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Die Damhuis

Seafood South African
Location Pointer 32 Beach Road Melkbosstrand
4.7
(8372 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 (8372)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.7
Service 4.7
Ambience 4.7
  • KJ L. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Anina E. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Tracy H. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.3
    Food 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Ingrid W. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 25 Aug 25
    This was a beautiful setting and a fantastic restaurant with friendly staff and nice decor and the food is delicious. You have to go and try it out! We didnt make use of the restrooms so cant comment on them, but really recomment this little gem!

  • Rachelle D. Dined: 6 days ago
    4.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 24 Aug 25
    As good as always. Calamari portion was not that much for main meal. Vegetables in Seafood casserole were a lot and crunchy, I could not eat them. Delicious otherwise. The service was good

  • Samantha W. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 21 Aug 25
    WOW - An magical way to celebrate a birthday. Food, service and hospitality was out of this world, and our waitress truly went out of her way to ensure we were all happy especially the main person to whom's birthday it was, with a special birthday wishes plate. Thank you so much Damhuis for the wonderful experience.

  • Susan F. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 20 Aug 25
    We were warmly welcomed and shown to our prebooked table without any fuss. drinks were ordered and delivered in fine time and the orders for food taken. the food was tasty, generous and well priced. altogether a good experience. thank you..

  • Jerome V. Dined: 1 week ago
    4
    Food 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 20 Aug 25
    Atmosphere was nice and cosy. Ribs were spectacular. Seafood especially the calamari needs refining. Overall very nice restaurant. I must comment you on your ribs.Definitely the best I had thus far.

  • Tommy B. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 19 Aug 25
    we really enjoyed our meal on Saturday - thank you it was wonderful.

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