A Herald team of six food fanatics have hit the dining scene to bring you our annual Eastern Cape and Garden Route restaurant survey. For four weeks our panel of reviewers visited independent eateries across the region. All review visits were anonymous, unannounced and paid for in full. Each review was based on a single visit and the reviewer’s own personal dining experience.
… and our top two is:
Le Med owner Tony Jones.
LE MED MEDITERRANEAN TAVERNA – SCORE: 95%
Stanley Street, Port Elizabeth.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 10pm.
Contact: (041) 585-1306.
LE MED Mediterranean Taverna is a jewel along the Stanley Street food strip. The cozy yet vibrant restaurant boasts a variety of food capturing the authentic flavours of the Mediterranean and Middle East. The extensive menu had our mouths watering as we read through pages of delicious offerings. We eventually settled on the sigara boregi (R55) for starters. This springroll type starter which is filled with feta cheese and spinach was creamy, delicious and generous in portion size. My husband settled on the pasta di pollo gorgo (R95) and I chose the picollo lamb shank (R85). The lamb was perfectly cooked and so tender it fell off the bone – I would certainly rate this as one of the best lamb shanks in town. My husband enjoyed every bite of his chicken pasta which he declared delicious. He could not finish his man-size portion. He is also obsessed with baklava (R50) so it was the obvious choice for dessert. The dessert made up of rich, sweet pastry filled with chopped nuts and honey was a winner and ended the night on a sweet note. Simply put, the food was amazing and the service was excellent. We will definitely be back. Again and again.
We were hooked from the moment we breathed in the salty sea air and our feet sank into the soft beach sand at Die Walskipper.
DIE WALSKIPPER – SCORE: 95%
Clapton Beach, Marina Martinique, Jeffreys Bay.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 12 to 8pm. Sunday 12 to 3pm.
Closed Monday. Contact: (042) 292-0005 or 082-800-9478.
HOOK, line and sinker… we were hooked from the moment we breathed in the salty sea air and our feet sank into the soft beach sand. Jeffreys Bay’s Die Walskipper is right on the beach and without hesitation we were ushered to our rustic white table with benches. The theme continues as your drinks are served in tin cups and the paper menu doubles up as your placemat. From arrival the service was excellent. Our ever-attentive waitress, also barefoot, made sure we were served promptly even though the restaurant was packed to capacity. Complimentary crusty home-made bread with jam and paté served on tin plates got us started. For mains, my dining partner decided on the hake, calamari and chips (R115) and I chose the sole, calamari, prawn and mussel combo (R155). The fried hake was perfectly fine but my sole – cooked on an open fire – proved a brilliant option. Our desserts, frozen nougat (R45) and peppermint crisp tart (R35), were excellent and not too sweet. Children are catered for with buckets and spades handed out on arrival. Die Walskipper delivers an unforgettable experience, one washed down with a cup of moerkoffie straight off the hot coals. Bliss.
And now reviews for the rest of our 30 restaurants:
IL TRICOLORE – SCORE: 93%
123 Villiers Road, Walmer, Port Elizabeth.
Hours: noon to 3pm and 6 to 10pm Tuesday to Saturday; noon to 3pm Sunday.
Contact: (041) 581-1414.
YOU know it’s been a good evening when, after 2½ hours, you reluctantly drag yourself home from a restaurant. That’s exactly what happened at Il Tricolore, a little piece of Italy in Walmer. The restaurant had recently undergone a revamp which saw its diner booth-type seating replaced with tables and chairs. There’s no wine list and available wines are displayed on a counter. We settled on carpaccio (R70) and gnocchi (R75) starters, fettuccine seafood (R95) and spaghetti bolognaise (R70) for mains, followed by vanilla panacotta with berry compote (R45) and tiramisu (R45). The gnocchi were perfect little pillows of potato that melted in the mouth, served in a sauce of cherry tomatoes, crispy bits of pancetta and pecorino. I decided on the bolognaise since any Italian cook should be able to pull off the most basic of pastas. And it was spot on. The seafood was good, as was the carpaccio with rocket, parmesan and balsamic reduction. The perfectly set panacotta was smooth and creamy. The tiramisu was packed up to take home, though we did have a yummy, boozy mouthful of it before it was boxed. My dinner guest – a childhood friend who graduated from the acclaimed Silwood School of Cookery and now cooks for clients around the world – could also not fault the meal.
