High tea (and coffee) off the high street – Grab a cup of coffee or enjoy a cup of tea at one of the hidden gems in the greater Knysna area.
Need a cup of coffee to start your day? Does a cup of tea after ten make you feel human again? Or are you looking for a reviving cuppa in between your adventures discovering Knysna and its surrounding areas? You’ll find plenty of coffee shops and daytime restaurants in the main centres of Knysna and Sedgefield. Buffalo Bay and Brenton-on-Sea also have a few places to get your java fix in their centres.
But the greater Knysna area also has a number of hidden gems when it comes to caffeine and cake. Here are a few places to try that are a bit more off the beaten track.
Knysna
Although Snobs Coffee Roastery is right in the centre of town, it is hidden away at Oaks on Main Knysna. Their wood roasted coffee is best enjoyed in the tranquil courtyard that brings Knysna’s old-world charm to life.
Across the road in an old historic building is African Bean coffee shop and lifestyle store. They have a Parisian feel with quaint coffee tables on the sidewalk and is a great place to watch the ongoings in central Knysna, coffee in hand. And why not do some shopping while you are there – the lifestyle store has a great collection of South African designer clothing and homeware.
Just outside of town on Old Cape Road (as you drive to the Simola Hotel), you’ll find The Farm. Family friendly with a kids’ playpark, great coffee and fantastic food, The Farm is also a favourite pitstop for cyclists coming off the nearby forest trails.
The Grain Mill Organic Bistro in Gray Street is a well-kept secret. Serving healthy food and great coffee, they also sell organic goods and bake delicious spelt bread.
Salt+Petal next to the trendy lifestyle store Metelerkamps offers delicious meals and refreshments. Shop stunning flowers or delicious treats, and enjoy any of their delicious cakes while you catch up with work in the wifi-connected “work area”.
The smell of freshly roasted coffee will lead you to Trinity Coffee Co in Nelson Street in central Knysna. A family owned business, they source only the finest, high-quality coffee beans directly from the farmers. Enjoy their unusual coffee combinations with a selection of delectable eats from their small nibble menu.
The industrial area might seem like an unlikely location for a restaurant or coffee shop, but this is where you’ll discover the delights of White Washed. Teas and coffees are served with homemade sweet treats and pastries while the aromas wafting from the kitchen are sure to convince you to stay for a wholesome lunch. You can also buy a variety of treats, fresh breads and ready-made frozen meals. Should you be in the mood for something stronger than coffee, why not sample the craft beers from neighbouring Red Bridge Brewing Co?
Leisure Island
Enjoy Leisure Island’s relaxed atmosphere at any of the great selection of coffee shops situated around a central area.
Nadine’s Corner serves a relaxed, island living atmosphere with their coffees, teas and light meals. Sit and sip under the trees, watching the island life passing by.
Starbelly Café delivers sincere hospitality with their popular coffees and treats. You might just find yourself going for coffee – and staying for lunch.
More at the Gallery is a food shop, gallery and indoor plant nursery. They serve delicious coffee, cake & gelato that can be enjoyed under the their pergola.
Sedgefield
Just to the west of Sedgefield, at the Mosaic Market, you’ll find Slow Roasted Coffee Collection. Sample their coffees, which are roasted on site, with a slice of cake before deciding which roast or blend to take home with you. Their decadent coffee body butters are a must-have spoil for yourself or that someone special.
Not necessarily hidden, but on Sedgefield’s Main Road, Fijnbosch Coffee Shop serves freshness. Get your coffee or tea along with tips and advice on the area, as Fijnbosch serves as the Visitor Information Centre in Sedgefield.
Other Areas
When exploring Rheenendal, or if you are driving the Seven Passes road, stop at Totties Farm Kitchen for a refreshing cup of tea or coffee. Opened by the matriarch of the Van Rheenen family, Totties is now run by her great-grandson and his wife.
The Oak Leaf is not just an exceptional coffee bar, but a brunch café and deli too. The café is in the beautiful Belvidere estate, just outside of Knysna as you drive to Brenton-on-Sea, and even has a doggy menu for your furry companion.
A little bit further towards Sedgefield is the Earth & Fire Restaurant at Blackwater’s River Lodge. Sit outside on the deck overlooking the golf course and the river and relax with your favourite cuppa in hand. And keep an eye out for the Knysna Loerie – this is a favourite hound of theirs!
The Charlesford Farm Café is a rustic venue that serves fantastic coffee and café fare at the Charlesford Farm Meat Co. and Deli. It’s also the perfect place to pick up farm fresh meats for a braai at your accommodation.
The greater Knysna area is filled with café’s, coffee shops and restaurants that serve good coffee. All you need is time to try them all!
* Written by Jacques Marais – Updated May 2021
