Decorated in stylish and oh-so-retro afro-chic furnishings, the well known East Head Cafe situated on the rocks in Knysna is truly a visit-worthy restaurant. Surrounded by mountains and almost atop the ocean the restaurant exudes a light, relaxed atmosphere with all the necessary facilities to make any meal a memorable one.
The jam packed parking was the first hint that this was a hideout not to be missed and indeed it wasn’t. Management was efficient and welcoming signalling a small wait – a sure sign of a good restaurant and kindly asked us to wait in a snazzy ‘waiting area’. After a small wait, we were given a table outside on the deck which overlooked the bay – a stunning view on a radiantly clear day. The service was fast and even with a restaurant brimming with happy customers – our friendly waiter John, still managed to bring our drinks within 5 minutes.
The menu boasted a wide range of food from gourmet burgers and sandwiches; breakfasts (served until 12h00) and lunches to homemade cakes; decadent deserts and ‘Knysna’s Best Cocktails’. I ordered a Mediterranean Veggie Gourmet Burger (Roast butternut & Baby Marrows topped with sliced Emmentaler cheese and basil pesto) served with homemade chips. I was pleasantly surprised at how brilliant it tasted. The portions were fantastically large, designed to fill empty stomachs yet the food was simple, well seasoned and delicious.
One drawback was the chill blowing off of the water and for this too, they were well prepared – numerous brightly coloured fleece blankets were floating around the outside area matching the brightly coloured afro cushions and white washed wooden tables.
The restaurant impressed me by not only having a generous kids menu but also a rustic looking kid’s play area. The bathroom facilities were clean and fresh and the restaurant could easily fit 120 people with enough bar staff, waiters and kitchen employees to accommodate.
I thoroughly enjoyed my meal at ‘East Head Cafe’ and would recommend it to holiday makers passing through or staying in Knysna – the restaurant was refreshing, adequately priced and buzzing with atmosphere. Warmth emanates from the restaurant as it lives up to its slogan – “Drink, Eat, Relax and Enjoy…It’s the way at East Head Cafe”. So, grab a warm jacket; camera and some company and make a detour to one of Knysna’s most welcoming joints.