Guidebook for Knysna
Food Scene
You’ll encounter happy and friendly staff doing their best to please. The comfy lounge areas are perfect for group celebrations. The main dining room features a gorgeous wood-topped bar, busy pizza oven and warming fireplace. Beautifully laid out herb and vegetable gardens wind around the backyard, where picnic tables under trees offer a pleasant space for al fresco meals and a safe area for the kids to play.
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MUSE Fusion Food
152A Old Cape RdYou’ll encounter happy and friendly staff doing their best to please. The comfy lounge areas are perfect for group celebrations. The main dining room features a gorgeous wood-topped bar, busy pizza oven and warming fireplace. Beautifully laid out herb and vegetable gardens wind around the backyard, where picnic tables under trees offer a pleasant space for al fresco meals and a safe area for the kids to play.
Known for its fresh seafood, modern styled cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere with exceptional views of the Knysna Lagoon, Cruise Café presents diners with a soothing yet sophisticated ambiance, graced by lots of blond wood, sepia coloured alcoves and enlarged nautical photographs.
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Cruise Café
Known for its fresh seafood, modern styled cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere with exceptional views of the Knysna Lagoon, Cruise Café presents diners with a soothing yet sophisticated ambiance, graced by lots of blond wood, sepia coloured alcoves and enlarged nautical photographs.
Enjoy a wide selection of seafood dishes! The outdoor beach restaurant is perfect for a casual meal with friends and family. Enjoy the 'Wes Kus' braai option or choose from the extensive seafood menu including that old time favourite Fish & Chips, Kingklip & other speciality catches of the day: prawns, crayfish, oysters and so many other lip smacking seafood dishes.
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Freshline Fisheries
Enjoy a wide selection of seafood dishes! The outdoor beach restaurant is perfect for a casual meal with friends and family. Enjoy the 'Wes Kus' braai option or choose from the extensive seafood menu including that old time favourite Fish & Chips, Kingklip & other speciality catches of the day: prawns, crayfish, oysters and so many other lip smacking seafood dishes.
A mouth-watering array of the freshest seafood, tempting salads, sushi, fusion cuisine and sinful deserts. Complementing this, you'll find a range of the finest local and imported wines, beers and spirits. Take your time over a cocktail as you watch the sun sink slowly over Knysna's tranquil lagoon.
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DRYDOCK FOOD CO
Waterfront DriveA mouth-watering array of the freshest seafood, tempting salads, sushi, fusion cuisine and sinful deserts. Complementing this, you'll find a range of the finest local and imported wines, beers and spirits. Take your time over a cocktail as you watch the sun sink slowly over Knysna's tranquil lagoon.
Not exactly a restaurant… not exactly a bar... definitely not a deli... well, not exactly a deli... it’s an eating place, a drinking place and definitely a meeting place. And it’s a gift shop, a clothing emporium, a food store, a fish monger and a bakery, too.
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34 Degrees South
Shop 19 Knysna WaterfrontNot exactly a restaurant… not exactly a bar... definitely not a deli... well, not exactly a deli... it’s an eating place, a drinking place and definitely a meeting place. And it’s a gift shop, a clothing emporium, a food store, a fish monger and a bakery, too.
High quality food and great service, teamed with a relaxed atmosphere. Col'Cacchio pizzeria is a family friendly environment which allows everyone to enjoy being part of the whole pizzeria experience.
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Col'Cacchio - Knysna
33 Sawtooth LaneHigh quality food and great service, teamed with a relaxed atmosphere. Col'Cacchio pizzeria is a family friendly environment which allows everyone to enjoy being part of the whole pizzeria experience.
Perfectly located with views over the Knysna Lagoon towards the iconic Knysna Heads. Tapas is well known for great food, friendly service and a vibey atmosphere.
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Tapas & Oysters
31 Safron LanePerfectly located with views over the Knysna Lagoon towards the iconic Knysna Heads. Tapas is well known for great food, friendly service and a vibey atmosphere.
Blend Country Restaurant and Pub, nestled in its own private forest on George Rex Drive in Knysna, is a quaint eatery serving up wholesome fare, ice cold beer and entertainment for visitors and Knysna locals alike.
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Blend Country Restaurant & Pub
18 George Rex DrBlend Country Restaurant and Pub, nestled in its own private forest on George Rex Drive in Knysna, is a quaint eatery serving up wholesome fare, ice cold beer and entertainment for visitors and Knysna locals alike.
