Oudtshoorn's cuisine is uniquely Karoo. Ostrich steak is the headline act, but the deeper story is about a rich culinary tradition built on lamb, dried fruit, preserves, and the flavours of the semi-arid Klein Karoo. From Jemima's award-winning kitchen to farm restaurants under mountain skies, Oudtshoorn offers dining experiences found nowhere else in South Africa.
Jemima's
94 Baron van Reede Street, Oudtshoorn
The undisputed queen of Oudtshoorn dining. Set in a beautifully restored Victorian house, Jemima's serves contemporary Karoo cuisine with seasonal menus. The ostrich fillet with red wine reduction and the Karoo lamb shank are legendary. Exceptional wine list featuring Klein Karoo producers.
Nostalgie
63 Baron van Reede Street, Oudtshoorn
A charming bistro in an art-deco building serving Karoo-inspired dishes with European flair. Their ostrich carpaccio starter (R85) is the best in town, and the bobotie (R120) is made to a generations-old recipe. Lovely courtyard garden for summer dining.
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge Restaurant
R328, Oudtshoorn
Dine overlooking a waterhole with elephants, hippos, and Cape buffalo while enjoying Karoo cuisine. The farm-to-table menu features game meats, Karoo lamb potjie, and seasonal vegetables. A unique fusion of safari and dining experience.