You eat seafood beside the Knysna lagoon at Sirocco, where the dining room looks out over the water from Thesen Island. The kitchen serves oysters — both wild coastal varieties from Cape Agulhas to Transkei, and cultivated oysters from Saldanha Bay and Port Elizabeth. An oyster shucking experience pairs them with bubbly.

The wine cellar holds South African and international selections, with tastings available. Upstairs, a sunset bar on two decks overlooks the lagoon, available for private bookings. Downstairs, the main dining area takes in the same water views, with tables inside or on the terrace.

Thesen Island's harbour setting puts the restaurant at the centre of Knysna's waterfront activity. Boats move on the lagoon as you eat, and the kitchen works with the day's catch.