A stylish, relaxed setting with an exquisite view over Brenton Beach and Buffalo Bay. The modern restaurant is beautifully furnished in an eclectic style, which springs from Ibiza, Greece and an alternative South African influence. The elegant and beautifully appointed dining and lounge spaces compliments the delicious creations from the Kitchen. Bring your family and friends for an ideal dining experience with the best views in the Garden Route.
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Butterfly Blu Restaurant
198 State President C R Swart RdA stylish, relaxed setting with an exquisite view over Brenton Beach and Buffalo Bay. The modern restaurant is beautifully furnished in an eclectic style, which springs from Ibiza, Greece and an alternative South African influence. The elegant and beautifully appointed dining and lounge spaces compliments the delicious creations from the Kitchen. Bring your family and friends for an ideal dining experience with the best views in the Garden Route.
Be sure to visit Ile de Pain for naturally leavened sourdough breads and fine pastries of an unmatched quality - superb breakfast and unsurpassed coffee.
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île de païn - lunch & breakfast restaurant & artisan bakery
Long StreetBe sure to visit Ile de Pain for naturally leavened sourdough breads and fine pastries of an unmatched quality - superb breakfast and unsurpassed coffee.
Bramon – pioneering vineyards in Plettenberg Bay since 2000! Share unforgettable moments at the Estate’s ever-popular restaurant. Set in the vineyards overlooking the Tsitsikamma Mountains and elephants, allow yourself to be seduced by the collection of extraordinary wines and fresh tapas-styled dishes prepared for the entire family. Expect food that is unpretentious with an emphasis on freshness and flavour.
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Bramon Wine Estate And Restaurant
N2Bramon – pioneering vineyards in Plettenberg Bay since 2000! Share unforgettable moments at the Estate’s ever-popular restaurant. Set in the vineyards overlooking the Tsitsikamma Mountains and elephants, allow yourself to be seduced by the collection of extraordinary wines and fresh tapas-styled dishes prepared for the entire family. Expect food that is unpretentious with an emphasis on freshness and flavour.
Breakfast and globally inspired lunch dishes served in an airy spot with a deck overlooking the sea. (Open daily 8:30 - 15:30)
East Head Café boasts an awesome outdoor area and panoramic view of the Knsyna lagoon and the entrance to the Heads. There is a dedicated area for the kids to play and the decor throughout is Afro-cool. Management-style is enthusiastic, hands-on and the service is friendly and very good.
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East Head Café
25 George Rex DrBreakfast and globally inspired lunch dishes served in an airy spot with a deck overlooking the sea. (Open daily 8:30 - 15:30)
East Head Café boasts an awesome outdoor area and panoramic view of the Knsyna lagoon and the entrance to the Heads. There is a dedicated area for the kids to play and the decor throughout is Afro-cool. Management-style is enthusiastic, hands-on and the service is friendly and very good.
The Lookout Deck sits two stories higher than the open Indian Ocean and is considered a destination for locals and visitors. Sitting directly on the Keurbooms Lagoon
and Lookout Beach, The Lookout Deck offers unobstructed ocean views, gentle breezes, and the glamorous light of Plett’s famous sunsets.
The cooking is fresh, simple and jolly good value – the service is happy with laughter, yet serious on quality. The diverse Menu and extensive Wine list along with the choice of Exotic Cocktails and full Bar service caters for every palette.
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The Lookout Deck
Hill StreetThe Lookout Deck sits two stories higher than the open Indian Ocean and is considered a destination for locals and visitors. Sitting directly on the Keurbooms Lagoon
and Lookout Beach, The Lookout Deck offers unobstructed ocean views, gentle breezes, and the glamorous light of Plett’s famous sunsets.
The cooking is fresh, simple and jolly good value – the service is happy with laughter, yet serious on quality. The diverse Menu and extensive Wine list along with the choice of Exotic Cocktails and full Bar service caters for every palette.
Good, fresh food… beautifully. In arguably one of the most breathtaking settings on the coast of southern Africa - just off Wilderness Beach – in the heart of the Garden Route.
Visit Salina's for lunches and dinners – or sunset cocktails on the deck. There’s no better way to round off a perfect day…
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Salinas Beach Restaurant
458 Zundorf LnGood, fresh food… beautifully. In arguably one of the most breathtaking settings on the coast of southern Africa - just off Wilderness Beach – in the heart of the Garden Route.
