The 21 Best Restaurants in Hermanus

With its bewitching coastline, fynbos-clad mountains, rivers, lagoons and vine-swathed valleys, Hermanus has everything you need to wind down and breathe out (all within easy reach of Cape Town). An equally wide-ranging landscape of fabulous restaurants completes the picture-postcard perfection.

From enchanting shore-hugging cafés featuring rock pools and caves, artisanal bakeries, creative bistros, Italian trattorias, wine-farm restaurants and sumptuous seafood extravaganzas, you’ll find an embarrassment of choice that makes any stay in the area a gastronomic delight. Here are our top picks of where to eat in Hermanus, Onrus, and the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

The best restaurants in Hermanus
The best restaurants in Onrus
The best restaurants in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

Hermanus

Pear Tree Bistro

This cool, creative bistro on the popular Hermanus Waterfront is named for the “Pear Tree” nickname that chef-owner Petri Hendriksz acquired while working in the UK. Fresh seasonal ingredients are the basis of the varied bistro menu, which includes small plates (root veg gnocchi, cauli bang, sushi calamari and pulled lamb tacos), poke bowls and popular mains such as spicy corn nachos, chicken and prawn curry, and miso sirloin. Open for breakfast as well as lunch and dinner, grab a wooden bench table outdoors for a fabulous ocean view (and live music on weekends) or cosy up indoors.
Good to know There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 9pm
Contact 028 313 1224, info@pear-tree.co.za
Where to find it Hermanus Waterfront, Marine Drive, Hermanus, Western Cape
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The Marine

The Marine is one of those grande dame hotels that embodies the soul of the town’s glamorous side. Despite its old-school fabulousness, it is decidedly contemporary and sophisticated on the inside. And there are few finer places from which to take in Walker Bay’s ocean views than The Sun Lounge & Bar (the signature Whale Watcher cocktail really does live up to its name). Afterwards, dinner at the Pavilion is a chic black-and-white affair, with indoor and alfresco seating. Here head chef Oelof Vorster conjures classic dishes from locally-sourced ingredients: think cheese souffle, bouillabaisse, seafood platters, grilled springbok loin, and beef fillet (and a vegan menu available on request).
Good to know In The Sun Lounge and on the terrace there’s a light all-day lunch menu ­of wraps, salads, burgers and gourmet sandwiches, plus baked treats, homemade ice creams and sorbets, culminating with afternoon tea.
Opening times The Sun Lounge & Bar: Daily, 11am – 5pm
Pavilion: Daily, 7am – 10:30am, 6pm – 9:30pm
Contact 028 313 1000, reception@themarine.co.za
Where to find it Main Road, Hermanus, Western Cape
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Theo’s Taverna

With its bougainvillea-festooned entrance, Theo’s Taverna is a slice of the Greek Isles sprung up in Hermanus. Step inside and you’ll find slate floors and whitewashed walls with a Santorini mural on one side, a map of Greece on the other and a photograph of Theo’s parents that speaks to the personal touch you’ll find in this family run restaurant. Blue-and-white-checked cloths deck tables that run from inside to a shady courtyard, and a glossary of Greek phrases on the traditional menu gets you in a Mediterranean-holiday mood. Choose from classic starters such as dolmades, keftedes and spanakopita; tuck into mains that include yiros, Greek-style grills, seafood, veg moussaka, pitas stuffed with deliciousness, and souvlaki skewers; and for the sweet-toothed, lots of syrup-drenched pastries. The winelist stars the best from the nearby Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and a lively mood is set by Greek music, ouzo and the breaking of plates!
Good to know A hit with locals, it’s best to book well in advance.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 9pm
Sunday, 12pm – 4pm (may vary out of season)
Contact 072 787 2505, 061 243 2297
Where to find it 10 Harbour Road, Hermanus, Western Cape
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Rossi’s Italian Restaurant

