Ile de pain

About Ile de pain

At île de pain Bakery and Café, bread is a religion. Bread is worshipped. Bread is the reason why this passionate crew wakes up in the morning and toil over hot ovens all day. Their dedication to slow, uncomplicated-yet-beautiful food is the secret to their success as one of most popular eateries in Knysna.

Based at the exclusive Thesen Island in the Knysna Waterfront, île de pain offers an overall experience, pairing aesthetics, memorable food and a bustling atmosphere with the majestic beauty of the Knysna waterfront. île de pain was the first artisan, wood-fired oven bakery in South Africa, reviving a tradition that started in Africa, around 7000 years ago. The baker uses to time to bring out the best of the natural ingredients, though slow fermentation and long rising. Only the best ingredients are used at the café - another factor in its success.

Delectable pastries sit alongside simple breakfasts on the menu, from baked pear tartlets to the multi-layered coconut dacquoise. The lunch menu is inspired by the availability of fresh, local ingredients, including healthy gourmet salads, roast chicken parcels, slow-roasted tomato and ricotta tarts, and their signature beef burger, served with wild mushrooms and parmesan shavings.
Regular patrons needn't be encouraged to grab massive rounds of bread – rumour is, they last for up to 2 weeks, yielding enough bread for a sea of scrummy sandwiches.