Choose a location

Or use your current location

Select

Die Damhuis

Seafood South African
Location Pointer 32 Beach Road Melkbosstrand
4.7
(7722 reviews)
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 (7722)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.6
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Rina L. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 22 Apr 26
    We had a really great function fund raising for the ACVV. The Damhuis sponsored us as they do every year. Their staff is excellent. Thank you, Damhuis

    Die Damhuis responded on Thu 23 Apr 26:
    Hi Rina, Thank you for leaving a review, we really appreciate it. We are always happy to serve and support our community, and wonderful initiatives like yours. Also, thank you for all that you do to make Melkbos better for all. Kind regards.

  • Michelle S. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 22 Apr 26
    Food is always excellent and service by Tatum was top class.

    Die Damhuis responded on Thu 23 Apr 26:
    Hello Michelle, It was lovely having you for dinner - thanks for joining us out in Melkbos. We appreciate the compliment and will be sure to share your review with Tatum, as he will appreciate it. Please book again with us soon.

  • Janice H. Dined: 6 days ago
    4.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 19 Apr 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 20 Apr 26:
    Hi Janice, Thank you so much for taking time to rate your experience. We’re really glad you chose to spend your Saturday lunch with us, and even more so that you had a good time. We hope to welcome you back to Damhuis again soon.

  • George N. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 18 Apr 26
    Fantastic! Thank you to staff whom made it great evening out!

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 20 Apr 26:
    Hi George, Thank you so much for the lovely review. We’re so glad your evening at Damhuis was such a great start to the weekend. I’ll definitely pass this on to the team as well - they’ll be so pleased to know they helped make the night special. We hope to see you back again soon.

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

    Reviewed on: Wed 15 Apr 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 20 Apr 26:
    Hi Johan, Thanks so much for taking the time to rate your recent visit to Damhuis. We’re really glad you enjoyed your evening with us, and we appreciate the support. Looking forward to welcoming you back again soon.

  • Lisa A. Dined: 1 week ago
    2.5
    Food 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 2.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 13 Apr 26
    We booked inside the historic building but the smoking area is right next to the building with a window of the smoking area opening into the building which means in the inside area it smells like smoke. This is unacceptable. The service is good and the staff is very friendly and accommodating, we requested to move to the additional outside area and they went out of their way to assist us. We were a table of four adults, some of our meals were good but other below average.

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 14 Apr 26:
    Hello Lisa, Thanks for taking the time to share your recent experience. I am concerned to hear that the smell of smoke is carrying into the building from the smoking area. I’ll take a look at that on my side, as it shouldn’t be coming into the inside space. We want guests to experience our warm West Coast hospitality, so I’m glad the team could move you and looked after you - I’ll pass that on. On the food, we put a lot of focus on consistency across the table, so everyone enjoys their meal the way it’s meant to be. As this wasn’t your experience, I’d really like to understand a bit more. You’re welcome to mail me directly at stefan@diedamhuis.co.za. Thanks again for coming through, and I hope we get the chance to welcome you back again soon.

  • Marilize E. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 13 Apr 26
    At Damhuis everyone always goes the extra mile, from making a reservation, to the waiters and the qulaity of food. We will continue going back.

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 14 Apr 26:
    Hi Marilize, That’s really good to read - thank you. It's the small things that make the difference, so it’s great that you notice that when you’re with us. We really appreciate your support over the years, it doesn’t go unnoticed. Looking forward to welcoming you back again soon.

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

    Reviewed on: Mon 13 Apr 26
    We’ve been regular supporters of Die Damhuis in Melkbosstrand and have always enjoyed our experiences, which made Sunday’s visit quite disappointing. Upon arrival, we mentioned our booking for nine under Bianca, and were immediately met with a negative response from the manager regarding our puppy. We were unaware that pet-friendly seating needs to be specifically requested when booking, as the only restriction we noted online was that children aren’t allowed in the bar area. Instead of explaining this kindly or offering a solution, the interaction felt abrupt and unnecessarily rude, which set an unfortunate tone from the start. That said, we were eventually accommodated, and I want to emphasise that the rest of the experience was excellent. The staff were warm and attentive, and as always, the food and drinks were outstanding. I’ve still rated everything 5 stars because the overall standard of the restaurant remains high, and one interaction shouldn’t take away from the consistent quality. However, this experience did highlight how much of an impact a single staff member can have on the overall atmosphere. A more welcoming and solution-oriented approach would have made all the difference.

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 14 Apr 26:
    Hi Bianca, Thank you for your continued support over the years - it really does mean a lot to us and we always enjoy seeing you. Please bear in mind, we do have a specific outside area where dogs are allowed. For hygiene and health reasons, they’re not permitted inside the restaurant or in certain sections. We do note this on our reservations page and also mention it when bookings are made telephonically, as we try to balance being pet-friendly while still being considerate of all our guests. I’m glad we were able to accommodate you in the end, and I appreciate you acknowledging that the rest of your experience was worth of 5 stars - I’ll be sure to share that with the team. Thanks again for coming through, and we look forward to having you back again soon.

  • Alex R. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 13 Apr 26
    Awesome experience and our waitress was absolutely awesome

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 14 Apr 26:
    Hi Alex, Thanks for this - really glad to hear you had a great time with us. And I’m especially happy to hear that our service stood out for you - that's exactly what we want guests to experience when they dine with us. Hope we'll see you again soon.

Show More
Book Now