10 Top Restaurants in East London: A Food Lovers Guide
While East London, South Africa, may not initially spring to mind as a food destination, don’t be too quick to dismiss its dining scene. Despite its underrated status, this city is home to a collection of excellent restaurants. So, whether youโre a local or just visiting, here are 10 great restaurants in East London that showcase some of the best of the City’s food scene.
1. Brazas Portuguese Fusion
Brazas Portuguese Fusion is setting a high bar in the local East London restaurant scene, injecting it’s own vibrant flair into every dish. Their motto, “Mi Casa Su Casa,” (our home is your home) rings true as soon as you walk in – that welcoming atmosphere and homely vibe is what sets Brazas apart. Pair the lovely decor, featuring paintings by the owners themselves, with cozy soft lighting and a mouthwatering menu, and you’ve got a surefire winner.
The Brazas menu presents a variety of options, with 12 appetizers ranging from calamari and prawn/cheese rissoles to chicken livers, chorizo, mussels, and sardinhas. Among the main courses, dishes include rump espetada, a seafood platter, grilled queen prawns, curry, fish, paella, peri-peri chicken, pasta, pizza, and more. With everything cooked to perfection and beautifully presented, it’s an experience worth trying for yourself!
See Menu >>> BRAZAS PORTUGUESE FUSION – MENU
Helpful Information
- Visit their Official Page for more info >>> brazas.co.za
- Keep up to date on events and specials on Brazas Social Media Page >>> Facebook, Instagram
Read my personal blog here >>> Homely Portuguese Flavours at Brazas in East London
- Location: 57 Pearce Street, Baysville, East London
- Reservations & Enquiries: Contact Brazas via WhatsApp at +27 73 853 9115
- Opening Hours: Monday & Tuesday 4-9pm Dinner Only | Wednesday – Saturday 12pm-9pm Lunch & Dinner | Sunday 12pm-4pm Lunch only
2. Lavender Blue Market
A list of must-visit East London restaurants wouldn’t be complete without including Lavender Blue Market. This lively restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, so you’ll have lots of choices when it comes to seating. Inside, the wide open space is more than just a great place to eat – there’s also excellent WiFi, making it a popular spot to get some work done. Outdoors, you can enjoy your meal in a garden by a dam, and there’s even a playground for kids. It’s the perfect choice for families looking for a fun restaurant experience in East London.
Their menu is big and varied, serving all-day breakfast, lunch, dinner and more. Some Lavender Blue favourites include poke bowls, open sandwiches, wraps, pizzas and Gourmet burgers.
See Menu >>> LAVENDER BLUE MARKET – MENU
Another great aspect of Lavender Blue is that it offers a diverse experience beyond the restaurant. You can also visit the Pantry/Farmers Market, Paul’s Ice-Cream, Michelle’s Garden Nursery, and a lovely gift shop, all within one location. Next door, Lavender House features Stoep Designs beading workshops and shop, Hartspace art classes, and Sage & Magnolia’s interiors and shop.
Useful Information
- Visit their Official Page for more info >>> lavenderbluemarket.co.za
- Keep up to date on events and specials on Lavender Blue’s Social Media Pages >>> Facebook, Instagram
- Location: Old Gonubie Road, East London
- Reservations & Enquiries: +43 732 1172 | hello@lavenderbluemarket.co.za
- Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday 7:30am-4pm | Saturday & Sunday 7:30am-2pm | Public Holidays 7:30am-2pm
3. Koffini & Co
Koffini & Co has that something special that’s hard to put your finger on. Owned by Lwandy, a dynamic business woman who has managed to break down the barriers that continue to deny previously disadvantaged rural women from pursuing long-term careers in the hospitality industry, Koffini is a fantastic add to a list of restaurants in East London. It’s location right in front of the East London Esplanade means you will also have lovely ocean views. The space is beautifully designed, with a simple but classy ambiance, including charging stations and free WIFI.
And then there’s the food. The breakfast menu is wonderful, portions are huge and everything has that home-cooked taste we all love. They also serve sandwiches, salads, pasta, burgers and cater with a kids menu. Paired with friendly and excellent service, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal that’ll leave you smiling from ear to ear!
Useful Information
- Keep up to date on events and specials on their Facebook Page.
