Sirocco - Knysna’s Newest Design & Culinary Experience

When you are in one of the most beautiful lagoon-side towns in the world, there is no reason that you should eat anywhere but as close to the water as possible.

And Sirocco has arguably the best position of any restaurant in Knysna. Perched on the edge of a canal at the extreme southwest corner of Thesen Harbour Town, the impressive two storey red brick and glass building has uninterrupted, panoramic views of the lagoon and the famous Heads. Minutes after mooring on Sirocco’s private jetty, we were lounging over cocktails on the upper deck on luxurious white-cushioned chairs, breathing the saltiness of the ocean on the light breeze and watching a glorious sunset.

Knysna’s newest dining experience is many things. A vibey lunch-time venue with friendly, efficient service and the choice of a light menu. A trendy meeting place for locals with an appreciation for cutting edge design, the latest cocktails and the best view in town. A laid back dinner venue with great food and a romantic

ambiance which is created by clever lighting, plush seating and a variety of green hues, from lime to olive.
Sitting on the top deck, we sipped strawberry daiquiris until the sun dipped below the horizon. We had been given the choice of dining inside or out, and chose an inside table in a curved bay window, from which we could make out the twinkling lights of the homes on Leisure Island.

Sirocco has oodles of style. Its contemporary architecture and chic interior design, which would not look out of place in New York, exude a casual elegance. High ceilings and tall windows lend an airiness to a space that reminds one of a modified, upmarket warehouse. Exposed steel beams, red brick, wooden and cement screed floors coexist harmoniously with softer touches such as leather couches, white tablecloths and cylindrical Philippine sea shell chandeliers.

The attention to detail is, happily, not just limited to the décor. The winelist offers a variety of imported French champagne (from Bolinger to Billecart-Salmon) and a selection of fine South African wines that are rare or limited. I settled for the Marcel De Reuck Syrah, which was absolutely exquisite.
For all its upmarket appeal, Sirocco remains grounded with an unaffected fusion food menu that skips assuredly from, say, French to Thai dishes and back again.

The comprehensive menu features a large selection of shellfish. Oysters (both the cultivated and coastal variety) are a popular choice, though Oriental mussels in a ginger, lemon grass, chilli, soy, garlic, coriander and sesame seed oil, had a more exotic appeal.

One of the signature dishes is executive chef Michael Hebel’s Knysna Bouillabaisse. His inspired version of this famous French fish soup comes optional with half a crayfish. The deliciously spicy Thai prawn stir fry instantly transported me back to my favourite Eastern culinary destination.

For those whose palates lean more towards European food, dishes such as petit poussin or char grilled beef fillet are equally tempting.

It all depends on your mood or sense of adventure. Personally, I was happy to remain out East when it came to desert. The Sirocco fruit sushi, another of the restaurant’s signature creations, was simply irresistible. It’s served with a trio of dips (strawberry, chocolate and nougat) and a sip of green tea. The gifted Mr Hebel received a standing ovation from my ecstatic taste buds.

Sirocco is open for lunch and dinner seven days of the week. For bookings, (044) 382 4874.