Serendipity Country House & Restaurant

Based on a previous visit, we took our daughter who was visiting from overseas to Serendipity for a special evening out with a much-anticipated fine dining/wine pairing experience. The cocktails, food and wine pairings were very good, thanks to Lizelle and her staff. We were seated in a small closed-off room with tables for 6, 3 and 2 diners. Unfortunately, the loudness from the table of 6, further aggravated by the host Rudolf, who would often join in the raucous conversation, ruined the evening for us. The noise prevented us from enjoying the food in pleasant surroundings, able to have our own conversation. It was so loud that one of the hostesses had to ask if we could hear her. In an expensive so-called fine dining restaurant where the ambience should play a big role, our visit was disappointing.

We went to celebrate a birthday. Serendipity exceeded all our expectations in accommodation, service and above all the food.

A stay and dinner at Serendipty is always a very special treat and one we look forward to whenever we are driving along the Garden Route. Our first time here was about 22 years ago and on all the visits since nothing has disappointed! We always receive a very warm welcome to the Guest House from Elsabe and then in the evening to the restaurant from Liselle, Rudolph and their team - all treat us like old friends and go out of their way to make it special for us. Serendipity is delightful, set in a beautiful and serene location on the edge of the lagoon. It’s very comfortable and has everything you could possibly need for a few days relaxation and pleasure including canoes to tempt you out on to play on the lagoon and river! Liselle and team prepare the most delicious food, always inventive, different and very special. Sitting out beside the lagoon with an unusual cocktail listening to Rudolph talk through the menu and entertain at the same time is a great start to your dining experience! The food is beautifully presented both on the plate and by the waiting team. It’s hard to say which were the ‘stand-outs’ for us this year as it was all delicious! I very much enjoyed the Caprese as it had so many flavours and textures whereas David had the Pigeon & Grains which he equally enjoyed. The next course of Chilled Cauliflower, Lime & Ginger Soup was packed full of delicious flavours. If there is a ‘stand-out’ to both of us it was the Sprinkbok Loin with Pomegranate Jus - it was cooked to perfection, so tender and tasted amazing! The deserts were excellent too, Milk & Honey for me and Blueberries for David (and I’m not a desert person!). We chose the 5 course menu with choices but there is also the option of an 8 course tasting menu! We look forward to returning another year, meanwhile we throughly recommend Serendipty and all its delights! Thank you Elsabe, Liselle, Rudolph and all the lovely team.

My partner and I visited this restaurant for dinner and found the entire evening to be absolutely exquisite. The Manu is similar to a tasting menu comprising of some 6 courses. everything was beautifully presented at a measured dignified pace, from the chicken liver starter to the dessert, everything was just perfect. This is very much a venue for a special occasion and is really worth a visit. Apart from the food the ambience is world class, and you are treated to a pre dinner exposition by the chef. make it a priority to visit this exceptional restaurant.

A Wilderness Gem: Tucked away down a quiet road in lush vegetation is the guesthouse of Elsabe who is Owner/Manager of Serendipity. Located along the banks of the Touw river and close to all amenities of Wilderness, this lovely well established guest house also has an award winning restaurant. Elsabe showed us to our upstairs ensuite room leading onto a deck overlooking the River. Tastefully decorated and equipped to ensure guests are very comfortable with aircon and ceiling fan, a bar fridge and tea station. A lovely outdoor patio overlooking the river, has comfortable furniture to enjoy drinks or morning coffee/tea with rusks . A beautifully presented English & Continental breakfast served each day by friendly staff. A most enjoyable 2 day stay to sample fine cuisine at Serendipity. (Mon-Saturday for prebooked dinners cooked by top executive chef Lizelle). Thanks Elsabe& Lizelle for all the added treats and our delicious Choc Torte celebration cake ! Best wishes Elizabeth & Terence Kelly .

We have been staying at Serendipity for many, many years (20+) and make it a necessity to go there when passing by, even if only for a few nights. Very comfortable rooms with aircon and DSTV. Tea/coffee making facilities and a fridge. Enough wardrobe space. The bathroom is compact but has everything that you require for a comfortable stay. Bathrobes provided. Just 4 rooms only. Each room shares an upper balcony overlooking the lagoon. Table and chairs and loungers. Small garden and canoes available for use on the lagoon. Solar power supplemented by Eskom as necessary. Elsabe loves to ensure that you are taken care of. Beautiful breakfasts daily - Fruit juice, fruit, yoghurts, cheeseboard, bread and croissants, pancakes. Coffee machine with ground coffee. Dine there too with the award-winning chef (Lizelle) who created the loveliest of meals. Great place and back in October.