butterfly Blu Restaurant

Bao Wow

If you are craving Asian-inspired street food, Bao Wow is a must-visit. Specializing in steamed bao buns with a variety of fillings, this eatery brings a taste of the East to Knysna. Bright colours and minimalist decor create a fresh, inviting ambience, perfect for a casual bite. Some of the standout dishes include the crispy chilli tofu bao – if you are vegan, you will love this one – and the sticky mushroom rice bowl, which combines rich umami flavours with a satisfying texture. The fried chicken and pork belly bao buns are our favourites – it’s more traditional, yet creatively prepared with some innovative ingredients and beautifully presented.

Bao Wow
The Foundation
53 Main Rd
Knysna
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Bao Wow

Île de Païn

Île de Païn is a European-style bakery and café that has become a staple in Knysna. Famed for its artisanal bread, pastries and creative menu, this charming eatery will pull you in once you get a whiff of the warm, freshly baked bread. The ambience is warm and welcoming and light filters through open windows, warming the long wooden tables that invite lingering. Trying the artisanal bread is a no-brainer but for a more substantial meal, you have to try their house speciality – the crispy confit duck leg with hot sesame sushi rice cakes, five spice bbq gel, nastergal (South African wild berry) and Asian salad.

Île de Païn
The Boatshed
Long St
Thesen Island
Knysna
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Île de Païn

Sirocco

Situated on the water’s edge of Knysna’s trendy Thesen Harbour Town, Sirocco is evocatively named after the warm wind that blows across the Mediterranean. The atmosphere and menu here surely reflect Mediterranean influences. The setting at Sirocco is nothing short of spectacular. With outdoor seating that overlooks the serene Knysna Lagoon, you can enjoy your meals while taking in stunning sunset views. This is also a great spot to enjoy one of their signature cocktails, paired with sushi crafted by their master sushi chef of course! Seafood is definitely the go-to at this spot, we think their sushi is delicious but their signature seafood paella is also a must-try dish.