With the Indian Ocean as your backdrop and a vibrant food scene awaiting exploration, Plett offers a delectable array of flavours and dining experiences. Read on as we reveal our 10 favourite family restaurants (in no particular order) throughout this glistening coastal town for the Summer Holiday of a lifetime!
*Please note: all information is correct at the date of publication, Jan 2024. See websites below for up-to-date info!
Barrington's
The heart of Plett's first Craft Brewery and a must-visit for beer & wine enthusiasts & newcomers alike, offering a diverse spectrum of local high-quality beer.
The menu is a delight of unconventional offerings. Think slow cooked, pulled free-range meats and vegetables prepared in their custom smoker. Home-made bread from the on-site bakery, along with an assortment of pickles, preserves & chutneys, add a unique touch.
Begin your day with Breakfast at Barrington’s on their tranquil outdoor terrace beside the Klein Piesang riverbank & food garden - the perfect spot to savour breakfast or indulge in freshly baked pastries, cakes, and tarts!
For chilly nights, gather around the immense fireplace at the heart of the restaurant. Alternatively, venture outside onto the wraparound terrace, where you can relish the garden views and the majestic coral tree.
For the Tots: Watch as the tots play endlessly on the lush green lawns, or chow down on juicy, flavourful burgers & delightful candyfloss ice cream.
Emily Moon
Emily Moon, a luxury hotel nestled along the banks of the Bitou River, offers breathtaking vistas of the river, wetlands, and mountains.
Step into Emily’s Restaurant, an exquisite dining hall where the spirit of Africa is alive in every archway, antique table, and collectible. Whether you choose to lunch beside the pool or dine under the warm glow of candlelight, this experience will remain etched in your memory.
Their mouthwatering home-style menu features a delectable array of dishes, including the Karoo Lamb Rack, Butter Chicken Samosas, and the flavourful Bali Bowl.
Upstairs is the more casual Simon’s Bar, famous for its fun Friday evenings & dancing. At its centre is a wood-fired pizza oven, renowned for crafting the finest artisan pizzas in the Garden Route. The bar also stocks a selection of exquisite Cape wines!
For the Tots: The perfect place for a refreshing jump in the pool on a sunny summer's eve.
Grand Africa
Grand Africa Lookout Beach, an elegant addition to the Grand Africa Collective, is a truly unique location situated right on the pristine beach. This trendy and sophisticated restaurant offers the perfect space to relax, sip on a glass of wine, and feel grand.
With a wooden deck and a private beach front, it's a distinctive treasure in Plett. Indulge in a contemporary culinary journey, from pizzas to seafood, sushi to vegan & vegetarian options, all complemented by an extensive selection of cocktails and wines.
Revel in the lively atmosphere, complete with a charming sandy bar area, and treat your taste buds to perfectly cooked shrimp tempura, delectable prawns, or sumptuous prawn pasta. Visit in the evening to enjoy the soulful sounds of live music.
For the Tots: Sip on a crisp glass of Chardonnay while the tots frolic on the beach a mere few metres away from your table!
Ice Dream Land
An Italian coffee haven & gorgeous Gelateria where the heart of Italy meets the beauty of Plett! A local-family favourite!
Treat the tots (& yourself!) to their delightful array of gelato including the exquisite Coppa Gelato. Craving something savoury? They've got you covered with a selection of Panini, fresh Caprese Salad, and platters of imported cold meats & cheeses, alongside the best pizzas in town.
Coffee aficionados, you're in for a treat! They craft Caffe' Espresso and Cappuccino that transport you straight to Italy. And for those who appreciate a velvety cup of cocoa, they proudly serve the best Italian Hot Chocolate in SA!
Planning a special celebration? They can create a custom-made Ice Cream Cake for your order, perfect for birthdays and baby showers. They’re all about creating memorable experiences.
For the Tots: Yes, they agree it's the best pizza & ice cream in town!... and the perfect place to meet friends on the handcrafted jungle gym.
Nineteen89
A family-owned restaurant offering a delicious & enticing fusion menu spanning African, Mediterranean, Mozambican, South African & Thai cuisines.
With a fresh approach and a trendy ambiance, Nineteen89 is gaining a reputation as one of the hottest dining spots in Plett.
Some standout dishes include the Paella Sirloin steak, Thai peanut curry, surf and turf burger, chicken & prawn (my favourite), tuna verde, and wagyu beef carpaccio.. the list goes on!
Don't forget to leave room for dessert; their popcorn cheesecake and pistachio ice cream are irresistible!
They provide outdoor seating for those who prefer open-air dining, allowing guests to relish their meals while soaking in the salty sea breeze.
For the Tots: Voted the best burgers in town by our resident tots (although there are close 2nds). Leave space for their massive Oreo milkshake topped with an Oreo ice cream!
Ristorante Enrico
Live music, lively crowds, and the laughter of children create a distinctive and welcoming dining experience. It has certainly earned a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike!
Indulge in their signature Bomba, a garlic-infused puffed flatbread, or their Antipasto platter of cured Italian charcuterie, soft cheeses & slow-roasted veggies. Seafood enthusiasts can savour dishes like butterflied prawns, Kingklip & crispy calamari. Our choice, for Papa & Mama, is most often their incredibly tender oven cob (Kabeljou) & seafood pasta! The menu also offers melt-in-your-mouth Lamb Shanks, an extensive pizza selection, and so much more!
To sweeten the deal, conclude your Italian feast with favourites such as the signature Tiramisu, traditional Ricotta Ornella cheesecake, or a variety of home-made sorbets and ice creams.
