4 Best Restaurants in The Garden Route and the Little Karoo, South Africa

Mossel Bay's premium seafood house serves fresh oysters and seafood alongside inventive dishes like ostrich fillet with caramelized onions and port-soaked apricots. In summer, it's virtually mandatory to sip a cocktail on the deck of the Blue Oyster bar with its great sea view. If you crave privacy, there's also a private dining room. Tour-bus crowds occasionally descend on this popular spot, located right next to the Dias Museum and Old Post Office Tree but don't let that put you off.

The chef always makes an effort to come out of the kitchen to greet patrons at this popular Italian eatery perched above the rocks on Keurboom Beach. The atmosphere is lively and loud and there’s usually a big crowd on weekends and during holidays. Head to the terrace, grab a table under a shady umbrella, and gaze out at the Robberg Peninsula. Enrico also runs fishing trips, so you could even catch your own fish of the day.

Locals and holidaymakers love this well-established restaurant whose two spacious decks overlook the main beach, the lagoon and the distant mountains. Sip a cocktail as you enjoy a gorgeous sunset view before dining on tasty seafood, a succulent steak or the fresh fish of the day. It's kid-friendly with a pirate ship for them to explore and in season you may well spot a whale or two. It's also fun watching paragliders glide down to the beach as you place your orders with the friendly, charming staff.

This place is favorite with both locals and visitors, and you’ll realize why the minute you tuck into some of the freshest, tastiest food in Plett. The super-friendly staff will talk you through the seafood-heavy menu, but you can’t go wrong with the fish-and-chips. The dining room has a stylish blue-and-white tiled floor, but you'll probably head to the terrace to take in the views the Beacon Isle Peninsula. Although you can pop in without a reservation, don't risk it on a weekend.