- Location: 12 Esplanade Road, Quigney, East London
- Reservations & Enquiries: +27 61 727 6152 | info@kofini.co.za
- Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 6:30am-7pm | Saturday 7:00am-6pm | Sunday 7:00am-5pm
4. The View
If you’re seeking breathtaking river and sunset views, the View Restaurant should be at the top of your list. The outdoor seating, overlooking the Gonubie River, is ideal for a late afternoon or evening meal while watching the sunset. Indoors, the decor is equally impressive, with beautiful light bulbs entwined with hanging plants that cast a soft glow over the room.
I have eaten here several times, and the food and service have always been excellent. I love the variety on their menu and the generous portions! They offer everything from a large breakfast menu to starters, salads, seafood, pizza, burgers, and mains like chicken cordon bleu and lamb chops. Don’t forget to check out their wine list โ it has some great options!
Useful Information
- Location: 30A Main Road, Gonubie, East London
- Reservations & Enquiries: +27 72 609 4606 | gonubie@theviewcollective.co.za
- Opening Hours: Monday 12pm-9pm | Tuesday – Thursday 8am-9pm | Friday & Saturday 8am- 10pm | Sunday 9am-8pm.
5. Sanook Eatery (Cafe)
Sanook is, for good reason, a favorite restaurant in East London, with two popular locations: one in Beacon Bay and one in Berea. The Beacon Bay branch provides a quieter, more upscale setting, while the Berea branch has a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Whichever location you choose, though, you’ll be pleased with the excellent service and a fantastic menu!
Where do I even begin with the food options? Their menu is extensive, offering an awesome variety of delicious dishes. For breakfast, they have classics like Eggs Benedict and English breakfast, along with healthy bowls and ciabatta sandwiches. The rest of the menu includes Buddha bowls, salads, appetizers, gourmet burgers, steaks, pizza, and pasta. Their dessert menu is one of my favorites, featuring unique desserts like deep-fried Oreos and apple calzone. They also have a great selection of alcoholic drinks, including sangria, Bloody Marys, and beer on tap.
See Menu >>> SANOOK – MENU
Useful Information
- Visit their Official Page for more info >>> sanook.co.za/cafe
- Keep up to date on events and specials on Sanook’s Social Media Pages >>> Facebook, Instagram
- Location: Berea – 11 Chamberlain Road, Berea | Beacon Bay – 13A Beacon Bay Crossings, Bonza Bay Road, Beacon Bay
- Reservations & Enquiries: +27 43 721 3215 | eat@sanook.co.za
- Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 8:30am – 9pm | closed on Sundays
6. Ignite Social Cafe
Ignite is one of my favorite hidden gem restaurants in East London. The space is absolutely stunning, adorned with plants draping the walls and hanging from the ceilings. They arguably serve the best coffee in town, complemented by the most amazing baked goods. Trust me, you must try their carrot cake, available for both sit-down and takeaway. It’s excellent! More than just its food, though, the vibe at Ignite is really cool – good Wifi and an atmosphere of a nice space to just chill or get some work done. Shaun and his staff go the extra mile for their customers, engaging in friendly service and conversation that will make you feel right at home.
The food is fresh, generously portioned, and delicious. The menu includes a wide variety of options, from breakfast items like omelettes and buns to burgers, bagels, pizzas, toasties, and wraps.
In addition to great food and a relaxed atmosphere, they also host special events like Trivia nights and cocktail evenings.
Useful Information
- Location: Shop 1A Beacon Bay Crossing Centre Cnr N 2 &, Bonza Bay Rd, East London
- Reservations & Enquiries: +27 81 710 1304 | manager@ignitesocialcafe.co.za
- Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 8:30am-9pm | closed on Sundays
7. Nahoon Reef Cafe
The Reef Cafe in Nahoon has tapped into a secret when it comes to a combo of excellent food, great service and a prime location. Nestled next to the Nahoon Point Nature Reserve, with both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a casual restaurant popular for its fantastic breakfasts and delicious lunches.
My goodness, the menu is good, but you absolutely must try the BBW Bun! It’s a waffle, scrambled egg, bacon, cheese, hash brown, and syrup – an irresistible combination. They also have all the classics like omelettes, avocado benedict, muesli bowls, and traditional breakfasts. The lunch menu includes light meals such as quiche, toasties, gourmet burgers, and fish and chips. Oh, and do yourself a favor and try their Cinnabons. I ordered one for dessert and got a second to take away.
There’s a small museum next to the Reef Cafe at The MBSA Coastal Education & Visitors Centre. Here, you’ll find three small exhibitions, including a cast of the famous footprint discovery made in the area in 1964. These footprints are significant because it was determined that this find in Nahoon was approximately 124 000 years old, making them the oldest footprints of their kind. Although the museum is small, it’s a fun way to spend 20 or 30 minutes before or after your meal.
