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Die Damhuis

Seafood South African
Location Pointer 32 Beach Road Melkbosstrand
4.7
(7839 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 (7839)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.6
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Peta B. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Gary L. Dined: 2 days 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.

  • Marilyn B. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 03 Aug 26
    Fabulous as always!

    Die Damhuis responded on Thu 06 Aug 26:
    Hello Marilyn, Thank you for your wonderful review and for your continued support of Die Damhuis. We are so pleased to hear that your visit was fabulous as always. It means a great deal to us to know we continue to meet your expectations and provide the experience you enjoy. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

  • Gillian G. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 03 Aug 26
    Took my overseas based family there. We had the most amazing time.

    Die Damhuis responded on Thu 06 Aug 26:
    Hello Gillian, Thank you for this lovely review. There’s always a little extra pressure when choosing where to take family visiting from overseas, so I’m really glad Damhuis proved to be a good choice and that you all had such a memorable time together. Hopefully we’ll see you again soon — and perhaps the family too, next time they’re back in South Africa.

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

    Reviewed on: Mon 03 Aug 26
    Aleays a great experience at Die Damhuis. Food is fabulous, and staff very friendly and attentive.

    Die Damhuis responded on Thu 06 Aug 26:
    Hello Andre, Thank you for your wonderful review and for your continued support of Die Damhuis. We are delighted to hear that you always have a great experience with us and that you enjoy both the food and the friendly, attentive service from our team. Your kind words mean a great deal to us. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

  • Johann d. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 03 Aug 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Thu 06 Aug 26:
    Hello Johann, Thank you for your 5-star rating and for choosing Die Damhuis. We truly appreciate your support and are delighted to know you had a great experience with us. Your rating means a great deal to the team. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon. The Team

  • Colleen V. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 01 Aug 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 03 Aug 26:
    Hello Colleen, Thank you for your 5-star rating and for choosing Die Damhuis. We’re delighted to know you enjoyed your experience with us, even without leaving a comment. Your support means a great deal to the team, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to rate us so highly. We hope to welcome you back again soon.

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

    Reviewed on: Sat 01 Aug 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 03 Aug 26:
    Hello Karen, Thank you for your 5-star rating and for choosing Die Damhuis. We’re delighted to know you had a lovely experience with us. Your support means a great deal to the team, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to rate us. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

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

    Reviewed on: Fri 31 Jul 26
    Our preferred Restaurant - great menu selection and staff great

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 03 Aug 26:
    Hello Yvonne, Thank you for your lovely review. We’re so pleased to hear that Die Damhuis is your preferred restaurant and that you enjoy both our menu selection and the service from our staff. It means a great deal to know we’re delivering the kind of experience that keeps you coming back. We look forward to welcoming you again soon. The Team

  • Vera M. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 31 Jul 26
    Their pork belly and creme brulee was out of this world! Well done on excellent food and service guys...you rock 🤩

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 03 Aug 26:
    Hello Vera, Thank you, this gave us such a smile. It sounds like you chose very well, and I’m so glad the whole meal was such a hit. I’ll make sure the kitchen and service team see your lovely words too. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back to Die Damhuis soon.

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