What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travelers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Healthy, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Details
About
East Head Café is Knysna’s favourite meeting place, more than just a café or coffee shop, it is a well-known local landmark where family and friends are always seen having a good time. In the never-ending pursuit of service excellence, great emphasis has been placed on offering superior service by well-trained staff. The food is simple, yet well made with accent on freshness - all dishes are made using the best local produce that we can source. East Head Café supports the naturally-Knysna initiative in sustaining local & responsible suppliers.
PRICE RANGE
$3.00 – $12.00
CUISINES
Healthy
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
FEATURES
Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront
Contribute
4.5
2,598 reviews
Excellent
1,938
Very good
565
Average
71
Poor
11
Terrible
13
MikeC7806
Somerset West54 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
This perennial favourite of mine offers diners a delectable breakfast and lunch menu. My breakfast favourites include the Café Breakfast, Smoked Salmon Hollandaise and the Kippers.
Parking is limited and diners would be minded to get there early at peak times.
Written March 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kimfisher60
East Riding of Yorkshire27 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We managed to visit this cafe/bistro three times in 8 days for delicious lunches, fine views, excellent service and some interesting menu items, including a specials board with super salads and combos. The place is clean, has interesting decor, seating inside and outside and is full of light and people laughing over lunch. It is open from 9:00-17.00 hours daily and has a high ratio of staff, who really want to please. Food is cooked to order so is hot and fresh and there is a wide drinks menu also. For non- alcohol drinkers try a Rock Shandy, Lemonade and Angostura Bitters, dressed with a cherry and umbrella - very refreshing. The cafe is off the main road to George just after the turn off for Leisure Island. It's a climb which is well worth it and a small car park is available. Don't miss out!
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire du Plessis
Mossel Bay31 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
The restaurant is beautifully set with beautiful views of the iconic Heads and the Lagoon. Fluffy blankets and beautifully patterned wraps provide much needed warmth in case of a nippy sea breeze! The portions are generous and the food is beautifully presented and prepared. I had a sandwich with chips and I was pleasantly surprised with my meal! The chips, however, had a strange aroma as if the oil was not fresh.The waitress was a bit on the 'unfinished side'...a bit rough at the edges...and, appeared a bit hesitant to heed to my requests for hot water. ( I tried to keep fluid-intake up!)
Written March 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Been a few places
Epsom1072 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
We popped by East Head Cafe while visiting the Garden Route between Christmas and New Year. We were late for breakfast and early for lunch but still had to wait a while for a table. That was OK as it meant we could explore the Knysna Heads area and see the lighthouse. When our table was ready we were shown to a table outside (we hadn't been asked what our preference was - which wouldn't have been outside as it was cold, despite the blanket which was provided). We did have a nice view though!
We selected from the quite narrow lunch menu - hake and calamari combo and the catch of the day. I asked for my combo with crispy chips, which the team were happy to do (we've always been unimpressed with chips in South Africa so now ask for crispy chips to avoid being given slop chips). The hake in the combo was really good with great batter, but the calamari was a huge dissapointment. My husband's fish was small and overcooked. We expected much better given the rave reviews of the restuarant. Service was friendly, but perhaps too friendly. It felt uncomfortable to be addressed as family by our waitress. If I could score 3.5 stars I would ,as 3 perhaps is a little harsh (but is given because we were freezing cold outside and weren't given an option as to where to sit), but it also didn't feel right to give 4 stars.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin5192
Birmingham643 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
What a lovely located and great views for breakfast. 10 of us sat outside and ordered various breakfast items.Everyone enjoyed there breakfast and its nice to see a Flat White presented well.
Foods great and so is the atmosphere and views.
Make sure you visit if in the beautiful area of Knysna.
Written March 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard655
Cape Town Central31 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We loved everything about east head Cafe and went there twice for lunch. The setting is quite magnificent between the heads, there is a lovely vibe and if you sit outside it is truely one of the most exquisite places you will ever have lunch. The fish is fresh and tasty and two of us even had their blackboard special the pulled pork spicy burger which they said was fantastic.Be sure to go there if you`re near Knysna
Written October 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
charleskilner808@gmail.com
Cape Town84 contributions
Mar 2021 • friends
On our annual golfing tour we sometimes have a late tee off time. This is the opportunity we take for a leisurely visit East Head Cafe & never been disappointed .
On arrival you are always welcomed by competent trained waitrons, smiles banter and shown to your seat. Surrounded by wonderful views, aromatic hot coffee & and not complicated menu.
The meal is served promptly and looks and tastes delicious
All staff thank you for your patronage when you leave and it like having breakfast with family. Thank you staff and management for making 8 golfers happy until they got on the tee box👍
Written March 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daydream264777
3 contributions
Apr 2020 • family
East Head Cafe is the place to go for Breakfasts and romantic enjoyable Lunches overlooking the Knysna Heads. Absolutely Excellent Cuisine. Comparable prices. Excellent service and stunning walks after meals. No bookings taken but the wait is worth every moment ❤️
Written April 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cheryl m
2 contributions
Dec 2020 • family
The fish and seafood is super fresh and perfectly cooked. The dipping sauces are so tasty and the service is 5 star especially from Zenobia. Then to top it off is the most spectacular view of the heads. Get there early to ensure a table 👍
Written December 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rinette
Cape Town11 contributions
Feb 2021 • couples
Stunning spot right at the heads. It's just a beautiful space! Really great breakfast selection on the menu, and our choice arrived with perfectly cooked poached eggs, plated in style. Our waitress was friendly, well spoken and efficient. It's really great for breakfast and lunch, the food is fantastic. We'll be going back!
Written February 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
g_heneaghan
Glasgow30 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Just a superb venue for food and fabulous views of the Heads and down the lagoon towards the town.
Food is so good it is a very popular spot so do not be discouraged if yo wait to be seated. Well worth the wait.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaan W
74 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
We stopped here for a quick lunch and were not disappointed. Whilst the weather was bad and the waiting time in the main restaurant was 20 minutes or so, the staff were accommodating even when being so busy.
The food was delicious and fresh and the staff were fantastic at providing customer service.
The restaurant was light and airy with great view of The Heads. On a summers day with good weather, this could be a fantastic lunch spot.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fcsandy
Walton-on-the-Naze212 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
Warning, you may have to wait to eat here whether its breakfast or lunch, its that good.
Not only are the views great but the food is too.
The quality and taste of the fish is by far the best in Knysna and actually one of the only places in the world that I eat fish, except for a piece of Rock from our local chippie here in Walton on the Naze.
Good pieces of cake too.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rowtietowers
646 contributions
Feb 2022 • couples
Decided to call here at lunchtime as the last time we were here pre-pandemic we didn’t eat.
The place is always busy but we managed to get a table as we were early.
I opted for fish & chips whilst my wife went for king prawns - both absolutely delicious. A large bottle of sparkling water, a glass of wine, coke & a coffee with a shared dessert, total bill came to £31
You can see why this is the number 1 restaurant on TA - well deserved.
Written March 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lenore N
Cape Town84 contributions
Aug 2021 • family
Awesome service, views and food. The calamari was fresh and perfectly cooked and so was the hake. We sat outside under cover even though it was rainy and cold- they brought blankets and we had warm jackets so the weather was no problem. We will definitely be back and definitely recommend this cafe.
Written August 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
…
Showing results 1-15 of 2,200
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all 
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing