East Head Café in Knysna and why you have to visit

By Roxanne Reid
Gorgeous views of The Knysna Heads – check. Consistently good food – check.
Friendly, efficient service – check.
I’m talking about the East Head Café in Knysna and why you have to visit. And no, it's not just because TripAdvisor ranks it number 1 of 108 restaurants in Knysna. 

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One of the best ways of knowing a good place to eat is to watch where the locals go. During the Christmas rush in Knysna along the Garden Route, the locals may well prefer to give tourist hot spots like the congested Knysna Heads area a miss – and who could blame them? – but here the food draws them in anyway.

East Head Cafe's setting on the rocks at The Knysna Heads on the Garden Route is only one of its major draw cards

The East Head Café doesn’t take bookings. It knows it doesn’t have to. So in high season, you may have to queue and wait for a table. In general I refuse to do this, but after my first visit here a year or so ago, I've learnt to arrive early and just grit my teeth, knowing the wait will be worth it. 

Large picture windows allow you to enjoy view of The Heads, the lagoon and the sea

Why is it worth the wait?
1. The view. The restaurant perches on the rocks at the Knysna Heads, with an unobstructed view over these landmarks, the lagoon and the sea beyond. On a good day the windows slide back so there’s barely a barrier between you and the elements, or you can sit outside on the covered deck. On windy days, the picture windows close without hiding the view, and there’s a fireplace for really cold winter’s days.  

People with small kids tend to sit outside, to keep an eye on the kids in a special play area to the right of the photo

2. The relaxed friendly atmosphere. Although the service is friendly and attentive, no one rushes you. You can kick back and enjoy the buzz whether you’re here for a cappuccino (really good, made from artisan roasted beans), a slice of cake or a full meal.

Come for breakfast or lunch, or relax on the benches with your coffee or cake

3. Fresh, local produce. The cheese, the berries, the veggies, the salad greens are all sourced locally and the better for it. The philosophy is simple: ‘When something good goes in, something wonderful comes out.’

The roast butternut and blue cheese salad has lots of pecan nuts and comes with a fig-and-dill dressing

4. The food. Between us, we tried seven different menu items and every single one was excellent, from the roast butternut and blue cheese salad to the karan steak sandwich with caramelised onions, from the guacamole bacon burger to the thai chicken curry. For those with a sweet tooth, the lemon meringue pie, baked cheesecake with berry compote, and meringue crush were a delicious end to a supremely enjoyable meal.

Lemon meringue is an all-time favourite, and East Head Cafe's version has just the right amount of tartness

This isn’t self-conscious food or overly fussy, just well-presented and delicious. When every single choice you make from a menu is a winner, it’s some feat for a restaurant. To accomplish this consistently even during the busiest tourist season over Christmas is almost a miracle.

Next time you visit the Garden Route, put Knysna on your itinerary and visit the East Head Café to relax, unwind and treat your tastebuds.

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