Located in a restored fisherman’s cottage (built in 1924) and in business since 1985, Rossi’s is a Hermanus institution. Rustic decor and a friendly atmosphere are part of the vibe, but it’s the crispy thin-crust pizzas (gluten-free options are available) that are its major drawcard. Not a fan of pizza? There’s grilled steak, hake al forno, a variety of pastas and chicken dishes to choose from. Sit on the street-facing pavement in summer, or cosy up against the wood-fired pizza ovens during winter. It’s the perfect spot for a family meal or a relaxed date night.
Opening times Daily, 11am – 9pm
Contact 028 312 2848, info@rossis.co.za
Where to find it 10 High Street, Hermanus, Western Cape
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Fisherman’s Cottage

As its name implies, this authentic 19th-century cottage specialises in the ocean’s bounty. Besides the deservedly famous seafood platters, there’s Thai seafood curry with naan, traditional snoek and patat, or crayfish (on the specials board when available). After the sad loss of owner/chef Anton Verhoogt in 2025, chef Michael Broughton (who you’ll remember from Terroir in Stellenbosch) has led the kitchen through the summer season, continuing Anton’s legacy with a storm of tempting dishes. Think sardines on toast, seafood paella, calamari and chorizo pasta, tempura prawns, and crème brûlée, berry choux puff or a decadent chocolate brownie bar for dessert. Sit outside when the sun’s out, or inside the cosy interior on chilly evenings – both are decked with colourful paraffin lanterns and seaside antiques.
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 5pm – 9pm
Friday + Saturday, 12pm – 3pm; 5pm – 9pm
Contact 028 312 3642, bookings@fishermanscottage.co.za
Where to find it 3A Harbour Road, Hermanus, Western Cape
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The Rock, The Gecko and The Breakfast Room

The Rock has been a local favourite since it opened in 1997, favoured as much for its seafood as its clifftop location and dreamy ocean views (there’s a good chance of whale-spotting over lunch in season). Good sushi is served, and whatever’s most recently off the boat will be on the chalkboard menu, as well as meat dishes such as lamb shank and pork belly. A bit more casual is The Gecko, the attached pub-style hangout with an outdoor deck (there’s a fireplace indoors for winter) and similarly enchanting views as you tuck into pizzas and draught beer. Catch live music here Friday to Sunday every week, plus screenings of big sports matches. The Breakfast Room is the third part of the puzzle, and open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea (the baked goods are a treat). It’s a sunny space with cushioned cane chairs, lovely sea views and shelves packed with homeware, crafts and gifts.
Good to know The Rock is child-friendly and wheelchair accessible; The Gecko is child-friendly and dogs are welcome.
Opening times The Rock: Daily, 11.30am – 3.30pm; 5.30pm – 9pm
The Gecko: Daily, 11am – 2am
The Breakfast Room: Daily, 8.30am – 3pm
Contact 028 312 2920, reservations@therockhermanus.co.za
028 312 4665, admin@geckohermanus.co.za
Where to find it 24A Still Street, New Harbour, Hermanus, Western Cape
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Char’d Grill and Wine Bar

The third of Petri Hendriksz’ cluster of popular Hermanus eateries (Pear Tree and Milk on the Beach are the others), Char’d is a steakhouse with a touch of steampunk that is all about the meat (it has its own onsite butchery). Chef Grey Masina deftly flames dry-aged and wet-aged steaks (knowledgeable staff talk you through the cuts) that come with fabulous sides (cauliflower gratin, double-fried chips, cheesy garlic bread, onion rings and salads). Not feeling like steak? Go for a calamari and rib platter, chipotle pork belly ribs or one of their towering burgers. Colourfully named cocktails, elaborate milkshakes and a memorable baked New York cheesecake complete the picture.
Opening times Daily, 11.30am – 10pm
Contact 028 312 1986, info@chardhermanus.co.za
Where to find it Hermanus Waterfront, Market Street, Hermanus, Western Cape
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Dutchies on Grotto Beach

Just off the blue-flagged Grotto Beach, Dutchies is the answer to all your laidback beachy dreams: where the stunning view provides a one-in-a-million backdrop to a casual meal. The name references the Dutch owners, Joke and Just Gonggrijp and their son Daan, who bring a few of their home specialities to the menu, such as bitterballen and stroopwafel. But it’s the seafood platters and sushi that star on the menu, as well as steamed mussels and good ol’ hake and chips… all freshly caught and pairing beautifully with a cocktail, chilled beer or a glass of wine. Outside seating under a milkwood tree or a cosy spot inside by the fire means you’re covered for all seasons.
Good to know It’s pet-friendly with bowls of water for beach-walking dogs.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 9pm
Contact 028 314 1392, info@dutchies.co.za
Where to find it Grotto Street, Voelklip, Hermanus, Western Cape
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Pure Bistro

