Zinzi forms part of the majestic Hunter Hotels group; a set of five-star, boutique, luxury hotels in Plettenberg Bay and the Eastern Cape that, quite simply, take your breath away. The restaurant itself was built to accommodate the increasing number of rooms at Tsala Tree Lodge, but has become known as one of the best dining experiences in the Plettenberg Bay region, and for good reason.

The staff, headed by manager Sally-Anne, are outstanding. You’re greeted at the front door before being led outside to enjoy drinks on the restaurant’s patio overlooking the rolling lawns, manicured gardens and Egyptian Geese frolicking on the tree-lined pond.

The word ‘Zinzi’ means ‘abundance’ and it’s a concept that runs through every entity of the restaurant: the décor and lavish furnishings, the custom made cutlery and crockery, the menu and the service. The tables are big and bold, made from solid wood with carved detail and are enclosed by sumptuous, oversized armchairs, whilst handmade clay and crystal chandeliers delicately light the rooms.

The menu at Zinzi hints at North African, Moroccan and Asian influences, with a strong emphasis on seasonal and exceptional ingredients. They veer away from the ‘fine-dining’ label and prefer to promote their cuisine as ‘flavourful and fresh’, but the exquisite attention to detail in the creation of every dish rivals that of most fine-dining establishments. The menu is diverse; a great selection of starters, vegetarian dishes, platters, fish, red meats and poultry, with their signature fifteen spice, Moroccan lamb shank an absolute must for those in search of something rich, succulent and special. Chef Antoinette Meyer’s imaginative use of spice and understanding of flavour and textural balance is remarkable.

I’d recommend it for both lunch and dinner.