Visit Salina's for lunches and dinners – or sunset cocktails on the deck. There’s no better way to round off a perfect day…
Shopping
Knysna Spar
42 Mulberry GardensWoolworths
Pick n Pay Knysna
Shoprite Knysna
Nelson StreetFood Lover's Market Knysna
Knysna Mall has modern retail therapy and stylish convenience at its core, offering more than 60 upmarket stores, restaurants and specialist outlets, spread throughout the multi-storey centre. All aspects of shopping are perfectly rolled into a one-stop, retail venue accommodating the tastes and requirements of discerning shoppers.
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Knysna Mall
42 Main RdKnysna Mall has modern retail therapy and stylish convenience at its core, offering more than 60 upmarket stores, restaurants and specialist outlets, spread throughout the multi-storey centre. All aspects of shopping are perfectly rolled into a one-stop, retail venue accommodating the tastes and requirements of discerning shoppers.
A trip to Garden Route is not complete without a visit to the famous Knysna Waterfront, arguably one of the most popular leisure and shopping destinations in the region. This shopper's paradise has the perfect gift for everybody from books to boutiques, clothing to curios.
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Knysna Waterfront
21 Waterfront DrA trip to Garden Route is not complete without a visit to the famous Knysna Waterfront, arguably one of the most popular leisure and shopping destinations in the region. This shopper's paradise has the perfect gift for everybody from books to boutiques, clothing to curios.
Woodmill Lane houses 75 shops ranging from colourful boutiques, restaurants and arts and crafts galleries to a Pick 'n Pay supermarket. Woodmill Lane has convenient on-site, free and secure parking.
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Woodmill Lane Shopping Centre
Main RoadWoodmill Lane houses 75 shops ranging from colourful boutiques, restaurants and arts and crafts galleries to a Pick 'n Pay supermarket. Woodmill Lane has convenient on-site, free and secure parking.
The main street of this commercial village is framed by weather-protected arcades, featuring an eclectic mix of restaurants, boutiques, offices and apartments, and ending in a typical village square with a long scenic pier into the lagoon, offering beautiful views over the lagoon and towards Knysna town and its harbour.
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Thesen Harbour Town
The main street of this commercial village is framed by weather-protected arcades, featuring an eclectic mix of restaurants, boutiques, offices and apartments, and ending in a typical village square with a long scenic pier into the lagoon, offering beautiful views over the lagoon and towards Knysna town and its harbour.
Parks & Nature
Bollard Bay on Leisure Isle is a safe swimming beach. It has no crashing dumpers and plenty of shallow water for little folk to splash around in. So settle down on your sandy spot and take in the magnificent views of Knysna Heads with no fear of your pipsqueak being swept off to Antartica.
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Leisure Island
Bollard Bay on Leisure Isle is a safe swimming beach. It has no crashing dumpers and plenty of shallow water for little folk to splash around in. So settle down on your sandy spot and take in the magnificent views of Knysna Heads with no fear of your pipsqueak being swept off to Antartica.
Coney Glen offers a small and intimate beach on the other side of the Heads. It’s nestled away in a small cove and offers great opportunities for fishing and climbing over rocks. The waters here can be quite dangerous, so take care and do not go deep into the water. It’s perfect for a quick dip to relieve yourself from a hot summer’s day.
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Coney Glen Beach Knysna
2 View PointConey Glen offers a small and intimate beach on the other side of the Heads. It’s nestled away in a small cove and offers great opportunities for fishing and climbing over rocks. The waters here can be quite dangerous, so take care and do not go deep into the water. It’s perfect for a quick dip to relieve yourself from a hot summer’s day.
Brenton on Sea is a grand expanse of shoreline that is bordered by lush indigenous forest and the powerful Indian Ocean. It is ideal for long walks on the beach and long lazy days of tanning.
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Brenton-on-Sea
Brenton on Sea is a grand expanse of shoreline that is bordered by lush indigenous forest and the powerful Indian Ocean. It is ideal for long walks on the beach and long lazy days of tanning.
Buffalo Bay is fast becoming one of the most-loved beaches on the Garden Route. It’s situated in the Goukamma Nature Reserve where the natural beauty of the area has been protected over the decades. Buffels Bay (as it is affectionately known) offers great natural entertainment for all ages.
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Buffels Bay
Buffalo Bay is fast becoming one of the most-loved beaches on the Garden Route. It’s situated in the Goukamma Nature Reserve where the natural beauty of the area has been protected over the decades. Buffels Bay (as it is affectionately known) offers great natural entertainment for all ages.
