What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Zinzi Restaurant
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
Vibrant and casual with distinctive international flavours, Zinzi Restaurant offers an abundant & tasty menu. Ideal for sun-downers on the deck, or for a relaxed dining experience, Zinzi embraces the spirit of hearty cuisine and zesty ingredients with a choice selection of a la carte menu items. A meal at Zinzi is truly an abundant experience of honest food, warm service and superb ambience, at an affordable price.
Features
CUISINES
African, Fusion
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Menu
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 9:00 PM
Sunday
15:00 - 21:00
Monday
15:00 - 21:00
Tuesday
15:00 - 21:00
Wednesday
15:00 - 21:00
Thursday
15:00 - 21:00
Friday
15:00 - 21:00
Saturday
15:00 - 21:00
Contribute
4.6
1,316 reviews
Excellent
942
Good
241
Average
99
Poor
27
Terrible
7
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Phil S
Knysna22 contributions
Mar 2025 • couples
We arrived early but were welcomed by the attentive staff. Seated by the open windows, a rainy / tropical day added to the atmosphere. Initially dismayed to find steak tartare no longer on the menu but the bitterballen and prawn tempura were worthy substitutes.
Main courses of gourmet burger and pork belly delicious with sensational sauces.
Special praise to our very helpful friends and informative waitress Sheila and manageress Gina.
Finally tasty desserts pear crumble and panacotta.
Very highly recommended - beats anywhere else in Plett and Knysna.
Will definitely follow up Gina’s suggestion to phone ahead next time for steak tartare!
Written 22 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NCVienna
Belfast1144 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
We went to Zinzi on our last night in South Africa to celebrate my husband’s birthday and couldn’t have chosen a nicer place for the special occasion. We got a lovely table on a covered patio but next to an open fire-place which was great when the temperature dropped later in the evening. Staff couldn’t have been lovelier from taking beautiful pictures of us in the grounds to bringing out a chocolate birthday cake for hubby and singing happy birthday!
The food was excellent from beginning to end. We had pulled pork dumplings for starters followed by hubby’s ribeye steak with parmesan and truffle fries and seafood curry for me, finished off with a gorgeous chocolate cheesecake (that was before the chocolate birthday cake arrived!) The bill was actually very reasonable given the setting and quality of the food. Perfect evening!
Written 3 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Naomi W
Bramhall180 contributions
Jan 2025 • couples
Had a lovely meal here whilst staying at Tsala. Staff were attentive and personable, meal was very tasty Arancini, Pork dumplings, lamb curry and Poke salad. Would recommend it’s a beautiful setting.
Written 6 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LH1360
Johannesburg72 contributions
Jan 2025 • family
Zinzi is priced at top Jhb restaurant prices so we had high hopes but unfortunately we were very dissatisfied with our overall experience. We ordered calamari and pork dumplings to share. Firstly they were served on cold plates and the side plates they brought with the dishes for us to use were also cold, then I found what looked like plastic in the calamari. Upon reporting to the waiter he came from the kitchen explaining it was the squid’s pen but did not apologise for the fact it was still in the calamari until I confirmed that it should have been removed prior to cooking. The experience with mains was mixed - pasta with salmon very average, pork belly was tender but all the other things on the plate didn’t enhance the meal. The kingklip was good. The manager came over during the mains and asked if we were enjoying our meal. I had to remind her that the meal hadn’t started well… she did apologise and didn’t charge us for the calamari. We didn’t want to order dessert after the meal to that point and because the chairs were so upright and uncomfortable. A positive was the pretty gardens and spacious property. We would not go again
Written 11 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kauermann Frau
Wetzlar1 contribution
Feb 2025 • friends
Were in past years already frequently at Zinzi, always satisfied!
Not satisfied with friends yesterday....service unfortunately moderate, took a very long time....but we are on holiday lamb curry tough lamb in red wine -water cooked, no consistency of the curry , just spicy with CHILI without other spices, no sambals , no poppadums for it a “ragged pancake....and a mini cucumber salad in the potty , too bad!
Not so fast again.....
Automatically translated
Written 24 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lc2blt
Leeds107 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
Oh my goodness, what an amazing restaurant. Location, service and food absolutely faultless.
The welcome we had was really warm and friendly and we were asked if we wanted to sit inside or outside.
We decided to sit outside and the fire was on and we were given blankets as it was a bit chilly. We were really looked after with brilliant service and there was plenty of choice of food and wine on the menu. I had the chicken supreme and it was out of this world fantastic!
The food and wine were really good value and we felt like we had a really special meal. Would definitely go back and recommend.
My only niggle was that I booked a table online and it would only give me the option of an early dinner (6:30pm) and sitting outside but when we were there there were plenty of available tables inside through the evening so I'd recommend trying to call them to book rather than relying on the online site.
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paulkrisman
Radlett306 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
As you drive up to Zinzis and walk in from the parking lot the appeal is so strong. Set in large private gardens close to Hunter Country House it’s a funky building inside and out with superb decor.
The service and the food were good but, in reality, not outstanding. It’s hard to put a finger on what wasn’t quite 5* but it’s the small things… not clearing the table properly (they took main plates but only one side plate), forgetting cutlery, weren’t able to explain something on the menu, etc. it just showed a lack of training - the enthusiasm was there but not the awareness and faultless process that we’d expect from a restaurant of this profile.
The food was not particularly adventurous, seasoning a little bland and the menu was unremarkable. It felt like a nice quality local restaurant more than a destination venue.
Strawberry daiquiri was a high point though!
