Are you planning a trip to Hermanus, South Africa, and looking for the best places to eat? Hermanus is a fishing town located just over an hour's drive from Cape Town, renowned for its delicious fresh seafood and stunning natural beauty on the northern tip of Walker Bay.
The Overberg region, with its fynbos-clad mountains, bewitching coast, slow-winding rivers, lagoons, and vine-swathed valleys, offers a perfect setting for relaxation and culinary exploration. An equally wide-ranging landscape of fabulous food completes the picture-postcard perfection.
Hermanus and Walker Bay are some of the most beautiful places in South Africa. Hermanus has some of the freshest, most delicious seafood in the Western Cape. Therefore, you cannot leave Hermanus without trying some of their special dishes.
Beyond seafood, the area around Hermanus is ideal for vineyards, allowing you to enjoy delightful wine tastings, especially Pinot Noir. Additionally, Hermanus is famous for whale-watching, offering almost guaranteed sightings of southern right whales from land between June and December.
To make the most of your visit, here’s a guide to some of the best restaurants in Hermanus, catering to different tastes and budgets.
Read also: A Taste of Africa in Atlanta
Must-Try Local Dishes in Hermanus
Before diving into specific restaurants, here are some local delicacies you shouldn't miss:
- Cape Malay Seafood Curry: A South African dish with Indonesian and Indian influences, featuring seafood cooked in a flavorful blend of spices and tomato.
- Snoek: A tasty fish from the waters off the Western Cape, similar to mackerel in taste and texture, and incredibly fresh in Hermanus.
- Abalone (Perlemoen): A local delicacy sourced from nearby sea farms, prepared in various ways such as ceviche, carpaccio, and risotto.
- Fish and Chips: The South African version uses sustainable hake from the waters of the Western Cape.
- Crayfish (Kreef): Lobsters from the western coast of South Africa, known for their fresh and delicious flavor.
Here is a table with some of the local dishes you should try:
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Cape Malay Seafood Curry | Seafood cooked in a flavorful blend of spices and tomato. |
| Snoek | A tasty fish from the waters off the Western Cape, similar to mackerel. |
| Abalone (Perlemoen) | A local delicacy sourced from nearby sea farms, prepared in various ways. |
| Fish and Chips | Sustainable hake from the waters of the Western Cape. |
| Crayfish (Kreef) | Lobsters from the western coast of South Africa, known for their fresh flavor. |
How a Master Chef Runs One of the Most Successful Seafood Restaurants in the Country — Mise En Place
Top Restaurants in Hermanus
Here are some of the best restaurants in Hermanus, each offering a unique dining experience:
1. Fisherman’s Cottage
As its name implies, this authentic 19th-century cottage specialises in the ocean’s bounty. As you would expect from the name, this restaurant is in a charming, nineteenth-century fishing cottage. Moreover, fresh seafood is the name of the game here. Therefore, it is a great place to try local delicacies like snoek, kreef (see ‘crayfish’ above!), or a Cape Malay curry. Besides the deservedly famous seafood platters, there’s Cape Malay seafood curry with roti, traditional snoek and patat, or crayfish thermador. Chef Anton Verhoogt (ex Overture and Rust en Vrede) also cooks up a storm of tempting starters (pan-fried sardines, bouillabaisse, smoked pork belly with bacalao), and there’s flourless chocolate torte or malva pudding for dessert. Lastly, save room for dessert! Fisherman’s Cottage is the local’s favorite restaurant in Hermanus.
Insider Info: The Fisherman’s Cottage is probably most famous for its seafood platter. Therefore, be sure to try it!
Read also: A Culinary Tour of Egypt
2. Perlemoen
As you can guess from the name, Perlemoen serves amazing local abalone. Indeed, the restaurant is located in an old abalone farm right on the Ocean on Marine Drive. Obviously, don’t miss the perlemoen prepared in a variety of delicious ways. The changing menu features tasting plates of abalone in various forms: ceviche, carpaccio, risotto, fishcakes, pan-seared and served with curried aïoli. There are other seafood dishes too, as well as vegetarian and meat options, and local Overberg wines. This humble 45-seater opened without much of a splash, but it undoubtedly has one of the best sea views from its tiny deck - you’re just metres from the crashing waves at the Old Harbour. As its name suggests, it specialises in the local delicacy, abalone (sourced from the nearby sea farm) - a rare treat, as wild perlemoen stocks around our coastline have been decimated. You must try this restaurant while in Hermanus - PErlemoen.
