Plettenberg Bay, affectionately known as “Plett,” is a picturesque coastal town on the Garden Route in South Africa. In addition to its stunning beaches, lush forests, and vibrant wildlife, Plett is a food lover’s paradise. Its diverse culinary scene caters to every palate, from authentic Italian trattorias to chic pan-African restaurants. Detailed information, practical tips, and personal insights are shared in this guide on the best restaurants in Plettenberg Bay.
1. Ice Dream Land
Location: A15, Airport Road, Plettenberg Bay
Contact: 082 448 5795
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (open daily in high season)
Pizza Hours: 11:30am – 4pm
Ice Dream Land is a family-owned Italian haven just outside Plett that feels like a home away from home. Grazia, the daughter of a Tuscan chef, and her husband Marco, who makes his own mozzarella, have created a culinary gem for families and foodies alike.
What to Try:
- Wood-fired pizzas: thin, crispy, and bursting with flavor.
- Gelato: Made fresh daily, a nod to their humble beginnings with a gelato truck on Plett Beach.
- Pasticciata: a baked pasta dish with meatballs and a lavish amount of mozzarella.
Personal Insight:
“I still dream about the pasticciata I had here. It’s rich, comforting, and everything you’d expect from a family recipe passed down through generations.”
Good to Know:
- Book in advance, especially for Sunday lunches.
- Dogs are welcome on leashes.
- The playground can get muddy, so bring a change of clothes for the kids.
2. Ristorante Enrico: A Beachside Italian Escape
Location: 296 Main Street, Keurboomstrand, Plettenberg Bay
Contact: 044 535 9818, [email protected]
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-9pm
Hidden away at Keurboomstrand, Ristorante Enrico offers a quintessential beach dining experience. With sands stretching on both sides and whales often spotted from the terrace, this restaurant is a must-visit for seafood lovers.
What to Try:
- Fish Enrico: a baked fish dish, often caught by Enrico himself.
- Sole Andrea: A legendary seafood dish.
- Bomba: A garlic pizza with a unique twist.
Personal Insight:
“The bomba is a game-changer. It’s crispy, garlicky, and the perfect start to a meal. Pair it with a glass of local wine, and you’re in for a treat.”
Good to Know:
- No reservations; tables are first come, first served.
- Perfect for a sunset stroll to Arch Rock at low tide.
3. Emily’s Restaurant + Simon’s Bar: A Riverside Retreat
Location: Rietvlei Road, Plettenberg Bay
Contact: 044 501 2500, [email protected]
Opening Hours:
- Emily’s Restaurant: Monday – Sunday, 6pm – 9pm (booking essential)
- Simon’s Bar: Tuesday – Saturday, 5pm – 9:30pm (no reservations)
Set in an indigenous garden overlooking the Bitou River, Emily’s Restaurant offers a tranquil dining experience with a backdrop of mountains and valleys. Upstairs, Simon’s Bar is a quirky spot decorated with vintage boat engines and watersport equipment.
What to Try:
- Wood-fired pizzas: perfectly crisp and flavorful.
- Cocktails: Ideal for watching the sunset over the river.
Personal Insight:
“The ambiance here is unmatched. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time, sipping on a cocktail while the river glistens in the fading light.”
4. Barrington’s
Location: Piesang Valley Road, Plettenberg Bay
Contact: 044 050 3767, [email protected]
Opening Hours: Daily, 8am – 11am; 12pm – 9pm
Barrington’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination. With a craft brewery, organic kitchen garden, and a warm, cozy ambiance, it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
What to Try:
- Red Thai Vegetable Curry: A flavorful dish with coconut, dates, and toasted cashews.
- Slow-cooked Gourmet Burgers: Juicy and packed with flavor.
Good to Know:
- The terrace is perfect for breakfast or enjoying freshly baked pastries.
5. Fat Fish: Seafood with a View
Location: Hopwood Street, Central Beach, Plettenberg Bay
Contact: 044 533 4740, [email protected]
Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm – 10pm
As the name suggests, Fat Fish specializes in sustainable seafood. With views of the saltwater channel and Beacon Isle, it’s a great spot for a relaxed meal.
What to Try:
- Fish and Chips: crispy and perfectly cooked.
- Chargrilled Prawns: succulent and flavorful.
Good to Know:
- Dogs are welcome at outdoor tables.
