Dutchies, the whimsical family eatery with a sea view

A high tea, jazz evenings and bitterballen and erwtensoep

Last updated: Tuesday, 5 March 2024

Mere metres from the blue-flagged Grotto Beach in Hermanus sits a delightful Dutch eatery. It’s loved by visitors for the ocean and mountain views; by families for the special memories made over fresh sushi and seafood; and by locals for jazz evenings under the giant milkwood tree strung with fairy lights.

Grotto Beach is a 10-minute drive from central Hermanus and is safe for swimming, surfing, and other watersports. Image: Dutchies

BEACHFRONT EATERY WITH A SEA VIEW  

Inside the restaurant, lit by candlelight in the evening, families gather over fresh hake and calamari. Outside in the courtyard, friends sip cocktails under an old milkwood tree, and in the evening, with fairy lights hanging from its branches, it makes the mood magical. 

Wherever you choose to sit, you won’t be rushed at Dutchies, which is one of the many reasons why families love it. 

Friends, family and furry animals are all welcome at Dutchies. Image: Dutchies

FROM FRESH SEAFOOD TO DUTCH CUISINE   

It’s also loved for its fantastically-fresh seafood. The tuna comes from Mauritius (the island is known for its amazing tuna) and the rest of the fish is bought locally in Hermanus or Gordon’s Bay. 

And with options like wentelteefjes (apple French toast), bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs with mustard), and erwtensoep (traditional Dutch pea soup), it’s clear that owner Joke Gonggrijp’s heritage shines throughout the menu too.

Vegetarians aren’t forgotten either, with dishes like aubergine curry (served with potato gratin). Flavourful vegetables with herbs, parmesan, and creme fraiche make a creamy ratatouille risotto.

The chef also prepares a variety of special dishes every day. Image: Dutchies

ONE OF THE BEST COCKTAIL PLACES 

Dinner by the sea wouldn’t be complete without a sundowner. There are exotic cocktails like the Cape Codder (vodka, cranberry juice, and crushed ice) and boozy milkshakes. Save the Rhino is a vanilla milkshake with creamy coffee liqueur, and Marshmallow Dream is made with pink marshmallow cream liqueur. 

Dutchies has a varied and extensive wine list featuring many local wines from the Hemel & Aarde Valley and surrounds. They offer other top South African wine brands too, like Diemersdal, Domaine Des Dieux, IONA, Gabrielskloof and Hasher Family Wines.

Dutchies has a list of mocktails like Shirley Temple and Mangorita. Image: Dutchies

HIGH TEA BY THE SEA  

At Dutchies, every experience is a chance to make a special memory. Their high tea by the sea is a decadent affair. Girlfriends chat over a glass of bubbly under the milkwood tree as the sun slowly sinks into the ocean; moms and daughters sip on tea and coffee next to the fireplace on colder days, when the high tea is indoors. 

The high tea menu is classic with finger sandwiches, tartlets, quiches, and mini scones. High tea happens every Wednesday to Saturday, from 3pm onwards. It’s R350 for two. Booking is essential and you can email info@dutchies.co.za. 

The high tea treats are baked fresh on the day of the experience. Image: Dutchies

FREE JAZZ EVENINGS

Prefer a more lively scene? On the last Friday of every month, Dutchies hosts a jazz evening. 

There are artists like Palm Springs, who’ve performed for the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra. You can expect classical jazz covers of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone, and more. Or Simon and Friends, a soul-funk saxophonist who infuses sounds of the marimba. 

Jazz evenings happen from 6pm to 8pm and it gets quite busy, so bookings are recommended. 

There is no additional cost to attend the jazz evenings. Image: Dutchies

Dutchies has been run by the Gonggrijp family for 10 years, and is frequented by locals who love to sit under the milkwood tree after a fresh swim and sip cocktails, while kids play and families gather for special evenings.

VISIT THIS SEASIDE EATERY

Dutchies is open: Daily, 9am to 9pm
Find it: 1 Grotto Street | Voelklip | Hermanus
Book via: dutchies.co.za
Contact them on: 028 314 1392, info@dutchies.co.za, @dutchiesrestaurant

By Khadeeja Adams

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MAKE MORE HERMANUS DISCOVERIES

Dutchies is the sister restaurant of Fick’s in Hermanus.

Looking for more seaside spots? Here are Cape Town’s restaurants with a sea view.

Make a day trip to visit Hermanus for whale-watching, art, mountain biking, and more. 

Discover 7+ things to do in and around the city this weekend.

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