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Die Damhuis

Seafood South African
Location Pointer 32 Beach Road Melkbosstrand
4.7
(8300 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 (8300)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.7
Service 4.7
Ambience 4.7
  • Rina L. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 21 Jun 25
    Our favorite local restaurant. We have never been disappointed with the food

  • Karen M. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 20 Jun 25
    Excellent food and wine! The oysters were fresh but the star of the night was the poppadum that accompanied the Cape Malay Seafood curry. Pure perfection!

  • Anthony S. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.3
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 18 Jun 25
    Very good all in experience.

  • Deon E. Dined: 1 week ago
    3.8
    Food 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 17 Jun 25
    I had the battered hake and calamari combo, my hake was good, but batter overcooked. The calamari was a bit tough. My wife had the calamari tentacles and heads and she enjoyed it. We did find the food was not as exceptional as previous visits and served before we even had time to chat. Although I stated at the time of booking that it was my wife's birthday, nothing was mentioned. The position of the restaurant is stunning, the waitrons very polite and friendly so we will be back!

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

    Reviewed on: Tue 17 Jun 25
    Die Damhuis was fantastic as always. Thanks to all the kind people.

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

    Reviewed on: Mon 16 Jun 25
    Just great

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

    Reviewed on: Mon 16 Jun 25
    Damhuis never disappoints!

  • Gucci P. Dined: 1 week ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 15 Jun 25
    Tribe and hamburgers are fantastic! Seafood tasted wonderful, but the calamari and hake was over fried and rubbery. I would like some background music and maybe table settings a bit updated to match the food and service.

  • mariette w. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 3.0
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