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.
île de païn
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
A café-style restaurant and bakery specialising in distinctive, appetising breakfasts and lunches and authentic artisanal breads. This welcoming, award-winning restaurant is conveniently located in vibrant Thesen Harbour Town, Knysna. Breakfast and lunch dishes have a European leaning and offer honest sophistication in flavour and creative visual presentation. Each dish is lovingly prepared to showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients. Expect updated classics with a twist and truly innovative dishes. An impressive beverage selection includes specialist coffees & teas, fresh juices and a curated wine & beer menu. Breads are baked daily in a traditional wood-fired oven. The patisserie creates exquisite, delicate desserts. Shop for specialized baking equipment, books, DVDS, essential pantry items & crafted homewares. Grab salads, sandwiches, pastries and coffee to-go or sit and enjoy the buzz in this beloved meeting place where local regulars and visitors to the Garden Route relax and mingle.
Features
CUISINES
Cafe
Meal types
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Takeout
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Parking Available
Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
Sunday
Closed
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
8:00 - 15:00
Wednesday
8:00 - 15:00
Thursday
8:00 - 15:00
Friday
8:00 - 15:00
Saturday
8:00 - 15:00
Contribute
4.5
1,103 reviews
Excellent
765
Very good
233
Average
44
Poor
22
Terrible
39
Rav F
Twyford8 contributions
Apr 2024 • family
Probably the best hotel breakfast I have ever had. Menu choices were varied and enticing. Had the ‘max deluxe’ on day one which was basically a croque madame with mushroom sauce, delish. Bircher muesli was also v tasty.
Day two I had granola, fruit salad, a vanilla/banana/peanut butter smoothie, all very good. Coffee was great on both days, kids liked the hot chocolates and juices.
I want to stress how high the quality of the ingredients are, and they are prepared with a lot of skill and speed. The pastries look great and tasted better!
The service was excellent. On the last day we were in a mad rush as we were leaving at 8.30am. The staff took our orders quickly, the food came almost immediately, and whenever we needed attention (for takeaway and further drinks etc) they were with us straight away. All delivered with a friendly smile.
Highly recommended.
Written 9 April 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.
Nibblingscribbler
Cape Town17 contributions
Dec 2024 • couples
Excellent coffee. Good energy all around. Lovely staff. Croissants and Pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) were the closest we’ve had to our experiences in French boulangeries. A real gem almost hidden on the island!
Written 6 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.
Tony B
Carwoola70 contributions
Sept 2024 • family
Picturesque location, excellent service and fantastic breakfast. Ile de pain delivered on its promise! With bread as its hero - we also sampled mullet fishcakes, Turkish eggs and a croque madam - each excellent - accompanied by great coffee.
This is a do not miss in Knysna
Written 19 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.
Cian D
Pretoria22 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
Food is fantastic! Unfortunately not geared for busy season. Ordered 2 dishes and only when the rest of the food came did they mention that those dishes are sold out. No croissants available either. When enquiring as to why, we were met with a terrible attitude from the waitress who replied with: "do you know how busy we are?". If you can't meet the demand then tell the guests that wait on a table for 30min which dishes are no longer available upon arrival.
Written 28 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.
Sarvin Y
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • family
Usually the staff are rude. We only go there for the bread. And everytime I ask myself why are we here again. The staff has attitude like they are doing a favor to serve us.
This afternoon we stopped there for a quick coffee and desert, because the kids wanted to have cake there. Unusually, this time we were greeted politely. When we went to the counter to order the cakes, the lady at the counter dished the cakes on our plate with the help of her finger. She cleaned the plate with her hands. I decided to not say anything at the moment because I didn't want to mess up the day for the girls. Anyway, the food came. We had order 3 tarts, one of the tarts it was coconut with pinnaple, that had no pinnaple at all, tasteless. At the end when the waitress asked if everything was ok, I told her and she called the manager. The manager was somewhat ok, a bit arrogant and not happy that I had a complaint. She didn't believe me that the lady at the counter had touched the cakes, she told mr that they have very well trained staff. I know what I saw, and what I saw it was lack of hygiene. God knows how it is in the kitchen where nobody can see. About the pinnaple cake, she told us that they use the pinnaple fibers left from the juicing. So, I guess that they make the cake with left over pinnaple, no wonder there was no taste, all the taste was on the juice.
I just know that I am not going back there, ever. Waste of money.
Written 21 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.
