Île de Païn is a Knysna institution. Since opening in 2002, it has become one of the most beloved cafés & bakeries on the Garden Route. If you’ve ever visited, you’ll know exactly why — it’s more than just a bakery; it’s an experience.
But it has not always been simple for the team at Île de Païn. In May 2015 a devastating fire destroyed the iconic restaurant, but owners Chef Liezie Mulder & Master Baker Markus Färbinger kept their heads high. In November 2016 they reopened – more beautiful & delicious than before!
From artisanal baked goods to a thoughtfully curated selection of gifts & homeware, excellent service & a charming setting, everything about Île de Païn is an honest delight. We make it a tradition to visit annually—sometimes more often— & we have never been disappointed. In fact, we gladly drive 50+ minutes from George where we are usually on holiday, to get our Île de Païn fix.
Takeaway Delights & Freshly Baked Bread
For those on the go, the deli-style takeaway fridge is filled with salad bowls, sandwiches, smoothies & loads of other yummy options.
As South Africa’s first artisan wood-fired oven bakery, Île de Païn still embraces the tradition of baking wood-fired bread.
Their fresh bread selection includes sourdough, Bold Companio – a wheat and rye sourdough, challah, Rye Bread (100% rye) & Vollkorn Bread – to name only a few. Pure craftsmanship & quality.
The Île de Païn Experience
The location on Thesen Island, which is surrounded by the breathtaking Knysna Lagoon, adds to the magic of Île de Païn. The bakery opens at 8:00 AM daily. On our last visit in January 2025, I was (not) surprised to find eager visitors queuing outside as early as 7:30 AM!
The toughest part of your visit will be the decision between a pastry with perfectly brewed coffee or a meal. I would say that you deserve both. The French toast remains an excellent choice as a sweeter breakfast option. I always go for an egg & greens or fish kind of breakfast. For tea lovers, I can also highly recommend the Lady Grey Black tea.
Pastry favourites are the Pasteis de Nata, Zesty Lemon, Baked Yogurt & the Baked Choc Tart.
Exceptional Service & Atmosphere
The service at Île de Païn is just as impressive as its food. I was delighted to see how many patrons are known by first name, but strangers & friends all receive the same kind of professional & warm hospitality.
Île de Païn isn’t just a bakery or a café—it’s a dreamy & delicious destination for anyone visiting the Garden Route. They’re located at 8-10 The Boatshed, Thesen Harbour Town, Knysna. Trading Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 – 15:00. Follow them on Instagram or visit their website – just try your best not to drool on your screen.
Yolandi ♥
Images are all my own – some from 2021 & some from 2025.