Bot River Restaurants

With a motto like “Life’s too short for bad food.” B’s Steak House in the seaside town of Hermanus certainly lives up to its claim. B’s has won and been runners up for the Steak House of the Year Award (1999, 2000 and 2001). So, what to expect? Steak prepared to perfection. The relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant has a ‘Sante Fe’ feel with its orange and blue colour scheme which is enhanced by the solid wooden furnishings and airy double volume ceiling. The loft area creates a relaxed post pudding space for guests to linger a little longer and indulge in a good brandy and a Cuban cigar. And then there’s the steak. With a descriptive chart to guide on preference of preparation, one can be guaranteed that B’s will go to great lengths provide its patrons with steak as they like it. Firm menu favourites include the Chateaubriand and Carpetbagger. Not only does B’s offer the very best steaks, but as an essential compliment to any steak meal, its wine list is also award winning (Diners Club award). Visitors also do not have to go home empty handed. Meat products such as steak, wors and biltong as well as a range of sauces can now be purchased from the restaurant’s new butchery counter.

Situated on the La Vierge wine estate in the beautiful Hemel en Aarde Valley, this vibrant restaurant boasts spectacular views over the valley, vineyards and the ocean. With a menu that is kept simple and fresh with dishes that are full of flavour and made with fresh local produce, diners are in for a culinary treat. The wine list is extensive and offers the entire La Vierge selection as well the finest wines from other renowned estates. A wonderful dining experience with stunning views awaits you at La Vierge Restaurant.

A restaurant called Heaven. Perched with a panoramic view of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, one will certainly feel as if one is in heaven, and with the culinary delights on offer, one will have a taste of heaven too. The atmosphere and tranquil mood of the place it dominated by the stunning views of the valley. Guests will undoubtedly find themselves asking to be seated on the balcony with a glass of wine where one can just sit in awe of the surrounding beauty. Heaven offers the best of fine food. The menu has a Mediterranean feel with a choice of breads that are baked daily. Steak lovers will fret over choices like the French with Camembert and black cherries; Italian with caramelized onions, buffalo mozzarella and pesto or Greek with caramelised onions, feta cheese and roasted tomatoes. The Pavlova and refreshing melon and ginger sorbets come highly recommended for those who can’t live without pudding. Heaven’s menu changes every two weeks to ensure the inclusion of locally produced ingredients. Heaven also hosts private functions.

Salt of the Earth is a farmstall-type restaurant situated close to Camp Hill, in the Hemel en Aarde district. Customers can sit inside of restaurant or on the patio; a blanket is offered if the weather is too cold. Every last Sunday of the month they offer live music called Music of Yesterday. The restaurant is ideal for kids where they can run around in the veld and still be safe. Enjoy the lovely farm-style breakfast that is a quite substantial meal, light meals or tea and cake. Choose from the daily specials and freshly prepared dishes.

Nestled at the foot of the Babylonstoren Mountain is Mogg’s Country Restaurant. Well-placed along a route that goes past five wine estates, this unique restaurant epitomises everything that is ‘country’. Warm orange walls inside and out, adorned with paintings and embroidered pictures, a large fireplace, a pine ceiling and wooden tables and chairs are just some of the features that help to create a warm and welcoming ambience that will soon have you relaxing after a hard day’s wine tasting. The menu, offering the finest country and Mediterranean cuisine, is small but well-planned and constantly updated. The ingredients are home-grown and everything is homemade. For a real taste of life in the country, give Moggs Country Restaurant a try.

Enjoy superb cuisine in an elegant setting where the focus is on affordable fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere. The chefs at the Class Room are all talented young graduates of Warwick’s Chef School who have compiled an a la carte menu offering something for every palate. Mouth-watering creations include roast duck, springbok shank, rabbit pie, grilled rump, beef tongue, line fish and more. This beautiful restaurant, which can accommodate up to 100 guests, is also the perfect venue for any special occasion such as weddings, anniversaries and birthday celebrations. The Class Room is open from Wednesday to Saturday for a la carte lunch and dinner. On Sunday, the focus moves to up-market family dining with a three-course set menu and mini table dessert buffet.

Burgundy restaurant embraces the best local produce that the fisherman’s village of Hermanus has to offer. Patrons can expect the freshest daily catch dished up and served in style at this charming eatery. The restaurant is housed in the oldest building in Hermanus and is ideally situated on the sea front with the harbour close by. Patrons can really just sit back and soak up the sites and sounds of the village while taking a meal, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. Burgundy is focused on presenting the freshest catch of the day. Expect cuisine that is rich in texture, colour and flavour. Other menu items include meat dishes as well as lighter options such as cakes served with aromatic coffee. The freshly baked bread will be hard to resist, no matter the time of day. The restaurant also has a wine list that reflects the wines of the Overberg region. Wine lovers will not be disappointed with choice for the perfect accompaniment with a main meal. Don’t miss out on the incidental whale watching that the restaurant’s view offers.