Naqita A
Cape Town Central33 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
We visited this cafe twice during our stay in Knysna. We went back a second time because we could not believe that such a well located, modern cafe with reasonable food options could be so unwelcoming twice in a row. It was. The manager on both occasions would check in with patrons who looked like her and not on one occasion checked in on customers with a different skin colour. What a shame. The staff were attentive although it took them some time to take orders or check up on us and our experience. The food was good. They don’t do bookings, they don’t take reservations and at breakfast time waiting time could be up to 40min. To be honest there are quaint restaurants I’d rather take my business to.
Written 4 January 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.
David J
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • couples
We recently visited this restaurant while on holiday and found the overall experience good, nice venue, good food but the service was slow.
I ordered a Florentine breakfast which was very different but really tasty.
This is a very saucy moist breakfast which needs some type of toast or bread to assist with soaking up the sauce.
I asked for toast (not included but extra charge) which arrive dry, I then asked for butter (extra charge) and my wife asked for ketchup ( extra charge).
The total for 1 slice of toast, 1 small portion of butter and a small dish of tomato relish R39.00.
I have shared the Tax invoice with a few friends and they we flabbergasted as were we.
I think management should have a good look at this “extra’s policy as it has left a bad taste and definitely given me food for thought before going back to support them.
I even recommended to friend that they should change their name to “ feel the pain”.
Clients beware
Written 24 February 2022
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.
cheneM2024
2 contributions
Dec 2024 • couples
First off, the service was friendly. That is the only reason there is a star. That was not a Croissant and the lemon tart was dry dry dry, and the creme on it was off. The coffee tasted like instant coffee. Very very bad. I have no idea why there are so many good reviews.
Written 2 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.
Explorer38624455920
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • friends
OMG!! I have to shout from the rooftop about this spot, particularly their pulled pork and homemade pasta, served in a light, creamy lemon sauce and topped with green olives and fried capers! It was mindblowing! Inventive, technically skilled and utterly moreish! As for their freshly baked sourdough....OUTSTANDING! Compliments all round.
Written 28 August 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.
Mark H
Pretoria24 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
Pathetic unapologetic service - or lack thereof ! Arrived at 11h14 (for brunch) and was told that there was a short waiting list - came back at 11h25 and was promptly seated. Ordered coffee and never saw a waiter again until shortly before 12 when I tried to order - was informed that the breakfast service stopped at 11h30 and that I would need to wait until after 12 to order off the lunch menu. Got up, paid for the cold coffees and had a great lunch at Tapas. Never again !
Written 24 September 2021
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.
BuddingSommelier61
Gold Coast289 contributions
May 2023 • couples
This highly recommended cafe/restaurant did not disappoint. From the moment you stepped, you were welcomed by lovely staff. The coffee was very good (I had 2 cups). The French Toast with Berries and Mascarpone was divine. The Green Envy (Scrambled Eggs) was healthy and my husband's Mexican Eggs were tasty!! The Manager roamed around the Cafe making sure everything and everybody was happy. Loved it!
Written 13 May 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.
Kayleigh M
Johannesburg15 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We have tried twice now to go visit this restaurant as suggested by locals but being busy travelers from Joburg the waiting time to be seated was ridiculous. The staff that were at the entrance were unfriendly and not inviting. There was a point where we would have to wait over half an hour to get a possible table, no bookings was allowed. Just wish the cafe could possibly improve their waiting times.
Written 9 October 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.
Katherine
Manchester520 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
This as a very busy, artisan bakery with amazing food. I can understand why its so busy there is plenty to pick from.
We have eggs and bacon on sourdough, a little hard to eat for myself but my partner loved it.
The cakes and pastries look amazing and the service is very good.
I’m sure we’ll be having breakfast here again before we leave.
Written 11 November 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.
sparkle
Lisburn779 contributions
Feb 2023 • family
We love eating at this busy bakery / restaurant on Thesen Island when we stay in Knysna. It’s a real pleasure to enjoy a meal there seated either inside or al fresco. The staff are friendly and efficient and the food is delicious.
Don’t forget that they’re closed on Sundays and Mondays. It’s first come first served so expect to wait a short time for a table during busier periods.
Written 27 February 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.
Boschboy
Dubai7 contributions
Apr 2023 • couples
Great busy breakfast and lunch spot. We had a poached egg breakfast with bacon and a portion of the trout fish cakes with a couple of the awesome pastries to follow. Probably the best breakfast place in Knysna!
Written 6 April 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.
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