When it comes to dining, ambiance plays a crucial role in elevating the entire experience. In South Africa, where natural beauty abounds, there’s a unique breed of restaurants that not only serve delectable cuisine but also offer breathtaking vistas that make every meal a memorable journey. From mountain panoramas to oceanfront elegance, these scenic restaurants are a testament to the country’s diverse landscapes and culinary artistry.
1. Steffanies Place, Cape Town
Source: Facebook / @ Steffanie’s Place
Steffanies Place, one of South Africa’s scenic restaurants, is a family-run bistro with over two decades of history, embodying core values of family, hospitality, and delightful, fresh cuisine. Located atop Irene Avenue in Somerset West, its spacious terrace offers stunning South African sea and mountain vistas that turn into a magical twinkling panorama at night.
Steffanie’s provides flexible seating options, including cosy booths for intimate dining. The interior boasts an inviting fireplace, a well-stocked bar, and expansive picture windows that frame captivating views.
2. Flames Restaurant, Johannesburg
Source: Instagram / @ fsjohannesburg
Enjoy an evening on their terrace, sipping sundowners as their talented chefs craft innovative interpretations of local classics. Picture succulent spice-rubbed sea bass or the most delectable grilled burger you’ve ever savoured, all meticulously prepared using the freshest ingredients.
Elevate your most cherished celebrations and special occasions within the exclusive private spaces at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg. Make your event, gala, or celebration unique with a personalised menu to leave a lasting impression. Their culinary experts are renowned for their imaginative and deeply satisfying avant-garde cuisine, all while you take in breathtaking views of the lush gardens or the city’s verdant canopy below.
Also read: Foods that South African expats miss the most
3. The Ocean Terrace, Durban
Source: Facebook / @ The Oyster Box
The Ocean Terrace in Umhlanga has become a beloved spot for in-house guests and local visitors, offering unobstructed sea views, charming candy-stripe decor, and a diverse bistro-style menu. It’s a family-friendly outdoor dining haven known for its extensive menu, featuring dishes inspired by the freshest local ingredients and South Africa’s culinary heritage, with a particular emphasis on seafood.
The wood-fired pizzas and famous Curry Buffet add even more culinary diversity whether a generous breakfast buffet or an à la carte lunch and dinner, The Ocean Terrace provides a memorable dining experience for all.
4. Hillcrest Berry Orchards Restaurant, Stellenbosch
Source: Facebook / @Hillcrest Berry Orchard
Discover Hillcrest Berry Orchards, a must-visit gem in South Africa’s scenic restaurant scene. With a wholesome menu for breakfast, lunch, and teas, plus a farm shop and deli featuring top-quality products, it’s hard to resist a second visit. Initially, the tea garden showcased Hillcrest’s jams, dessert toppings, and fresh berries, and while classics like scones, berry muffins, and baked cheesecake still delight, today’s menu boasts a variety of healthy meals crafted using certified organic ingredients.
5. Beaches Restaurant, Cape Town
Source: Facebook / @Beaches Restaurant, Yzerfontein
Andrew and Geoff converted an old Yzerfontein house into Beaches Restaurant in South Africa 13 years ago, overlooking the pristine 16 Mile Beach, offering one of the town’s most breathtaking views. They’re committed to serving consistently delicious, value-packed dishes, including seafood, meat, poultry, and vegetarian options. Brightly coloured umbrellas create a seaside holiday ambience on the sunlit verandah, while the beach house theme continues inside with white-washed countertops and charming decor.
Seafood enthusiasts can’t miss the Prawn Spring rolls with dipping sauce and the legendary Seafood Curry. For variety, the Beaches Basket offers a delightful mix of samoosas, spring rolls, fish bites, mussels, and calamari. Finish with the ever-popular Créme Brûlée and locally sourced wines from the Swartland region. Explore South Africa’s scenic restaurants at Beaches Restaurant.
6. Azure Restaurant, Cape Town
Source: Facebook / @ Azure Restaurant
Named among South Africa’s Scenic Restaurants and honoured as South Africa’s Best Hotel Restaurant in the 2020 World Culinary Awards, Azure Restaurant offers a unique blend of breathtaking ocean vistas and an exceptional Cape cuisine experience. Their menu is a celebration of local flavours, with a particular focus on sustainable seafood sourced from the nearby waters. Delicacies like mussels, crayfish, oysters, prawns, langoustines, and squid take centre stage in our sophisticated fine dining offerings.
