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Die Damhuis

Seafood South African
Location Pointer 32 Beach Road Melkbosstrand
4.7
(8667 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 (8667)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.6
Service 4.7
Ambience 4.7
  • Lynette U. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 23 Feb 26
    Best place to eat in Melkbos

  • Jessica R. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 23 Feb 26
    Great Place

  • Alexa S. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Charles S. Dined: 2 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 22 Feb 26
    Damhuis is a staple. No it’s not the cheapest but still good value for the quality of food. Not sure if we just got overdosed on the salmon top up- but it was big, could have shared. The reason for the lower score on the bathroom was that the gents had only one cubicle. And someone seemed stuck in there for a very-very long time.

  • Maryke B. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Gerda M. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 19 Feb 26
    Food was great and the cheesecake was delicious

  • Michael M. Dined: 6 days ago
    4.3
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 3.0
  • Aidy K. Dined: 6 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • tania B. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 18 Feb 26
    i always love coming for dinner at Damhuis and I always have the best experience. I decided to come for dinner as it was my birthday the food is amazing and great value for money Service is as always really great and the staff are all so friendly and i love that both our meals arrived at the same time. Def will be back again soon

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