The best restaurants with a view Plettenberg Bay has to offer all share one thing: a table close enough to the water that enhances your experience.
Not every restaurant that claims a sea view actually has one, so this list sticks to Plett restaurants where the ocean, lagoon, or beach is genuinely part of the meal, starting with the one you’re staying at.
Sea View Restaurants at a Glance
| Restaurant | View | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| The Bungalow | Hobie Beach, direct | Sundowners |
| Grand Africa Lookout Beach | Beach and ocean | Casual all-day dining |
| Lemon Grass Seaside Restaurant | Lagoon and mountains | A scenic sit-down |
| The Lookout Deck | Ocean | Classic Plett views |
| Ski Boat Club | Beachfront | Seafood on a budget |
| Nineteen89 | Ocean | Fresh food with a view |
The Bungalow
You don’t have to leave your hotel for the best seat in Plett: The Bungalow’s bar and restaurant sit right on Hobie Beach.
- View: Hobie Beach and the Indian Ocean, with dolphins and, in season, whales.
- Hours: Monday to Sunday, midday to 10 pm
- Good to know: The firepit takes over once the sun goes down.
The menu is relaxed and seasonal, built around fresh, local seafood, and the whole setup is designed for lingering: long lunches that slide into sunset drinks without anyone having to move tables. It’s one of the most reliable Plettenberg Bay restaurants for exactly that kind of evening.
Grand Africa Lookout Beach
Positioned between the Keurbooms Lagoon and the Indian Ocean, Grand Africa Lookout Beach is one of the most photographed views in Plett.
- View: Beach and ocean, with the lagoon just behind.
- Best for: Casual breakfasts, seafood, and sunset drinks.
- Good to know: iI’s also a popular wedding venue, so the setting is polished.
It’s an easy spot to spend a full afternoon: coffee in the morning, seafood at lunch, and a cold drink as the light drops, all without changing tables.
Lemon Grass Seaside Restaurant
This terraced restaurant on Lookout Beach pairs lagoon views with the Tsitsikamma mountains in the background.
- View: panoramic, across the lagoon toward the mountains.
- Best for: a proper sit-down meal rather than a quick bite.
- Good to know: first-class service is part of the draw here, not just the view.
It’s the kind of spot that suits an evening booking: the terraced layout means most tables get a genuine line of sight to the water, not just a glimpse between buildings.
The Lookout Deck
One of Plett’s most recognisable ocean views comes with a menu that’s built a loyal following of its own.
- View: open ocean.
- Best for: a classic Plett meal with the view as the main event.
- Good to know: it gets busy, so book ahead on weekends.
It’s an institution for a reason: the deck itself does a lot of the work, and the menu holds up well enough that it’s not just the view keeping tables full.
Ski Boat Club
For a beachfront view without the fine-dining price tag, the Ski Boat Club keeps things simple.
- View: direct beachfront.
- Best for: seafood at reasonable prices.
- Good to know: it’s an easy, unfussy choice for a casual lunch.
There’s nothing complicated about the appeal here: a table by the water, straightforward seafood, and a bill that doesn’t match the view’s price tag elsewhere in town.
Nineteen89
Nineteen89 pairs standout ocean views with a menu built around fresh, local food.
- View: Ocean.
- Best for: Fresh food without a fussy setting.
- Good to know: It’s a solid alternative when The Lookout Deck is fully booked.
It’s less well-known than some of the names on this list, which makes it a good option if you want the view without the wait.
Book Your Table at The Bungalow
Six restaurants, one common thread: a table close enough to the water that the view is the whole point. From sushi and cocktails to breakfast and coffee, Plettenberg Bay serves meals fit for any occasion.
There’s a reason guests keep coming back to The Bungalow: it’s the closest you’ll get to having Hobie Beach as your own front garden. Ten bespoke rooms sit beneath a canopy of ancient milkwood trees, each just steps from the sand, and the days here tend to blur into one another in the best way: a slow breakfast, a swim in the sea-facing pool, a walk along the beach, and sundowners at the boma firepit as the sky turns pink over the bay.
Dolphins pass close enough to watch from the deck, and in season, so do the whales. It’s barefoot luxury done properly, relaxed and unpretentious, with the view doing most of the work. Book your escape and let the beach do the rest. Book accommodation at The Bungalow today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best restaurant with a view in Plettenberg Bay for dinner?
The Lookout Deck is the most recognisable choice, with an open ocean view and a menu that’s built a loyal following of its own, so it’s worth booking ahead on weekends. Lemon Grass Seaside Restaurant is a good alternative for a slower, sit-down dinner, since its terraced layout gives most tables a genuine line of sight to the lagoon and mountains.
Which restaurant is best for sundowners right on the beach?
The Bungalow’s own bar and restaurant sit directly on Hobie Beach, with a firepit that takes over once the sun goes down, so there’s no need to leave the property for a proper sundowner. It’s designed for lingering, with long lunches sliding into evening drinks at the same table.
Do these restaurants take bookings?
The Lookout Deck and Grand Africa Lookout Beach are both worth booking ahead for, particularly on weekends, since both draw a mix of locals and visitors. Nineteen89 is a useful backup if The Lookout Deck is fully booked, with a similar ocean view and a shorter wait.
Which restaurant suits a special occasion in Plett?
Grand Africa Lookout Beach doubles as a popular wedding venue, so the setting is already polished for anything from an anniversary dinner to a celebration lunch. Lemon Grass Seaside Restaurant is another good option, thanks to its first-class service and panoramic outlook over the lagoon.
How far are these restaurants from The Bungalow?
Most sit within a short drive of Hobie Beach, since Plett’s best sea view dining tends to cluster around the same stretch of coastline as The Lookout Deck, Grand Africa Lookout Beach and Nineteen89. That makes it realistic to try a different one each evening without losing much time to travel.