St Francis Bay is known for a number of incredible things. The beaches are gorgeous, the adventures are endless, and the food is delicious!

There are loads of amazing restaurants to choose from, from simple pub food served the right way, to fine dining with the freshest seafood. The harbour or Port St Francis is well known for its squid boats that bring the catch in fresh every day. There are a number of great choices right on the docks, from fast food fish and chips to fine dining.

In the town itself, you can find an array of restaurants that will make your mouth water. Little coffee shops cater for breakfasts, light lunches and a cup of java with a friend, or you can choose something more substantial. The canals are another venue with some great spots, and even better views!

To help you make a decision, we have compiled a list of twelve great St Francis Restaurants, in no particular order.

Big Time Taverna

Set on the famous St Francis canals with beautiful views and sunsets, the Big Time Taverna is a  Greek restaurant serving authentic Mediterranean dishes. Come by boat. Also known as Peri’s, after its iconic owner, or The Greek, this restaurant boasts an extensive wine list. This is one of the few restaurants in town that is situated on the canals, and has views onto the uninhabited bird sanctuary island.  Wave to the boats full of happy people while you sip an ice cold drink or cool off in the infinity pool on the deck over the water.  

Quaysyde

Also set right on the water, Quaysyde is a beach style restaurant with boat moorings and outdoor tables. This is a restaurant that doubles up as a wedding and event venue. It is owned by St Francis’s first family, the Huletts, and the traditions of great food and wonderful atmosphere reflect the rich heritage of the area. The food is great, and ranges from burgers to pizza to steak.

Quaysyde is well known for its sporting connections.  Many clubs use Quaysyde as a home base – Tuesdays there is a timed running meet, Wednesdays paddling, Thursdays cycling and Fridays open water swimming around the canals.  In summer it plays host to the Kia Beach tennis regional finals. With its jungle gym and beach volleyball court Quaysyde is without a doubt the action and sports destination in St Francis, and a great place to relax and have a cold (or hot) one after working up a sweat.

Rambling Rose

The Rambling Rose is a cute coffee shop and tea garden in the Village that offers great vegetarian and vegan options. There are options for carnivores too, so don’t give it a skip just because you feel like a lunch of juicy chicken! The salads have only the freshest ingredients, and are well known throughout the town of St Francis. This restaurant is totally kid friendly too, so you can relax and eat your meal in peace while the kids play on the jungle gyms and jumping castle. Perfect for the mid-morning coffee break from shopping and sight seeing.

St Francis Brewing Co

If you are looking for a laid back beer in the garden under the branches a wide-spreading fig tree, then this is the place for you. The local craft brewery specializes in pub food done right, live music, and of course craft beer. Ask your waitron about their IPA tasting experience.There is a kid’s entertainment area, complete with skate ramp, so you know that your small people will tire themselves out while you sip on an ice cold brew. The chef, Dan, spent many years on private yachts in the Caribbean, and has carried that flavour and experience over into his food. Fresh ingredients with everything made from scratch guarantee some of the yummiest food in town. The Brewery is also a favourite surfers hangout, and you can often find them enjoying an ice cold one after a long day caching waves. Most evenings have live music and a great atmosphere!

Christy’s Catch

If it is fresh fish and delicious sushi that you are looking for, then Christy’s Catch has what you want! From the freshest calamari burgers, to intricately prepared sushi, it’s some of the best seafood in St Francis. For those who don’t feel like fish, there are vegetarian and grill options. Sunday lunches at Christy’s are well known, with the lamb shanks being very sought after. So bring the family, have a drink and relax, and enjoy some of the best fish in St Francis.

Pedal and Spoke Café

Cycling is a great way to experience the beautiful little town of St Francis. Whether you take a relaxed ride around the town’s streets, or a more adventurous mountain bike in the surrounding wilderness, Pedal and Spoke is the place to have a coffee and a break. Even if you aren’t cycling, and feel like some of the best cake and coffee in town, this is the place for you.

Pedal and Spoke offer scrumptious breakfasts such as eggs benedict, and a variety of freshly made cakes. They also serve freshly made lunches such as chicken prego and butternut soup.

Pedal and Spoke are also well known for their amazing vegan and vegetarian menu. Pull through and get your green on!

Caffe Bixou

Situated upstairs from The Big Time Taverna, this contemporary styled Italian gem boasts the best shimmering sunsets in St Francis.  Enjoy pizzas, pastas, steaks and salads at lunchtime or in the evening, with elevated views up and down the canals for a real taste of canal living.

Chocoholix

And now for something a little different… A chocolate inspired coffee shop with an array of European tastes. Their Belgian waffles smothered in Belgian chocolate are to die for, and the Chocolate Dunkingz Experience is famous throughout the town. There is also a great selection of handmade, tempered chocolates to take home. Great for gifts if you can resist eating them before you get to actually give them to anyone!

Mauro’s Restaurant

Offering authentic Italian cuisine, Mauro’s is situated in the docks and is open for lunch and dinner. The owner chef mingles with his patrons, to ensure only the best service and experience. They specialise in home-made pizzas, Mediterranean food and sea food. There are options for vegans and vegetarians, as well, as gluten free. Mauro’s is a super place to take your family or loved one for a sunset dinner overlooking the harbour.

Tails and Thyme

A St Francis favourite, Tails and Thyme is set overlooking the famous St Francis Golf Course. Their menu is diverse, catering to carnivores, omnivores, vegetarians and vegans. They also offer some interesting items in the way of Tappas and gourmet burger specials. So whether it’s a leisurely lunch that you are looking for, or a light breakfast with the kids, Tails and Thyme offer something for everyone.

Chokka Block

Chokka Block is famous for serving up the freshest calamari, straight off the boats. You can watch how it is unloaded and prepared, before chowing down on some of the best Chokka in the world. Featured in News 24, this little eatery sits right at the top of the aptly named Squid Square, with breath-taking views of Port St Francis. If Calamari isn’t your thing, you can choose from a menu bursting with fresh seafood and mouth-watering grills.

Chokka Block also has a pretty unique feature in that it offers calamari tasting. There are very few, if any places in the world that offer this experience. Calamari is brought in fresh from the boat, where you can see how it is prepared for a delicious meal. The world class chef will then prepare it three different ways for you to try, explaining the difference and how each cooking method affects the meat and the taste.

Bruce’s Beauties

As a bonus spot, we cannot close without mentioning Bruce Beauties. Although this incredible little place is really only a café, it overlooks one of the most famous surfing spots in South Africa. In 1966 the iconic movie, Endless Summer, was shot here at the now world famous surf breaks of Huletts and Bruce’s Beauties. Located at the Heritage Centre and right next to the much loved Grannies Pool, safe swimming for littlies … the perfect spot to enjoy the sun and surf from. They serve snacks and drinks, Panini’s, soup, salads and killer coffees.. It’s great to have a surf in the mornings and then chill with an ice cold drink while overlooking one of the most beautiful views in South Africa.

Eco Warrior Nicky, is committed to reducing ocean pollution and has introduced a number of eco-friendly options like bring your own coffee cup discount, butter served the old fashioned way in hand rolled pats not in plastic packaging and eco-friendly glass straws for those cool drinks. No plastic at Bruce’s!

 

There are so many wonderful restaurants in St Francis, that we almost feel guilty for not having them on this list. If you are in the mood for more suggestions, we are always happy to recommend more for your stay at St Francis Bay Accommodation. Contact us now and we will help you plan the perfect St Francis Bay holiday.