FIREFLY EATING HOUSE – SCORE: 93%
152 Old Cape Road, Knysna.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 6 to 10pm.
Contact: (044) 382-1490.
THIS restaurant is about more than simply dining: it is an experience that satisfies all the senses. There is a little bit of “magic” in everything it has to offer, from the setting to the food and even the mother and daughter duo behind the scenes. From a visual perspective the restaurant has it all: rich colours, quirky decor and romantic candlelight. Hearing Sancha Hadlow cooking up a storm and her mother Dell telling diners interesting tales makes you feel like you are having a meal in the home of good friends… Good friends who really know their way around a kitchen. The aromas of the spices used will have you salivating even before the menus arrive. Expect a tapas style menu and some phenomenal flavours. We had the Thai fish bites with peanut, coriander and cucumber pickle (served in a little dish complete with a plastic goldfish to add a quirky factor), the three-pepper Patagonian calamari (probably the most delicious thing I’ve tasted in years), sweet ginger chicken satay with sweet chili sauce and Cape Malay bobotie spring rolls with mint chutney. All the dishes range from R45 and R52 and three to four servings are recommended. The dessert – Madagascar vanilla ice cream with salted caramel sauce served with black salt – did not disappoint either. Firefly is a must-visit when in Knysna.
FLAVA – SCORE: 92%
17a Bain Street, Richmond Hill, Port Elizabeth.
Hours: Monday and Tuesday 6 to 10pm, Wednesday to Saturday noon to 10pm.
Contact: 082-666-7098 or 082-990-1002.
THIS is surely one of the Bay’s gems and an immediate choice should you be wanting to impress out-of-town visitors over the holiday season. Among a sea of bistros in Richmond Hill, Flava boasts a sterling pedigree with its chic yet utterly casual ambience, attentive service by a squad of professional staff, genial and ubiquitous host John Burger and – most importantly – food that has been made with passion. It’s a formula which serves the venue impeccably and it’s difficult to find fault when all the pieces of a restaurant visit fall together effortlessly. The menu is diverse and each dish designed to tempt. From ambrosial pan-fried mussels in coconut and coriander cream (R55) to the superbly succulent prosciutto kingklip with flavour-bursting veggies (R90) and a melt-in-the-mouth trio of cheesecakes (R40) – each course is a fine example of care in the kitchen. To top it all, your bill will reflect great value for money. A terrific outing.
THE FAT FISH – SCORE: 91%
Hopwood Street, Milkwood Centre, Central Beach, Plettenberg Bay.
Hours: Monday to Sunday 11.30am to 10pm.
Contact: (044) 533-4740.
THIS restaurant has the ultimate recipe for success: great service, quality food and a stunning setting. When we visited on a Friday night it was packed but instead of making us wait in line for a table, we were shown to the bar area where the host presented us with a complimentary glass of bubbly. The food was superb right from starter to the dessert. We enjoyed the Panko prawns – five prawns dipped in Panko crumbs and served with a homemade sweet and sour sauce (R85). The mouthwatering Fat Fish seafood platter for two at R340 cannot be faulted and included perfectly cooked grilled prawns, Moroccan linefish kebabs, sesame fried calamari, mussels in a leek sauce served with basmati rice. The quality of the seafood was outstanding and the flavours subtle but perfect. The chili chocolate mousse at R50 was a stunning way to end off a wonderful dining experience.
KITCHEN WINDOWS – SCORE: 88%
80 Ferreira Street, Main Beach, Jeffreys Bay.
Hours: 11am to 9pm daily (closes 3pm on a Sunday).
Contact: (042) 293-4230 or 086-613-5495.
WHAT a find! Although it has been open for years, we only discovered this Jeffreys Bay restaurant last month and found it ticks all the boxes for a happy holiday meal: a wide range of food and an equally extensive wine list, also available by the glass; a children’s menu and play facilities; indoor and outdoor seating; and a fabulous view over the Main Beach. Seafood is a big focus – silverfish (R99) the day we were there, and it was delicious, as was the fried calamari (R40) starter and the paella (R110) served in a pan. The owners promise fresh, natural food with healthy options alongside more traditional dishes like steak, ribs and burgers. Out of season there is plenty of parking but in season rather park behind and walk through an alley in the street behind to the restaurant.
TABU GRILL, BAR AND LOUNGE – SCORE: 87%
At the Radisson Blu Hotel, Corner Marine Drive and 9th Avenue, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth.
