Spectacular ocean views and old-world elegance.
The ambience at The Marine harks back to a golden age of glamorous 1920s seaside holidays, the original heyday of this iconic Hermanus hotel. Restored to even more than its former glory, it’s an essential part of many a Hermanus holiday: the light-filled Pavilion restaurant a haven of elegance, with edgy black and white decor, a wealth of plants and flowers, and of course the stunning sea views from arched windows looking out over the cliffs to the waves of Walker Bay (sometimes you’ll even see whales).
You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the serene spoils of this grande dame of Hermanus. The Pavilion welcomes visitors for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and head chef Oelof Vorster (previously head chef at Leeu Estate’s Le chêne restaurant) brings a delicious versatility to the à la carte menu, paying homage to local ingredients with bold flavours and beautiful presentation.
What’s on the menu
Fitting the ocean setting you can expect the freshest of seafood dishes, from the signature fishcakes to bouillabaisse, crispy squid and lavish seafood platters. And you can’t go wrong with the classic cheese souffle made with Dalewood Huguenot cheese. Then there are land-based treats: wagyu burgers and steaks, as well as several vegetarian and vegan options: think roasted cauliflower with romesco sauce, or chilled gazpacho.
Finish with the legendary chocolate fondant, apple tarte tatin (both stalwarts of the Marine’s menu since the redoubtable Liz McGrath took the reins), or a honeycomb-sprinkled blackberry cheesecake parfait.
Fish & Chips Fridays
Every Friday the spotlight is on a seaside classic with an appealing special on the beer-battered hake and crispy triple-cooked chips, plus tartare sauce with pickled onions.
Cost R185
Sunday Roasts
Those craving a traditional Sunday lunch will find it at The Pavilion: roast beef with all the trimmings – crispy roast potatoes, pillowy Yorkshire pudding, vegetables and gravy savoury with the roasting juices. For dessert it is of course Malva pudding, served with crème anglaise and vanilla ice cream.
Cost R230
Light lunches
You can also pop in for a more casual bite from the all-day light meals menu in the comfortable Sun Lounge, or grab a table on the terrace or poolside. The signature fishcakes feature as well as salads, burgers and gourmet toasted sandwiches, plus scones, muffins and cakes.
Put The Pavilion on your Hermanus must-do list for stunning ocean views and a touch of old-world elegance.
View the menu
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7am – 10.30am; 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact 028 313 1000, reception@themarine.co.za
Where to find it Marine Drive, Hermanus
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