The Girl's On The Square

Someone from this business manages this listing.

2,310 reviews

#5 of 18 Restaurants in WildernessRR - RRR, African, Seafood, European

+27 44 877 0445+ Add website

Hours

Sun

9:00 - 21:00

Mon

9:00 - 21:00

Tue

9:00 - 21:00

Wed

9:00 - 21:00

Thu

9:00 - 21:00

Fri

9:00 - 21:00

Sat

9:00 - 21:00

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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.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

2,310 reviews

#5 of 18 Restaurants in Wilderness

Travellers' Choice 2023

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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PRICE RANGE

R 294.00 – R 588.00

CUISINES

African, Seafood, European, Fusion

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

meals, features

Location and contact

1 Owen Grant Street Palms Garden Square, opp Wilderness Hotel, Wilderness 6560 South Africa

+27 44 877 0445

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Does this restaurant serve Romagna food?

Yes

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About

Located in the heart of the Wilderness village, we are a multi award winning, Top 10 Restaurant on the Garden Route. Come and relax in a cosy, African inspired atmosphere highlighted by stunning artwork by local artist, Peter Pharoah. Our beautiful garden setting is ideal for enjoying the warm African weather! We have an imaginative menu combining high quality local produce with distinctly different flavours. Popular menu items include fresh linefish, succulent prawns, tender steaks and flavoursome curries all cooked to perfection in our open kitchen where you can see the chefs at work! Our award winning wine list has been carefully chosen to offer a wide selection of local South African wines to enhance your dining experience - not to mention our ever popular gin tasting platters!! We look forward to welcoming you at The Girl's on the Square!

PRICE RANGE

R 294.00 – R 588.00

CUISINES

African, Seafood, European, Fusion

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Meals

Dinner, Brunch, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Cash Only, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music

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4.5

2,310 reviews

Excellent

1,535

Very good

545

Average

160

Poor

Terrible

Been a few places

Epsom1073 contributions

Best seafood platter in South Africa

Dec 2019 • none

We came for dinner at the Girl's having booked a couple of months in advance and we're so glad that we did! The restaurant is really cosy inside (which was very welcome on a chilly December day) with some fantastic local art on the walls. There's also an outside terrace. The restuarant was busy and the atmosphere lively (and the staff felt a little rushed off their feet but we still received personal and excellent service). The menu is extensive but we were here for seafood. We ordered the seafood platter for two plus an order of the Mozambican prawns. After we ordered our mains my husband decided that he wanted a starter plate of oysters. This was no trouble at all and the staff were happy to oblige. Our seafood platter was superb - delicious, excellent quality and enough food for sure, although we really did enjoy the extra Mozambican prawns. The seafood platter really was the best we've eaten on numerous trips to South Africa. including this one. What was also great was the fact that the accompanying sauces were provided on the side so you could dress the fish to your liking - not enough places do this. We made room for dessert having seen a few go past. I ordered the litchis (lychees) with ginger which were amazing and my husband honey cheescake, which was excellent too. A truly top rate meal and in our top five for our trip (which included world recognised restuarants) - highly recommended and a must when in Wilderness. We'll certainly be back when next in the area.

Written 19 January 2020

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.

Dave S

Hermanus32 contributions

Mixed feelings

Feb 2020 • none

My partner's fillet steak was excellent and cooked to perfection. Unfortunately, my "paella" was nothing like a paella I have ever eaten and was more like a soggy risotto. The wine list was very expensive (even compared to other places in town) especially as the Merlot we chose was labelled as being imported to the UK and was therefore part of a cancelled order or over-run which the restaurant bought cheap - R230 and the cheapest Merlot on the list. The waiter was young and inexperienced but OK. Our visit (lunchtime) was spoiled by a plague of flies, a very loud group on one side and crying children on the other. Perhaps we were unlucky.

Written 24 February 2020

RoxanneInWilderness

Hi Dave S Thank you for taking the time to review us. Firstly, my apologies for the sub-standard quality of the paella. There is no excuse for that!! I have addressed it with the relevant staff members. Regarding the wine list and the wine you had please allow me to correct a few details. The wine you had was, in fact, not the cheapest Merlot we have. The price of that one would in fact be R 155, the MAN Merlot. You had a Fairview wine. Then onto your comment where you assume that the estate, Fairview, had had an over-run or cancelled order. This was most certainly NOT the case and I quote from the estate directly when I questioned them why it was in fact printed on the local wines`labels. " ALL our Fairview wines ( and there are a large number of different ranges) are labeled with our importer details. All our local clients receive these labels. It is the standard approach to bulk batch labeling." We have over the past 5 years received Diamond and Platinum Diners Club awards for our wine list. There are, as a result, some very distinguished wines on the menu but there are also very affordable, very good wines for very reasonable prices. The choice is up to the customer how lavish they would like to go. Our wines are certainly on a par with other local establishments. The flies and the noisy children, were I`m sure, an irritation. The only one we could address was the situation of noisy kids which we have done by removing the playground from the close proximity to our dining area. We hope to see you again where we will do our best to make your dining experience a more pleasant one.