Insider Info: Perlemoen only serves dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. Otherwise, it is a lunch-only restaurant. Also, be aware that you have to go down quite a few steps to reach it.
3. Ficks Pinchos and Wine
Ficks Pinchos and Wine is located in a lovely outdoor place just over Ficks Pool. Therefore, you’ll have great views of Walker Bay, sunshine, and easy access to a swimming spot. A glorious setting tucked into the cliffs and looking over the secluded Fick’s tidal pool to the ocean gives a magical allure to this hidden gem of a bar and restaurant. Under the same ownership as Dutchies at Grotto Beach, here the Gonggriip family take inspiration from the northern Spanish tradition of pinchos (tapas) to go with colourful cocktails and a good selection of wine. Otherwise, you can expect delicious, Northern Spanish small plates for sharing. Choose from tasty choices such as chorizo or calamari. Ficks & Pinchos has one of the best locations in Hermanus.
Insider Info: Ficks does not take reservations and is only open for lunch and early dinners. Therefore, you will need to arrive early to avoid a long wait or disappointment!
4. The Moody Lagoon
The Moody Lagoon is the house restaurant on the Benguela Cove Wine Estate. Therefore, you can expect an incredible wine list! However, the restaurant also has a great brunch and lunch menu available throughout the week. Expect an authentic, Western Cape menu using local and seasonal ingredients. Moody Lagoon is another good restaurant to eat out at in Hermanus, South Africa.
Read also: Best Dining in Johannesburg
5. Origins at The Marine
Come for the cocktails, lose yourself in the views, then stay for supper: The Marine is one of those grande dame hotels that embodies the soul of the town’s glamorous side. Despite its old-school fabulousness, it is decidedly contemporary and sophisticated on the inside. And there are few finer places to take in the sunset than in The Sun Lounge & Bar, overlooking Walker Bay (the signature Whale Watcher cocktail really does live up to its name). Therefore, it is in an amazing place on Marine Drive with stunning views of Walker Bay. It has small plates, plant-based options, and wonderful meat and seafood. Moreover, these dishes are all as local and seasonal as possible.
Insider Info: Origins has tables by the restaurant’s open kitchen or by windows overlooking Hermanus and the Ocean.
6. The Pear Tree
This cool, creative bistro on the popular oceanside Village Square is named for the “Pear Tree” nickname that chef-owner Petri Hendriksz acquired while working in the UK. The Pear Tree is not far from Hermanus’s waterfront on Marine Drive. It serves a variety of fresh seafood dishes and good option for those who don’t eat meat or fish. Fresh seasonal ingredients are the basis of the varied bistro menu, which includes small plates, tacos and poke bowls, as well as popular mains such as corn nachos, miso sirloin and pork belly ribs. Also, there is a sharing plates menu so you can try a bit of everything. You’ll be in good hands too as The Pear Tree won an award last year for its terrific service. It is open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. At the Pear Restaurant, you will get amazing views of Walker Bay.
7. Bientang’s Cave
Picture this: you’re seated on the water’s edge, devouring a Malay seafood curry and sipping a glass of local chardonnay. Is there a more perfect way to take in the coast of Hermanus? Add to that the atmosphere of the thoroughly unique setting… a cave. Bientang was a ‘strandloper’ - a Western Cape person who gathers and hunts food from the coast - who lived in this cave more than a hundred years ago. Now, it has been turned into an authentic restaurant and wine bar with a jaw-dropping location in Hermanus. Named after Bientang, a Khoi strandloper, who lived in it over a century ago, it’s now a rustic-chic restaurant and wine bar that attracts ocean-lovers and foodies alike.
Insider Info: Try to reserve a table on the terrace by the Ocean. You can’t get closer to the water!
8. La Pentola
BEST FOR: Bold, imaginative dishes with a great location over Walker Bay. La Pentola specializes in fusion food. Their dishes mix excellent local ingredients with unique, tasty flavors. Therefore, you could try smoked springbok with Greek olives or abalone with teriyaki sauce. Finally, La Pentola is in a building overlooking Walker Bay.
