Garden Route, South Africa

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

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

Savour the flavours of Plettenberg Bay at these top restaurants

Plettenberg Bay, located on the Garden Route, may be famous for its beaches and natural beauty, but its dining scene is just as impressive. Here you’ll find breweries that double as gourmet hotspots, sleek eateries serving reimagined classics and restaurants tucked away on scenic estates, blending a love for food with a sense of place. We’ve explored the town’s top eateries to bring you the standout destinations that will have you planning your next meal before you’ve even finished the last bite. We’ve handpicked Plett’s top spots to eat, drink and linger a little longer. If you’re ready to take your taste buds on a journey through one of South Africa’s most vibrant culinary destinations, these are the restaurants you won’t want to miss.

The Palms Plett

Located in Plettenberg Bay, The Palms Plett offers a dining experience that’s both relaxed and refined. Step inside and you’re greeted by a soothing palette of soft whites and muted greens, accented by lush potted palms and rattan furniture that channel a laid-back, island-inspired vibe. The menu is as carefully curated as the decor, with signature dishes that focus on fresh, local ingredients. Don’t miss the citrus-cured kingklip served with a delicate fennel salad and the decadent slow-cooked lamb shank, paired perfectly with a glass from their boutique wine list. The cocktail menu is equally impressive – our favourites include the passionfruit mojito and their Palms Negroni. We love unwinding on their rooftop during the golden hour, cocktail in hand, as the sun sets over the bay.

The Palms Plett
31 Main St
Plettenberg Bay
South Africa

Photography courtesy of The Palms Plett

The Fat Fish

If seafood is your thing, The Fat Fish in Plettenberg Bay will hit all the right notes. Located just steps from Central Beach, with sweeping views of the ocean and the distant Tsitsikamma mountains, this is one of those rare spots where the location and the food seem to be in constant competition for your attention. Spoiler alert – the food wins, but just barely. The menu showcases the freshest ocean catches with imaginative flavours. Their signature grilled calamari, drizzled in a zesty lemon and herb butter, is one of our favourites, while the seafood curry, fragrant with coconut and spices, is also a must-try.

The Fat Fish
Milkwood Centre
22 Hopwood St
Plettenberg Bay
South Africa

Photography courtesy of The Fat Fish

Barrington’s

Barrington’s is Plettenberg Bay’s first craft brewery, it’s a space where the art of brewing and the passion for great food come together beautifully. This boutique brewery and eatery effortlessly blend upscale design with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. The building has a striking modern farmhouse aesthetic: high, vaulted ceilings, warm wood finishes and an abundance of natural light spilling through expansive windows. The interior feels thoughtfully curated, with polished stone, sleek metals and soft textile features that create an atmosphere both elegant and approachable. Their Barrington’s Burger, with its hoisin-glazed mushrooms and rich hollandaise, is a menu staple, but don’t overlook the smaller plates like the house-made pork dumplings. Every bite pairs beautifully with their on-site craft beers, brewed just steps from your table.

Barrington’s
Piesang Valley Rd
Plettenberg Bay
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Barrington’s

Zoox

Set on the idyllic Telluric Wine Estate, Zoox pairs a contemporary dining experience with the tranquillity of nature. The design is minimalist yet inviting – slate floors, crisp white walls and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the shimmering Bitou River and the expansive Rhone Hill Polo fields. But let’s talk about the food – because this menu doesn’t hold back. The chef here cooks up classic dishes with innovation, using only the best locally sourced ingredients. Here you have to try some of their thin-based pizzas or opt for something on the meaty side like their very popular Wagyu burgers and ribeye steaks. Their wine-tasting sessions are also a treat, featuring the estate’s own blends paired with curated bites that showcase the flavours of the region.

Zoox
Telluric Wine Estate
Rietvlei Rd
Plettenberg Bay
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Zoox

Nineteen 89

Sleek, contemporary and seriously good – Nineteen 89 nails that sweet spot between casual and chic. The interior features dreamy blue walls, adorned by quirky artwork and dark wood accents and furniture, making the space feel welcoming yet contemporary. The menu features imaginative dishes that perfectly balance pushing your tastebuds and providing the satisfaction of comfort food. Start with their balsamic and fig halloumi, featuring fried halloumi fingers paired with fresh beetroot and avocado. For the main course, the Hawaiian Reef chicken burger is a great choice, combining grilled chicken with pineapple and a tangy sauce.