Written 27 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

David H

Newmarket49 contributions

A must when visiting Wilderness.

Jan 2020 • couples

We visited, as a couple, on a busy Friday evening, without having made a reservation. We received a friendly greeting and were offered the option of a table in the restaurant or outside in the garden. We chose to eat inside as the evenings can be chilly at this time of year. The wine list is extensive and we selected an excellent Malbec. We shared a delicious garlic bread served with olives and feta cheese as we waited for our main courses of sirloin steak and venison both of which were served with vegetables and cooked to perfection. We skipped pudding and had just coffee and a brandy. The bill came to just under 1,000 rand. Great value and a very pleasant evening.

Written 10 January 2020

Cilliers V

7 contributions

Arrogant Owner

Jan 2020 • family

We were a family of 4 having dinner at the girls on 08/01/2020 at 18:30. Food was very good, except for the hair in my prawns, which ruined everything. We ordered the following: Salad, oysters, veg curry, girls prawns, 2 chicken strips and 2 ice creams for the kids (just making sure you can backtrack our table). When the waiter came to clear the table, I showed her the hair I found in my prawns. She immediately offered me a free dessert, but unfortunately, I do not like desserts. When the billed arrived without any changes, I payed (not punishing the waitress) and asked afterwards, what was the owners response to the hair in my dish. She replied, the the owner said everyone is wearing hairnets in the kitchen. I sarcastically said that it must be my hair (mine is 3-4cm and the hair founded was 15-20cm) that was found between my food. Looking to the previous responses to trip advisor from this restaurant, I believe that someone else or myself will be blamed for this. Owner needs to acknowledge their mistakes and at least apologize to their customers.

Written 8 January 2020

mary-tony K

Southampton18 contributions

We had a lovely evening here

Feb 2020 • none

We had a lovely evening here ably assisted by our waiter Keith who gave excellent recommendations and was friendly and efficient. The food was delicious and they went to extra mile - when our table wasn’t quite ready on arrival due to previous guests being slow to leave the proprietor brought us complementary fizz and made sure we were comfortable while waiting. Nice atmosphere and good value.

Written 12 February 2020

James

George30 contributions

Wow

Jan 2020 • family

My family went to the girl for the third time this season. Even though we are locals in the area, we had never come for dinner. We were invited out by some friends and decided to come back a a few weeks later. Out waitress was on point. She was clued up with information about the wines from their menu. Top notch service. The food was Delicious! I had their garlic prawns. They take the shells off leaving only the head and tail, making it very convenient for the consumer to eat. They were perfectly seasoned and had a great taste In short: the food is amazing, the service is good, (21 Min wait for food) which is fast, A very amazing experience, definetly give this place a try, it'll be worth your time.

Written 12 January 2020

sharonj136

1 contribution

Poor customer service

Feb 2020 • couples

As a very respected food critic and having marked the exams of many young South African chefs I was a little disappointed with my dinner tonight. Oysters superb. Main meal Patagonia calamari. I don’t eat lemon butter sauce so had asked for no butter but happy to have grilled on the flat top with olive oil and lemon. Calamari was steamed - no fat used and far too much bottled lemon juice added. On mentioning my complaint the plate was whisked away. The member of staff returned to tell me the owner, chef and two waiters had tried my dish and found it satisfactory. Great, but to me as a customer and certainly someone who has spent their career as a reputable Woolworths product developer and food consultant it was not up to what I accept as delicious food. You may think it was acceptable. I did not. I felt uncomfortable with the way the situation was handled. Would I recommend The girls after my experience. Although fresh oysters and ice cream delicious. I felt my dissatisfaction ungraciously received. If I had of been marking a culinary student. My criticism is simple. Would I go back as a paying customer. Sadly I was left feeling not important, dismissive. I will not return.

