The Garden Route has some of the coolest, cutest & coziest bakeries and cafe’s in the whole of South Africa! Here is our shortlist of our favourites in Knysna & surrounds.
1. Ile De Pain (Knysna)
This bakery/restaurant is world renowned, and for good reason! Sourdough bread, incredible pasties & a food oozing with flavour, this spot is every foodie’s dream. Come early to avoid crowds & don’t forget to try the Pastel de Nata, they are to die for!
Category: Bakery & Cafe’
Budget: $$
Website: www.iledepain.co.za
Instagram: @iledepain
Hours of operations: Tuesday – Saturday 8am – 3pm
Address: 10, The Boatshed, Long Street, Thesen Island.
Phone number: 044 302 5704
Vibe: Hip
Vegan & Veggie friendly? Yes!
Dog friendly? yes!
2. Oak Leaf Cafe’ (Knysna)
This cozy little cafe’ is nestled amongst oak trees, a short drive away in Belvedere. It is well know for being vegan & veggie friendly, but has a great balance of naughty & nice dishes including smoothie bowls, french toast, burger bowls & a delicious steak & chips! Our tip? Don’t leave without trying the peanut butter & date balls!
Category: Restaurant & Cafe’
Budget: $
Website: ww.oakleafknysna.co.za
Instagram: @oakleafknysna
Hours of operations: Tuesday – Saturday 8am – 3pm
Address: 168 Duthie Drive, Belvedere Estate, Knysna, 6571
Phone number: 066 141 5204
Vibe: Wholesome & Cute
Vegan & Veggie friendly? Yes!
Dog friendly? yes!
3. East Head Cafe’ (Knysna)
Brunch with a view (of the Knysna Heads)? Check! East Head Cafe’ is one of Knysna’s most popular spots for breakfast or lunch in The Garden Route, and for good reason! They have a large menu including traditional brekkies & cafe’ lunches! Get here early to secure the best spot in the house!
Category: Restaurant & Cafe’
Budget: $
Website: www.eastheadcafe.co.za
Instagram: @eastheadcafe
Hours of operations: Monday – Sunday 8:30am – 3pm
Address: 25 George Rex Drive, The Heads, Knysna, 6571
Phone number: 044 384 0933
Vibe: Relaxed
Vegan & Veggie friendly? Some veggie options are available.
Dog friendly? no
4. Salt & Petal (Knysna)
This gorgeous cafe’ is situated a stone throw away from the hotel in Knysna Central. It is known for their classic yummy breakfast dishes including a good old avocado or mince on toast, freshly squeezed juice & so much more!
Category: Restaurant & Cafe’
Budget: $
Instagram: @saltandpetal
Hours of operations: Monday – Saturday 8am – 4pm
Address: 3 Union Street, Knysna Central, 6571
Phone number: 044 166 0999
Vibe: Cozy & Cute!
Vegan & Veggie friendly? Some veggie options available
Dog friendly? No
5. Ilali (Wilderness)
This hidden gem makes you feel like your straight back in Cape Town or even better, a hip cafe’ somewhere in NYC! This gorgeously designed restaurant serves brunch & dinner & if you stick around for long enough you might witness some DJ’s doing their thing as well! Our top tip? If you find yourself here for Brunch, have the Italian Caponata Brekkie, it’s to die for!
Category: Restaurant & Bar
Budget: $$
Website: www.ilalirestaurant.co.za
Instagram: @ilalirestaurant
Hours of operations: Monday – Friday 11am – 11pm,
Saturday & Sunday 8am – 11pm
Address: 197 George Road, Wilderness, 6560
Phone number: 044 877 0808
Vibe: Hip & Cool!
Vegan & Veggie friendly? Some veggie options available
Dog friendly? No
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