about

Our story

“From a small acorn bursting with promise to a mighty oak tree which is Oak Leaf Café today, building this business with my sister Sandy, has been one of the great joys of my life.”—Leeanne Greyvenstein

our journey

In the beginning…

From our popular vegan food stall at Wild Oats Market to our Vegan Kitchen Restaurant & Deli in the Mall, we presented delicious vegan meals to mainstream Knysna.

Our niche enterprise was growing swiftly and required us to reinvent our brand to accommodate all streams of dietary requirements.

Our speciality is delicious home-style cooking for all dietary requirements, with a focus on sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients, with each plate lovingly crafted & beautifully presented.

In October 2019  we opened, Oak Leaf Café, our restaurant located in the pristine Belvidere Estate in Knysna.

Owner and four front of house staff smiling and standing together outside Oak Leaf Restaurant in Knysna, with four in staff uniforms and one in a patterned dress.

the Oak Leaf team

the Oak Leaf magic…

What makes us unique

Our people

We are a team of excellent focused individuals all pulling in the same direction. We find the best people and we keep them… we are a happy family.

Our passion

Sandy and I are 2 perfectly synced halves that make a whole… both talented in different areas, both equally passionate about our business and both driven to succeed.

Our ingredients

We put a lot of time and effort into sourcing the best and most ethical quality ingredients and it shines through in every cup of coffee and in every meal that we serve.

Our variety

You are spoiled for choice – we offer an abundance of vegan & vegetarian meals, plenty of chicken and meat dishes, we cater for any food intolerance and our pastries, cakes & treats will make your heart sing!

Love for our community

We have created a warm & welcoming safe place within our community, where our customers feel at home, visit with friends and family, where we know their names and remember their preferences.

our people

Meet the team

Oak Leaf owners, Leeanne and Sandy, standing side by side and smiling in the restaurant, one wearing a chef’s jacket and the other a patterned dress.

Sandy & Leeanne

Executive Chef | Manager 
A woman sits at a desk smiling while writing in a binder filled with organized documents.

Anel

Finance
A smiling woman in a café holding a plate of salad.

Sania

Operations Manager
A waitress in a black uniform smiles while holding a cappuccino in Oak Leaf Restaurant.

Christelle

Waitress
A waitress in a black uniform smiles while holding a tray with a plated dish on a café patio.

Jade

Waitress / Barista
A smiling barista making coffee with an espresso machine at Oak Leaf Restaurant in Knysna.

Nono

Barista
A waitress in a black uniform smiles while holding a cake in the Oak Leaf Restaurant courtyard.

Zinobia

Waitress
Oak Leaf Knysna Restaurant - Vanessa - Chef de Partie

Vanessa

Chef de partie
A smiling woman in a restaurant kitchen holding two plates of food.

Jess

Chef de partie
A smiling woman in a restaurant kitchen holding two trays of high tea sweet and savoury eats.

Anna

Chef de partie
A smiling woman in a restaurant kitchen holding a pan.

Winnie

Chef de partie
A smiling man in a restaurant kitchen holding a plate of food.

Chris

Chef de partie
Oak Leaf Knysna Restaurant - Christelle - Waitress

Agnes

Cleaner
A man standing and smiling in front of a green hedge with a garden fork in his hands. He is dressed in a uniform and cap.

Golden

Grounds Keeper
A smiling woman in a restaurant kitchen

Ellen

Cleaner
client love

What our customers say…

“High-quality food & service”

“Always a cheerful welcome at Oak Leaf Cafe. If the sun is shining, wonderful to enjoy their delicious eats outside. Always a cozy reception inside in wintry weather. Consistent high-quality food and service must be attributed to this little gem.”

Peter Unite

“Each visit is a treat”

“Our meals are always fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented – standards are never compromised which is a credit to Sandy and her fabulous team in the kitchen. As an owner-run family business, great meals and friendly service is guaranteed – whether a resident of Belvidere or a visitor to the area.”

Steve, Kate & Hannah Buchanan

“The perfect cappuccino”

“It’s a place where we can enjoy the luxury of a perfect cappuccino served with delectable freshly baked scones and cakes as well as hearty brunches. We salute you Leeanne, Sandy and your wonderful staff for bringing the Oak Leaf Café to Belvidere.”

June Melrose

Two slices of French toast topped with mixed fruit, bacon, and a mint garnish.
A cup of coffee with latte art served alongside slice of carrot cake.
A croissant filled with scrambled eggs and bacon, garnished with chopped herbs.
A toasted sandwich filled with melted cheese and bacon is garnished with fresh herbs on top.

Join us for brunch!

We invite you to come and experience our hospitality, great coffee and delicious food!

An outdoor courtyard café with tables under umbrellas in front of a building labeled “Acorn Square.”