Set in an elegant ambience featuring plush leather seating and impeccably starched white tablecloths, Executive Chef Christo Pretorius expertly melds international influences with the rich flavours of the region. Their menu is a testament to the principles of seasonality, sustainability, and the abundant fresh produce available in the Cape. In addition to Chef Christo’s innovative creations, you can savour a selection of beloved signature dishes crafted by Beatrice Tollman, the visionary founder of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
7. Restaurant Klein JAN, Northern Cape
Source: Facebook / @Jan Hendrik
Klein Jan Restaurant is nestled within the captivating Tswalu Kalahari, one of South Africa’s premier private game reserves. This untouched and unspoiled sanctuary embodies this enchanting region’s essence. At Klein Jan, we pay homage to South African culture through the language of cuisine, bridging the traditions of yesteryears with contemporary flavours and techniques.
8. Mundo Vida, KwaZulu-Natal North Coast
Source: Facebook / @Mundo Vida
Mundo Vida Restaurant, founded in 2008, is a contemporary à la carte dining experience set in the charming Umdloti Beach, just 7kms north of Umhlanga Rocks along South Africa’s scenic coastline. Perched above the Indian Ocean, this restaurant offers picturesque views and a trendy, relaxed, and casual ambience. Thier mission is to provide guests with the joy of sharing authentic, delectable meals while receiving warm and professional service in a beautiful seaside setting. Explore South Africa’s scenic restaurants at Mundo Vida.
9. East Head Café, Knysna
Source: Facebook / @ East Head Café Knysna
East Head Café is more than your typical café or coffee shop; it is a local landmark where families and friends come together to savour excellent food and casual wine while cherishing life’s moments. Nestled on the rugged rocks of the renowned Eastern Head, East Head Café boasts an unparalleled view, providing an unobstructed gaze through the majestic Knysna Heads.
Their culinary philosophy revolves around simplicity. They firmly believe in crafting straightforward and expertly prepared dishes with a strong emphasis on flavour and freshness. Every plate they serve is a testament to our commitment to sourcing the finest local ingredients, ensuring that your dining experience here is nothing short of exceptional.
10. Taso’s Bar & Grill, Pretoria
Source: Facebook / @ Taso’s Bar & Grill Ballito
Nestled in the scenic coastal town of Ballito, Taso’s Bar & Grill is a chic South African restaurant offering a serene dining experience with picturesque views.
Their speciality lies in crafting exquisite steaks, mouthwatering burgers, and delectable vegetarian dishes, ensuring a diverse culinary experience that caters to all tastes. Explore a menu as captivating as the vistas that surround them at one of South Africa’s scenic restaurants.
11.9th Avenue Waterside, Durban
Source: Facebook / @ 9thavenuewaterside
Owned and operated by Graham and Gina Neilson, 9th Avenue Bistro was born out of their extensive travels and experiences in top establishments across the USA, the UK, Bermuda, South America, and South Africa. Their journey led them to the realisation that there’s truly no place like home, and they chose their hometown of Durban as the canvas for their culinary endeavours.
Building on this rich legacy, 9th Avenue Waterside emerges as the next chapter, presenting a stunning new restaurant nestled in the heart of Durban’s bustling harbour. Here, you’ll discover a stylish and inviting atmosphere paired with sweeping bay views, ensuring an exceptional dining experience that continues the Neilsons’ commitment to culinary excellence.
12. Country Grand Africa Franschhoek
Photo: Facebook / @ Country Grand Franschhoek
Nestled on the picturesque, sun-kissed slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains, Country Grand celebrates the carefree countryside café culture. It proudly showcases its stunning vistas of Franschhoek’s renowned landmarks, courtesy of its high perch on the southwest-facing slopes.
With a blend of iconic style and a touch of playful luxury, Country Grand encapsulates the very essence of vineyard charm and local warmth. Here, you can escape to a tranquil haven, ‘a world away in the heart of the Franschhoek mountains, where the quintessential allure of the countryside beckons.
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