Noetzie Beach has remained a favourite destination for adventure seekers in the past and remains so to this day. The pristine and relatively isolated sandy shore is in the Sinclair Nature Area, and is protected by the Noetzie Conservancy. The beach is an ideal place for day long trips; the kids will be endlessly entertained; just don’t forget to pack a boogie board and a picnic lunch.
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Noetzie
Noetzie Beach has remained a favourite destination for adventure seekers in the past and remains so to this day. The pristine and relatively isolated sandy shore is in the Sinclair Nature Area, and is protected by the Noetzie Conservancy. The beach is an ideal place for day long trips; the kids will be endlessly entertained; just don’t forget to pack a boogie board and a picnic lunch.
The Featherbed Nature Reserve is a privately-owned, registered Nature Reserve and a South African Heritage Site. It is a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only.
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Featherbed Private Nature Reserve
Waterfront DriveThe Featherbed Nature Reserve is a privately-owned, registered Nature Reserve and a South African Heritage Site. It is a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only.
Situated on the Garden Route between Sedgefield and Knysna, The Goukamma Nature Reserve has a diverse array of fascinating habitats and an abundance of smaller wildlife, birds and fish. The reserve covers 2 500 hectares of dense coastal forest, including milkwood, yellowwood and candlewood trees. It protects the charming vervet monkey, bushbuck and bushpig, as well as porcupine, mongoose, honey badger and grysbok. This is a popular choice for keen birders, as the Goukamma River and estuary and the Groenvlei Lake provide a welcoming habitat for more than 220 bird species, including the rare African black oystercatcher.
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Goukamma Nature Reserve
Situated on the Garden Route between Sedgefield and Knysna, The Goukamma Nature Reserve has a diverse array of fascinating habitats and an abundance of smaller wildlife, birds and fish. The reserve covers 2 500 hectares of dense coastal forest, including milkwood, yellowwood and candlewood trees. It protects the charming vervet monkey, bushbuck and bushpig, as well as porcupine, mongoose, honey badger and grysbok. This is a popular choice for keen birders, as the Goukamma River and estuary and the Groenvlei Lake provide a welcoming habitat for more than 220 bird species, including the rare African black oystercatcher.
Elephant experiences include daily 'Be Touched by an Elephant' Tours (departing from reception every 30 mins), as well as Elephant Back Rides, Elephant Walks, Exclusive Safaris, Sundowner Group Packages, as well as Sleepovers in the Elephant Park. No reservations are necessary for daily tours, but bookings are essential for all other elephant encounters.
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Park slonova Knysna
Elephant experiences include daily 'Be Touched by an Elephant' Tours (departing from reception every 30 mins), as well as Elephant Back Rides, Elephant Walks, Exclusive Safaris, Sundowner Group Packages, as well as Sleepovers in the Elephant Park. No reservations are necessary for daily tours, but bookings are essential for all other elephant encounters.
Sightseeing
Discover the magnificent Humpack & Southern Right whales as they migrate past our spectacular and scenic coastline. Ocean Odyssey offers unforgettable marine adventures - close encounter, boat-based whale watching tours and marine eco-tours - perfect activities to add to any itinerary in Knysna.
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Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching Knysna
TH22 Long StDiscover the magnificent Humpack & Southern Right whales as they migrate past our spectacular and scenic coastline. Ocean Odyssey offers unforgettable marine adventures - close encounter, boat-based whale watching tours and marine eco-tours - perfect activities to add to any itinerary in Knysna.
Absolutely not to be missed is the viewpoint at the Heads. The Knysna Heads are a geographic marvel. From the viewpoint you may be lucky enough to spot a southern right whale – this gigantic creature finds both food and refuge just after the mating season when her calf is born. A set of binoculars may help you to spot them. From the northern side of the viewpoint, you will see Featherbed Nature Reserve, Leisure Isle and the expansive Knysna Lagoon.
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The Heads
1 View PointAbsolutely not to be missed is the viewpoint at the Heads. The Knysna Heads are a geographic marvel. From the viewpoint you may be lucky enough to spot a southern right whale – this gigantic creature finds both food and refuge just after the mating season when her calf is born. A set of binoculars may help you to spot them. From the northern side of the viewpoint, you will see Featherbed Nature Reserve, Leisure Isle and the expansive Knysna Lagoon.
Entertainment & Activities
Catering for the whole family, Adventure Land has super tubes, a 2 lane racer, tube rides, speed slides and kiddies slides. There is also a play park with swings, trampolines, a jungle gym and lots more...
