With 2 little kids, eating out in our family tends to involve venues with bright colours, jungle gyms, mascots, fast food, and noise pollution. Needless to say, Kegan and I were looking forward to a quiet, unhurried, intimate dinner on our own at Knysna Hollow Restaurant. It also happened to be my last night as a 20-something and I was intent on enjoying it in style. I’d heard wonderful things about their food and penchant for wine, and every rumour was proven true.

The cosy restaurant lies in the old Manor House of the beautiful, tree-lined Knysna Hollow Country Estate. After skirting the edge of Knysna lagoon, we made our way up Welbedacht Lane to the tranquil country setting, where we were warmly welcomed by the manager, Martin. He may be small in stature, but he comes with heaps of genuine hospitality and a sincere smile that gets you beaming right back. Martin escorted us to our table, tucked away in the snug corner of a floor-to-ceiling wine rack (the bottles were empty – we checked). He went through the soup and fish of the day, and with a nod of the head and a grin that grew even more mischievous, encouraged us to have a great evening. Our waiter, Denzel, popped up with an equally award-winning smile and presented us with menus and a plate of fresh bread. There must be something in the lagoon water, because Knysna is the friendliest place I’ve ever been to – everyone is always smiling!

The influence of English Georgian architecture is evident in the Manor’s simple design, indigenous wood interior, and the high ceilings with elaborate embossing. The old chandelier, crackling fireplace, and dim candlelight helped create a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. The intimate dining room was full of foreigners whose language blurred into one soothing background buzz. We’d noticed the hefty tour bus outside and learned that the lodge works closely with tour operators to provide international travellers with a fine food experience. It was a pleasure to be able to tune out of their table talk and focus exclusively on our own.

The selection of South African wines was exceptional. Trailing through a menu with the likes of De Waal, Villiera, Roberston, Simonsig, and Boschendal wine estates, we settled on the Savanha Merlot 2012 from Spier. Denzel actually recommended it and, despite my hesitation at the tobacco flavour described in the menu, the savoury plum gave it a restrained style. We savoured every sip and I was most grateful to have Kegan as designated driver.

Browsing the a la carte menu, we noticed that it was varied enough to appeal to worldwide palates, yet succinct enough to know that each dish has been carefully selected for its seasonal fare. It was also well priced – especially for foreigner travellers. I was really proud of myself for narrowing my choices down to only 2 starters and 2 mains. I was still torn though, so I used it to my advantage to test Denzel’s recommendation skills. He courteously gave his opinion, but left the final decision to me. We ordered:

Starters:

• Salt and Pepper Calamari Heads: dusted with seasoned flour, crispy-fried, and served with sesame oil honey and mustard dipping sauce.
• Asian Spring Rolls: Crispy, homemade vegetable spring rolls accompanied by a sweet chilli sauce and a dressed watercress salad.

Mains

• Flame-Grilled Rib-Eye: flame-grilled to order, served with a classic French red wine and shallot sauce, and a blue cheese and chive mash.
• Ricotta and Tapenade Cannelloni: oven-baked cannelloni pasta filled with ricotta cheese and olive tapenade, topped with Parmesan cheese and a roasted tomato sauce.

Dessert

• Baked Vanilla Cheesecake: served with a blueberry coulis.

I can’t even begin to tell you which dish I loved most. I had been craving olives and something fishy, and the cannelloni and calamari heads perfectly satisfied my desires. The blue cheese and chive mash that came with the rib-eye steak also cannot go unmentioned. It was amazing and I’d love to find a recipe for it so that I can tantalise my friends at a dinner party one day.

We couldn’t have wished for anything more on our date night at Knysna Hollow. I love being with my kids, but I also know that a happy couple makes a happy family. That’s why I’m going to savour this special night with my husband for a long time to come. I highly recommend it to any couple looking for a romantic evening away from raucous children and the equally loud colours of family fast-food joints.

Click here to see what else we got up to on our weekend away in Knysna.