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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 (7766)

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

    Reviewed on: Sat 30 May 26
    We, as Frenchies, are very attached to cook and meals as social acts: gathering together around a good dish, sharing feelings and emotions while eating.... And at Die Dam Huis, we were delighted, amazed and pleased by the talent of the Chef and the kindness of Amy, our smilling waitress.

  • Michelle D. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 28 May 26
    What a wonderful firelit dinner on a chilly winter evening. Excellent service from Taps. Portions are very generous and excellent value for money.

  • Annette v. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 28 May 26
    we had the seafood curry and it was delicious. Good food, good venue and brilliant service.

  • Angelique A. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 26 May 26
    We had an excellent time at Die Damhuis. Food was great and the desert was really something to experience.

  • Carli V. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 25 May 26
    I love the smell of coffee and the warm atmosphere that Die Damhuis delivers.

  • Mandy W. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 25 May 26
    Food was great and it looked so good we could not decide what to eat. Can’t wait to go back

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 25 May 26:
    Hello Mandy, Thank you for this lovely review. Being spoiled for choice is always a good problem to have. I’m so glad the food looked as good as it tasted, and that you enjoyed your Sunday lunch with us. We can’t wait to have you back again soon.

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

    Reviewed on: Thu 21 May 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Fri 22 May 26:
    Hi KJ, Thank you for leaving a review after your recent experience. We hope to see at Damhuis again soon.

  • Mariette Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
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