Wonderful Pizza and other Swellendam, South Africa Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Woodpecker Deli and Pizza

This place is Joe's culinary find of the honeymoon. We were driving from Knysna to Franschhoek and we were looking for a place to stop for lunch. Joe remembered seeing a place for pizza in Swellendam on the main road. We decided to stop and had a delightful lunch. The deli/pizzaria is adjacent to the Woodpecker Inn. It is owned by a young couple (we meet the husband during lunch). The deli serves a variety of Italian items- pasta, wine, olive oil, etc. which line one of the walls of the restaurant.

Favorite Dish: We had the pizza which was wonderful - a big. The pizza are more of the Italian style than either the NY or Chicago style pizza.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 028-5142924
Address: 270 Voortrek Street
Directions: When you exit N2 for Swellendam and turn right at the intersection the Woodpecker will be on your right hand side.

Restaurant Name: Klippe Rivier Country House

We arrived at our B&B late in the evening and had to immediately think about where to eat dinner. Our hostess recommended a place that has a set 3-course menu but which has limited seating. She called and got us a reservation at the Klippe Rivier Country House. We were not sure what we were getting into as we drove off of the main road onto a gravel path, then over a really narrow bridge and past a field of phesants. We arrived at a beautiful Colonial Dutch Manor (which is a historical monument) with our host for the evening and a little Corgy dog Taffy to greet us. We were ushered first into a sitting room filled with antiques and served cocktails while we waited for the other party that would be dining that evening. After a half hour or so of socializing, the hostess came in with our menu choices (peanut soup/ostrick kabobs, filet mignon/pork loin, chocolate mousse/apple tart) and asked for our wine selection. We were then escorted into the candle-lit dining room. There are only 2 tables in this room so it is very intimate with no artificial lighting. Music selections included Paul Anka, Tony Bennet and Frank Sinatra. After dinner we were presented with a printed bill that looked more like a wedding invitation. Overall, it was a wonderful experience.

Favorite Dish: The homestead was once the family home of S. African Presidents Steyn and Reitz. One of the other notable current residents is the Irish Wolfhound, Molly, who was too tired to give us a proper greeting.

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Theme: Local
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: (028514) 3341
Address: Swellendam
Directions: Once you exit for Swellendam, at the four-way stop turn left and drive for 2,2 kms. The tar road becomes a gravel road and crosses an old iron bridge and there is a left turn-off to Klippe Rivier.
Website: http://www.klipperivier.com

Restaurant Name: Herberg Roosje van de Kamp

When I was doing my research on the trip, I kept coming across this restaurant listing. So when we arrived at our B&B I was hoping to get at this restaurant. Unfortunately, they were full when we called. Oh well- next time.

Here is what I read: Mention Swellendam, and one of Roosje's apostles are bound to inform you about their last pilgrimage to the cosy geselskamer. Life's too short for bad food and small portions in pretentious eateries, they'll sigh, and then they'll remind you of the sea of glowing faces always seated under Roosje's rietdak ceiling. Rated as one of the Top 10 on the Garden Route in 2003 and 2004 by Eat Out, South African Restaurant Guide.

Favorite Dish: The a la carte menu caters for everyone with a wide selection of traditional, seafood, meaty and Mediterranean dishes, including gourmet pizzas. The wine list is varied with the best from the region.

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Theme: Local
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Address: 5 Drostdy Street