Hours: Breakfast 6.30am to 10.30am (weekdays) and 6.30am to 11am (weekends). Lunch noon to 3pm and dinner 6.30pm to 10.30pm, Monday to Sunday. Bar and lounge hours: 10am to 6.30pm.
Contact: (041) 509-5000.
EXECUTIVE chef Jonathan Hodder has elevated the quality of dining at the Radisson Blu’s Tabu restaurant since leaving that other Bay go-to for fine dining, Ginger, late last year. The duck parfait starter (R70) with brioche was silky, complex and imaginatively plated, while my mains of roast fillet of beef and short rib brandade with asparagus and red wine jus (R150) was an equal triumph. Hubby too greatly enjoyed the unusual Moroccan rump of lamb (R120) with chickpeas and the most wonderful gravy (sorry, “jus”), while our dessert of coconut panacotta (R50) looked and tasted beautifully tropical. Service was impeccable and the wine and cocktails selection was impressive.
FUSHIN – SCORE: 85%
Stanley Street, Richmond Hill.
Hours: Noon until 10pm daily.
Contact: (041) 811-7874
FUSHIN has earned a national reputation for fine sushi, sashimi and other Eastern delights. Owner Mark Oosthuizen has since extended the formula with branches in Sunridge Village and Baywest, but for many loyal patrons the flagship restaurant in Stanley Street is still the first port of call. Understandably, Fushin is often full and, since they don’t take bookings, you may have to wait for a table. We got there early and even so only managed to get a table outside, which worried me as it was a chilly and rather windy night. However, as soon as the screens came down my hubby and I were perfectly cosy. The food was super: spicy baked mussels and octopus ceviche (both R60) were fantastically flavourful starters, though the ceviche did arrive 10 minutes after the mussels. For mains I had coal-fired tuna steak (R75): the fish of exceptional quality and my request for rare perfectly interpreted. Hubby loved the refreshingly different cumin-crusted squid (R65). Poached pear with caramel dust (R45) sounded lovely for dessert, but the pear was watery and bland – uncharacteristic for an establishment where you expect a flavour explosion from every dish.
KIPLING’S BRASSERIE – SCORE: 84%
The Boardwalk Hotel, Marine Drive, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth.
Hours: 6 to 11am (breakfast), 6 to 10.30pm (dinner), lunch 1 to 3.30pm (Sunday only).
Contact (041) 507-9452.
ONE of few fine dining establishments in Port Elizabeth, Kipling’s Brasserie inside the Boardwalk Hotel is a cut above the average hotel dining room.There aren’t many restaurants in this city where, when you order a starter, you first are served an amuse-bouche and certainly Kipling’s offering of “charcoal ciabatta” topped with goats cheese was unusual. Between our starter and main, we also were served a more conventional lemon sorbet.The food was fresh and seasonal as executive chef Paul Bain changes the menu several times a year. This means you may not be able to enjoy the butter chicken curry (R115) which we had, although, as it seems it is a popular choice. The wine list has local and international wines, including champagnes and many lovely wines by the glass.However, if you’re looking for a hearty and basic plate of food, this is not the place to go: save it for a romantic treat.
HARICOT’S DELI AND BISTRO – SCORE: 84%
34 New Street, Grahamstown.
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am to 9pm.
Contact: (046) 622-2150.
ONE of Grahamstown’s favourite meeting places for locals, this venue focuses on providing an elegant dining experience and combining it with a relaxed and casual air – not the easiest of matches to create, but it works ideally here. Menus – separate breakfast, lunch and dinner – are clearly reviewed and changed to keep regular patrons keen to sample new listings, which are neatly explained. The menus offer a limited but enticingly descriptive selection of starters, salads, mains (meat, poultry, fish and vegetarian) and desserts. Service could not be faulted, although the time between three courses was on the slow side. However, each dish was simply but temptingly plated with pleasing presentation throughout and represented a bouquet of full flavours and textures – like the tomato and goat’s cheese tartlet with basil pesto (R60), or the pan-fried chicken fillets in a delicious tarragon cream and wine sauce (R98) and served with a light ribbon pasta, rather than potato or rice. The “Eton Mess” dessert (R35) was a super-light combo of crushed meringue, fresh strawberries and cream. There is also a more than satisfying wine list.
BIG TIME TAVERNA – SCORE: 84%
Mayotte Circle, St Francis Bay.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 10pm.
Contact: (042) 294-1309.