The kitchen at this marvellous little corner bistro really has a handle on treating food well – everything’s fresh, in season and sourced from as nearby as possible. Not only does it look scrumptious, it is also (mostly) healthcentric, offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and low-carb options – and they’ve been doing this since before such things were #trendy. Expect plenty of variety on the wholesome breakfast and lunch menus, from omelettes and posh sardines on toast to poke bowls, toasties, fish cakes, bunless burgers, Vietnamese coffee and the freshest juices. Of course, you can throw caution to the wind and opt for the sweeter, naughtier treats: buttery scones and croissants, baked cheesecake or a cream-pimped French toast that’s as decadent as any dessert.
Good to know Sunday brunch is an institution – cosy and casual inside, with good views of the bay if you sit on the deck.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm
Saturday, 8.30am – 3pm; Sunday, 8.30am – 2pm
Contact 028 313 0060, info@justpure.co.za
Where to find it Corner of Marine Drive and Park Lane, Hermanus, Western Cape
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Bientang’s Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar

Picture this: you’re seated on the water’s edge, devouring a Malay seafood curry and sipping a glass of local chardonnay. Is there a more perfect way to take in the Walker Bay coast? Add to that the atmosphere of the thoroughly unique setting… a cave. Named after Bientang, a Khoi strandloper, who lived in it over a century ago, it’s now a rustic restaurant and wine bar that attracts ocean-lovers and foodies alike. The menu features sustainable seafood, potjies and curries, plus crowd favourites such as steaks, ribs, burgers and curries, platters to share and breakfasts on weekends.
Good to know This is a prime whale-watching spot so be sure to book during season. The restaurant is accessed via a steep flight of steps.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 11am – 8pm (4pm out of season)
Saturday, 9am – 8pm; Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Contact 028 312 3454, bookings@bientangscave.com
Where to find it Below Marine Drive (100m from Old Harbour), Hermanus, Western Cape
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Ficks Pinchos & Wine

A glorious setting, tucked into the cliffs and looking over the secluded Fick’s tidal pool to the ocean, gives a magical allure to this hidden gem of a bar and restaurant. Under the same ownership as Dutchies at Grotto Beach, here the Gonggrijp family take inspiration from the northern Spanish tradition of pinchos (tapas) to go with colourful cocktails and a good selection of wine. Come for a lazy lunch or sundowners and snack on crispy prawns, grilled squid on black rice, spicy lamb meatballs, patatas bravas and cauliflower tostada, plus flammkuchen-style pizzas, while the kids dip in and out of the pool or play on the rocks.
Good to know No reservations are taken. It’s reached by a staircase set into the cliffs, but there is a slope for wheelchair and pram access. The tidal pool is open to the public creating a lively vibe on sunny summer days.
Opening times Daily, 11am – 9pm
Contact 028 312 4082, info@ficks.co.za
Where to find it 8 Marine Drive, Westcliff, Hermanus, Western Cape
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Onshore Eatery

This is the small artisan bakery and eatery you dream of finding on holiday. Opening up early to sell bread fresh from the oven to grab and take home for breakfast, Onshore also serves a pocket-sized selection of breakfasts, croissants, toasties, lunches and all-too-tempting treats… pasteis de nata for the win! This is the dream of chef Rickey Broekhoven (previously chef at Newton Johnson and before that at Overture). He makes everything from scratch, sources locally and sustainably, and completes the picture with excellent coffee.
Good to know Look out for the monthly pizza evenings and occasional wine-pairing dinner events.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 6am – 3pm
Saturday, 6am – 1pm
Contact 066 244 7228, hello@onshore-eatery.co.za
Where to find it 14 Hope Street, Hermanus, Western Cape
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La Pentola

