Caffè Mario – Knysna

Gennaro Frezza is the owner of Caffè Mario in Knysna, which for 25 years has been a landmark of Italian hospitality and traditional Italian fare.

Born in Naples, Gennaro was 11 when he landed in Johannesburg in 1969 with his family and seven suitcases, knowing not a word of English. Soon he was at school with his siblings and his father found a job as a barber.

Gennaro then moved to Knysna with his own young family, and in 1997 when the new Knysna waterfront was inaugurated, he opened Caffè Mario.

Serving simple but traditional Italian food, from pastas to pizzas, including seafood and veal, with fresh ingredients, Caffè Mario built its fame mainly by word of mouth not having a website or a Facebook page.

One can find, however, a steady flow of raving reviews online as proof of the fact that it is much loved both by locals and returning vacationers as well as Italians passing through.

Having relocated one block away from the Waterfront in the last year, Caffè Mario continues to offer the same charming and warm atmosphere as a background to the most delicious Italian food.

Open breakfast (yes, they serve real Italian coffee!), lunch and dinner, Monday to Sunday.