Heading off to the home of the whales this festive season? Here’s our list of the best restaurants in Hermanus.

Annie se Kombuis
The famed Annie may have sold the restaurant, but this well-known eatery is still turning out many of the old menu favourites. We recommend ordering a tasting platter so you get a chance to taste a good range of the lekker local treats, from skilpadjies to smoorsnoek pâté with crusty farm bread.

Bientang’s Cave
Situated right at the water’s edge, beneath the famous Hermanus cliffs, this restaurant certainly has an amazing setting. The menu offers a range of seafood and grills – from bouillabaisse and fresh oysters to Thai curries to burgers.

The Burgundy Restaurant
Sit outside under the big umbrellas and enjoy a fantastic view, while you tuck into continental comfort food like roasted baby chicken with lemon, rosemary and olive oil, or a traditional bobotie.

Fabio’s Ristorante
Cosy and relaxed, this restaurant also happens to be one of only 10 restaurants in South Africa that qualify for the Ostpitalita Italiana by the Italian Chamber of Commerce (for authenticity). What this means is deliciously meaty mushroom risottos, superb veal dishes and fantastic pizza. Also check out the deli for fantastic cheese and charcuterie, filled pastas and antipasti platters.

Fisherman’s Cottage
Great for a fun meal out with a group of friends, this restaurant serves up seafood, as the name suggests, along with some Belgian dishes (courtesy of the Belgian owner) and some South African classics.

Quayside Cabin
Right at the edge of the new harbour, this converted container offers a buzzing, happy atmosphere with an inventive, seafood-centred menu.

Two Oceans Restaurant (now closed)
A nice mix of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine is on offer here. Sit out on the square in the sun and enjoy the people-watching opportunities and great views.

Other Eat Out favourites
The Cuckoo Tree
La Pentola
Lemon Butta
Lizette’s Kitchen
Rossi’s
Seafood at the Marine

Markets

Hermanuspieters-fontein market
Head to the Hermanuspietersfontein cellar on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm for this carefully curated market that sells breads, old-fashioned jaffles and cakes, herbs and spics, and cheeses and charcuterie. Seating is available outside at long tables under umbrellas.

The Hermanus Country Market
Taking place at the Hermanus Cricket Grounds on Saturdays from 8am-12 noon, this eco-friendly market offers a wide range of goods, from cakes, pastries and organic veggies to smoked seafood products and unpasteurised yoghurt.

Delis

Oskar’s Delikatessen
This deli offers huge wheels of local and imported cheeses, coffees, teas, spices, and charcuterie, as well as ready-to-cook dishes and fresh bread.

The Italian Chef
Find all the good things in life at this Italian deli: gelato, Italian wines, gourmet meats and cheese, biscuits, sweets and olives and olive oils.