Sunny Sunday afternoon

It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon in Plettenberg Bay; to not be outdoors on such a beautiful day would be sacrilege. Central Beach is jam packed with youngsters who have just finished school, making it difficult not to feel the holiday spirit in motion, even though the year hasn’t quite drawn to a close. It seems that summer has finally arrived and what better to do than spend some time soaking up some vitamin D, sipping on cocktails while marvelling at the spectacular views. The Island Diner has it all.

As I walked off the beach, leaving the rowdy beach vibe behind I sat down at a table at Café Estoril and looked out to the glistening ocean, feeling relaxed and at ease as the waves crashed on the shore. The restaurant is perfectly positioned for watching dolphins and provides a perfect complimentary backdrop for a fabulous meal. Café Estoril offers a diverse menu at affordable rates making it the place to frequent this holiday season.

Behind me a table of four are enjoying a fresh plate of oysters with a bottle of wine, laughing and chatting happily in the afternoon glow. In front of me, two mothers, still wet from a dip in the pool are drinking Cokes after playing with the kids. “It was the first time we’ve swam with the baby in the tube,” says the one mother to Dave, the manager. “It was so cute” she adds. Not only are the staff members friendly; they are efficient and the service is good making Café Estoril a perfect place to bring the family.

It’s also ideal for couples as the temperature and mood are set for romance. The lush grass provides the perfect spot to cuddle up to someone you love and enjoy the scenery together. A young couple is doing exactly that on this particular afternoon, lying comfortably with a bottle of wine chilling in an ice bucket, talking softly and laughing lightly while they watch a father and son play bat and ball. The Island Diner clearly makes Sunday afternoons all the more enjoyable.