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Die Damhuis

Seafood South African
Location Pointer 32 Beach Road Melkbosstrand
4.7
(7770 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 (7770)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.6
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Fanie M. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 01 Jun 26
    Eersteklas

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 01 Jun 26:
    Hallo Fanie, Baie dankie - dit is great om te hoor. Ek is jy het jou Sondag saam ons geniet. Ons hoop om jou gou weer te sien

  • Sonja V. Dined: 2 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 01 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 01 Jun 26:
    Hi Sonja, Thank you for joining us for breakfast yesterday. So glad to see you enjoyed the experience. Please visit again soon.

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

    Reviewed on: Mon 01 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 01 Jun 26:
    Hi Joubert, Thank you for rating your recent visit to Damhuis. So happy to see you enjoyed dining with us. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future.

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

    Reviewed on: Sun 31 May 26
    From the moment we arrived we were greeted by very friendly staff. Loved that there was heaters and blankets for the chilly nights. Food was beautifully presented and tasted just as amazing. There was no music playing which I normally notice first. But the vibey atmosphere soon made me forget. Really enjoyed our visit. And highly recommend. We'll done Damhuis. Will definitely visit again

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 01 Jun 26:
    Hello Charlotte , Thank you for such a lovely review. I’m so glad you felt welcome from the moment you arrived. On a chilly evening, the heaters and blankets really do make a difference, so it’s lovely to hear that added to the experience. And, of course, I’m very glad the food looked the part and was delicious too. Your note about the music gave me a smile, but I’m pleased the atmosphere won you over and that you ended up having such a good visit with us. Thank you again for the recommendation, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

  • Ludovic L. Dined: 1 week 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.

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 01 Jun 26:
    Hello Ludovic, Thank you for such a lovely review. I really enjoyed reading this, as there’s something special about hearing from guests who care so deeply about food and the experience of sharing a meal. It’s wonderful to hear that the chef’s food and Amy’s warm service left such an impression. I’ll be very happy to pass your kind words on to both of them. We hope to welcome you back again soon before you head back to France or on your next visit to our beautiful side of the world.

  • Michelle D. Dined: 6 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: 6 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.

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