The African Voyager

Garden Route, South Africa

The Garden Route’s 5 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)

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

Savour the flavours of the Garden Route at these top restaurants

The Garden Route, a stretch of South Africa’s southern coastline, is a feast for your senses and your taste buds. This winding coastal stretch, famed for its dramatic cliffs and serene lagoons, is also home to some of the country’s most exciting restaurants. Here you’ll find an abundance of ocean-to-plate seafood, farm-fresh ingredients and innovative dishes served in settings that feel plucked from a postcard. We’ve scoured this iconic route to bring you the must-visit spots that perfectly capture its spirit. Buckle up and bring your appetite – this is dining worth the journey.

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

Ilali Restaurant

Ilali Restaurant is the go-to restaurant in Wilderness where people connect over plates of seriously good food and the energetic hum of live music. Its name, meaning village in Xhosa, says it all. The atmosphere is friendly and fresh, with just the right amount of buzz to keep the evening interesting. Ilali Restaurant’s menu is a sensory journey through the tastes and textures of South Africa. A standout dish to try is the grilled ostrich fillet, served with a red wine reduction and seasonal vegetables, a dish that pays homage to the region’s culinary roots. Pair it with their signature Ilali Sunset cocktail – a refreshing mix of gin, rooibos syrup and citrus – to truly savour the flavours of the Garden Route.

Ilali Restaurant
197 George Rd
Wilderness
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Ilali Restaurant

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

101 Meade Street Restaurant

101 Meade Street in George is housed in a beautifully restored heritage building, with the interior reflecting classic charm with a few contemporary touches. High ceilings, exposed brickwork and soft ambient lighting create a cosy yet sophisticated setting, while large windows and lush greenery add a fresh, airy feel. The chefs here do a phenomenal job and the menu reflects their passion. Their beef fillet, served with truffle mash and a red wine jus, is a standout, as is the duck confit paired with orange glaze and roasted vegetables. Paired with one of the many exceptional South African red wines on their wine list and you are in for an unforgettable evening.

101 Meade Street Restaurant
101 Meade St
George
South Africa

Photography courtesy of 101 Meade Street Restaurant

The Marbled Wagyu

For those who appreciate fine cuts of meat, The Marbled Wagyu in Mossel Bay is a must-visit. Set on the waters of the Mossel Bay Harbour, The Marbled Wagyu’s spacious outdoor terrace overlooks the serene waters. As you settle in, you’re greeted by the salty breeze and the gentle hum of the waterfront, where fishing boats and yachts bob rhythmically in the distance. As the name suggests, the star of the menu is Wagyu beef, prized for its rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Try the Chef’s Signature Wagyu, an exclusively wagyu menu designed to include various cuts, grades & preparations of wagyu. Another innovative dish we love is the Wagyu F1 – pasture-reared wagyu, wasabi mash parcel, pea puree, Japanese mayo, soya & jus micro caprese, wagyu bresaola – sounds amazing, right?