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Adventure Land
Catering for the whole family, Adventure Land has super tubes, a 2 lane racer, tube rides, speed slides and kiddies slides. There is also a play park with swings, trampolines, a jungle gym and lots more...
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary is home to big cats such as lions (white and tawny), cheetahs, tigers (Siberian, Bengal and white), leopard (spotted and black), jaguar, pumas, caracal, serval cats and other wildlife species such as zebra, wild dog, springbuck, zorilla, honey badger and raccoons. Jukani focuses on wildlife conservation education and specifically the plight of large apex predators in captivity.
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Jukani Sklonište za divlje životinje
N2Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary is home to big cats such as lions (white and tawny), cheetahs, tigers (Siberian, Bengal and white), leopard (spotted and black), jaguar, pumas, caracal, serval cats and other wildlife species such as zebra, wild dog, springbuck, zorilla, honey badger and raccoons. Jukani focuses on wildlife conservation education and specifically the plight of large apex predators in captivity.
Birds of Eden's unique two hectare dome (the World’s largest) spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. The sanctuary has its own mysterious ruin, which incorporates a walk-behind waterfall.
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Ptice Edena
Birds of Eden's unique two hectare dome (the World’s largest) spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. The sanctuary has its own mysterious ruin, which incorporates a walk-behind waterfall.
The Sedge Links course in nearby Sedgefield offers a good challenge to both lower and higher level handicap golfers. With 4 water hazards and numerous bunkers the course was designed to challenge all.
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Sedge Links Golf Course
N2The Sedge Links course in nearby Sedgefield offers a good challenge to both lower and higher level handicap golfers. With 4 water hazards and numerous bunkers the course was designed to challenge all.
Knysna is a flat Parkland course set at sea level with fairways that meander between tidal pools and indigenous trees. With some of the best bent grass greens in the Southern Cape this course provides all levels of players with a good challenge.
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Knysna Golf Club
Howard StreetKnysna is a flat Parkland course set at sea level with fairways that meander between tidal pools and indigenous trees. With some of the best bent grass greens in the Southern Cape this course provides all levels of players with a good challenge.
Pezula Championship Golf Course Restaurant
1 Admiralty Avenue18 hole championship course
Simola Hotel, Country Club & Spa
1 Old Cape Rd18 hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Everything Else
EVERY SATURDAY MORNING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR (from 7:30-12 noon summer; 8:00-12 noon winter) COME RAIN OR SHINE, this authentic producers market is brimming with the choicest locally-produced foods, both the take-home and breakfast variety. Including free-range meats, chicken, lamb, dairy and cheese, the market also specializes in fresh-from-the-field veg, freshly baked and bottled goods, as well as a wide variety of fresh-off-the-coals breakfasts.
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Tržnica poljoprivrednika zajednice Wild Oats
N2EVERY SATURDAY MORNING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR (from 7:30-12 noon summer; 8:00-12 noon winter) COME RAIN OR SHINE, this authentic producers market is brimming with the choicest locally-produced foods, both the take-home and breakfast variety. Including free-range meats, chicken, lamb, dairy and cheese, the market also specializes in fresh-from-the-field veg, freshly baked and bottled goods, as well as a wide variety of fresh-off-the-coals breakfasts.
Timberlake is a village of small independent shops, restaurants and fun outdoor activities: Race track, jungle gym with giant slide, friendly goats, fantasy garden walk and much more...
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Timberlake Organic Village
Timberlake is a village of small independent shops, restaurants and fun outdoor activities: Race track, jungle gym with giant slide, friendly goats, fantasy garden walk and much more...
Drinks & Nightlife
Bloo Bistro in Knysna is a Bohemian wonderland in cuisine and decor!
Bohemian, fun and yet mystical - no other venue could quite compare with Bloo's warmth and charm. Moroccan decor blends easily with a vast collection of interesting eye catching decor and lighting. The food consists of a mix between Med and South African Cuisine. Delicious and affordable with a delightful atmosphere and Vibe.
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Bloo Bistro / World Cafe / Bar
2 Memorial Square Bloo Bistro in Knysna is a Bohemian wonderland in cuisine and decor!
Bohemian, fun and yet mystical - no other venue could quite compare with Bloo's warmth and charm. Moroccan decor blends easily with a vast collection of interesting eye catching decor and lighting. The food consists of a mix between Med and South African Cuisine. Delicious and affordable with a delightful atmosphere and Vibe.