Blue Bay CafA© Lookout Centre, Main Street tel 044 533 1390. A good place to eat throughout the day in a courtyard tucked away under trees but overlooking both the main drag and the sea. Their mid-priced fare includes a poached egg breakfast with salmon on croissant, Thai prawn dishes and ostrich fillet with mango. Breakfast to dinner daily.

The Blue Chilli On the corner of Marine Way and High Street tel 044 533 5104. A reasonably priced bistro with a select but superb Mexican menu. Beware of their "hot" dishes, which positively sizzle; meals can be washed down with a glass of tequila, with or without worm. Mon-Sat lunch and dinner.

The Boardwalk Yellowwood Centre, on the corner of Main and Crescent streets tel 044 533 1420. A cosy, eclectic restaurant serving moderately priced, tasty seafood, steaks and baked potatoes. Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Brothers Restaurant and Terrace Melville's Corner, Main and Marine streets tel 044 533 5056. Medium-priced English cooking with an edge, at a stunning location with views of the ocean and passing trade. It's their teas that really sing - try their cake of the day, espresso with muffins, or pancake dripping with blueberry sauce. Daily breakfast and dinner.

The Cave In the Arches hotel, Marine Drive, off the N2 tel 044 533 2118. A young crowd lives it up at this club, especially at weekends and in the December holidays. Phone to check dates and opening hours.

Cornuti al Mare Shop 1, Seaview Properties, Perestrella Street tel 044 533 1277. Terrific pizzas - the best along the Garden Route - and also great pasta dishes that won't break the bank. Daily noon-11pm.

Islander Eating Place On the N2 between Plett and Knysna tel 044 532 7776. A popular, high-quality seafood restaurant with a South Sea theme. Eat as much as you like for a set price from a seafood buffet to blow you away. Booking essential. Daily breakfast, tea and lunch.

Lavender and Limes Coffee Bistro Hutchinson House, Hill Street tel 044 533 2899. A compact bistro offering a small but select menu including pasta and quiches. Breakfast, tea and lunch.

The Lookout Lookout Beach tel 044 533 1379. A casual restaurant-cum-pub right on the beach, with marvellous bay views. Here you can eat reasonably priced fresh fish, or more expensive crayfish and, if you're lucky, watch whales and dolphins rollicking in the surf. Daily 9.30am-late.

Moby Dick's Seafood Bistro Main Beach tel 044 533 3682. A pleasant place for a drink or tea, particularly out of season - in summer it draws a lively boogie-board crowd. A wooden deck upstairs gives great views of Central Beach. Daily 9am-late.

Ralth's on the Bitou On the Bitou River, just off the N2 between Plettenberg Bay and Keurbooms tel 044 535 9445. Reasonably priced meals are served at this pleasant pub with outdoor seating on the edge of the calm lagoon. Their fresh fish and chips are especially recommended. Daily 11am-10pm.

Redbourne Lodge On the corner of Piesang Valley and Country roads tel 044 533 5037. An exceptional and stylish family-run restaurant with an eclectic menu including Mediterranean-style seafood dishes, oven-charred sole and butternut risotto cakes served with smoked ostrich. Daily breakfast, dinner and lunch. Closed June. Booking essential.