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Die Damhuis

Seafood South African
Location Pointer 32 Beach Road Melkbosstrand
4.7
(7858 reviews)
R
Menu
Favourite

Attributes

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

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Menu
Favourite

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 (7858)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.7
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Megan P. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 24 Aug 26
    Absolutely the best seafood in town

  • PEET D. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 24 Aug 26
    We were a party of 6 people and the Sunday lunch was great experience… from start to finish ! Thank you.

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 24 Aug 26:
    Hello Peet, Thank you for your lovely feedback. I'm so pleased to hear that your Sunday lunch was a great experience. It means a lot to know the team helped make your visit such an enjoyable one. We look forward to welcoming you back to Damhuis again soon.

  • Alida B. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 24 Aug 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 24 Aug 26:
    Hello Alida, Thank you for your 5-star rating and for supporting Damhuis Restaurant. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share it. Your support means a lot to our team. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

  • Martin B. Dined: 4 days ago
    3.8
    Food 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 23 Aug 26
    Service was a bit slow. Wife & I had the Fishermans Casseroele which was tasty but had too little seafood & too much veg. My son complained the Cape Malay Curry was too "soupy"

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 24 Aug 26:
    Hello Martin, Thank you for taking the time to share your honest feedback. At Damhuis Restaurant, we’re all about generous portions and making sure people leave the table feeling properly satisfied, so your comments are important for us to hear. Our team aims to provide warm, authentic service. Over the weekends we do get very busy, and our kitchen makes all food from scratch, so it might take a bit longer. Having said that, we take your comments onboard and will share its it with the team. If you’re open to it, please feel free to email me directly at stefan@diedamhuis.co.za. I’d really appreciate the chance to understand a little more about your visit. Thank you again for taking the time to share it.

  • Rina L. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 22 Aug 26
    Great service from Amy

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 24 Aug 26:
    Hello Rina, Thank you for your lovely review and for highlighting the great service from Amy. I'm so pleased to hear that she took such good care of you and will be sure to pass your kind words on to her and the team. We look forward to welcoming you back to Damhuis Restaurant again soon.

  • Lee W. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food N/A
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 19 Aug 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Thu 20 Aug 26:
    Hello Lee, Thank you for rating your recent experience at Damhuis Restaurant. We appreciate the 5-star rating and your support. Please pop in again soon.

  • Anita Louise J. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 16 Aug 26
    The warmth of the farmhouse on a cold winter’s day, and the service of the staff were excellent and much appreciated. We both enjoyed our meal, although my favourite line fish were not available to order that day. I will return on a future occasion.Thank you for a great experience.

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 17 Aug 26:
    Hello Anita Louise, Thank you for your lovely review and for sharing your experience with us. We are so pleased to hear that the warmth of warm, West Coast hospitatlity and that our team made your winter visit so enjoyable. Sorry to hear your favourite fish was unavailable. We do all we can to source only the freshest produce and ingredients. We truly appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back soon.

  • Robert A. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 15 Aug 26
    Very good food and friendly service.

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 17 Aug 26:
    Hello Robert, We’re really glad you enjoyed your meal and felt well looked after. I’ll make sure the team hears your kind words too. Hope to see you back at Damhuis again soon.

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

    Reviewed on: Sat 15 Aug 26
    Loved it, great food and location

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 17 Aug 26:
    Hello Billy, Thank you for the lovely review. We’re so glad you enjoyed your recent visit. Good food always tastes that little bit better with the sea nearby, and we’re lucky to have such a special spot here in Melkbosstrand. We really appreciate you taking the time to share this and hope to see you back at Damhuis again soon.

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

    Reviewed on: Fri 14 Aug 26
    Lovely winter menu which is good value

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 17 Aug 26:
    Hello Johan, Thank you for your lovely review and for sharing your experience at Die Damhuis. I'm pleased to hear that you enjoy our winter menu and found it to be good value. It is always wonderful to know that our seasonal offerings are appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

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