Whale Coast Restaurants

Perched along the beachfront, Bella Luna makes the ideal spot for lazy breakfasts, lingering lunches and romantic dinners soothed by roaring ocean and starlit African sky. The mouthwatering menu caters for all palates, from hearty breakfasts to delicious pizzas and tantalizing dinner menu. Sundowners can be enjoyed alongside colourful cocktails watching the trailing sun set over the ocean or a bottle of wine on the terrace.

One of the most exciting and unusual restaurant in the world, Bientang’s Cave is a more than just a dining experience.Located in one of the most stunning Marine Reserves on the coast of the Western Cape and a mere 10 metres from the water’s edge, this unique restaurant is in a prime spot for watching whales play in the ocean as you dine on the finest seafood.Between May and December every year, Southern Right whales visit the shores of the Western Cape and Bientang’s Cave is perfectly placed to be able to see these magnificent creatures as you sit on the deck and sample from the fantastic menu and the extensive, award-winning wine list.

EAT restaurant is located in the tranquil Hemel – en- Aarde Valley of Hermanus. Living up to its name, this eatery encourages, if not demands that patrons do just that: EAT. Guests can choose to be seated indoors or enjoy sit back and soak in the spectacular views from the restaurant’s courtyard. Either way the atmosphere of the restaurant has upmarket and relaxed. EAT’s contemporary menu has a variety of items to suit every appetite. Try the Sweetcorn fritters as comfort food. While those with a more demanding palate will appreciate the Pear, Blue Cheese and Caramelised Cashew Nuts as an appetizer. End with a delectable dessert of Deep Fried Ice-cream with caramelised berries. The mains on offer caters for the not so hungry in the form of snack baskets, while the carnivores will certainly tuck into the Rib Eye or Rump steak selection without being asked twice. The restaurant offers some great entertainment in the summer months. EAT offers a relaxed setting that is wheelchair friendly.

Embracing elegant, classic ambience with unsurpassed views, Harbour Lights serves the finest selection of seafood and grills alongside warm hospitality and superb food. Enjoy a relaxing lunch gazing out the harbour of False Bay or a romantic dinner lit by the reflecting moon. Tantalise the palate delectable starter of Avocado Ritz served with a twist, a crabstick salad topped with the usual avocado and shrimp in Marie-rose sauce. Mains pamper the palate with mouth-watering Kingklip Cecilia, layers of kingklip fillet with brinjals and baby marrow, with figs, dates, olives, tomatoes and spring onion, white wine on a bed of mash potato cordoned by lemon butter. Harbour Lights will infuse the taste buds creating a memorable dining experience. Favoured by locals and visitors alike this eatery lives up to its status of a landmark 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.

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.

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.

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.

With comfortable couches, delightful colours and rustic frames in various shapes and sizes, The Meeting Place furnishes elegant touches and shabby chic décor immersed in a bustling atmosphere. Dining by night reveals an ambience of its own, whether on the balcony or indoors, the flickering candle light illuminated by fairy lights and the moon reflecting upon the bay makes for an enchanting evening out. The eye pleasing décor and ambience will hug you in warmth and cool you during the summer for a fresh and inviting experience. Splendid views of False Bay coastline and harbour entices while the music spills a seducing touch over starters of West Coast mussels marinated with tomato and chilli vinaigrette, and asparagus with parmesan butter. Main courses bursting off the menu boast fresh Line fish caught at Kalk Bay harbour served on crushed potato, bella rosa and olives with beurre blanc or slow roast duck on fresh fruit with an apricot and ginger sauce. Enjoy the finest breakfasts served until 12pm throughout the week, with delicious choices ranging from Eggs Florentine, croissants, and breakfast pizza served on puff pastry with pancetta, mushrooms, poached eggs & hollandaise. The Meeting Place is your place to relax and enjoy the intoxicating cuisine while browsing the trinkets, mirrors and décor for sale alongside the lingering aroma of freshly baked bread.

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.

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.