6. Nguni: A Taste of Africa
Location: 6 Crescent Street, Plettenberg Bay
Contact: 044 533 6710
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 12pm – 10pm; Saturday, 6pm – 10pm
Hidden in one of Plett’s oldest buildings, Nguni offers a cozy, tranquil dining experience with a creative African focus.
What to Try:
- Ostrich Fillet: A unique and flavorful dish.
- Springbok: tender and perfectly cooked.
7. Zinzi: A Pan-African Culinary Journey
Location: Hunter’s Estate, N2, Plettenberg Bay
Contact: 044 532 8226, [email protected]
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 3pm-9pm
Set in a spectacular forest location, Zinzi offers a chic pan-African vibe with a menu that takes you on a global culinary journey.
What to Try:
- Peruvian Roast Chicken: A highlight on the main menu.
- Zinzi Burger: Served with truffle Parmesan fries.
Good to Know:
- Booking is recommended.
8. Newstead Lund Family Vineyards: Wine and Pizzas
Location: Redford Road, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay
Contact: 076 300 9740, [email protected]
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
This family wine estate is perfect for wine tasting, wood-fired pizzas, and picnics.
What to Try:
- Aged Cap Classique: Multi award-winning bubbles.
- Wood-fired Pizzas: crisp and delicious.
9. The Plettenberg: Luxury Dining with Ocean Views
Location: 40 Church Street, Plettenberg Bay
Contact: 044 533 2030, [email protected]
Opening Hours: 7am–10:30am; 12pm – 10pm
Perched on a rocky headland, The Plettenberg offers grandstand ocean views and sumptuous seafood dishes.
What to Try:
- Thai Seafood Curry: Inspired by the marine surrounds.
- Plettenburger: A classic burger with a gourmet twist.
10. 1777 @ The Old Rectory: Heritage Dining
Location: Corner Bull and Meeding Streets, Plettenberg Bay
Contact: 044 533 1201
Opening Hours: Daily, 7:30am – 9pm
Built around an 18th-century national monument, 1777 @ The Old Rectory offers a blend of heritage and modern style.
What to Try:
- Ostrich Fillet: A nod to South African cuisine.
- Bunny Chow Chicken Curry: A flavorful and hearty dish.
11. Zoox: A Scenic Newcomer
Location: Telluric Wine Estate, Rietvlei Road, Plettenberg Bay
Contact: 071 864 0002, [email protected]
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.–4 p.m.
Overlooking the Bitou River and Rhone Hill polo fields, Zoox offers a picturesque backdrop for a simple yet delicious menu.
What to Try:
- Wagyu Burger: juicy and flavorful.
- Ribeye Steak: Perfectly cooked and seasoned.
12. Villa Villekula: A Country Eco-Lodge
Location: Farm BE 18, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay
Contact: 082 534 0360, [email protected]
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 6:30pm for 7pm
A charming country eco-lodge, Villa Villekula offers upmarket boerekos (farm food) in a buffet format.
What to Try:
- Oxtail and Gnocchi: a hearty and flavorful dish.
- Amarula Tiramisu: A decadent dessert.
13. The Palms: A Boutique Hotel Dining Experience
Location: 31 Main St, Plettenberg Bay
Contact: 072 927 2304, [email protected]
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 10pm
With stunning views over the Keurbooms Lagoon, The Palms is a sought-after destination for delicious cocktails and flavor-packed dishes.
What to Try:
- Chimichurri Fillet: Perfectly cooked with roasted garlic baby potatoes.
- Haus Burger: A juicy and satisfying option.
14. Nineteen89: A Bustling Bistro
Location: The Upperdeck, corner Main and Marine Drive, Plettenberg Bay
Contact: 079 165 3576
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
A bustling hub in the heart of Plett, Nineteen89 offers flavor-packed bistro food with a Mediterranean and Mozambican twist.
What to Try:
- Seared Tuna: fresh and perfectly cooked.
- Chilli Chicken Pasta: A crowd-pleaser with a kick.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit Plettenberg Bay for dining?
A: The high season (December to February) is ideal, but booking in advance is essential.
Q: Are there vegetarian options available at these restaurants?
A: Yes, most restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, with some specializing in plant-based cuisine.
Q: Can I bring my dog to these restaurants?
Some restaurants, like Ice Dream Land and Fat Fish, welcome dogs on a leash.
Disclaimer
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please verify details directly with the restaurants before visiting.
