Known for lush surroundings and breath-taking scenery, the Garden Route stretches along the beautiful coastline, an area home to gentle lakes and rivers, dense green forests and only the best beaches.

A coastal road links the charming towns including George, Wilderness, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, each offering visitors a variety of activities and plenty of excellent restaurants.

A great year round destination, the Garden Route is perfect for families, a road-trip with friends or a romantic getaway with your significant other.

Here are a few great restaurants to enjoy along this scenic route:

Cruise Cafe (Knysna)

Offers the best selection of cocktails and is the perfect venue to enjoy an evening drink with someone special while watching the sun set over the lagoon. Their menu is contemporary and is accompanied by an award-winning wine list.

Benguela Brasserie and Restaurant (Sedgefield)

This child friendly restaurant offers a wonderful children's play area, a friendly and upbeat ambiance and of course a great variety of dishes to indulge in.

The Anchorage Restaurant (Knysna)

The Anchorage is a traditional seafood restaurant situated in the heart of Knysna. They have been around for some 20 years, and under the same ownership, and so are said to be the oldest restaurant in Knysna. The Anchorage offers visitors a wonderful selection of fine fresh fish, Knysna Oysters, shellfish, seafood platters as well as sizzling beef and venison, chicken and vegetarian dishes. Offering ample parking, they are also wheel chair friendly.

Marilyn's 60's Diner (Storms River)

The Marilyn's 60's Diner boasts a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. Run by a husband and wife team, Jan and Ann du Rand created this magnificent eatery in retro-surroundings with its Cadillac's and Chevy's. The Diner is home to 50's and 60's decor and awesome Elvis and Marilyn memorabilia. The fun menu offers a collection of uncomplicated dishes using only the freshest ingredients.

Route 57 Restaurant (Mossel Bay)

Voted the best restaurant in Mossel Bay by the locals, home to an incredible ambiance, serving only the freshest top-quality dishes. The large menu offers traditional yet modern South African cuisine. Kids can enjoy some delicious treats too.

Dry Dock Food Co (Knysna)

This lagoon-side restaurant is interestingly situated on the original site of the first dry dock built by Per Larsen in 1896. They offer a mouth-watering array of the freshest seafood, salads, fusion cuisine and sinful deserts. Also on offer is a range of the finest local and imported wines, beers and spirits.

Zinzi at Tsala Treetop Lodge (Plettenberg Bay)

Ideal for lunch or dinner, and a great choice for a special occasion, the menu at Zinzi offers versatile fine dining, fresh flavours and beautiful presentatio. Great décor and custom-made furniture with elements from Zanzibar, Ethiopia, Morocco and Turkey make for a truly unique experience.

Blue Olive Restaurant (Wilderness)

The Blue Olive offers a variety of delicious coastal cuisine options. Real, fresh food - as close to its natural state as possible and of course olive oil - lots of it! Here, natural food meets natural goodness as most of the fresh produce comes straight from local farmers. Blue Olive guarantee a warm reception and personal service.

The Black Swan Restaurant and Wine Bar (Oudtshoorn)

Situated slightly inland, The Black Swan Restaurant and Wine Bar boasts comfort food at its finest, and are well known for their delicious pizzas and perfect steaks. Their portions are said to be very generous too! Guests can enjoy the option of being seated outside or inside and their wine bar is said to be the perfect spot to enjoy sundowners while on holiday.