THIS classic Greek restaurant, idyllically situated on the St Francis Bay canals, has a great vibe and good, authentic food to match. As a starter we had yemista – peppers stuffed with rice and minced beef – and although a large portion, it was a little on the bland side. The restaurant’s starters range from R59 to R65. Our mains, however, stole the show. We decided on the pagidakia – grilled lamb loin chops seasoned Greek-style (R145) – which were perfectly cooked and tender – and the youvarni, pieces of lamb baked in the oven, served on a bed of tomato-based noodles and sprinkled with kefalotiri (R130). Halva ice cream (R65) and an espresso rounded the meal off perfectly.
GINGER THE RESTAURANT - SCORE: 83%
The Beach Hotel, Marine Drive, Summerstrand.
Hours: 11am to 4pm and 6 to 10pm daily.
Contact: (041) 583-1229.
ANY beachfront restaurant already has an obvious edge over its counterparts – the view. But Ginger does not rely solely on its view to keep clientele happy. Here, every effort goes into making the dining experience unforgettable – from the neatly laid out table to the perfectly folded napkins. And then there’s the food, fine dining at its best. We arrived without having made a reservation and – being that time of year when many are winding down the year with festive parties – the restaurant was full. But the manager settled us on the balcony, assuring us we would be moved inside as soon as a table became available. In the meantime, we could have our drinks outside but our table – cleared and completely remade – was ready in no time. For the starter, I decided on gin cured salmon (R65) and for mains we went with chicken roulade (R109) and Moroccan kingklip (R139). All were tasty although, being a potato lover, I could have done with another crispy potato rosti with my chicken. For dessert we settled on a pistachio semifreddo (R46) and spice route ice cream (R46). Both were delicious, the three balls of homemade ice cream – with hints of ginger and cinnamon – reminding one of the inside of a spice shop. And to end the evening, a big breath of fresh sea air.
NATTI’S THAI KITCHEN - SCORE: 83%
5 Park Lane, Mill Park.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 6 to 10pm.
Contact: (041) 373 2763.
A FIRM favourite among Thai food lovers – and those not so familiar with the oriental tastes but willing to give it a try – this establishment clearly has not lost its edge over the years. Service is impeccable from the moment you walk through the door, and you are given a chance to settle in before being invited to peruse a chalkboard with a menu that may seem limited, but provides a full range of Thai delights which should get the mouth watering pronto. Of course, unlike some franchises, you are getting the genuine recipes, creations and presentation here, and the range of satays, tempura dishes, curries and other exotic offerings are not only piquantly spicy, but subtlety flavoured too, each with their own unique signature. The green curry, with a choice of versions, is highly recommended. It’s a no-frills venue when it comes to seating and furnishings – but hey, the food is clearly the top priority and you won’t find it wanting in this department. Prices are also exceptionally reasonable. Natti’s is not licenced so remember to bring your own wine or other liquor requirements.
OLD AUSTRIA – SCORE: 83%
24 Westbourne Road, Central, Port Elizabeth.
Hours: Monday to Friday 12pm to 3.30pm and 6.30 to 10pm. Saturday 6.30 to 10pm.
Contact: (041) 373-0299.
ONE of Port Elizabeth’s oldest restaurants, Old Austria has that old world charm with a beautiful piano taking centre stage. It is perfect for an intimate and special dining experience. My husband and I went to the beautifully decorated restaurant for a well-deserved date night. The hospitality was warm and welcoming as we enjoyed our three-course meal. We had delicious crumbed mushrooms (R45) for starters with the complimentary bread on offer. mains I tucked into the perfectly cooked sirloin (R130) with a side order of rosti (R20). My husband enjoyed the chicken and vegetable stirfry which I thought was a tad bit expensive at R125. Of course, there are the popular offerings of wiener schnitzel (R125) and veal cordon bleu (R135). We shared the caramel pavlova served with fresh fruit and cream (R45). Old Austria also has an impressive drinks and wine menu. The service was fantastic and with the piano tinkling in the background, it was a delightful evening.
SHANNA’S PORTUGUESE RESTAURANT - SCORE: 82%
220 Circular Drive, Lorraine, Port Elizabeth.
Hours: 6 to 9.30pm (kitchen closes) Monday to Saturday.
Contact: (041) 367-4560.
