There’s something effortlessly good about eating out in Plettenberg Bay. Seafood is fresh, settings are beautiful, and even the more polished spots rarely take themselves too seriously. From beachside breakfasts to candlelit dinners in the hills above the bay, the town’s restaurants capture the laid-back spirit that makes Plett so easy to love.
The Fat Fish
Seafood takes centre stage at this lively restaurant in Plett's town centre. From line fish and grilled prawns to sushi and Asian-inspired small plates, the menu celebrates the best of the Garden Route coast.
Why go?
Straightforward, well-executed seafood that earns its place on any coastal itinerary.
Details
a: Milkwood Centre, 22 Hopwood Street, Plettenberg Bay
w: thefatfish.co.za
t: +27 44 533 4740
e: plett@thefatfish.co.za
h: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 22h00
Zinzi
At Hunter's Country House, tribal-influenced décor that feels more gallery than dining room sets the stage for a menu that's equally inventive. Vietnamese caramelised salmon, globally inspired plates, and bold flavour combinations abound throughout.
Why go?
Creative cooking in one of the Garden Route's most distinctive dining rooms.
Details
a: Hunter's Estate, N2, Plettenberg Bay
w: zinzirestaurant.com
t: +27 44 532 8226
e: dmzinzi@hunterhotels.com
h: Monday to Sunday, 15h00 – 21h00
Nguni
Step inside a beautifully restored dairy dating back more than a century, where African interiors and warm hospitality set the tone. The menu celebrates South African flavours with dishes like Karoo lamb, ostrich, and bobotie, all with a contemporary touch.
Why go?
Modern South African cuisine in one of Plett's most characterful buildings.
Details
a: 6 Crescent Street, Plettenberg Bay
w: nguni-restaurant.co.za
t: +27 44 533 6710
e: reservations@nguni-restaurant.co.za
h: Monday to Saturday, 18h00 – 22h00; Two seatings per evening, each a two-hour booking
The Sanctuary Restaurant
Family recipes get a thoughtful modern twist at this welcoming restaurant inside Plett Quarter Hotel. Come for a hearty breakfast, settle in for a long lunch, or make dinner of it. The kitchen keeps things comforting, generous, and distinctly South African.
Why go?
Homely South African cooking, served with warmth right in the heart of town.
Details
a: 9 Main Street, Plettenberg Bay
w: thesanctuaryrestaurant.co.za
t: +27 44 004 0309
e: plettqsanctuary@lionroars.com
h: Monday to Sunday, 07h00 – 22h00
Lookout Deck
Up on the rocks above Lookout Beach, this long-standing Plett landmark looks out over the Indian Ocean: dolphins below in summer, whales drifting past in winter. Popular orders include the wild coastal oysters, the Pint O' Prawns, and the Cape Malay mutton curry.
Why go?
Some of the best views (and vibes) on the Garden Route coast, with seafood to match.
Details
a: Hill Street, Lookout Beach, Plettenberg Bay
w: lookout.co.za
t: +27 44 533 1379
e: info@lookout.co.za
h: Monday to Sunday, 09h00 – 22h00
Enrico Ristorante
A much-loved fixture in Keurboomstrand, Enrico does Italian with a Garden Route sensibility: wood-fired pizzas, generous pasta, and seafood, made for eating slowly with a good bottle of wine as the waves roll in.
Why go?
For authentic Italian comfort food at the beach.
Details
a: 296 Main Street, Keurboomstrand
w: facebook.com/enricoristorante
t: +27 44 535 9818
e: enricoplett@gmail.com
h: Tuesday to Sunday, 12h00 – 21h00
Emily's at Emily Moon River Lodge
Seasonal ingredients from the kitchen garden shape the menu at this much-loved restaurant overlooking the Bitou River. Antiques, African artefacts, and candlelight fill the dining room, making it every bit as memorable as the food.
Why go?
To linger over dinner in a space that makes you feel like you’re in another world.
