Charlotte Pregnolato

A splendid setting by the sea with great seafood on the menu makes Enrico's a go-to place for Garden Route visitors year round.

Food
Italian pizza and pasta made in a style pleasing to South Africans takes up the lion's share of the menu. But what puts this restaurant on the map food-wise is the fresh seafood. Enrico's own fishing boat brings in the catch each morning. Fish of the day, either a filet or whole fish, is simply baked in a delicate sauce of garlic white wine and lemon and served with fresh zucchini and whatever else is in season. Other best bets are the roasted meats, flavourful and tender. Sharing antipasti like the showy La Bomba, a puffed up focaccia plain or with garlic, a plate of fresh frittura mista-light as air prawns, squid and mussels, or wild oysters when in season, turns your meal into an event. If you're in the mood, authentic Italian endings include not too sweet ricotta cake, tartufo (ice cream), or homemade gelati.

Drinks
Nice little selection of Italian are accessible and just right for the food including Prosecco and Lambrusco. Enrico red or white is a good value and most other South African wines are priced to please. Grappa served in shot glasses is part of the fun.

Service
There are no reservations taken so on fine summer days, be prepared to wait for a table. Waiters are professional, helpful with the menu and aim to please.

Ambience
What could be better on a sunny day in Plett? Beach, Italian music and delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen. Simple picnic tables outside and inside the restaurant meanders through to the bar room suitable for less than perfect weather. Amusing touches like the wine menu printed on Italian wine bottles and tomato sauce cans reborn as ice buckets add to the charm.

Best for…
Families can spread out at a picnic table and watch the kids (and sometimes dolphins) frolic on the beach below.

(2018)

Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read our editorial policy here.