Choose a location

Die Damhuis

Seafood South African
4.7 R
Menu
Favourite

Attributes

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

Book a table

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 (7804)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.7
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Michelle D. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 03 Jul 26
    Such a wonderful evening at Damhuis. Warm and cozy with the fire. Excellent service from Elmarie and the food was outstanding.

    Die Damhuis responded on Fri 03 Jul 26:
    Hello Michelle, Thank you so much — this was such a lovely review to read. A winter evening at Damhuis with the fire going is hard to beat, so I’m really happy you had such a wonderful time with us. I’ll also make sure Elmarie sees your kind words as she’ll be so pleased. Thank you for visiting us, and I hope we see you again soon.

  • Annette V. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 02 Jul 26
    we had the seafood curry and it was delicious and great value for money

    Die Damhuis responded on Fri 03 Jul 26:
    Hello Annette, Thank you so much — this is really lovely to hear. I’m very glad the seafood curry was a hit. It’s one of those proper comforting dishes, especially on a Cape winter’s day, so it makes me happy to know you enjoyed it and felt it was good value too. We really appreciate your kind words and hope to see you again soon.

  • Tamallan S. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 30 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 30 Jun 26:
    Hello Tamallan, Thank you for rating your recent experience. I'm happy to see you enjoyed your breakfast. My team and I look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

  • Nancé J. Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 29 Jun 26
    LOVELY RESTAURANT.

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 29 Jun 26:
    Hello Nance, Thank you so much — what a lovely thing to say. We’re very happy that Damhuis left you with that feeling. Sometimes the simplest compliments are the nicest ones to receive. We really appreciate it and hope to see you again soon.

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

    Reviewed on: Sun 28 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 29 Jun 26:
    Hello Herman, Thank you so much for the fantastic rating. I really appreciate you taking the time to support Damhuis, and we hope to welcome you back again soon.

  • Nicky A. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 28 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 29 Jun 26:
    Hello Nicky, Thank you so much for the fantastic rating. We’re really glad you joined us on Saturday, and we appreciate you taking the time to support Damhuis. Hope to see you again soon.

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

    Reviewed on: Sat 27 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 29 Jun 26:
    Hello Gerda, Thank you so much for the wonderful rating. We really appreciate you taking the time to support Damhuis. Hope to see you again soon.

  • Elmarie H. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 25 Jun 26
    Our first visit but definitely not our last. We all chose the hake and chips was delicious!! Service was perfect and enjoyed being enlightened to the history of the building definitely a ten out of ten thank you

Show More
Book Now