The Overberg town of Hermanus is about so much more than its famous whales because, while it is our Whale Capital, it is also a surprisingly good foodie destination, with a host of upper level and casual eateries alike to satisfy your hunger.
Hermanus, found in the scenic Overberg Region, is an unmissable destination that offers incredible outdoor experiences, beautiful nature and wonderful service establishments.
Tip: Find daily deals and the best Hermanus accommodation with Afristay.
Here are some of the best eateries to try when visiting Hermanus:
#1 Pear Tree Bistro
Petri and his team provide visitors with a warm welcome at this bistro where great, “craveable” food and a relaxed vibe reign supreme.
At Pear Tree, you can enjoy everything from tasty breakfasts, light lunches, delicious mains and even decadent desserts, as well as winter warming hot beverages, wines and beers to wash it all down!
Contact: (028) 313 1224
Website: peartree-hermanus.co.za
Address: Village Square, 81 Marine Drive, Hermanus, Western Cape
#2 Fishermans Cottage
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience with an air of history to it in Hermanus, then Fishermans Cottage is the place for you. Providing an intimate and atmospheric restaurant vibe, this eatery is housed in a building originally built in the late 1800s before it was turned into the restaurant we know today in 1991.
The food reflects the coastline’s rich seafood, though there are also meat and vegetarian options on offer here, with plenty of chef-owner Anton’s specialities available on the daily blackboard menu.
Contact: (028) 312 3642
Website: www.fishermanscottage.co.za
Address: Fishermans Village, Corner Main and Harbour Road, Hermanus, Western Cape
#3 The Cuckoo Tree
Country vibes and bistro fare are at the heart of family-run, The Cuckoo Tree. There’s a casual, family-friendly atmosphere to be enjoyed here and good food, including its popular, hearty breakfasts.
Contact: (028) 312 3430
Website: none
Address: Rothnick Craft Building, 155 Dirkie Uys Street, Hermanus, Western Cape
#4 Fusion Restaurant
This family-owned business is all big on different styles and tastes, as its name implies, and, although there’s no specific style to their food – exceptional taste, quality and presentation are ever-present.
The restaurant caters to both indoor and al fresco dining and both dining experiences provide excellent ocean views, perfect for whale watching (if the season is right).
Contact: (028) 312 4277
Website: www.fushioncafe-hermanus.co.za
Address: 5 Village Square, Marine Drive, Hermanus, Western Cape
#5 La Pentola Hermanus
This seafront restaurant – which offers panoramic views across Walker Bay and specialises in international cuisine, with South African flavours – has been on SA’s culinary forefront since 1995.
Now in Hermanus, the kitchen offers fresh seafood, mature beef cuts, exotic game dishes and awesome vegetarian offerings, with a range of light meals, salads and desserts too.
Contact: (028) 313 1685
Website: hermanus.lapentola.co.za
Address: Ocean View, 87 Marine Drive, Hermanus, Western Cape
#6 Burgundy Restaurant
This restaurant offers delicious food, fine wine, spectacular ocean views and great company, in a place where warm hospitality is a prerequisite.
At Burgundy, enjoy the likes of fillet steaks, artisanal breads, fresh, crisp vegetables and so much more in this seaside restaurant, located near Hermanus’s historic, old harbour.
Contact: (028) 312 2800
Website: www.burgundyrestaurant.co.za
Address: Marine Drive, Hermanus, Western Cape
#7 Moggs Country Cookhouse
Here, at this family-run restaurant in the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, one can enjoy good, honest country fare, with splendid dishes (which use seasonal favourites) like lamb shank, fishcakes or even a Mediterranean salad available on the seasonal menu.
There’s a delightful, shady terrace to enjoy in summer, while the restaurant also has lovely interiors.
Contact: (076) 314 0671
Website: moggscookhouse.com
Address: Nuwe-Pos Farm, Nuwe-Pos Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, Western Cape
#8 Just Pure
Just Pure is the perfect place to go for breakfast, lunch or brunch in Hermanus. This eatery offers simple, yet delicious homemade meals, made from fresh, natural and locally sourced ingredients.
The food portions are generous, the atmosphere is relaxing and the daily changing menu offers seasonally-inspired dishes and old Just Pure favourites alike.
Contact: (028) 313 0060
Website: www.justpure.co.za
Address: Marine Drive and Park Lane, Hermanus, Western Cape
#9 The Rock
With splendid sea views out across Hermanus and Walker Bay, The Rock, as it is locally known, enjoys an excellent cliff positioning.
This premium restaurant, overlooking the bustling New Harbour, offers delicious desserts, fresh seafood meals, tasty pork belly and sirloin and much more, brought to you by owner Francois Barnard, general manager Vaughan van Blerk and their dedicated team.
Contact: (028) 312 2920
Website: www.harbourrock.co.za
Address: New Harbour, Hermanus, Western Cape
#10 Dutchies Restaurant
This beach restaurant offers a selection of breakfasts, light beginnings, sandwiches, mains and, of course, sweets and desserts, with coffee, teas, beverages, wine, beer and cocktails to enjoy too.
All their dishes are freshly prepared and their location at Grotto Beach makes them a winner when it comes to a casual, yet fun eat-out experience.
Contact: (028) 314 1392
Website: dutchies.co.za
Address: Grotto Street, Grotto Beach, Hermanus, Western Cape
#11 Lemonicious
Lemonicious specialises in fresh sushi and seafood, ranging from tuna, filleted salmon, tender calamari and marvellous mussels too.
To complement their food, they also have a great selection of carefully hand-picked wines.
Contact: (028) 312 3611
Website: N/A
Address: Corner of Marine Drive and Market Square Street, Hermanus, Western Cape
#12 Bietang’s Cave
This is not your average seafood restaurant, for, as its name suggests, this restaurant is set in a cave, with the terrace on the rocks overlooking the ocean.
Enjoy dining on a full a la carte menu in Bietang’s Cave Restaurant and Wine Bar, with whales for company.
Contact: (028) 312 3026
Website: www.bietangscave.com
Address: In a cave, below Marine Drive, Hermanus, Western Cape
#13 Fabio’s Ristorante Italiano
Offering authentic Italian comfort food and rich, generous portions at a fair price, Fabio’s is a cosy and welcoming restaurant, which makes for a more relaxed, yet endlessly enjoyable, dining experience.
Try their wood-fired pizzas or excellent pastas (like the Spaghetti al Dente), with some wine from the award-winning wine list.
Contact: (028) 313 0532
Website: www.fabios.co.za
Address: 60 St Peters Lane, Hermanus, Western Cape
#14 Lizette’s Kitchen
This family-friendly eatery is situated within a beautifully restored, old Heritage farmhouse. Today, old meets new in what is an exciting restaurant and bar space, complete with several dining areas, as well as porch and garden/play area.
Chef Lizette uses her experience and family roots to offer food that’s carefully created from excellent flavours and the freshest ingredients.
Contact: (028) 314 0308
Website: www.lizetteskitchen.com
Address: 20 on 8th Street, Hermanus, Western Cape
Book your Hermanus Getaway Now!
Hermanus is a 1.5 hour drive from Cape Town. So you can also book accommodation in Cape Town.
Afristay also offers excellent Hermanus self catering options.