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Die Damhuis

Seafood South African
Location Pointer 32 Beach Road Melkbosstrand
4.7
(7831 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 (7831)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.7
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Yvonne R. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 31 Jul 26
    Our preferred Restaurant - great menu selection and staff great

  • Vera M. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 31 Jul 26
    Their pork belly and creme brulee was out of this world! Well done on excellent food and service guys...you rock 🤩

  • MARC L. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 31 Jul 26
    I found this gem of a restaurant while searching for venues with a fireplace... Drove out of Muizenberg to try Die Damhuis on Tuesday, made it in time to catch a beautiful ocean sunset. Bonus, the beach is directly opposite the restaurant. Walking in, you get this homely feeling... the ambience was great, soft lighting and the heat coming from the fireplace was so cosy and welcoming. The staff are friendly, Sakhi, our waiter was exceptional at handling our group of 10, he went over and above to meet out needs. The vibe in general was great and the food was even better! I had a taste of multiple dishes, everything that crossed my lips was fantastic, some of the freshest oysters we've had, the lamb shank was so tender and tasty, fisherman's casserole was delicious, but try the pork belly WITH Italian blue cheese sauce on the side, a true explosion of flavour! You'll thank me later ;) Sakhi, thanks again for making my birthday dinner that much more special, my guests enjoyed themselves thoroughly, as did I! Your vibrant personality and menu recommendations went a long way. @Die Damhuis, you'll definitely be seeing me/us again soon.

  • Nicholas A. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 30 Jul 26
    We had a wonderful dinner with friends and were impressed from the moment we arrived. The welcome was warm, friendly, and attentive, and the manager personally showed us to our table. Our waiter , Sakhi Plaatjie was exceptional, making sure we had everything we needed so we could simply relax and enjoy the evening. The wine flowed, the service was seamless, and the food was absolutely amazing. A fantastic night all around, highly recommended.

    Die Damhuis responded on Thu 30 Jul 26:
    Hello Nicholas, Thank you for rating your recent experience. It sounds like Sakhi gave you exactly the kind of service that allows everyone at the table to relax, enjoy the company and let the evening unfold. I’ll make sure he hears how much you appreciated the way he looked after you. I’m also glad the warm welcome carried through the rest of the night and that you and your friends left with such a good memory of Damhuis. Thank you for recommending us so warmly. We hope to have you all back again soon.

  • Liezel L. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 30 Jul 26
    We had the most enjoyable evening at Damhuis. The salmon we had as a main meal was superb, as was the chocolate fondant as dessert. The food was fresh, well prepared and artistically presented. We also had a very attentive and efficient waitress who could not be faulted on anything. The restaurant was warm and cosy with the fireplace doing its part. We will be back for certain.

    Die Damhuis responded on Thu 30 Jul 26:
    Hello Liezel, What a lovely review to read. There’s not much better than settling in beside the fire on a cold evening and having everything at the table feel just right. I’m so glad you enjoyed our warm west coast hospitality and hearty food. I’ll make sure your waitress and the kitchen team hear your kind words too — they’ll really appreciate them. We’ll look forward to having you back.

  • Coleen Ann S. Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 27 Jul 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 27 Jul 26:
    Hello Coleen Ann, Thank you for your 5-star rating and for choosing Die Damhuis. We’re so pleased to see you had a lovely experience with us. Your support means a lot to the team, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. We hope to welcome you back again soon.

  • Riaan B. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 27 Jul 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 27 Jul 26:
    Hello Riaan, Thank you for taking the time to rate your visit to Die Damhuis. We’re pleased to see you had a positive experience, and we truly appreciate your support. We hope to welcome you back again soon.

  • Heinrich d. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 27 Jul 26
    Big portions of quality food in a historic setting with good service by the staff

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 27 Jul 26:
    Hello Heinrich, Thank you for your lovely review and for visiting Die Damhuis. We are delighted that you enjoyed the big portions, quality food, historic setting, and the service from our team. It means a lot to know these details made your experience a good one. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

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

    Reviewed on: Mon 27 Jul 26
    Service was good. We enjoyed the food. Can recommend Damhuis.

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 27 Jul 26:
    Hello Pieter, Thank you for your lovely review. We’re glad to hear the service was good and that you enjoyed the food. It’s also wonderful to know you would recommend Damhuis. We appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back again soon.

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