For truly authentic Indian - Pakistani meal experience, Tikka Palace, in the coastal town of Hermanus, offers guests a gastronomic adventure that is all things Indian. One’s senses will be ignited with the colours, smells and tastes that await guests. The Palace’s vibrant, rich colour scheme of reds, oranges, deep browns and golden yellows along with the tinkering of Indian music and the smell of spices creates a sense of warmth and authenticity. Dishes are served in Indian style copper bowls and diners can expect an array of traditional extras in the form of side dishes and drinks. The menu is extensive and reflective of the best Indian Pakistani dishes. Most of the ingredients are imported to ensure authenticity. The chefs are Indian and Pakistani nationals and food is cooked in the traditional manner using Tandoori ovens. To start, try the samoosas or parathas. Mains deliver a variety of Briyanis, curries and Kormas and are served with sambals, home- made pickles and basmati rice. There are also some interesting Indian desserts on offer. The gold dusted Chocolate cake is a must try. Tikka Palace also has a buffet service for parties of 12 or more.

The Café at Hubbard’s Cupboard finds itself in a pretty little nursery in the sea-side town of Hermanus. The café offers its guests a tranquil setting for recharging one’s batteries with a light meal after a bout of sight seeing or shopping. The restaurant is sunny and has a lovely look out onto the nursery. It is a cosy spot for a small celebration like a baby shower or kitchen tea. The menu offers all the coffee shop favourites ranging from health breakfasts, light meals like quiche and other tea time treats like muffins, scones and cakes. The restaurant also sells homemade preserves, biscotti or shortbread. Other items for sale include pastries and olives.

Fisherman’s Cottage Restaurant in the holiday town of Hermanus is a quaint, rustic establishment that serves up a selection of seafood and other South African favourites in a charming setting. Fisherman’s Cottage is gains its character from its historic significance. The restaurant building is an original fisherman’s cottage that dates back to the 1890 and forms part of the old harbour museum in the fisherman’s village. Today guests happily sit at its rustic bench tables be it indoors or at the covered patio and enjoy the prepared catch of the day. The extensive seafood menu delivers peri-peri Yellow Tail, Calamari, seafood curry or Mussel and Shrimp spring rolls. Other menu items include venison dishes such as Gemsbok Loin and Eland Steak. Be sure to check out the blackboard for the specials. In winter the best seats are close to the log fire.

The Deli is a trendy Italian Bistro located in the popular holiday town of Hermanus. Open for breakfast and lunch, patrons enjoy light meals throughout the day. Breakfast options range from home made muesli (for the health conscious) while those that lean towards a more continental style morning meal will simply love the freshly baked croissants and brewed coffee. Delicacies like cured meats and delectable cheeses round off the European deli style breakfasts. Daily specials and lighter meals for lunch are displayed on the blackboard. Expect to be tempted by the Three Cheese Souffle and Parma Platter served with figs as well as a fantastic selection of cheeses. And then, for those who simply desire dessert as a matter of course, there’s the freshly baked cakes…and Gelato of course!

Zebra Crossing is a bistro with a buzz. Here visitors to the scenic sea side town of Hermanus experience the establishment’s welcoming atmosphere when they mingle with the locals. The eatery offers a cosmopolitan menu and at weekends there have been rumours about dancing on the tables… The restaurant, that only seats thirty, offers seating indoors as well as outdoors and has a fully licensed bar area. Expect simple bistro style food that includes some Chinese and Thai dishes. The restaurant also has Seafood and caters meals for vegetarians. Zebra Crossing is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Despite its limited capacity, this establishment is popular as it exudes character and has good vibe all round. Here the saying “There are no strangers in the world, only friends you haven’t yet met” certainly applies.

Situated in Aberdeen Street just behind the main road in Hermanus The Barefoot Cook offers seasonally inspired dishes complimented with fresh home grown herbs and beautiful garnishes that you can actually eat. The warm wooden interior, with roaring fireplaces for those chilly days and evenings, lends a cosy atmosphere to this venue. The owner combines years of cooking experience from Europe and the Caribbean to bring you mouth watering meals that really are worth raving about. Her team have been with her since inception and every guest feels welcome enough to poke their head into the kitchen to see what is on the go. Nini, Tabisa and Bongiwe work wonders within the small space of the kitchen to ensure everything runs smoothly while Rita, your hostess, will make sure you’re looked after completely. The wine list is not large but comes personally recommended by Mariclaire and with each meal you are sure to have a wine that compliments your food. Outside in the courtyard, a small fountain burbles away while Wild Jasmine fragrances the air and Petunias dazzle in their colours. This quaint cottage is also home to an eclectic bookshop.