Useful Information
- Keep up to date on events and specials on The Reef Cafe’s Social Media Pages >>> Facebook, Instagram
- Location: Nahoon Point Nature Reserve, Nahoon, East London
- Reservations & Enquiries: +27 83 419 3056 | hughnique182182@gmail.com
- Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 8:30am-4pm | Sundays, Public Holidays 9:00am-2pm
8. The Kitchen Table
This fantastic restaurant in East London is a definite add to the list. The Kitchen Table is somewhat of a hidden gem, featuring a beautifully laid-out space with a blend of open-air and undercover seating. There are a bunch of natural plants hanging all over the place and the rest of the decor is simple but stylish. The place is filled with natural plants, giving it a fresh and welcoming vibe. The decor is simple but stylish, making it a great spot for breakfast or lunch. They also have dinner evenings every Wednesday and Friday night.
What I love about this place is the freshness, quality and presentation of the food. The chefs here take great pride in their work, carefully preparing each plate with attention to detail and a bit of artistic touch. Their menu includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items. From egg on toast to smoothie bowls, sandwiches, and bagels, the menu is small and simple, but everything they serve is done perfectly. They’re also well-loved for freshly squeezed health juices, packed with nutrition – so yummy!
While you’re there, make sure to visit some of the shops next door. Toast Boutique is a charming store that sells clothing, beauty products, home decor, and more. There’s also a small plant shop featuring selections from Fey Houseplant. Just a few steps away, you’ll find re connect, a store that offers cannabis products for health and wellness, as well as other items like medicinal mushrooms, including Lion’s Mane.
Useful Information
- Keep up to date on events and specials on The Kitchen Tables Social Media Pages >>> Facebook, Instagram
- Location: 42 Pearce Street, East London
- Reservations & Enquiries: +27 64 313 7441 | thekitchentableel@gmail.com
- Opening Hours: Tuesday 8:00am-4pm | Wednesday 8:00am-4pm, 5pm-9pm | Thursday 8:00am-4pm | Friday 8:00am -4pm, 5pm-9pm | Saturday 08:00am-1pm | Sunday & Monday closed
9. Beach Break Cafe
This is the kind of place where you kick off your shoes and relax. While the atmosphere is laid-back, the service and food remain top-notch. The Beach Break Cafe is an all-time favourite for locals and travellers, especially for breakfast. Their beautiful setting under the trees, within a 5 minute walk of Nahoon Beach, is what sets them apart from other restaurants in East London.
Although popular for their breakfasts, they also serve open sandwiches, wraps, quiche, burgers, salads, chicken pie as well as vegetarian options. Their hearty plates of comfort food will have you coming back for more.
Useful Information
- Location: Bottom of Beach Road, Nahoon, East London
- Reservations & Enquiries: +27 78 171 2579 | beachbreak@mweb.co.za
- Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00am-3:30pm
10. Jules on Jarvis
Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, Jules on Jarvis is my go-to restaurant for celebrating special moments or having a romantic date. It’s beautiful, classy and the food is exceptional.
For me, the food here is some of the best I have tried in East London. You won’t find dishes like these at many restaurants in the area. With menu items like tapas and poke bowls, it’s a delightful departure from the usual fare. They do also serve some familiar favourites, too, such as pizza and hamburgers.
See Menu >>> JULES ON JARVIS – MENU
Helpful Information
- Visit their Official Page for more info >>> julesonjarvis.co.za
- Keep up to date on events and specials on Jules on Jarvis’ Social Media Pages >>> Facebook, Instagram
- Location: 34 Jarvis Road, Berea, East London
- Reservations & Enquiries: +27 73 528 4033 | julesonjarvis@gmail.com
- Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 8:00am-8:30pm | Sunday Closed
While East London might not have as many restaurants as larger cities, what it lacks in quantity, it more than makes up for in quality. Here, you’ll find a great selection of restaurants that have truly perfected their craft. So, whether you’re craving comfort food or seeking out unique flavors, the restaurants in East London have something to fit your taste.
Looking for more things to do in East London?
10 Must-See Destinations Near East London for Every Traveler
21 Things to do in East London, South Africa
Why East London is South Africa’s most Underrated Coastal Gem
Cove Rock: Tracing the Threads of East London’s Rich Heritage
10 ideas of things to do near East London
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