We explore the fine dining, affordable and street food options available in the adventure province.
With a myriad adrenalin-fuelled activities in the Eastern Cape, visitors will be spoilt for choice. And, after a long day of bungeeing, river rafting, and hiking, it’s time for some eats and delicious treats. Here’s a look at some of the best food fare this picturesque province has to offer.
Fine Dining Fare
Located in Richmond Hill, Port Elizabeth, Muse Restaurant is run by Allan and Simone Bezuidenhout. Its Nouvelle Cuisine offering is served with the freshest of ingredients presented in creative ways. “We see food as an art form and chefs as the artist. We stay inspired by changing our menu seasonally. This keeps it fun and fresh for both our patrons and chefs,” they say. The menu is straightforward and delicious – prepare yourself for the likes of Karoo lamb rack with pumpkim fritters, confit duck leg with cherry jus, or lamb rump with black garlic and roasted veg. They also have several curries, lighter meals, and pastas and pizzas on the menu.
A comfy, cozy space with a coffee shop and bakery, Graze by the River is located in one of the original 1820 settlers’ homes in Port Alfred. Chef Nick Howard runs the place, with a menu based on locaaly sourced ingredients. The restaurant has its own smoker, while the coffee bar roasts its own green beans daily. The main menu boasts the likes of Gado-Gado, Graze’s version of an Indonesian vegan dish, and home-smoked gammon smoked over English Beech and roasted in honey. An extensive seafood menu includes Bali bream, marinated squid or tiger prawns, and Thai Massaman seafood curry.
For quiet sophistication, visit De Kelder on PE’s brachfront. A rose petal-strewn entrance gives way to an evening of unusual wines, cosy interiors and a varied menu that includes slow roasted duck or chateaubriand prepared at your table. Succulent steaks, venison, and fresh line fish are the order of the day.
For the Sushi Lovers
A sassy restaurant offering sushi and eastern cuisine, Fushin has consistently won the certificate of excellence on TripAdvisor for 6 years running. Located in Richmond Hill, PE, it is owned by mark Oosthuizen. Guests can expect a wide variety of elegant sushi creations, made with fresh fish. The menu boasts the likes of salmon collar teriyaki, maguro (tuna) tataki, and adventurous styles of sashimi.
Africanos Country Estate Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Located on the gorgeous and serene Africanos Country Estate in Addo, the Africanos Restaurant & Sushi Bar is self-professed art on a plate. Their daybreak menu includes various breakfast offerings with bacon galore, while appetisers include creamy biltong soup, lamb fold-overs, or melt-in-your-mouth Moroccan-rubbed bone marrow. Their varies menu includes fish, meat, vegetarian and pizza dishes, with an extensive sushi menu and Asian-inspired dishes.
Eateries and Bistros
Backstreet Grill – Port Elizabeth
As the name suggests, Backstreet Grill is a hidden gem with rave reviews. Their fillet and kudu steaks are to die for, and the service is friendly, too. Visit them on Facebook @backstreetgrillportelizabeth.
Rambling Rose – Saint Francis Bay
The Rambling Rose Tea Garden and Coffee Shop is a family-friendly venue open for breakfast and lunch. Some of their warm and comforting options include crumpets, French toast, croissants, and more. Visit their Facebook page @ramblingrosestfrancis.
Tasty Table Café is a quirky, family-run establishment with an incredible view of Main Beach, also known as Dolphin Beach. They’re known for their specialty coffees, burgers, seafood and baked treats.
Cubata Lorraine – Port Elizabeth
Hailed as the best place for ribs, prawn or chicken, Cubata Portuguese Grill House is a warm, friendly place to pop in for a meal.
A charming little place in Hogsback, Butterfly’s Bistro is vibrant, happy and colourful – and its menu reflects this. Pop in for local cuisine that is vegan and gluten friendly.
Pioneers Restaurant and Pub – Graaff-Reniet
For traditional Karoo food, this restaurant offers a taste of history in the street with the most national monuments in SA. Signature dishes include lambs neck, oxtail, Karoo tjops, bobotie. More on Facebook @pioneersrestaurantandpubno1.
The Sweaty Dutchman – Kareedouw
An eatery specialising in Dutch Pancakes, The Sweaty Dutchman is located along Route 62. It serves some of the best offee from around the world, and naturally has legendary pancakes to boot.
Sidebar: Don’t Miss…
- Infood Bakery and Deli, Jeffrey’s Bay: Organically inspired artisan bakery with house brand coffee. www.infood.co.za
- Sanook, East London: part of Chef James Hogg’s portfolio, Sanook brings scrumptious pizza, pasta, burgers and craft beer together. www.sanook.co.za
- True Living, Craddock: A seasonal menu capturing the spirit of rural life in the heart of the Karoo. www.truelivingshop.com
- J-Bay Bru Co., Jeffrey’s Bay: A cosy casual atmosphere open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Facebook: @JBayBruCo
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