Locals and visitors rave about this lunchtime spot alongside Knysna’s Eastern Head. ‘The Heads’ is the local name given to the duo of headlands that guard the entrance to the Knysna lagoon. These rocks and the lagoon they look over help to make Knysna one of the prettiest towns in what is largely agreed to be one of the prettiest parts of the country – The Garden Route.

The café overlooks the Eastern Head and watching the water splash against the rocks can be quite mesmerising. In fact, while the food is fine, for me the key to the East Head’s popularity is all about location, location, location. On weekends or during school holidays you can expect to queue for the car park and then wait for a table. If you’re lucky you’ll get a table with a good view, but it’s far from guaranteed at busy times.

Food-wise, the café offers a variety of options. Their burgers are good value for money and there are also decent salads, steaks and a range of fish and seafood. In a location like this, seafood is quite possibly what you’re after and it’s a bit of a shame that much of it is of the battered and fried persuasion. Look out for specials on the blackboard – this is where you’ll find the freshest stuff.

Elsewhere, there are some local microbrewed beers available, great breakfasts and some enormous portions of dessert on offer. The lemon meringue is recommended. Afterwards, take a stroll on to the Head to work off your pud and witness one of South Africa’s most treacherous patches of water.