If you have a sweet tooth, Knysna will not disappoint whether it be for a world-class chocolate or a something-sugary and authentically South African.
Most of the coffee shops in the Greater Knysna area have something sweet and delicious on the menu, but here are some of our favourite indulgences in the area.
Ile de Chocolat
Kirsten Walters, master chocolatier and founder of Ile De Chocolat created a world filled with the wonders of handmade chocolate and artisan confectionary goodies. With more than twenty years of experience she has crafted her own signature range of chocolate products without any preservatives.
With over forty different flavours it is heaven for any chocolate lover – the hot favourites are Kirsch Cherry, Amarula Cream, Hazelnut Praline, Roasted Coffee and Bourbon Vanilla.
You can even learn how to make your own chocolate with her hands-on workshop. Learn more about the history of chocolate and get the chance to make your own 24 piece truffle gift in three flavours.
Visit them for your “chocolate fix” at their shop at Pezula Nature Retreat, or email Kirsten on kirsten@iledechocolat.com.
ile de pain
Sightseeing in Knysna would be incomplete without a visit to the legendary ile de pain restaurant on Thesen Island. These authentic artisans bake the most elegant, delicious pastries every day using the finest chocolate, refined methods and seasonal produce to indulge, celebrate and share. From decadent Brownie poppers, Chocolate mousse, Tarte Citron to Pecan nut tarts to Pasteis de Nata, to Apple Strudel, Brioche, Alikreukel or Almond Croix – or the best Gugelhupf cake in the Western Cape.
Visit the restaurant (link to find directions here) or phone Ilse or Amanda for information or orders on +27 44 302 5707.
34˚ South
Another sweet stop not to miss, 34˚South at the Knysna Waterfront is famous as the “home of the Knysna oyster”, but this restaurant also has a bakery where you will find mouth-watering sweet treats. Be it a homemade nougat, biscotti, traditional South African milk tart, chocolate or cheesecake or a lemon meringue tart, you will not come away without being seduced by at least one option – and they’re open from 9am until 10pm. Find them at Shop 19 at the Knysna Waterfront, or phone +27 44 382 7331 or +27 82 419 3434 for orders or more information.
Local markets
The local markets are great places to find sweet treats, all locally made. Find decadent cakes, jams, biscuits and cookies, cinnamon sugar pancakes and much more. For amazing melt-in-the-mouth moments find Hantie’s Fudge at the Wild Oats Market in Sedgefield or place an order (phone +27 72 347 3580) in Knysna. Although the traditional home of fudge is in the United States, Hantie’s famous Garden Route fudge takes on a whole new life with flavours like orange and chocolate, rocky road, choc mint and coffee.
Ouma’s Pantry
Ouma’s Pantry situated at 19 Long Street, just off the Main Road, is Knysna’s home of traditional South African treats. Here you will find a 38-year-old legacy to South African baking. Teresa and Karen Claasen conjure up their secret South African baking recipes every day and we highly recommend their traditional milk tart dusted with cinnamon, a lemon meringue tart or their famous Orange Cake. And what would a visit to South Africa be without sampling the famous koeksister. For orders and more information phone +27 44 382 3889.
*Article written by Elaine King – December 2020 and updated by Visit Knysna in February 2025.