IT WAS with some trepidation that I ordered the trinchado starter at Shanna’s. After all, the last time I’d ordered this spicy Portuguese stew, at another out-of-town establishment, it was bland and the meat tough. But the folk at Shanna’s did not disappoint – their hearty version included tender pork strips (R50) in an aromatic sauce served with fresh, hot rolls. My dinner partner, claiming to be Banting, opted for the chourico (R50), a spicy Portuguese sausage. I quickly grabbed his roll too, to mop up all the trinchado sauce, not wanting to waste a drop. At first glance, the mains – peri-peri chicken (R110) and espedata with queen prawns (R140) served with a choice of starch and veggies – appeared to be rather pricey. But the portion size warranted the price and I ended up taking more than half my main for lunch the next day. The food was tasty too, all protein, tender and seasoned just right. For dessert, we settled on the flourless chocolate cake (R45) and creme brulee (R40). I felt the custard base was a bit overcooked, but the caramel topping had just the right touch of bitterness and crack to offset the sweetness of the custard. No doubt I’ll be back seeing Shanna’s has now ruined all other peri-peri chicken for me.
DE KELDER – SCORE: 82%
Corner of Marine Drive and 6th Avenue, Summerstrand.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, noon to 2pm and 6 to 10.30pm.
Contact: (041) 583 2750.
ONE of Port Elizabeth’s longest standing and most refined eateries, the old world, elegant but homely ambience greets you like an old friend the second you walk in. Roominess is a feature here, and that sense of familiar comfort is reinforced by the plush seating and other furnishings as you settle in to peruse what is a truly extensive and wide ranging list of offerings and an equally impressive wine choice. It was a quiet day so service could be expected to be good in any event, but from the moment we walked in the door, Kojak was attendance personified without ever being overbearing. Dishes were most generous and ambrosial affairs although the mains could have been a little more imaginatively plated. On the other hand, dessert was a veritable carnival of a presentation. And while great quality is expected to cost that much extra, you will find the pricing on the menu most definitely on the higher end – especially when it comes to steaks which, it must be said, are outstanding.
STICKY FINGERS – SCORE: 80%
3 Stanley Street, Richmond Hill.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 6pm to late.
Contact: (041) 582-2417.
A WARM welcome is always a good start to a dining out experience and the team here certainly know how to give you that, ensuring you are comfortably seated in just the right spot and your drinks order sorted out pronto. This is a relaxed venue with a cottagey ambience and featuring not the most extensive menu, but with enough variety to satisfy a choosy diner’s tastes and the “what-do-I-feel-like-tonight” factor. That great service ethic is followed on throughout the evening and the dishes themselves are tantalisingly plated. There is a simple Mediterranean approach to starters with the likes of a mezze platter or table salad. A medium rare beef fillet was done to a turn and accompaniments like veggies and chips were generous affairs served separately, allowing you to add just the right size portions to your liking. There is also a diverse and select wine list, allowing for an amply satisfying meal pairing. A short but delectable dessert menu featuring, among others, chocolate brownies and ice-cream with Bar One sauce ensures you round it all off sweetly.
J-BAY BRU CO - SCORE: 76%
10 Da Gama Street, Jeffreys Bay
Hours: in season 9am till late (shorter hours out of season).
Contact: (042) 940-0165.
THE wave of craft beers has swept into surf-ville with the opening of the J-Bay Bru Co this year and I reckon this casual Jeffreys Bay restaurant will be a major hit this summer. It has around 50 brews available, along with pizza, burgers and light meals and you can order a “tester” size batch of five different beers for a modest R55. We had a chevin and field mushroom pizza (R75) that had a thin crispy base and was really, really good. The other main course was roast chicken (R79), such a seemingly simple menu item and yet so often not done well: J-Bay Bru Co got it right with lightly cooked vegetables and salad, spot on for the Banting diner in our party. It is part of the In Food stable, owned by the super-talented Jayne Davies, so the food is fresh and good. Another plus is that it is close to the beach (and Billabong factory shop), and you can look forward to live music in season.
TWO OLIVES – SCORE: 76%
1 Stanley Street, Richmond Hill.
Hours: Monday 5.30 to 10pm, Tuesday to Friday –11am to 4pm then 5.30 to 10pm, Sunday 12 to 6pm.
Contact: (041) 585-0371.
