Holiday dining: Hermanus

Gone are the days when Hermanus was a sleepy little fishing village where Southern Rights outnumbered residents. These days it’s a buzzing little town with a bewildering number of places to eat. To help you make up your mind where to dine in Hermanus, here’s our pick of the town’s restaurants – from seafood to pizza, laid-back to larney.
 


Annie se Kombuis 

Head to this cosy farmhouse for South African favourites like bobotie, oxtail and smoorsnoek. In need of a takeaway? Pick up one of Anita Theron’s famous chicken pies.

Average main course: R90


The Barefoot Cook 

Expect everything from South African boerekos to continental dining inside this charming country cottage. There really is a barefoot cook in attendance.

Average main course: R70


Bietang’s Cave Seafood Restaurant


Great if you’re after a view, with an impressive seafront location, this restaurant serves up good quality seafood and grills.

Average main course R125


The Burgundy Restaurant 

A casual restaurant with lovely views of Walker Bay. This is a great spot to head for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Average main course: R80


The Cuckoo Tree

Humble neighbourhood favourite, The Cuckoo Tree turns out some excellent food from twice-baked cheese soufflés, to crispy duck with Van Der Hum sauce. It’s unlicensed, so bring your own wine.
Average main course: R85


Fabio’s Ristorante 

Perfect if you’re after a spot of authentic Italian. The pasta is homemade, the pizzas wafer-thin and the Prosecco is the real deal. 

Average main course: R90


Fisherman’s Cottage 

This tiny cottage overlooking the square offers good seafood. The bouillabaisse is not to be missed.
Average main course: R80


Harbour Rock and Gecko Bar 

Some of the best sea views are on offer at this restaurant and adjoining bar. Seafood is the focus, but there are other options too. 

Average main course: R90
 


Piazza Paradiso 

Thin-based pizzas are the order of the day here. Sit outside for a relaxed holiday feel, or inside for a cosy, intimate meal. 

Average main course: R100


Quayside Cabin 

Housed inside an old shipping container, this is a rustic lunch and dinner spot to enjoy seafood, fresh from the harbour.

Average main course: R100


Rossis 

One of the oldest restaurants in Hermanus, Rossis has an impressive array of pizzas that draws locals and tourists alike.

Average main course: R110 


Seafood at the Marine 

The more casual of the Marine’s two restaurants, this is the place to go for gems like stir-fried calamari with noodles and chilli jam and oven-roasted line fish.

Average main course: R140
 


Pavilion at the Marine 

One of the few fine dining establishments in Hermanus, this is the place to go to spoil yourself, and to try out a bit of wine pairing. 

Average main course: R130


Two Oceans Restaurant 

Not to be confused with the Cape Point establishment of the same name, this is a casual Mediterranean-style eatery on Hermanus’s bustling main square. You’ll find good value breakfasts and toasted sarmies on offer, along with the seafood. 

Average main course: R70


Photograph: Gallo/Lanz von Horston