Written 29 February 2020

RoxanneInWilderness

Dear sharonj136 Thank you for taking the time to comment on your recent evening at The Girls. If you would allow me to comment: On placing your order for the Patagonica calamari main course, you mentioned that you didn`t want us to prepare your meal with butter and garlic (which is how we cook the dish) but requested that we cook it with oil and lemon. The waitress, on placing your order, wrote LEMON ONLY on the docket and the kitchen took it literally and cooked it without oil on the flat top grill. I can guarantee you that the calamari was NOT steamed (we steam none of our dishes!) and we used FRESH lemon, certainly not bottled as you suggest. When we gave you the dish, prepared as you had requested, you did not like it. My manager at that point asked you if there was something else that you would like us to bring in place of the dish and you asked him to bring you the oysters. He then took the plate away from in front of you (with half the food eaten), not “whisked away” as you suggest. At no point do you mention that the calamari meal (which was not to YOUR satisfaction) was taken off the bill and NOT charged for. We believe, in the name of customer service, that this is the correct thing to do. One would have assumed that as a “very respected food critic” ( as you repeatedly mention in your critique) you would have thanked us for going to the effort on a very busy night, to accommodate you and at least mentioning that you were not charged for a dish you were unhappy with. We are sorry that you left the restaurant feeling “dismissed” and “not important”.

Written 2 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Chris N

Centurion56 contributions

Special Birthday Dinner in Wilderness

Jan 2020 • none

We celebrated a family birthday at The Girl's during the festive season - based on local recommendations. Special efforts were made (including a more private table) to make the birthday celebration special (including complimentary birthday drinks)! Excellent food / menu and great service - with personal attention, even during scheduled power outage. Well worth the visit!

Written 14 January 2020

lavue15

Cape Town Central44 contributions

Another excellent meal

Feb 2020 • none

We visited this restaurant on a number of occasions at the previous venue so did not hesitate to try out the new venue when passing through wilderness . We were not disappointed . The oysters were excellent and freshly grilled fish with lemon butter sauce was perfect . The prices were reasonable as was that of the wine . The high standard has certainly been maintained .

Written 14 February 2020

barpNZ

42 contributions

Best restaurant on our trip

Mar 2020 • none

This restaurant was recommended by our host. What can we say? We went twice and should have gone on our last night as well. All the food was cooked to perfection and we are still talking about the prawns and fish meals. Entrees were beautiful too. The setting is great and we were particularly fond of the service staff, both of them had a great sense of humour. Great value too.Simply excellent service.

Written 19 May 2020

sparkle

Lisburn765 contributions

Finally, a great success!

Feb 2020 • none

We’ve had some mixed experiences dining in The Girls over the years but I’m delighted to report that, this year, our meal was a success. The ambience was relaxed, our waitress, Carla, was attentive and efficient and our meal was delicious. When the dessert didn’t come up to scratch, the Maitre d’ stepped in, apologised and didn’t charge us for the dish. Service as it should be. Well done The Girls. We will be back!

Written 25 February 2020

Norbert_Gabriel

Vienna65 contributions

Always worth a visit

Mar 2020 • none

The place now is much better than before when it was next to the gas station. Inside and outside sitting, the service is great, some of the waiters/waitresses have been working there for many years. The place is always packed, better make a reservation. The food is a good variety of seafood, meat and vegetarian. Always worth a visit!

Written 29 February 2020

MairinaandTonyWilson

Menston190 contributions

Excellent

Feb 2020 • none

We stay in Wilderness every year and always head to the Girls for dinner. It's now on the village square and the setting is lovely...both in and out. Food and service on both nights this year was excellent...the fish is cooked to perfection and the staff are so friendly and it's nice to be recognised from year to year. We look forward to visiting next February.

Written 7 May 2020

Pusilla

Wargrave323 contributions

Supper on a wet evening

Feb 2020 • couples

Had prawns to start with and they were pretty tasteless. Only the accompanying sauce perked them up. Shared a beetroot salad for the table which was good. Main course we both had steak. Husband enjoyed his but I thought mine was tasteless and a bit sinewy. Didn’t have pudding which is usual for us. Staff could do with some training. Our waitress fully used the flat of her hand to wipe her nose from the bottom of her face to the top then wiped her hand on her apron. It left me speechless which is unusual for me. Had a couple of glasses of very nice MCC (sparkling wine champagne style) and good choice of lager for my husband. The choice of restaurants isn’t great in Wilderness so this is probably one of the better ones. I’d advise booking at busy times of the year although this place is enormous so maybe they can normally find you a table.

Written 3 February 2020

890stanleyn

Sedgefield12 contributions

Light lunch with the family after a hike in the nearby national park

Feb 2021 • none

My husband and I took our young visitors, including a four year old and a six year old, to The Girls for cooldrinks and a light lunch recently. Plenty of parking, outdoor and indoor seating available, suitable for wheelchairs and pet friendly. The best part of our experience was the way the children were treated. The staff went out of their way to be kind and patient with them, and the snack that was served for the children (french toast) was delicious. Our own meals were also excellent - we recommend the strawberry smoothie. There is a small play area for the children. It was lovely to be able to take our family for a meal without being on our nerves the whole time in case the littlies irritated anyone. A very enjoyable lunch in a relaxed atmosphere at decent prices.

Written 23 February 2021

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