The breathtaking Walker Bay views at this cosy first-floor Hermanus gem are an experience in themself. Chef-owner Shane Sauvage pioneered contemporary South African fusion at his first La Pentola in Pretoria back in 1995 (and has written three award-winning books, including Cape Fusion). Bringing his fusion magic to Hermanus in 2012, he marries his favourite international cuisines with local flavours and Overberg produce, from seafood to duck, snails, exotic game (such as crocodile carpaccio), and steaks served in KWV brandy. Other specialties, such as farmed abalone and Cape rock lobster from the bay, make for delicious seafood platters, and there’s also a flavour-packed range of vegetarian options to choose from. Sip wines from the neighbouring Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as you keep an eye out for whales from your very comfortable leather seats.
Opening times Daily, 11am – 10pm
Contact 028 313 1685, lapentolahermanus@telkomsa.net
Where to find it Shop 4, Ocean View, 87 Marine Drive, Hermanus, Western Cape
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De Vette Mossel

A long and lingering seafood feast is what De Vette Mossel is all about. The rustic open-air restaurant is right on the Klein River Lagoon near Hermanus, channelling island-style beach vibes against a picturesque mountain backdrop. A generous rolling buffet of hearty seafood dishes is cooked on the fires as you watch. Tuck in to steaming pot bread, mussels steamed in white wine (and a mussel shell as your spoon), grilled snoek with sweet potato, lavish seafood potjies (and a meat one too), plus salads, fruit, veggies, sides, coffee and koeksisters. And if you still have space (it really is an all-you-can-eat extravaganza), there are optional extras such as calamari steaks, prawns, abalone and West Coast rock lobster.
Good to know A covered seating area with sand under foot gives shelter whatever the weather. It’s family-friendly with a play area (and separate pricing for kids by age). Bookings essential.
Opening times Saturday, 11.45am – 5pm
Sunday, 11.30am – 4pm
December: Daily, 12pm + 6.30pm
Contact 064 552 6627
Where to find it Prawn Flats, R43, Voelklip, Hermanus
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Onrus

Milk on the Beach

There’s so much to love about this landmark eatery on the Onrus estuary: views of the ocean, lagoon and beach, just a few steps away; family-friendly (including for dogs, who get bowls of water and a special doggy menu after their run on the beach ); happy hours; and the superb set up for locals to hang out, with wifi and charging stations. When owner Petri Hendriksz took over what was formerly The Milkwood in 2022, he refreshed the look, feel, name and menu. There’s something for everyone, running from breakfast and teatime to tapas and early suppers. Think zen bowls, sushi, sesame-fried calamari handrolls, eggs Benedict, five-week-matured steaks, beer-battered fish and chips… It’s the epitome of the perfect seaside spot – and the wooden deck over the river means sundowner holiday vibes all year long.
Good to know The wonderful Waffle Shack below doles out gourmet waffles, loaded hotdogs, fries, cocktails and milkshakes by the dozen.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 8am – 9.30pm
Sunday, 8am – 9pm
Contact 028 316 1516, info@milkonthebeach.co.za
Where to find it 1 Atlantic Road, Onrus, Western Cape
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Moltenos

Situated in a former post office, in the heart of Onrus, this family-friendly, no-fuss restaurant has been serving excellent wood-fired pizzas, seafood and steaks for more than 12 years and is a favourite with locals. The service is warm, friendly and attentive, with chef-owner Gordon Wilson  and his wife Elenore going out of their way to check up on each table individually, making you feel right at home. Food-wise, the dishes are down-to-earth and made with love: calamari, pork belly, melt-off-the-bone lamb shank, generous pasta dishes, a long list of pizzas, or book for a Sunday roast with all the trimmings.
Opening times Monday, Wednesday – Saturday, 6pm – 10pm (closed Tuesday)
Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm
Contact 028 316 2658
Where to find it 23 Molteno Street, Onrus, Western Cape

