The African Voyager

Garden Route, South Africa

Savour the sea: Knysna’s top 5 seafood restaurants

Southern Africa • Eat & drink • Savour the sea: Knysna’s top 5 seafood restaurants

Exploring Knysna’s finest: a guide of the top seafood restaurants

Nothing says ’seaside vacation’ quite like fresh seafood and Knysna sure knows how to spoil you with the ocean bounty. With the ocean as its pantry, this charming coastal town in the Garden Route serves up a seafood experience that’s as fresh as it gets. Knysna has long been synonymous with oysters and they remain the delicacy of the town. Knysna has a history of oyster farming dating back to 1948 when South Africa’s first oyster farm was established in Knysna. The Knysna Oyster Festival takes place every July, so it goes without saying – try the oysters! But it’s not just about the oysters, Knysna serves up a variety of seafood dishes that you just have to experience and savour and we’re highlighting our favourite seafood restaurants in Knysna that you should go try!

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

34 Degrees South

Situated on the Knysna Waterfront, 34 Degrees South is a seafood destination not to be missed. The setting is stunning with an open-air design that allows you to enjoy the fresh sea breeze alongside your seafood dish. The interior is tastefully decorated with nautical elements and the restaurant layout ensures that every table has a view of the water – which we loved! This waterfront eatery offers an exciting menu featuring fresh seafood, Mediterranean cuisine and sushi. However, it’s their oysters that truly stand out. Touted as the Home of the Knysna Oyster, they offer these delicacies in various styles, each more enticing than the last.

34 Degrees South
Shop 19 Knysna Waterfront
Knysna
South Africa

Photography courtesy of 34 Degrees South

Drydock Food Co.

If you are looking for a dining experience that is both scenic and satisfying, look no further than Drydock Food Co. The restaurant overlooks the Knysna Lagoon, we found ourselves captivated by the panoramic views, which provided a perfect backdrop to their extensive seafood menu. Here you will find all things seafood – prawns, oysters, line fish, you name it, they’ve got it. Our favourite dish is the 2 Way Mussels On The Quay, which you can choose between the Parisienne (16 West Coast mussels, steamed in a cream-based sauce with bacon, garlic, onion and celery and served with ciabatta slices) or the Chanthaburi (16 West Coast mussels with an aromatic Thai red curry sauce and ciabatta slices) – why not spoil yourself and order one of each!

Drydock Food Co.
Waterfront Shop 1
Waterfront Dr
Knysna
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Drydock Food Co.

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! The menu also features other delicious seafood staples like prawns and line fish, but their speciality sushi is the star of the show for us.

Sirocco
28 Thesen Island
Knysna
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Sirocco

Tapas and Oysters

If you are in the mood for a more casual setting with a laid-back atmosphere, Tapas and Oysters is the spot for you. As the name suggests, this restaurant specialises in tapas-style dishes and the Knysna classic – oysters. If you are an adventurous foodie, try the Skyy Pineapple Oyster – an oyster served with Skyy pineapple vodka, curried pineapple and jalapeno mayo. Alongside oysters, the tapas menu includes seafood dishes such as calamari, prawns and mussels, as well as non-seafood options like gourmet pizzas, salads and pasta – making it the perfect all-rounded restaurant if you want tasty seafood alongside other comfort meals.