TWO Olives offers tapas-style dining which echoes flavours from the Mediterranean.Sometimes there is nothing better than to eat delicious food with your hands, so we decided to order the lamb shank spring rolls (R55), three cheese (blue cheese, feta and camembert) and Black Forest ham spring rolls (R49), Greek-style lamb chops (R52) and suppli (R49). There are also main courses that include pizzas, salads and steaks if you are really hungry. All the dishes we tried were delicious but our favourite was the lamb shank spring rolls served with fresh tzatziki. For dessert we had a trio of desserts which included a divine brownie, cheesecake and Lindt balls deep-fried in phyllo pastry. Overall the service was good but the food did take longer than I would have liked. The only real gripe I have is the chairs. I found them very uncomfortable and they did rather put a dampener on the outing.
ZINZI – SCORE: 75%
Hunter’s Estate, N2, Plettenberg Bay.
Hours: Monday to Sunday noon to 3pm and 6 to 10pm.
Contact: (044) 532-8226.
ZINZI in Swahili means “abundance” and it sums up this restaurant perfectly. It offers abundance not only in superb dishes, but also in atmosphere and splendour. To start my dining partner and I chose the Patagonian calamari and salad, which was wonderfully prepared and bursting with flavour. At R85 a for a small portion, it is on the expensive side especially after having the same dish (but a bigger portion) at another Garden Route restaurant for much less. The reception at the restaurant was fantastic and staff made every diner feel special. Our waiter did however take his time between courses and we had to call him every time we were done and needed something else. The restaurant has a great reputation and when mains came our way, it lived up to it. My Persian chicken breast (R98) in yoghurt, coriander and saffron marinade was served with a butternut, borlotti bean and rocket quinoa and grape charmoula. My partner’s beef fillet with bavarian blue and tarragon aioli, smokey spiced potato wedges and a herb and red pepper salad (which we have had before and could not stop talking about for ages) for R159 was however overcooked. We asked for medium rare and received it cooked almost well done. The hostess however came to the table and quickly sorted it out, which left us with an overall good dining experience. The ginger cheescake with fig ice cream at R55 topped the evening off well.
GOLDEN COAST – SCORE: 73%
77 Heugh Road, Walmer, Port Elizabeth.
Hours: Lunch Tuesday to Sunday, dinner Monday to Sunday.
Bookings: (041) 581-8025.
THIS well-established Bay restaurant is a sound choice for an inexpensive, good quality meal when in the mood for Chinese or Taiwanese cuisine. The interior is huge and when we visited very few tables were occupied, which did affect the atmosphere. On a previous visit we’d gone for set menus, which the waiters seem to encourage, however I would strongly urge you to order a la carte – as we did for the purposes of this review visit – since that is when you get to taste the most interesting and imaginative dishes. Our selection of eight deep-fried dumplings to start (R25) was very good value and the hot and sour tofu and chicken soup (R16) hearty and generously portioned. My dining partner’s pork and ginger with onion and Chinese mushrooms (R60) was a sizzling triumph, as was my calamari with ginger, onion and whole cloves of garlic in a “three cup sauce” (R62). We found the fried milk dessert (R16) a bit sweet and oily and thought it would’ve benefited from a sprinkling of cinnamon.
THE CHARTROOM, AT ALGOA BAY YACHT CLUB – SCORE: 70%
Dom Pedro Jetty, Port Elizabeth harbour.
Hours: noon to 2.45pm and 6 to 9pm Tuesday to Saturday and noon to 2.45pm Sunday.
Contact: (041) 585-2893 or 072-462-2676.
THERE’S a certain charm to having dinner at The Chartoom, overlooking yachts in the marina, lights twinkling as they reflect on the water. The twinkling effect is carried through the restaurant thanks to fairy lights strung up around the room. The Chartroom doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It is simple, with sparse decor. But what it lacks in decor, it more than makes up for in wholesome food – the kind you want to share with family and friends, no arty-farties. For starters we had tempura prawns (R49) and crumbed mushrooms (R48) and for mains the cheddermelt schnitzel (R79) and grilled hake (R72) served with chips and veggies. Both portions were huge, with more than enough to take home a doggy bag. The food, while simple fare, was tasty. We weren’t offered a dessert menu, and upon asking were told – seeing as it was Tuesday and they don’t operate on Mondays – there was only ice cream and chocolate sauce and malva pudding. We decided rather not. The evening had gone well up until that point, but went south when I spotted a cockroach – at least 2cm long – scurrying across a wall. A few minutes later, another came towards us across the floor. Our waiter joked that the cockroaches had timed it well as they only came out at closing time. What a dampener on an otherwise pleasant evening.
