Like many towns in South Africa, Mossel Bay houses family eating franchises such as Wimpy and Spur, but tucked away throughout the town is a diversity of independently owned and operated restaurants that visitors can enjoy. Having lived in the town for over 10 years my wife Fiona and I, have enjoyed hunting around to try many of these restaurants. Many have little quirks; most are stacked full of characters and the food is as varied as you can imagine. Here are some of our favourite local eateries that embody the relaxed, ‘take it slow’ nature of Mossel Bay.

1. Cafe Gannet

This is our favourite restaurant in town mainly due to the great food and the friendly service. Whenever we are intending that special occasion, and are happy to spend a few more rand, then the Gannet is where we head. You can always tell Mossel Bay’s Gannet will deliver the goods. There are always daily specials with a difference. Alfresco dining with sea views; wild oysters; mussels; sole; crayfish; fresh line-fish and meat dishes are available daily from 7 a.m till late, seven days a week! This property also features a stylish coffee shop and one of the most amazing cocktail bars with huge windows and a deck, overlooking the ocean. VIEW WEBSITE

2. Cafe Havana 

Another of our favourites, the kitchen may be small, and the wait could be a little long if you are in a big group. It doesn’t seem to matter when you are chilling in the midst of the wonderful Cuban decor enjoying a cocktail and listening to funky live music. True to its Cuban spirit Havana’s is situated on the main intersection of the main road in Mossel Bay, overlooking the hustle and bustle of this quaint town. Lunch and dinner come from a spectacular menu with a huge variety of traditional Cuban dishes. For the not so hungry – a tapas can be enjoyed with a Cuban cocktail on the wooden deck with great views of the mountains and sea. After a wonderful meal, you can move to the cigar lounge with its tranquil atmosphere and burning fireplace and indulge in a Cuban cigar. The Cafe Havana Lounge features a fully stocked bar and frequent Live Entertainment. VIEW WEBSITE

3. The Blue Shed

This is one of the newest eateries in Mossel Bay, and has been a great success. For day time business meetings, to sitting around relaxing with friends, the quirky and casual design of the Blue Shed invites you in and keeps you – especially when the coffees are so delicious and there are so many flavours to choose from. You can enjoy your coffee with cakes. Read on the comfy chairs or play a game of chess, watching for dolphins. Quirky and unique. VIEW WEBSITE

4. Delfinos Restaurant

My dad taught me that the most important thing about retail is that location wins every time. Delfinos has this in spades. Located adjacent to the towns two most popular surfing spots, inner and outer pool, the huge outside patio is a firm favourite of visitors during the summer months. The food isn’t for us but the incredible setting, cheap prices, and lively atmosphere make Delfino’s one of Mossel Bay’s most popular restaurants. VIEW WEBSITE

5. Fork and Train Restaurant

The Fork and Train Restaurant, situated at the Santos Express Train Lodge, offers a well balanced menu of traditional South African fare with its fresh seafood and continental dishes. But what really makes this restaurant unique is the setting, overlooking the blue flag Santos Beach and located at the front end of the iconic train hotel. The fork and train has a lively bar and a fun atmosphere to enjoy a sunset meal overlooking the ocean.VIEW WEBSITE

6. Sea Gypsy Restaurant

This relaxed venue is famous amongst the students we teach annually at Africa Media and Oceans Research. After a long night shift on the ocean it’s become a tradition for them to pile into the sea gypsy and order the always impressive ‘gypsy or pirate breakfast’. These are huge, hot, delicious breakfasts that set you up for the day. The restaurant itself is built in the classical style of an old town harbour bar with netting; old planks of wood and a hearty and warm feel to it. The food is primarily seafood. This restaurant prides itself on large and hearty dishes for guests who are seeking a good solid seafood meal.VIEW WEBSITE

7. Route 57 Restaurant

This elegant restaurant, situated in one of Mossel Bay’s historic stone buildings, is a joint venture between international golfing star and 2010 Open Champion, Louis Oosthuizen, and well-known Mossel Bay restaurateurs Ilze Nel and Anzelle Zeelie. We have visited Route 57 a few times, and enjoyed each meal immensely. It is definitely upmarket, and the owners have really put in that extra effort to ensure a sumptuous experience for patrons.VIEW WEBSITE

8. Kaai 4

Kaai 4 is about as unique as you can get -but it works. The restaurant is mostly open air, and located right on the Mossel Bay harbour. The evenings are lit up by paraffin lamps, and the food is cooked in traditional potjie pots on the open fire located in the middle of the restaurant. The food is traditional South African barbecue and ‘potjie’ or pot food and is, of course, tender and delish. The whole atmosphere is driven by Mike, a charismatic and friendly barman, manager and ‘man of the world’. Your evenings will be full of laughter; fun and a great many stories of years gone by.VIEW WEBSITE 

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