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Die Damhuis

South African Seafood
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 (8484)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.6
Service 4.7
Ambience 4.7
  • Wendy S. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 27 Nov 25
    Die Damhuis hosted our annual ladies breakfast and it was absolutely fabulous. Service was 💯 friendly staff and well organised for our event. Highly recommend!

  • Paul G. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 25 Nov 25
    Good food. Thanks to our waiter Tapiwa and the chef. Went out of his way to make our dining experience extra special. Excellent dessert!

  • Annelize D. Dined: 5 days ago
    3.8
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • MICHELE K. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 24 Nov 25
    An great time spent with friends. Great and friendly service, excellent food and overall just wonderful.

  • Heidi E. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.3
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 24 Nov 25
    We had an excellent Sunday lunch. The food was devine and the service excellent. Heidi

  • Anton B. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 22 Nov 25
    The Damhuis experience scores above the maximum of 10 - highly recommended! The service from Elmarie and the fantastic interaction with Dirks was just next level! The qualities of the varius dishes were all exemplary and the enjoyment of the evening’s experience was elevated by perfect ambiance!

  • Pat G. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 22 Nov 25
    Great food and service! I love this place.

  • Carli L. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 22 Nov 25
    We came with friends and our dogs. We were served by Virginia who was so friendly and accommodating. It was a nice touch that there was even a doggy menu. We will definitely be back and we had such a great time and made special memories. Thanks

  • Chris L. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
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