One of the things we love most about Jeffreys Bay (besides the waves, of course) is the food scene. While J-Bay is still a small surf town, it has an incredible variety of cafés, restaurants, and local favorites. Whether you’re looking for a post-surf coffee, a sunset dinner overlooking the ocean, or the best pizza in town, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s our Surflodge guide to the best restaurants and cafés in Jeffreys Bay.
If you ask any of us where we’re grabbing our morning coffee after the surf, we’re probably heading to First Light.
We love their coffee! We always go for the flat white or blueberry vanilla latte. Oh, and they have a really nice brunch menu. And try the conversation cards they have all around the shop, it makes it the perfect place to connect with people or have deeper conversations.
Best for: Great coffees, after surf fuel, brunch, connecting with people.
Our favorite when we are craving some healthy after surf food to fuel our bodies.
We are always getting a protein smoothie or a healthy lunch here after a gym or surf session.
Also our favorite spot on the first day of camp. they have a great outdoor area to sit and have lunch. They also have really good pies!
Best for: Protein smoothies, healthy lunches, and good pies.
As locals typing this… this is our to-go spot for dinner, sssst.
The menu is huge, which is usually a warning sign, but somehow Nina’s manages to do everything well.
Our personal favorites? The Tuna Steak and the Espetadas, both absolute winners every time.
When we don’t know what to have for dinner and we don’t feel like cooking… we always end up at Nina’s ordering chicken and halloumi wraps, oops.
Best for: Lunch or dinner with friends, fresh and healthy food, and a menu that has something for everyone (even vegan!).
When we feel like unwinding with good food and stunning views, we go to this place.
They have many options but our personal favorite is the sushi. It’s so yummy and very affordable.
Oh and for dessert… we love to order all the cakes they have and share them. It’s soooo good. Please bring us a slice back to the Lodge.
Best for: Sushi nights, sunset dinners, and waterfront views.
This is our hidden gem in Jeffreys Bay that we go to when we feel like fresh and good food or sharing a charcuterie board!
Our favorietes are definitely the fresh delicious pastries. And they have a small shop connected to the cafe where you can buy all quality ingredients like meat, Italian pasta or stuff to bake your own cookies.
Best for: Shared lunches, coffee breaks, and pastries.
We love walking into Flamingo’s and already hearing the good tunes from outside. And after stepping in, you’re always greeted by someone from the amazing team they have. We love chatting to them!
Besides really good coffee (and for our matcha lovers…yes, they do a great matcha latte too!), they have their own bakery with such good goodies! Every week we try to be there in time to get our hands on the brioche buns, cinnamon rolls or whatever they are creating that day.
Best for: Great coffee, great vibes and freshly baked treats.
When the sun is going to set soon and we feel like watching the sunset with a good drink… this is the place we go to.
There restaurant has a stunning view over dolphin beach and we just love sitting there, sharing good food and watching the waves. Our favorite is the pasta by the way!
Best for: Sunset drinks, ocean views, and relaxed beachside dining.
When we feel like eating good burgers we always end up here.
We love sitting outside or inside next to one of their little fires. This place is really good with big groups as well. So bring all your friends with.
Best for: Casual dinners with friends and seriously good burgers.
When we feel like good pizza… we wait for a Friday and order our pizzas here! Sourdough based pizza’s with good topping’s. Our favorite pizza in the whole area!!
Oh one thing… make sure to place your pre-order on Thursday, because once they’re sold out… it’s really gone!
Best for: Friday pizza nights, sourdough pizza lovers, and pre-ordering your weekend treat.
When we want to crush on the skater boys, we go to this place. We love that we can watch the surfers and skaters while sharing tapas-style food!
They also have really nice drinks! It’s a good place to go after some shopping in the village.
Best for: Tapas, watching the skatepark and surfers, and drinks with friends.
When we feel like fresh, yummy and healthy food with ocean view… this is the spot!
We alle have different favorite dishes here but the flatbread and burgers are winning at the moment.
And order the Milk Tart for dessert! That’s typical South African and they have the best one.
Best for: Beachfront brunch, ocean views, and really good cake.
When we feel like taco’s and cocktails… we think the Mexican!
We really like all of their food but the taco’s and burrito’s are our favorite. But besides the really good food… we actually come here for the cocktails. Tip from us, check their Instagram, they have good deals every week.
Best for: Mexican dinners, good vibes, and incredible cocktails.
When we feel like eating fish while having our feet in the sand… Walskipper it is.
Located really close to the Surf Lodge, they are right on the beach and one of the only places serving you dishes with fresh fish. Oh and the cocktails here are also really good!
Best for: Seafood and having the best ocean views.
After watching Mama Mia or just when we are craving some Greek food we go to this spot.
We cannot choose our favorite dish here… We love the fish, pizza and wraps. Oh and we love the lollypop after dinner haha.
Best for: Greek food close to the ocean.
When we are feeling fancy and in the mood for really good seafood with a glass of wine, this is the place we end up going to.
We love their shared platters but actually all their food is just really good. We should not forget the ocean views from this place looking right over our favorite surf spot!
Best for: Fresh seafood and fancy but affordable dinners.
This is our favorite spot for date nights! Nevermind is just something different. The stunning views, candle lights and surprising flavour combinations. Our favorite thing to do is share all our dishes, but the burger is also a really good option. And if you like to have a beer, try to local one!
It’s a good thing that Nevermind is 20 minutes from Jeffreys Bay. Otherwise we would have date night every night.
Best for: Date nights, shared dining, ocean views, creative food, and incredible burgers.
See you in J-Bay, and don’t forget to arrive hungry.
