"The home of the Knysna oyster, slurping them by the half-dozen on the Quays boardwalk — come for the oysters, sushi and waterfront deck."
About 34 South
34 South sits at Shop 19 on the Knysna Quays, right on the boardwalk of the Knysna Waterfront, and styles itself the home of the Knysna oyster — the lagoon-grown oysters the town is famous for. It is half restaurant, half food emporium: alongside the tables sit a bakery, a deli, a wine shop and a retail space of imported treats, so a meal here can stretch from breakfast to a long lunch with shopping in between.
It is one of the anchor tables on the Quays. For other Knysna waterfront rooms, compare Tapas & Oysters, the Mediterranean Sirocco and The Chart Room, or browse the wider seafood picks.
The Kitchen
The signature is the Knysna oyster, served fresh by the half-dozen, but the menu ranges widely: an extensive seafood list, hand-made pizzas, fresh salads, grills and the house espetadas — skewers of meat or seafood hung at the table — plus sushi and flavours that borrow from the Mediterranean, Mexico and Thailand. It is generous, crowd-pleasing cooking rather than fine dining, built for groups and grazing.
Value is strong for the setting: mains land roughly in the R120–260 range, and the deli lets you take the oysters, breads and ready meals home.
The Room
The room opens straight onto the waterfront, with deck tables on the boardwalk looking over the moored boats of the Quays. It is bustling and informal — families, holidaymakers and locals working through oysters and wine — with the bakery and deli counters humming alongside the restaurant. The pull is the lagoon-side setting and the easy, all-day pace.
Best for a relaxed all-day meal on the Knysna waterfront
34 South suits a relaxed all-day meal on the water — the boardwalk deck makes it a natural first-date or casual birthday spot, and the counter seating works for an easy solo plate of oysters. For more of the town's tables, browse the full Knysna dining guide.
Not for
Not for a quiet, refined fine-dining evening — this is a busy, family-friendly waterfront restaurant and food emporium where the draw is oysters, value and the lagoon view, not hushed service.
Frequently Asked
What is 34 South in Knysna known for?
Being the home of the Knysna oyster — fresh lagoon oysters by the half-dozen — on the Knysna Quays waterfront, alongside seafood, sushi, espetadas and a deli.
What should I order at 34 South?
The fresh Knysna oysters are the signature; beyond them, try the espetada skewers, the sushi or a hand-made pizza on the deck.
How much does 34 South cost?
It is good value: mains run roughly R120–260, with fresh oysters sold by the half-dozen and a deli for takeaway breads, wines and ready meals.
Where is 34 South located?
At Shop 19, Knysna Quays, on the boardwalk of the Knysna Waterfront in the Western Cape, South Africa.
Does 34 South have a deli and shop?
Yes — alongside the restaurant it runs a bakery, deli, wine shop and retail space, so you can eat in or take oysters, breads and ready meals home.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at 34 South
Walk in or book via the 34 South website; the deck tables fill fast on holiday lunches.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
AddressShop 19, Knysna Quays, The Waterfront, Knysna
NeighbourhoodOn the boardwalk at the Waterfront, Knysna Quays
CuisineSeafood & Mediterranean (with deli)
PriceMains roughly R120–260; fresh Knysna oysters by the half-dozen
Dress CodeCasual
SeatingIndoor and boardwalk deck tables; walk-in, busy at lunch
ReservationWalk-in for most tables; booking advised for groups and peak holiday lunches
