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Die Damhuis

Seafood South African
32 Beach Road Melkbosstrand
(8182 reviews)
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 (8182)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.7
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Frank H. Dined: 2 days ago
    3.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 2.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 24 Mar 25
    The placemats were sticky, unacceptable

  • Shaun H. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 24 Mar 25
    Fantastic Breakfast - Could not fault a thing! Well-done

  • Hanro D. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 24 Mar 25
    Excellent food, Excellent service, Flexible management... our family loved every second.

  • Mar-Loes M. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 24 Mar 25
    Always a great experience at Die Damhuis. It is great to be able to take a long walk on the beach with the family and the dog and then have a long sit down with amazing food. Every single dish was great!! Thank you for another wonderful eve

  • Adam S. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 23 Mar 25
    From the moment we arrived we were treated very well. We ordered a bottle of Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc which was delivered with an ice bucket to keep it chilled as well as a smaller bucket of ice to put in our glasses. We then ordered the Seafood Medley to share which was delicious. After a short break we each ordered the Hake and Chips. We then shared a Damhuis Cheesecake which was delicious. Asked for our bill, paid and left. What a fabulous evening and meal we had.

  • Pauline D. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Mike R. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.3
    Food 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 22 Mar 25
    From our perspective the food we ordered arrived too quickly, we had ordered an aperitif and had said we wanted to take our time after a 1.5 hour journey with our main course arriving before we had half finished our aperitif. It was also only warm and had to be returned to be heated up. That said the restaurant is in a lovely setting and prices are very reasonable and we would go back again if in the area.

  • Karen P. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 22 Mar 25
    Delicious as always! Our go-to restaurant.

  • Ansie H. Dined: 5 days ago
    2.5
    Food 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Service 2.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 21 Mar 25
    Unfortunately this WAS my favorite restaurant in Melkbos. Was not the experience I was used to.

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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