LA KOUZINA Cocktail Bar and Restaurant – SCORE: 69%
Brookes on the Bay, Beach Road, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth.
Hours: noon to 10.30pm.
Contact: (041) 581-0167.
Run by the hospitable Castis family who also own the Coachman in the same complex, La Kouzina is a relaxed and lively restaurant offering not only Greek but also Italian pizza and pasta and a separate sushi menu. We didn’t manage to get a table on the north-facing veranda, which has a partial view over Kings Beach, as we did not book but just arrived – and it was only 6.30pm – so bear in mind that you will need to book if you want the view. It’s a lovely spot for sundowners although the mango daiquiri at R55 took quite a while to arrive: my partner’s glass of wine was half-empty before I could quench my thirst. Cocktails headline the extensive drinks menu and the Greek-inspired line-up of starters is so inviting that you may not manage to reach main course and dessert. We opted for the meze platter (R99 for one, R180 for two) and it was a good choice to share the smaller one, as it had both chips and pita bread, taramasalata and tzatziki dips plus two pieces each of meatballs, spanokopita, halloumi, calamari and dolmades. If you don’t have room for dessert, the Greek chocolate cake is worth taking away to enjoy at home later with coffee. We found service friendly and generally good but as Brookes on the Bay is prime holiday space, you may face a slightly longer wait due to the crowds.
LILY at MYPOND- SCORE: 69%
MyPond Hotel, 33 Van der Riet Street, Port Alfred.
Hours: Daily 6.30am to 9.30am, 12.30 to 4.30pm and 6.30 to 9.30pm.
Contact: (046) 624 4626.
FRIENDLY service without attention to detail when it comes to waiting a table unfortunately does not an ideal restaurant experience make. While there could be no question that there was a charming approach by a beaming waitress throughout, little things like a first course arriving before a table setting was laid out and missing serviettes and salt and pepper shakers snatch away the edge. Set right on the banks of the Kowie River, Lily has a delightful, tranquil ambience – especially if you sit out on the terrace – and the menu and wine selection are immediately promising. But again, while a crispy bacon and biltong shaving salad with avocado wedges, olives, feta and greens, looked like a terrific combo as a starter to whet the appetite, the total absence of any avo when it arrived was a letdown. On the other hand, an ultra tender lamb shank with colourful fresh veggies – while rather pricey (R145) – was delectable, as was the super smooth vanilla pod and lavender home-made ice cream. Tweaking those little – but ultimately crucial – finer points of patron attention would be of critical benefit to this otherwise most pleasing venue.
THE COACHMAN ON THE BAY – SCORE: 67%
Brookes on the Bay, Beach Road, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth.
Hours: Monday to Saturday 11am to 10.30pm, Sunday 11am to 9.30pm.
Contact: (041) 584-0087.
THE Coachman on the Bay is a luxurious place to eat with plush carpets, impressive decor and beautifully dressed waitresses in flowing, elegant dresses. The location is impressive too as it overlooks the beachfront. The food and ambience are always great as it is one of the few restaurants in PE that are usually busy most nights of the week. We whet our appetite with foccaccia topped with feta as we perused the extensive menu that caters for everyone. Known for its impressive steaks, I chose the Coachman Special (R159). The fillet was grilled to perfection (medium rare) with just enough pink, covered in a layer of mushrooms and topped with a delicious cheese sauce. My dining partner had the lamb shank which was well worth the R179. It was tender, well cooked and tasty as it was seasoned with garlic and herbs. The shank came with mash, tzatsiki and vegetables. An impressive display of desserts tempted us into a third course. After much debate we settled on the creme brulee which was delicious. The only dampener was the service. Our waitress disappeared for an hour and wasn’t interested in us at all. She also went through the specials as though she was a robot. The food was great but the service left a bitter taste.
ENRICO’S - SCORE: 66%
296 Main Street, Keurboomsstrand.
Hours: Monday to Sunday noon to 10pm.
Contact: (044) 535-9818.
VERY few things can beat Enrico’s on a summer’s day. We sat enjoying a scrumptious meal on the massive deck overlooking Keurboomsstrand while the sun started to set, live music in the background and a spectacular show by schools of dolphins riding waves. Although we were given the wrong starter, the smoked kudu and avocado slices with black pepper, lemon and olive oil (R65) was very tasty. Friends have recommended Enrico’s pizza and we weren’t disappointed. At R85 the bacon and avocado pizza was delicious. The calamari fritti – crumbed, deep-fried rings with a homemade tartare sauce – was just as amazing. The owners of the restaurant pride themselves on fresh seafood and every morning before dawn their boat goes out and catches linefish to ensure the freshest products end on diners’ plates. The tartufo (Italian ice cream, R49.50) was a decadent end to a great evening.