Sophisticated and trendy, Seafood at the Marine (Hotel) is an intimate restaurant that specialises in local seafood. Situated in the popular coastal town of Hermanus, this eatery caters for those who desire classic modernity in ever aspect. The stylish restaurant embraces classic elegance and modernity without effort. The cream colours and neutral palette creates a very relaxed mood. The open plan kitchen allows guests to observe the energy and hustle of the kitchen while meals are being prepared. The restaurant specialises in fresh fish and seafood form the Walker Bay region. Much of the menu is geared at making the most of fresh, local produce and delivering plates that abound in colour, texture and flavour. The signature “Rich man’s Fish and Chips” is a must try.

Seasons restaurant is located in quaint sea-side town of Hermanus. Here guests can enjoy the culinary delights of chef pair Anli and Andre van Vuuren, who promise tantalizing food for all seasons. The restaurant setting is all about tranquillity and the warm coffee colours of the interior create a welcoming ambiance. Guests can also choose to dine outdoors in the lovely little courtyard – the prefect spot on a balmy summer’s evening. The inter-continental menu has some Asian and German influences. Dishes include Beef Fillet accompanied by potato-bacon galette, oven braised Springbok Shanks, Tuna loin on sushi rice or Duo of Baby Chicken served with apricot couscous and thyme sauce. Chef Anli has a particular passion for pudding so expect to be wowed with the likes of Orange Tiramisu, Hazelnut Parfait, a handmade Belgian chocolate platter and Goat’s cheese served with Baklava and yoghurt foam. The wine list, mainly local, caters for all tastes and pockets. Expect a range that extends to expensive boutique winery choices. The restaurant offers an unforgettable five course gourmet menu with dancing at New Year.

The Milkwood Restaurant is idyllically set in a nature conservation area in Onrus near the coastal town of Hermanus. Here guests can savour the seafood of the area, which is the restaurant’s specialty, as well as delicious venison dishes. The nature reserve setting provides guests with the opportunity to observe the wild life in action, as well as the luxury of a fabulous ocean view. The wooden deck for outdoor dining is perched on the river bank, which makes for a great summer evening spot. In the evenings the restaurant is transformed into a romantic location with candle light and the sound of the ocean nearby. The restaurant is open throughout the day serving meals as early as breakfast. Day time treats like cake and coffee are also on offer. The restaurant’s specialty is its seafood. Popular choices are the Line Fish, Seafood Platter and Calamari. The main courses are rounded off well with sweets like Crème Brule and imported coffee and a choice of superb specialty liqueur coffees. The restaurant gets its name from the stunning Milkwood trees that surround it.

Noted as the oldest operating restaurant in Hermanus (since 1985), Rossi’s presents honest, unpretentious food in the form of pizzas, pastas and steaks in one of the town’s original fisherman’s cottages. Rossi’s is a vibrant family friendly restaurant. Guests will enjoy watching the open plan kitchen and the hive of activity that goes on there when seated indoors. The décor is simple and welcoming. One can also elect to sit outside and take in the view of the stunning Overberg mountain on warmer days for more al fresco style dining. Expect good value for money and menu options for kids. There is a selection of pizzas and pastas on offer. The house speciality is the ‘Rossi Pizza’ while the wood oven baked Line Fish is a must for fish lovers. The restaurant is fully licensed and has a small selection of locally produced wines which are most affordable. Rossi’s meals are also available as takeaways.

Bamboo Beach is an intimate, beach bistro with a unique ambiance. The menu varies daily, depending on what's fresh and available. Delicious desserts will tempt your taste buds and of course their famous wood-fired gourmet pizzas are to die for. Ever tasted fresh Cape Salmon cooked in the pizza oven with fresh garden herbs.

Paradsio restaurant, located in Walker Bay, offers visitors Italian at the sea-side. The authentic feel and welcoming atmosphere ensures that Paradiso is frequented by Hermanus locals and holidaymakers alike. The restaurant is housed in an old fisherman’s cottage. The sandstone walls and original wooden floors gives the eatery a very individualistic character. The open plan kitchen is another unique feature to Paradiso and allows guests to witness the bustle of the kitchen. The menu is mostly Italian but with some South African influence and does well catering for all tastes. Pizzas are thin based and made in wood burning ovens. Over and above the traditional toppings look forward to exciting combinations like Chicken, Dijon crème fraiche and avocado and Double Smoked Ham with dried Fig and mint. There are also pastas and salads to choose from as well as some seafood like the Trio of Prawn Platter. The wine list has a local selection but there are specialty Italian wines for those who want to go all out Italian. Take advantage of the outdoor seating on those warm summer evenings.

Serving modern Mediterranean cuisine with a South African twist, Mediterrea offers a unique and exciting dining experience in the heart of Hermanus. Specialising in seafood, world-class dishes are offered at affordable prices along with wines to accompany the offerings superbly. With stunning views of Walkerbay and the mountains, and if you’re lucky, Southern Right whales when they visit, patrons can expect a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience