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

Start your evening at this award-winning restaurant with pre-dinner drinks on the patio overlooking the river, then move inside to a candlelit table for a fabulous five-course menu that takes classic South African ingredients and gives them an original, modern twist. The menu changes frequently with acclaimed chef Lizelle Stolze combining locally sourced fresh meat, fish and vegetables that are beautifully presented and paired with husband Rudolf's selection of fine wines. Dishes could include Cape salmon served with sautéed vegetables and hollandaise sauce, or desserts with a South African touch, such as saffron-infused milk tart. There are also four luxurious guest rooms upstairs, all with river views and a large communal balcony. if you're not staying here, there's a guest shuttle to drive you to and from your accommodation.

Named after the mythical guardian angel of love, good taste, and good cooking, this restaurant would not disappoint its muse. All the ingredients are sourced locally from farmers in the district, and the menu focuses on such local delicacies as olives, mutton, and, of course, ostrich. Meat lovers often opt for the Trilogy—medallions of beef, ostrich, and venison fillet. Herbivores love the butternut cheesecake.

At the Pezula Resort Hotel and Spa, Zachary's Grill Room is well worth the 10- to 15-minute drive from Knysna. Although its locally known as a gourmet destination, the restaurant's color-theme of soft brown, honey, and orange makes it comfortable and inviting. It specializes in high-quality organic and seasonal dishes that might include shiitake mushroom broth, butter-poached crayfish, and venison. There's an excellent wine list and a sommelier on hand to make recommendations.