Details
a: Rietvlei Road, Emily Moon River Lodge, Plettenberg Bay
w: emilymoon.co.za/dining-at-emilys
t: +27 44 501 2500
e: info@emilymoon.co.za
h: Monday, 18h00 until late; Tuesday to Sunday, 12h00 – 15h00 and 18h00 until late
Bramon Wine Estate Restaurant
Discover Plettenberg Bay's growing wine scene over Mediterranean-inspired tapas and estate-grown wines at Bramon. Long lunches, Méthode Cap Classique, and vineyard views make it easy to spend an afternoon here.
Why go?
To enjoy tapas and wine at one of Plett's pioneering wine estates.
Details
a: Bramon Wine Estate, N2, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay
w: bramonwines.co.za/restaurant-plettenberg-bay
t: +27 44 011 5031
e: therestaurant@bramonwines.com
h: Monday to Sunday, 11h00 – 17h00
Newstead Lund Family Vineyards
Family is at the centre of this boutique vineyard, where the Lunds have created a relaxed space for wine, food, and connection. Expect wood-fired pizzas, seasonal dishes, and award-winning wines enjoyed at an unhurried pace.
Why go?
For a relaxed vineyard lunch, surrounded by family-made wines and the Plett wine country.
Details
a: Redford Road, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay
w: newsteadwines.com
t: +27 76 300 9740
e: info@newsteadwines.com
h: Wednesday to Sunday, 11h00 – 16h00
Amelia's at The Plettenberg Hotel
Elegant without feeling formal, Amelia's brings a refined touch to coastal dining. The menu celebrates local produce, from seafood and seasonal dishes to classic favourites, all served with the easy sophistication expected from The Plettenberg.
Why go?
For polished coastal dining, with local seafood and ocean views from The Plettenberg.
Details
a: 40 Church Street, Plettenberg Bay
w: theplettenberghotel.com/restaurants-bars/amelias-at-the-plettenberg
t: +27 44 533 2030
h: Monday to Sunday: Breakfast 07h00 – 10h30; Lunch and Dinner, 12h00 – 22h00
Barringtons
Plett's first craft brewery combines house-brewed beers with produce harvested from its own organic kitchen garden. Watch the brewers at work before settling in for honest, garden-to-plate cooking.
Why go?
For craft beer brewed on-site and food rooted in local ingredients.
Details
a: Piesang Valley Road, Plettenberg Bay
w: barringtonsplett.co.za
t: +27 44 050 3767
e: eat@barringtonsplett.co.za
h: Monday to Sunday, 08h00 – 22h00
Nineteen89
With seared tuna, surf and turf, burgers, and famously good fries, Nineteen89 keeps the menu generous and the atmosphere easygoing. It’s the kind of place that feels special without making a fuss about it.
Why go?
Good food, good company, and none of the formality – exactly what a night out in Plett should feel like.
Details
a: Upperdeck Centre, Main Street, Plettenberg Bay
w: nineteen89.shop
t: +27 79 165 3576
e: nineteen89.shop@gmail.com
h: Monday to Saturday, 11h00 – 21h00
1777 at The Old Rectory Hotel
Located inside the historic Old Rectory Hotel, this elegant bistro draws on Dutch, English, and South African culinary traditions. Farm ingredients and classic flavours make it a favourite for special occasions.
Why go?
For three food traditions brought together with a distinctly Garden Route twist.
Details
a: 2 Bull Street, The Old Rectory Hotel, Plettenberg Bay
w: facebook.com/theoldrectoryplett
t: +27 44 533 1201
h: Monday to Sunday, 19h30 – 21h00
Café Civara
Former MasterChef South Africa contestant Guy Clark runs an open kitchen where the menu shifts with the time of day. Seasonal bowls, sandwiches, and salads give way to globally inspired sharing plates and candlelit dinners after dark.
Why go?
Watch Guy Clark turn out dishes from the open kitchen, with the action unfolding right in front of you.
Details
a: 17 Main Street, Plettenberg Bay
w: cafecivara.com
t: +27 76 641 1910
e: info@cafecivara.com
h: Tuesday to Saturday, 12h00 – 22h00
