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Die Damhuis

Seafood South African
4.7 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 (7847)

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

    Reviewed on: Tue 11 Aug 26
    Just love my "Damhuis" family - always welcomed warmly & never disappoint! I had Pork Belly done to perfection with tasty jus- best way to enjoy "Womens Day" Love Die Damhuis family - always recommend!

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 11 Aug 26:
    Hello Shirley, Thank you for your lovely review and for being such a special part of what we do. It's always such a pleasure to have you dine with us. It is wonderful to know we helped make your Women’s Day so special. Thank you for your continued support and recommendation. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Until next time.

  • Jacqui O. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 11 Aug 26
    consistent, efficient, friendly, delish food and awesome ambiance.... thank you

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 11 Aug 26:
    Hello Jacqui, Thank you for your lovely review and for taking the time to share your experience. We are so pleased to hear that you found the service consistent and efficient, the team friendly, and the food delish. It is also wonderful to know that you enjoyed the ambiance at Die Damhuis. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

  • Lyndsay K. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 11 Aug 26
    We were 6 people for lunch, food came out timelessly, and as always good size portions and tasty, and of course I have to mention our waiter Clayton….just the best!!😎

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 11 Aug 26:
    Hello Lyndsay, Thank you for your lovely review and for choosing Die Damhuis for lunch with your loved ones. We are delighted to hear that the food arrived promptly, the portions were generous, and that you enjoyed the tasty dishes. Clayton will be so pleased to know he made such a great impression. We look forward to welcoming you all back again soon.

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

    Reviewed on: Tue 11 Aug 26
    We were very impressed with everything. Love going to Die Damhuis always so welcoming, friendly and great service and food

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 11 Aug 26:
    Hello Judy, Thank you for your lovely review and for your continued support of Die Damhuis. We are delighted to hear that you were impressed with everything and that our welcoming atmosphere, friendly service, and great food continue to make your visits special. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

  • Luc W J H. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 10 Aug 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 11 Aug 26:
    Hello Luc W J Huys, Thank you for your wonderful 5-star review of Die Damhuis. We truly appreciate your support and are delighted to know you had a great experience with us. It means a lot to our team to receive such positive feedback. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

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

    Reviewed on: Sun 09 Aug 26
    Great food great setting great service from Clayton. Love this place.

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 11 Aug 26:
    Hello Guy, Thank you for your lovely review. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the food, the setting, and the great service from Clayton. It is wonderful to know that Die Damhuis continues to be a place you love. He will really appreciate your kind words. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

  • Vuyiseka Z. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 09 Aug 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 11 Aug 26:
    Hello Vuyiseka, Thank you for your wonderful 5-star review and for supporting Die Damhuis. We are so pleased to know you had a great experience with us. Your kind rating means a great deal to our team. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

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

    Reviewed on: Sat 08 Aug 26
    One of my favorite seafood restaurants, had great food and service

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 11 Aug 26:
    Hello Jolene, Thank you for your lovely review - what a big compliment. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed both the food and the service during your visit. Your kind words mean a great deal to our team. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

  • Peta B. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 06 Aug 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 11 Aug 26:
    Hello Peta, Thank you for your wonderful 5-star review of Die Damhuis. We truly appreciate your support and are delighted to know you had such a positive experience with us. Your feedback means a great deal to our team. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

  • Gary L. Dined: 1 week ago
    2.5
    Food 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 05 Aug 26
    I always used to have the Damhuis Burger which was made from babotie spices which I loved. It was very disappointing to find that it is now just an ordinary pattie which had no taste. My 2 guests felt the same. It would be appreciated if the patties could be made from babotie spices again if possible. Other wise everything else was perfect.

    Die Damhuis responded on Thu 06 Aug 26:
    Hello Gary, Thank you for taking the time to share this. I was a little surprised by the mention of bobotie spices, as we’ve never used them in our burger patties. That said, I completely understand that the burger you remember had a more distinctive flavour, and that this visit didn’t live up to that memory for you or your guests. I’m glad the rest of your visit was such a good one, and I’ll certainly share your comments with the kitchen team. You’re also very welcome to email me directly at stefan@diedamhuis.co.za if you’d like to talk about your experience. Thank you again, Gary. We hope to see you back at Damhuis soon.

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