Kick off your evening with a refreshing cocktail or explore their offering of gin & craft beers. The wine menu, presented on iconic white bottles, provides a diverse array of choices representing both Cape & local wines, and a few Italian wines.
The restaurant's terrace provides a prime vantage point for observing dolphins and whales, with sweeping vistas across the bay to Robberg. From sunrise breakfasts to sundowners and dinners on the deck, Enrico's offers the perfect inviting, relaxed atmosphere for family dining.
For the Tots: After clambering the rocks and running along the beach, the kids can indulge in pizza, spaghetti bolognese & stracciatella ice cream - the perfect end to an awesome Summer's day!
Surf Café
This unique establishment, born from a deep passion for both surfing and cuisine, transcends the traditional boundaries of a pub or restaurant, offering a menu that consistently delivers high-quality meals, all in a fun, casual setting that beautifully epitomizes local surf culture.
Mains take inspiration from Mexican flavours, offering an array of flavourful options adorned with a host of exciting toppings and fillings.
The dessert menu is equally enticing, featuring indulgences like rich chocolate brownies, zesty lemon tarts, a refreshing mojito sorbet, or the classic Dom Pedro.
Surf Café also offers a holistic experience of the authentic Plett lifestyle, where the spirit of surfing, socializing, and fantastic food come together. With a lively atmosphere, great live music, and an unpretentious menu, it’s a must-visit for those who seek an unforgettable culinary and cultural experience.
For the Tots: They absolutely LOVE the burgers and are more than welcome to enjoy the friendly vibe with their folks.
The Bungalow
Part of the Raw Africa Boutique Collection, this luxurious boutique accommodation is perched along the stunning Hobie Beach, where dolphins play & whales calve in the tranquil bay.
The Bungalow’s ocean front restaurant and upper deck possesses panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty making it the ideal setting for relaxation, sunbathing & observing the soothing sounds of the waves.
The restaurant offers an all-day dining experience by the pool and beach. Guests can indulge in a variety of healthy snacks, pizza, seafood, sushi, and more.
The bar’s skilled bartenders craft bespoke cocktails with flair. Situated just a stone's throw from the beach front, guests can enjoy unparalleled seascapes while sipping on a glass of their favourite drink!
For the Tots: One of our favourite family places for scenic sundowners! Take a dip in the pool or have fun on the swings, then indulge in your favourite sushi (before 8pm) or chicken schnitzel!
The Fat Fish
The Fat Fish Plett (as well as its sister restaurant in George) promises a distinctly unforgettable culinary seafood experience.
The restaurant welcomes patrons with a bright, spacious interior, offering some charming views of the sea & the iconic Beacon Isle Hotel. Their roomy terrace invites diners to savour al fresco meals on a perfect Plett evening.
Whether you're an adventurous foodie or someone who finds comfort in familiar flavours, the menu caters to a wide range of tastes, serving only the freshest, green-listed WWF-SASSI approved sustainable seafood.
Definitely one of Plett's TOP seafood destinations. They also have an excellently curated wine list serving some of South Africa's top wines!
For the Tots: Bring along some table entertainment to keep the little ones entertained.
The Lookout Deck
A unique location (with one of the best views anywhere in the world!) situated between the Lookout Rocks & Lookout Nature Reserve, and perched above the spectacular Blue Flag Lookout Beach, stands one of Plett’s most popular dining spots.
Their cuisine is wholesome, straightforward and good value, delivering only the freshest seafood (think tender Calamari, large Wild Coastal Oysters, or their famous Pint O’ Prawns!).
For those who prefer the meaty side of life, dishes like mature grilled steaks or the traditional Cape Malay Mutton Curry have become a favourite.
From fresh seafood to creative cocktails, these culinary hotspots not only serve mouthwatering dishes but also embody the spirit of this historic town. So, prepare your appetite and dive into a world of coastal culinary treasures!
Contact Me – Hilary - at hello@winetots.com for more details on your favourite Plett spots to visit & to book a personalised tour of your own – behind the scenic routes of the Plett & Cape Winelands & beyond!
Please register on www.winetots.com to stay up to date with new discoveries and ideas for Wineland adventures!
Click here to check out our previous blog “Majestic Safari Adventures @Amakhala Game Reserve”!
Important info:
Barrington's: https://www.barringtonsplett.co.za/ ; eat@barringtonsplett.co.za ; 044 050 3767
Emily Moon: https://emilymoon.co.za/dining-at-emilys/ ; info@emilymoon.co.za ; 044 501 2500
Grand Africa: https://grandafrica.com/grand-africa-lookout-beach/ ; lookoutbeach@grandafrica.com ; 044 533 0637
Ice Dream Land: https://www.icedreamland.co.za/ ; 082 448 5795
(Note: Kitchen closes at 4pm & not open at night.)
Nineteen89: https://nineteen-89-restaurant.business.site/ ; 081 306 2618
Ristorante Enrico: https://www.facebook.com/RistoranteEnrico/ ; enricoplett@gmail.com ; 044 535 9818 (Arrive early in high-season to put your name on their list!)
Surf Café: https://surfcafeplett.com/ ; surfcafeplett@gmail.com ; 044 533 6801
The Bungalow: https://thebungalowplett.co.za/experiences/ ; reception@thebungalowplett.co.za ; 044 868 0431
The Fat Fish: https://www.thefatfish.co.za/ ; plett@thefatfish.co.za ; 044 533 4740
The Lookout Deck: https://www.lookout.co.za/ ; info@lookout.co.za ; 044 533 1379
(Bookings are advised!)