Birkenhead House

Local restaurants

Hermanus is about an hour and a half's drive from Cape Town, so consult our guide to the city if you're combining your visit with a trip there. Also see our local guide to Hermanus.

For fish and sushi in Hermanus, pop into Harbour Rock, a large restaurant overlooking the anchored fishing fleet in the new harbour (+27 (0)28 312 2920). Piazza Paradiso at the old harbour (+27 (0)28 313 1153) is a relaxed spot in which to enjoy pizza or pasta. Seafood at The Marine on Marine Drive in Hermanus (+27 (0)28 313 1000) serves local fresh fish and shellfish from Walker Bay in bright and stylish surroundings. Make sure to book a table with a sea view. Also on Marine Drive, Savannah Café (+27 (0)28 312 4259) is great for light lunches. It’s a popular place but it’s not possible to book. The seaside location is wonderful though if you need to wait a short time. B’s Steakhouse in Hemel-en-Aarde village (+27 (0)28 316 3625) serves fabulously juicy steaks. Moggs Country Cookhouse, also in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley (+27 (0)28 312 1516), is a rustic venue surrounded by several well-respected vineyards which supply the restaurant with excellent wine. The fresh ingredients, used in dishes like asparagus salad, come from the cook’s garden next door.

For a full list of eating and drinking recommendations in Hermanus, check out our Hermanus eating & drinking guide

Worth getting out of bed for

The hotel can organise wine tours in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley, as well as nature walks in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. For more ideas, check out our guide to Hermanus.

Diary

Second half of September The Hermanus Whale Festival takes place annually, with whales fluking alongside the cliffs.

For a full list of recommended activities in Hermanus, check out our Hermanus destination guide