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Die Damhuis

Seafood South African
Location Pointer 32 Beach Road Melkbosstrand
4.7
(7795 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 (7795)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.6
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Phillip H. Dined: 3 days ago
    4
    Food 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 23 Jun 26
    As usual the food was excellent and the atmosphere was very inviting the main issue I had was the waiter on multiple occasions bumped me hard from behind while leaning over me and at one stage leaned over me while I was eating that I had to stop and move over for him. A simple excuse me would have gone a long way. Other than that it was an enjoyable Father’s Day treat for my Father.

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 23 Jun 26:
    Hello Phillip, Thank you for enjoying your Father's Day with us and for leaving a review. I’m very glad the food and atmosphere made an enjoyable treat with your dad. I also appreciate you mentioning the service detail. When you’re sitting down to a meal, those little moments around the table do matter, and a bit more awareness would have made the experience feel much smoother. I’ll definitely take this up with the floor team as a reminder. Thank you again for your honest feedback, and I hope we can welcome you back for an even better visit next time.

  • Armande O. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 22 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 23 Jun 26:
    Hello Armande, Thank you so much for rating your recent lunch experience. We’re really glad you enjoyed your time with us and appreciate you taking the time to leave a rating. We hope to welcome you back again soon.

  • Fanie W. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 22 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 23 Jun 26:
    Hello Fanie, Thank you for the awesome rating. I'm glad to see that you enjoyed dining at Damhuis. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.

  • Carole M. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 22 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 23 Jun 26:
    Hi Carole, Thank you for the awesome rating. I'm glad to see that you enjoyed dining at Damhuis. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.

  • KJ S. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Marianne H. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 21 Jun 26
    Always a pleasure to visit Die Damhuis. See you soon.

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 23 Jun 26:
    Hello Marianne, Thank you so much — that’s such a lovely message. I’m very glad Die Damhuis is still one of those places you enjoy coming back to, and we’ll take “see you soon” as a promise ; ) Looking forward to it.

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

    Reviewed on: Sat 20 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 23 Jun 26:
    Hello Leanne, Thank you so much for the wonderful 5-star rating. I'm so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your time with us. There’s nothing better than welcoming guests in for good food, fresh seafood and that warm West Coast hospitality Damhuis is known for. My team and I look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

  • Rina L. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 18 Jun 26
    Still our favourite restaurant. Everything on their menu is of really high quality and potions quite big, so come prepared.

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 23 Jun 26:
    Hello Rina, Thank you so much — this made me smile. Being called your favourite restaurant is a big compliment, especially when you know the menu well enough to warn people to arrive hungry. I love that. My team and I really appreciate your loyal support and hope to see you again soon.

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