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Die Damhuis

Seafood South African
Location Pointer 32 Beach Road Melkbosstrand
4.7
(7785 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 (7785)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.6
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Margaretha C. Dined: 2 days ago
    4.7
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service N/A
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 15 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 16 Jun 26:
    Hello Margaretha, Thank you so much for rating your recent experience. I'm really glad you enjoyed dining with us. At Damhuis, we always want guests to feel looked after, well fed and welcome from the moment they arrive. My team and I hope to have you back again soon for more West Coast hospitality, Cape cuisine and fresh seafood.

  • Nicole K. Dined: 2 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 15 Jun 26
    Thanks Mr T - great service!

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 16 Jun 26:
    Hello Nicole, Thank you so much for the wonderful 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 hope to see you back again soon.

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

    Reviewed on: Mon 15 Jun 26
    We a frequent patron and yet again was NOT disappointed. Thank you for making each visit a memorable experience!!

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 16 Jun 26:
    Hello Jaco, Thank you so much, this means a great deal to me. It’s one thing to have guests visit once, but it’s something very special when people keep coming back and still leave happy each time. That is exactly what we work hard for at Damhuis. My team and I truly appreciate your loyal support, and look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

  • Elizabeth V. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 14 Jun 26
    Food was excellent best lemon meringue ever! Wonderful to sit next to fire place and have view of sea.

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 16 Jun 26:
    Hello Elizabeth, Thank you so much — this was really lovely to read. The Cape winter has its own charm, and the warm fireplace, that Melkbos sea view (and then lemon meringue to top it off ) sounds like an afternoon well spent to me. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, and really hope we see you again soon.

  • Shirley D. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 14 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 16 Jun 26:
    Hello Shirley, 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.

  • Michelle S. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.8
    Food 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 14 Jun 26
    The good was excellent and our service from Dumi top class

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 16 Jun 26:
    Hello Michelle, Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. I’m very happy to hear that you were well looked after. Dumi is a real asset to our team, and I know this will mean a lot to him. We really appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back soon.

  • Sharon C. Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 13 Jun 26
    Always lovely to eat at the Damhuis!

    Die Damhuis responded on Tue 16 Jun 26:
    Hello Sharon, Thank you so much — what a lovely thing to say. It makes me really happy to know that Damhuis is a place you enjoy returning to, and it is always special having you here. We truly appreciate your support and hope to see you again soon.

  • Anke H. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 11 Jun 26
    We had a wonderful evening and very handsome service. Thanks!

  • Marlè O. Dined: 6 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 11 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Thu 11 Jun 26:
    Hi Marle, Thank you for the awesome rating. I'm glad to see that you enjoyed dining at Damhuis. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.

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