Best places to eat in Wilderness
While the Garden Route may not be known as a culinary destination, there are still plenty of delicious dishes to try as you meander through the rolling hills and indigenous forests of this lush landscape. However, with the impact that COVID-19 has had on the restaurant industry many of the blogs and lists out there are sadly out of date and so we thought we’d put out a little piece with our top recommendations of places to eat at and around Nima lodge.
#1 - Nima Lodge - Bountiful Breakfast Baskets
Our delicious breakfasts are a curated selection of locally produced goods and home made treats. Breakfast is the only meal we serve at the lodge.
If you would like to book breakfast with us, it will be delivered to your cabin at 9am. Let us know by 3pm the day before if you’d like toad breakfast or cancel.
Breakfast includes:
Quiche or croissants, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, boiled eggs, avocado when available, toast, condiments, fruit juice and milk.
#2 - Pomodoro - The Best Pizza in Town
Pomodoro is a Wilderness institution, they’ve been around for decades and are one of the few restaurants to stand the test of time in this part of the world and it’s easy to see why. Their dedication to classic Italian flavours and techniques is outstanding and their pizza is particularly note-worthy. Their pasta skills are a little bit lacking, but the ravioli are fresh and absolutely delicious - we recommend sharing the pesto ravioli and a pizza between two.
Address: 197 George Rd, Wilderness, 6560
Opening Hours: 8am - 10pm
#3 Blue Olive - All Day Dining & Tapas
The Blue Olive on main road in Wilderness is a slightly more upmarket spot for delicious Tapas in the early evening, sumptuous breakfasts and an enchanting atmosphere. There are plenty of vegetarian options and the setting, amongst the milkwood trees, is divine. They pride themselves on the freshness of their ingredients and seek to celebrate the natural flavours of food, instead of disguising them.
Address: Corner Beacon Road and Leila's Lane, George Rd, Wilderness, 6560
Opening Hours: 7:30am - 10pm
#4 - Il De Pan - The Best Baked Goods
Il De Pan, located on Thesen island in Knysna, is a mecca for baked goods of every sort. The garden route is sorely lacking in proper bakeries but this gem makes up for it. With walls of fresh ciabatta, sourdough, rye and olive loaf, trays of fresh buttery croissants and delicate patisserie, one is transported to the streets of Paris on a hot balmy morning. As well as baked goods they also offer up delicious deli style food for breakfast and lunch.
Address: 10, The Boatshed, Long St, Thesen Island, Knysna, 6571
Opening Hours: Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat 9am - 2:30pm
#7 - Serendipity - The Best fine Dining In Town
Serendipity restaurant, situated on the banks of the Touw River Lagoon, offers an unforgettable, uniquely South African dining experience. Enjoy the superb internationally-inspired cuisine, friendly service, and wonderful wines in a graceful but relaxed setting. We have to recommend the Miso-glazed fillet of line fish and the blueberry and lemon cake for dessert - it's absolutely delicious.
Address: Freesia Ave, Wilderness, 6560
Opening hours: Mon - Sat 7pm - 11pm
#8 - Llali - Restaurant Social Bar
Ilali translates to ‘village’ in Xhosa and the restaurant lives true to its name providing a welcoming community atmosphere. If you're interested in an evening of unwinding and socialising with a vibrant ambience, then Llali is the place for you. We highly recommend the red tandoori chicken curry. Enjoy the best that Wilderness has to offer with a menu full of flavour including pizza, pasta, seafood, salads, and some live music to set the tone.
Address: 197 George Rd, Wilderness, 6560
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 11am - 11pm & Sat - Sun 8am - 11pm
