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Die Damhuis

Seafood South African
Location Pointer 32 Beach Road Melkbosstrand
4.7
(8293 reviews)
R
Menu
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Attributes

  • Child Friendly
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Sunsets
  • Wheelchair Friendly
  • Fireplace
  • Pet Friendly

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Menu
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The Damhuis restaurant officially opened its doors in 2009 and comprises a series of interconnected sections, including the Fishermens Tent, die Voorhuijs and die Stampkroeg, over 1000 square meters. Dedicated to offering a dining experience that will make guests want to immediately book for another meal as soon as they leave, the passionate people at the Damhuis know what it takes to earn the coveted “culinary hotspot” title. But it wasnt always the brightest jewel in Melkbosstrands crown.

The Damhuis came into existence after it was built by Christiaan Brand using cow manure, sand, hay and whale bones (part of the restaurants walls are unplastered so that guests can view the original walls) around 1785. Brand and his family were the first residents in De Melkbosch (Melkbosstrand) and originally used the building as a ‘visschuur (fish barn) where fish were cleaned, salted and dried.


Next to it was a boathouse where fishing boats and nets were stored. The ‘visschuur later became known as the ‘damhuis – named after the dam right in front of the house. This dam was the result of a fountain that still springs crystal clear water to this day. The fountain still exists on the property. The tarmac road – the present Beach Road, however, has long since covered the dam.

Over many years, the building evolved from fish store to private residence, and with more and more urban development the natural spring fed dam, right in front of the Damhuis, had to make way for the current Beach Road. However, the natural water spring is still very much alive on the property.

Today, more than 200 years since Christiaan Brand and his family stayed here, the Damhuis has been declared as a National Monument and still stands proud as Damhuis Restaurant with its rich history and heritage along the beautiful seaside of Melkbosstrand.

Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday 09h00 - 21h00
  • Wednesday 09h00 - 21h00
  • Thursday 09h00 - 21h00
  • Friday 09h00 - 21h30
  • Saturday 09h00 - 21h30
  • Sunday 09h00 - 21h00

Reviews (8293)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.7
Service 4.7
Ambience 4.7
  • Gucci P. Dined: 1 day ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 15 Jun 25
    Tribe and hamburgers are fantastic! Seafood tasted wonderful, but the calamari and hake was over fried and rubbery. I would like some background music and maybe table settings a bit updated to match the food and service.

  • mariette w. Dined: 2 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 3.0
  • KJ L. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Ian Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 12 Jun 25
    Excellent service and assistance for a birthday luncheon. Nothing was too small or big to do. Food was excellent, better than expected. Value well spent. Small touches done and the managers willing to make it a memorable day. Thank you

  • Mrs L R. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 09 Jun 25
    Die Damhuis is our go to place. We booked for the kiddies area but the wet weather made us question our choice. When we called we were told they’d already moved us to a more suitable area and promised a heater, which we got. We were all given cushions for our chairs. One of our party with a food “problem” ordered calamari but it was cooked in the way that didn’t suit her. The waiter took it away and brought back a substitute meal and the manager came to check she was happy. Such great customer service. All round great experience.

  • Cisca S. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 08 Jun 25
    Food was excellent and the atmosphere very relaxing, especially on a cold evening with the fireplace going. The Fisherman's Casserole is delicious. Staff are friendly with very good service. A must visit when in Melkbos.

  • Stephan B. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Dries V. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
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