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
unexplorer
New York City80 contributions
Mar 2023 • family
They have an elaborate menu which did not match up with the food served. The tandoori chicken had no resemblance to the spice rubbed tender chicken from a Tandoor. The pork wontons were burnt and were sent out which was a shame for a restaurant of this alleged calibre. All the food was under seasoned. The drinks and desserts were good and the staff was attentive.
Written 25 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacqui Hunter
Many thanks for your review on your evening at Zinzi. I am so sorry that it didn't meet with your expectations. I am relieved that you found the restaurant beautiful and that the staff was attentive. The standard of your starters and main course is not acceptable and has been addressed. I am mostly concerned that you found the retaurant pretentious. We are a family owned and run business - with a genuine desire to delight all of our guests in a way that is heartfelt and sincere. We appreciate your feedback and will use it to improve and grow. Kind regards
Jacqui
Written 27 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sally F
Suffolk245 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
We were so disappointed in our visit here especially as it was supposed to be for a special occasion. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated and in a lovely location set in the grounds of Hunters Hotels so our first impressions were good. Whilst priding itself on locally sourced and fresh food I wasn’t sure what Norwegian salmon was doing on the menu…..It is a very eclectic menu, perhaps trying to do too much. Our food was disappointing - form over substance. And I very rarely ever send food back but my lamb cutlets were so inedible I had no choice. The replacement dish of chicken was little better - tasteless and grizzly. The manager was very good. He was very apologetic and didn’t charge us for my main meal but I would rather have had a delicious, well cooked meal. We had some amazing food whilst in South Africa in both roadside cafes and smart restaurants but sadly this was our worst meal.
Written 19 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tatjana O
Budel89 contributions
Sept 2024 • couples
Zinzi Restaurant in Plettenberg Bay offers an atmospheric African ambiance with beautifully decorated accommodation. The food is top quality, with refined flavours and a fine selection of South African wines. The staff is extremely welcoming and attentive, making you feel right at home. Highly recommended for those looking for a delicious culinary experience in a beautiful setting.
Automatically translated
Written 23 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AIN_Bln
Berlin71 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
We (2 adults, 2 children) were here for dinner with friends in mid-August 2023. We became aware of the restaurant through the good reviews and accepted quite a distance from our lodge (40min drive). But what can I say, every km was worth it (even the last ones through the forest ....): The Zinzi is a wonderful restaurant (part of a hotel complex, but a separate building). The decor is classy and typical of the country, the service was very good and the food fantastic! When you see at the end of the evening how inexpensive such a great multi-course meal for 7 people with wine etc. can be, it's almost unbelievable. If the journey from Germany wasn't so far, we would come more often. Clear recommendation!
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrMagoos
Greater London629 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
This was recommended by a friend who lives locally when is S.A. All 5 of us enjoyed a stunning evening. Service, food and ambience all ticked the box.
We ordered ordered a variety of dishes from fish, chicken and stake all spot on. Nothing was an issue for our waiter, the fact we were streaming the Spurs V Liverpool match and he was a Liverpool supporter smashing us helped I guess 😀
No idea what the final tab was as one of our party robbed that task from under my nose but safe to say it's not cheap but you won't feel striped.
Good evening, great staff and as I said ambience and setting hit the nail. Well done Zinzi!
Written 23 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris S
Poole1167 contributions
Dec 2023 • couples
While staying at Hunters Country House we had been booked in here on our first night. Lovely setting but if you want a simple nutritious meal after a day travelling, this is not the place. The options are limited if you are mainly vegetarian/ non red meat. The nibbles plate delivered over complex flavours, simpler would have been better. Chicken wings were tasty but sat on a bed of dry red cabbage and salsa was not salsa. Husband enjoyed the Portuguese chicken with couscous. We thought a cheeseboard might be a good finishing plate ( minus biltong) - cheese portions were generous but while the goats cheese had real flavour, the other two lacked taste, the toasted bread ( instead of crackers) was tooth-breaking hard. Service was very good but overall food disappointing. Think they are over elaborating the food so easy to be put off items on menu, and flavours get lost.
Written 24 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • friends
Being located in Knysna Zinzi is (was) one of our favorite restaurants.
How disappointing this time and we we are sorry to agree with earlier reviews:
Food quality and presentation was not what we used to have (especially compared with our last dinner end November 23 with the same menue choice).
Moreover the confirmed table seating was changed to a place totally screened off from the outside and a windy sliding door opening in our back.
Staff was not open to give us a more sheltered table next to ours - which was not occupied during our whole evening stay.
Zinzi can do better and hopefully we can take pride again inviting guests for dinner.
Written 1 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
816cyrilc
Johannesburg17 contributions
Jan 2023 • family
Some excellent and some unimaginative/poorly prepared food even simple food such as rice...Though presentation of food is attractive and setting is nice.
Service was SLOW in a restaurant which was far from full on a Sunday at lunch time. If a restaurant can't be organised on a Sunday at lunch time, when is it going to be organised?
Interesting experience though: we learned the importance of consistency in the restaurant business.
Perhaps the way to good thru a meal faster is to skip starters and only order a main course.
Written 15 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacqui H
Many thanks for your review. It is invaluable to us as we constantly learn and grow. The kitchen always has to be organised and consistency as we know is massively important. It is a beautiful location and our food needs to match that as it is the whole experience that we offer. We want our guests to be relaxed and to take their time- but SLOW is not the way to go. Please accept our apologies and we hope that we will see you again for a wonderfull and memorable experience.
Kind regards
The Zinzi team
Written 20 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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