The Pavilion at The Marine: Sea-View Dining in Hermanus

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, and with a fresh new look that brings a timeless palette of fynbos inspiration to the restaurant, bar and public spaces, it’s an essential part of many a Hermanus holiday. The light-filled Pavilion restaurant is a haven of elegance, its black and white tiles now softened by lush greens, new lighting and a wealth of plants, and the same (but ever-changing) sea views from arched windows (both here and in The Sun Lounge) looking out over the cliffs to the waves of Walker Bay (sometimes you’ll even see whales).

A fynbos refresh

The rich fynbos heritage of Walker Bay inspired the extensive refresh by Dawn Dickerson and Carmel Naudé of HotCocoa Interiors and Design. “The colour palette, textures and artwork draw from the fynbos kingdom that is intrinsically part of this area,” says Dawn. “We wanted every space to feel rooted in Hermanus and create a setting where guests feel an immediate sense of warmth, sophistication and luxury, as if they have just walked into someone’s home.”

The long corridor leading to the restaurant and Sun Lounge is now arrayed in splendid hand-painted murals by artist Tiziana Giardini depicting indigenous flora and fauna, including proteas, pincushions, aloes and birds. The Pavilion Restaurant itself is a brasserie-meets-conservatory riot of greenery, with curved green velvet banquettes, upholstered chairbacks printed with fynbos flowers, green marble accents, timber tables, glass pendant lights and flourishing plants framing every angle.

Dining for any occasion

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 brings a delicious versatility to the à la carte menu, paying homage to local ingredients with bold flavours and beautiful presentation.

Fitting the ocean setting you can expect the freshest of seafood dishes, from the signature fishcakes to fragrant mussels in coconut broth, crispy calamari, crayfish salad 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: beef fillet, seared springbok, wagyu burgers and lamb bobotie, as well as several vegetarian and vegan options: think pumpkin and sage gnocchi, or roast tomato risotto.

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 perhaps the sticky toffee pudding with green apple sorbet.

Sunday Roasts

Those craving a traditional Sunday lunch will find it at The Pavilion: roast beef (or roast chicken supreme) with all the trimmings – crispy roast potatoes, pillowy Yorkshire pudding, vegetables and gravy savoury with the roasting juices. For something sweet there’s a choice of two nostalgic desserts: a Mint Crisp sundae or Cape brandy pudding with orange anglaise and poached fruit.
When Sundays, 12pm – 2.30pm
Cost R325

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 and cheese soufflé feature, as well as wraps and gourmet toasted sandwiches, plus scones, croissants and cakes.
When 11am – 5pm

Put The Pavilion on your Hermanus must-do list for stunning ocean views and a touch of old-world elegance.

Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7am – 10.30am; 12pm – 2pm; 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact 028 313 1000, reception@themarine.co.za
Where to find it Marine Drive, Hermanus
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