Best Restaurants in Hermanus
Hermanus isn’t just about breathtaking coastal views and whale watching; it’s also a great place to dine, drink, and unwind by the sea. Whether you’re after a relaxed beachside bite, a sunset cocktail, or somewhere to grab lunch, there’s something for everyone.
Here are our recommendations on where to eat and drink in Hermanus.
Dal Italia Deli
For a taste of Italy, this family-run deli on Aberdeen Street is the real deal. Grab a freshly filled sandwich and take it to the beach like we did, or sit in and embrace that true Italian deli feel. Check out their website for dates for their next monthly dining experiences.
Think cold meats, fresh pasta, and authentic Italian cheeses.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 10 am-5 pm | Sat: 10 am-3 pm | Sun: Closed
Address: 13 Aberdeen St, CBD, Hermanus, 7200
Fick’s Pool Restaurant
Possibly the best spot in Hermanus for an al fresco drink at sunset, set above a tidal pool where you’ll often see local kids leap from the rocks in the early evening. The menu is inspired by Basque-style (Northern Spain) pintxos – which, having been to this region of Spain, were good but not mind-blowing.
Service is relaxed (sometimes a bit too relaxed), but the setting makes up for it. Arrive around 6 pm in summer to snag a table or sip a drink by the water whilst you wait for yours.
NOTE: No reservations – first come, first served.
Opening hours: Daily: 11 am-9 pm
Address: 8 Marine Drive, Westcliff, Hermanus
Where Wine Meets Whales
Why choose between world-famous whale watching and world-class wine tasting? This exclusive tour combines the best of Hermanus into one perfect day. Let an expert guide handle the details while you sip award-winning wines and witness the giants of the deep.
Book Your Whales & Wine TourDutchies
Casual beachside dining at its best. Whether you’re coming straight from the sand or meeting friends for a sundowner, this spot ticks all the boxes for what we’d expect from a seaside bar/restaurant. It is pet-friendly, too, so bring your furry friend along! Bookings are available online.
Address: Grotto Beach, Hermanus, Western Cape 7200
Opening hours: Daily: 9 am-9 pm
SkyBar
Rooftop drinks with a sea view. Expect sushi, cocktails, and occasionally live music. We didn’t eat here but saw some very happy diners who were giving the fish platter a lot of compliments.
Address: Hermanus Waterfront, cnr Marine Drive & Market Square St
Bientang’s Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar
Carved into a century-old cave on the shores of Walker Bay, this rustic spot is prime for whale-watching season. We stopped for an afternoon drink by the sea; it's a great location, but we can’t comment on the food as we didn’t dine here.
A word of caution: The entrance is steep and secluded, so take care if you visit after dark.
Address: Below Marine Drive, Hermanus (100m from Old Harbour). Google Maps is accurate.
Opening hours:
Breakfast: Sat & Sun 9 am-11 am
Lunch: Daily 11 am-4 pm
Dinner: Fri & Sat (Kitchen closes at 8 pm, weather permitting)
Where to Stay in Hermanus
To truly enjoy Hermanus, location is everything. Staying central gives you the freedom to order that second glass of local Sauvignon Blanc without worrying about how to get back home.
Fortunately, most of the spots we’ve mentioned (with the exception of Dutchies) are clustered around the Old Harbour and Westcliff areas.
We recommend basing yourself here so you can easily hop between the cliff path and the town centre on foot.
Here are a few hotels we recommend, all within easy walking distance of our favourite restaurants.
One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel - (£)
Best for: Style and design lovers.
If you love the aesthetic of places like Fick’s Pool, this one will be right up your street. Set on the Westcliff side of town, it sits practically next door to Fick’s Pool Restaurant, making it an ideal base for sunset drinks. The vibe here is intimate and design-led, while still being an easy walk into the town centre.
Harbour House Hotel - (££)
Best for: Being in the thick of it.
Located right above the Old Harbour, this hotel is about as central as it gets. You are literally steps from Bientang’s Cave and SkyBar, with Dal Italia Deli just a short stroll away. The ocean-facing pool deck is also one of the best spots in town for whale watching, all from the comfort of your lounge chair.
The Marine Hermanus - (£££)
Best for: Classic luxury and cliff path access.
For something more indulgent, this historic hotel sits prominently on the cliffs overlooking Walker Bay. Expect old-world charm, polished service, and direct access to the cliff path that links the town. It is well positioned between the Old Harbour and Westcliff dining spots, giving you easy access to both in a refined setting.
Note: While these hotels are walkable to most of our restaurant picks, Dutchies is located further east on Grotto Beach. Birkenhead House (£££) is our top choice here, for a more luxurious stay.
If you prefer to travel there instead, it’s a quick five-minute drive, or a scenic 45-minute walk along the cliff path if you are feeling energetic.