BOCADILLOS ON 1ST - SCORE: 61%
24 1st Avenue, Walmer.
Hours: Monday to Saturday 7.30am to 9.30pm (kitchen closes) and 9am to 3pm on Sundays.
Contact: (041) 581-8081.
ARRIVING at the fresh-looking and welcoming restaurant inside the Lemon Tree lifestyle and home decor complex, I was initially excited. Our waiter was friendly enough, warning us about a loud party in one section of the restaurant. My foodie partner-in-crime and I got stuck in the menu, ordering the Bocadillos signature freshly squeezed juices (both of us choosing Radiance – a mix of apple, pineapple and mint, R25), the baked camembert starter (R39) to share, lamb shank (R149) for me and Patagonian calamari (R89) for him. Our mains arrived sans starter: our waiter had forgotten to order it from the kitchen. The lamb shank, while tender, was not saucy enough for me and while the mashed potato was okay, it needed some meaty gravy. The calamari was tasty and tender. Our starter – which arrived halfway through the main course – was the star the meal, oozy cheese baked with garlic and rosemary sprigs and served with melba toast. Then, again, we waited. And waited. And waited. And eventually we got up to check the dessert options on display as we were not offered a dessert menu. Eventually, our waiter asked if we wanted anything sweet. Partner-in-crime fancied the apple crumble (R35) and I the roulade (R35). “The what?” the waiter wanted to know. “The roulade,” I said. “You know, meringue rolled up like a swiss roll.” “Oh, the pavlova,” he said. Oh well. I will go back though, as the atmosphere is nice, the roulade definitely worth a return visit and because there are one or two other dishes I’d like to try.
RAASOIE THE KITCHEN OF INDIA – SCORE: 60%
Shop 9, Dolphins Leap, Beach Road, Port Elizabeth.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday noon to 3pm and 5 to 10pm; closed on Monday.
Contact: (041) 581-0333.
RAASOIE moved from Walmer to the PE beachfront earlier this year, where they’ve attracted a new following. Prices have gone up the bit and the new decor and view are somewhat of an improvement. The food is mostly as good as ever though service continues to be slack. Our advice? Go there and feast, but know you are probably going to get lazy service. For instance, empty plates and glasses were not cleared including between some courses (nor drinks replenished); serviettes were lacking; desserts were not offered (we eventually asked, after an endless wait) – all this while the restaurant wasn’t full and the waitron could be seen at times scanning her phone and arbing around. That said, the quality and authenticity of the food make up for a lot. Flavours are excellent and everything is freshly prepared. I’m a fan of Raasoie’s curries in particular and my chicken and prawn curry (R105) in a rich coconut flavoured sauce – and with tangy, almost nutty lemon rice (R30) on the side – did not disappoint. However my dining partner felt the lamb boti kabab at R65 (tandoori lamb, cubed and served on a skewer), though incredibly tender and beautifully spiced, was quite overpriced for the smallish serving he received. To finish, the mango kulfi (traditional Indian ice cream, R35) was a refreshing delight.
MUJO’S BAR AND RESTAURANT – SCORE: 60%
1 Knysna Road, George.
Hours: Monday to Thursday 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday 9am to 9pm, Sundays 10am to 3pm.
Contact: 072-562-2937.
THIS restaurant has an extensive menu with options for every palate. There are also several interesting options including a deep-fried Oreos dessert and a cheeseburger springroll. All the portions are very large which would definitely satisfy hungry patrons and presents value for money. The taste combinations are in some instances a bit odd for example the warm vegetable salad I had consisted of salad leaves, butternut, beetroot, chickpeas, dukkah, feta and then caramelised onion and a pungent garlic salad dressing. For R59 it was very filling but the taste combination did not work entirely.
We also tried the Mexican burger (R77) which lacked flavour and was cold. As a starter we had the cheeseburger springroll for R45 and for dessert a French nougat and chocolate springroll for R40. The nougat tasted shop bought and as it was deep-fried it became extremely sticky due to the heat.
The service, while friendly and helpful, was on the slow side.
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