Riposo Italian Eatery

A simple and charming Italian trattoria-style eatery in Onrus, Riposo is making a name for its short menu of wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas and friendly family vibe. Since he took over in 2023, owner Phillip Marais has added a daily chalkboard of specials – look out for the seafood pasta, seared tuna, springbok carpaccio, grilled artichokes and the pizza of the day – and a well-chosen local wine list, backed up by Phillip’s long experience hosting and managing the Creation tasting room.
Good to know There is plenty of outdoor seating in the back courtyard.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 4pm – 10pm
Friday – Saturday, 12pm – 10pm
Sunday, 12pm – 8pm
Contact 028 316 2967, info@riposo.co.za
Where to find it 15 Van Blommestein Road, Onrus, Western Cape

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

The Restaurant at Newton Johnson Vineyards

The restaurant at Newton Johnson Vineyards has a fresh new identity since Alex and Ella Rykaart took it over in 2025. The husband-and-wife team behind Rykaarts (at Longridge in the Stellenbosch Winelands) are creating even more magic here with the flavours of the Overberg. A short seasonal à la carte menu of simply delicious brasserie-style dishes kicks off with Alex’s famous cheese gougères and soft bread rolls with burnt butter. Choose between two or three courses… perhaps a burrata-and-nectarine salad with basil, honey and almonds; fresh trout from B’bos with peas and lemon cream; and luscious gorgonzola gnocchi topped with bacon, walnuts and crispy sage. And you’ll want to include dessert: a stunning pear-and-rooibos semifreddo with crunchy honeycomb, or a perfect raspberry crème brûlée (there’s a cheese platter, too). With superb Newton Johnson wines, and arguably the best views in the valley (all the way down to the coast), it’s a delightful and relaxed wine farm lunch worth driving for.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
Contact 066 342 8848, therestaurant@newtonjohnson.com
Where to find it Newton Johnson Vineyards, R320, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, Western Cape
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Mogg’s Country Cookhouse

Tucked away in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, surrounded by mountains, trees, fields and vines, you’ll find this family-run country-cooking gem. It’s the epitome of an idyllic farmhouse, where Julia Mogg and her team continue to dish up delectable, generous portions of wholesome food using produce from the garden (just as founder Jenny Mogg, Julia’s late mom, had done since 1996). If you’re hankering after slow-roasted lamb shank or rolled pork belly, this is the spot; you’ll also discover unexpected delights such as a beetroot fritter and smoked trout stack, or a fragrant chicken and prawn tail curry… Children have their own menu, a playground and dogs to play with in exciting farm surroundings.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm (last seating)
Contact 076 314 0671, moggscookhouse@gmail.com
Where to find it Nuwe-Pos Farm, off the R320, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, Western Cape
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Spookfontein Restaurant

Backed by majestic Cape Fold mountains and surrounded by fynbos, with panoramic views across the vineyards and valley, the restaurant at Spookfontein wine estate is a place to linger over long lunches all afternoon. Harmonious contemporary architecture mirrors the curves and folds of the mountains, a serene backdrop to short seasonal menus inspired by locally sourced ingredients. Springbok with polenta and chakalaka, Asian-style yellowfin tuna, hake and chips, beef fillet with bordelaise sauce, all beautifully presented, are a few of the perennial favourites.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 3.30pm
Contact 073 067 7936, restaurant@spookfontein.co.za
Where to find it Off the R320, Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus, Western Cape
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The Tasting Room at Creation

A foodie trip to Hermanus would be incomplete without a visit to Creation, consistently ranked among the world’s top wine estates. In The Tasting Room, pinot noir and chardonnay take centre stage, elevated by thoughtfully crafted food pairings. The headliner is a six-course pairing menu (with a vegan option) that’s a masterclass in terroir expression, designed to let the wine shine. Settle onto the terrace, take in the sweeping vineyard vistas and the dramatic mountains, and let the wines of the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge tell their story. There’s also a short à la carte breakfast menu and a daily blackboard menu (with wine-by-the-glass suggestions for each dish). Children will love the “young adults” menu and cordial pairing.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 5pm
Contact 028 212 1107, info@creationwines.com
Where to find it Off the R320, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, Western Cape
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You might also be interested in:
The Best Things to Do in Hermanus
The Best Places to Stay in Hermanus
The Best Wine Farms in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
The Best Things to Do in + around Stanford

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