4 Best Restaurants in Hermanus, The Western Cape and Winelands

This popular restaurant and bar boasts a truly incomparable setting, right on the rocks on the edge of a natural rock pool in the Atlantic Ocean. Dine on the deck and you'll hear the crashing of the waves and maybe spot some whales swimming by. Or bring your swimsuit and take a quick dip while you wait for your drink to arrive. On the menu are classic tapas dishes like spicy lamb meatballs and crispy shrimp, all served with something from the extensive wine list or the superb cocktail selection. It's an absolute must while you're in Hermanus.

Don't be put off by the bumpy dirt road heading up the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley—this restaurant on an orchard at the top of the valley is worth the dusty trip. The seasonal menu is scribbled on a chalkboard, with dishes like Moroccan lamb shank with spicy carrot mash, or sesame crusted line fish with lemongrass rice. The converted laborer's cottage is as pretty as a picture in a tumbledown, overgrown kind of way, and there are lovely lawns for kids to run around on.

In one of the village's original stone fishing cottages, Burgundy is one of the town's oldest and best-loved restaurants. Unsurprisingly, there's plenty of seafood on the extensive menu—try the creamy abalone with fresh sage—as well as a large choice of grilled meat dishes. The real reason for its popularity though, is the outdoor terrace with ocean views. It's not unheard of to spot whales right from your table.

Dating back to 1870, this whitewashed stone cottage is a long-standing favorite. The menu focuses on seafood, but don't let that put you off the non-seafood options like miso chicken or beef curry with freshly made roti. There's also a chalkboard that displays daily specials that depend on what's fresh and in-season. The wine list has some excellent bottles, including options from the nearby Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.