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Die Damhuis

Seafood South African
R

Attributes

  • Child Friendly
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Sunsets
  • Wheelchair Friendly
  • Fireplace
  • Pet Friendly

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.

Reviews (8220)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.7
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • DORIS V. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Ina B. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 14 Apr 25
    Food and service brilliant as always

  • WAYNE S. Dined: 6 days ago
    4.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 14 Apr 25
    was our 1st time at Damhuis & everything was amazing. We will definitely go again.

  • Dawn S. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 14 Apr 25
    WE WERE A LARGE PARTY AND THE FOOD WAS SERVED TOGETHER AND HOT WITH NO ONE WAITING FOR THERE FOOD.QUANTITY AND QUALITY WAS EXCELLENT....

  • Godfrey M. Dined: 1 week ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Celeste W. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 13 Apr 25
    Always a great experience!

  • Hendrik E. Dined: 1 week ago
    3.5
    Food 1.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 13 Apr 25
    My wife got food poisoning after eating the fresh oysters and the Damhuis Fisherman's casserole

  • Margaret H. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 12 Apr 25
    We enjoyed our dining experience- thank you!

  • Erica J. Dined: 1 week ago
    4
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 1.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Lisa H. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 10 Apr 25
    Food and service lovely. Best to reserve a table at busy times (school holidays, weekends). Kids play area is perfect 👌🏻

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Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday 09h00 - 21h00
  • Wednesday 09h00 - 21h00
  • Thursday 09h00 - 21h00
  • Friday 09h00 - 21h30
  • Saturday 09h00 - 21h30
  • Sunday 09h00 - 21h00