Insider Info: La Pentola is a great place to try the delicious local delicacy abalone.
9. Onshore Eatery
Located a stone’s throw from Marine Drive, the Onshore Eatery is the place to go for anything baked. This is the small artisan bakery and eatery you dream of finding on holiday. Opening up early to sell bread fresh from the oven to grab and take home for breakfast, Onshore also serves a pocket-sized selection of breakfasts, lunches, and all-too-tempting treats… pasteis de nata for the win! As well as delicious sourdough, you can also buy sweet treats such as pasteis de nata here! Otherwise, the Onshore has superb breakfasts and lunches.
Insider Info: Follow the Onshore Eatery Insta to see when they are holding unmissable events.
10. Burgundy
On the edge of the bay and only a few metres away from the historic harbour, in whale season (July to December) Burgundy has front-row seats to the greatest show on earth - with tasty home cooking to boot. Burgundy takes pride in serving fresh seafood and produce from local farms. It has a great location overlooking Walker Bay and the old harbor. Freshly caught fish served with coconut-infused jasmine rice, seafood pasta, and generous seafood platters are the stars of the dinner menu. In the day there are also sandwiches (made with home-baked bread), burgers, wraps and salads, and a tempting array of cakes; plus pancakes, eggs bennie and a variety of breakfast treats. It serves a wide range of dishes including meat, fish, and plant-based options. Therefore, there will be something for everyone!
The Rock
Perched on a cliff overlooking the lively New Harbour in Hermanus, The Rock Restaurant offers breathtaking views of Walker Bay and the village. Known for its prime location, this restaurant is a popular spot for whale sightings from June to November. The menu features an array of seafood, grilled dishes, delectable desserts, and more.
- Enjoy stunning views of Hermanus harbour overlooking Walker Bay
- Indulge in a variety of well-presented dishes including seafood platters and sushi
- Experience exceptional service from a friendly team
Reviews:
The Rock Restaurant in New Harbour Hermanus is praised for its stunning views of the harbour, friendly staff, and delicious food offerings. Reviewers highlighted the well-presented dishes like Thai Green Vegetables, Chicken Livers, Calamari, Fish and chips, as well as the perfectly executed Crème Brûlée and exceptional coffee. While some experienced inconsistent service and disappointing desserts, others raved about the fresh seafood platters and mussels. The restaurant's charming atmosphere with changing menu options displayed on chalkboards adds to its appeal.
Know before you go:
- Visit during whale season (June to November) for possible sightings while dining
- Try out the blackboard menu featuring fresh seafood and grill options
- For a more relaxed experience, consider going for breakfast or lunch when it's less busy
Additional Dining Options
Here are some other noteworthy restaurants in and around Hermanus:
- Rossi’s: Located in a restored fisherman’s cottage, known for its crispy thin-crust pizzas and friendly atmosphere.
- Theo’s: A Greek-inspired restaurant with cobalt-drenched decor, offering classic Greek dishes and seafood.
- Char’d: A steakhouse with a touch of steampunk, specializing in dry-aged and wet-aged steaks.
- Dutchies: Situated just off Grotto Beach, offering casual beachy meals with stunning views.
- Riposo: A charming Italian trattoria in Onrus, known for its wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas.
- Creation Wines: Renowned for its creative food and wine pairings, offering a six-course wine-and-food pairing menu.
- Spookfontein Wine Estate: Offers short seasonal menus inspired by locally sourced ingredients, with panoramic views across the vineyards and valley.
- Stanford Valley Country Lodge: A storybook-pretty lodge offering hearty comfort food with a country-with-a-twist menu.
Tips for Dining in Hermanus
Here are a few essential tips to enhance your dining experience in Hermanus:
- Plan Ahead: The best restaurants in Hermanus are booked up fast, especially during the whale-watching season.
- Appreciate Service: It is normal to give a 10% tip in South Africa.
- Accessibility: Check how easy it is to get to or park at certain restaurants to avoid disappointment.
With its enchanting shore-hugging cafés, artisanal bakeries, creative bistros, Italian trattorias, wine farm restaurants, and sumptuous seafood extravaganzas, Hermanus offers an embarrassment of choice that makes any stay in the area a gastronomic delight. Enjoy your culinary journey in this beautiful South African town!
Popular articles:
tags: #Africa
