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Die Damhuis

Seafood South African
Location Pointer 32 Beach Road Melkbosstrand
4.7
(7732 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 (7732)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.6
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Phillip H. Dined: 2 days ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Heinrich S. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 27 Apr 26
    Good experience

  • Loraine M. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 27 Apr 26
    Could not have been better

  • Celeste W. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 27 Apr 26
    One of the family favourites. Consistent in serving good meals by well trained staff!

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 27 Apr 26:
    Hello Celeste, That really means a lot to us - thank you. It's an honour to have become a regular family spot. And knowing that both the meals and the team keep things at a good standard makes this even better to read. We appreciate the support and look forward to seeing you again soon.

  • Marietjie M. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

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

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 27 Apr 26:
    Hi Marietjie, Thank you for rating your recent dining experience. We appreciate it. Please join us for another memorable dining experience soon.

  • Rina L. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 26 Apr 26
    Definitely our favourite restaurant. Die food and service is of a consistently excellent quality

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 27 Apr 26:
    Hello Rina, What a lovely review to receive. Hearing that Damhuis is your favourite restaurant means a great deal to us, and we’re so glad the food and service have kept you coming back over the years. Thank you for your support, we look forward to welcome you back again.

  • Marisa K. Dined: 3 days ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 26 Apr 26
    Our lunch in general were good but the Greek Calamari platter was disappointing. Olives served were not marinated and of poor quality. Peppers were green and brown in color - not very appetizing. Not sure what to do with the pita as there were no dips/sauces served with the platter.

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 27 Apr 26:
    Hello Marisa, Thanks for taking the time to share your lunch feedback. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed lunch overall, but I am concerned to hear that you were left disappointed by our Greek Calamari platter. We put a lot of focus on the quality of every plate that goes out, so I’d really like to understand a bit more about what was served to you. You’re welcome to mail me directly at stefan@diedamhuis.co.za Thanks again for your feedback, and I hope we get the chance to welcome you back again soon.

  • Jean S. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 25 Apr 26
    Always a great experience at Die Damhuis.

    Die Damhuis responded on Mon 27 Apr 26:
    Hi Jean, Thank you so much for your kind words - it really is wonderful to hear. It's always a pleasure having you at Damhuis. We hope to see you back again for another great dining experience soon.

  • Lize M. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 24 Apr 26 (Guest left no comment)

    Die Damhuis responded on Fri 24 Apr 26:
    Hello Lize Murray, Thank you for rating and recommending Damhuis Restaurant. I'm so happy to know you enjoyed dining with us. We hope you will book with us again soon.

  • Chantelle S. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 24 Apr 26
    We really loved the kiddies' play area!

    Die Damhuis responded on Fri 24 Apr 26:
    Hi Chantelle, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. We’re so glad you and your whole family enjoyed dining with us. With the play area, sandpit and kiddies’ menu, we love knowing that little ones have space to play while parents can relax, enjoy the sea views and eat good food. We hope to welcome you and your family back again soon!

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