Sunsets and fairy lights at this beachfront eatery

Dutchies has cocktails, sushi, a sea view and welcomes all (dogs, too)

Last updated: 18 January 2023

Grotto Road, in Hermanus, winds down through wild, green coastal growth and delivers you to Dutchies, a charming, family-friendly beachfront eatery, where nature is all around. 

In front is Grotto beach, which has Blue Flag status, an award that acknowledges safety, ecological value, beauty, and accessibility (it’s a 10-minute drive from central Hermanus and is safe for swimming, surfing, and other watersports). The back and sides of Dutchies is hugged by dune forest, and small wagtails and mossies comb the grounds of the restaurant for crumbs.

Sit under the colourful umbrellas and have a drink with friends. Image: Dutchies

BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ALONG

There’s a choice of three seating areas there: inside the restaurant, which at night is lit with candles; the courtyard, where wooden tables under umbrellas are set out around an ancient milkwood tree; and the breezy outside "porch" areas to the front and sides, which has generously spaced low tables and comfy chairs. Wherever you sit, you can kick back and relax; you won’t be rushed. Which is why it is a popular space for families.

Co-owner Joke Gonggrijp says, “What we most love are familiar faces. For over 10 years, we’ve watched families grow. Babies became energetic grade 2s, juniors became teens and teens become adults. Everyone is welcome here at Dutchies, including your four-legged fur-babies.”.

Bring your family and furry friends along, all are welcome at Dutchies. Image: Dutchies

ENJOY FRESH FOOD, MADE FROM SCRATCH

If there’s one thing Dutchies prides themselves on it’s the freshness of the food. Joke Gonggrijp is uncompromising on quality. The tuna for sushi comes from Mauritius. The rest of the fish is bought locally, from Whale Coast Seafoods in Hermanus, or from Gordon’s Bay.

Taste salmon flown in fresh from Norway. Image: Dutchies

There’s plenty of seafood, of course (and scrumptious hake and chips), but what the kitchen does that is unique to Hermanus is the Dutch fare, including wentelteefjes (French toast with apple), bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs with mustard) and the Dutch Special (beef croquettes on bread), stroopwafels and deconstructed stroopwafel.

Taste some of best seafod dishes, by the ocean. Image: Dutchies

TRY THEIR TAPAS MENU + VARIOUS VEGETARIAN OPTIONS

Sometimes when you step off the beach, you only feel like light snacks and an ice-cold drink (Dutchies has fantastic cocktails). The tapas menu answers the snack need with light choices to share, such as dates filled with chorizo and wrapped in bacon, garlic shrimps, spicy crab wontons. 

Go for instagrammable cocktails with friends. Images: Dutchies

Vegetarian options are tomato-and-basil bruschetta and tortilla chips with guac and salsa. There are more substantial choices for mains, a chickpea-and-avo salad, mushroom risotto or grilled sweet potato topped with cheese, sour cream and avo dressing. Omnivores are spoilt for choice, with grilled sirloin, fillet and burgers among the dishes.

Enjoy a variety of vegetarian options that will make your carnivore friends jealous. Image: Dutchies

EXPLORE GREAT OPTIONS FOR YOUR KIDS 

The kid’s menu is exactly all the food children love and crave when fresh off the beach: chips, fish fingers, chicken strips, junior ribs and, naturally, beef or chicken burgers.

And how about this delightful touch? Dutchies makes its own dog biscuits (why do the dogs go nuts for them, we asked? Peanut butter is the secret), and dog bowls with fresh water are put down for pooches to lap up after long walks. Everyone is really made to feel wanted and at home here. 

Bring your dogs too, there's a menu just for them. Image: Dutchies

PICK A DATE AND GO

There’s a time towards the end of day when everything cools down and the wind calms. It is lovely, then, to sit in the garden area or out front and drink a cocktail or mocktail (very fresh and more-ish). 

But there are more special times: in the morning for breakfast when the croissants are still warm from the oven, or dinner time when the candles are lit and the atmosphere is convivial and families in the area occupy tables and hang out with each other. Dutchies has a lot of local support – it has been under the Gonggrijp family for 10 years and they’ve watched families children grow up there. So take note that it’s best to book ahead. 

Enjoy a view of the beach and your food. Image: Dutchies

WHEN + WHERE TO GO  

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

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FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HERMANUS

Feast on local, fresh abalone with a sea view.

Pop down to the family-fun Waffle Shack in Onrus.

Dutchies is the sister restaurant to one of the biggest attractions in the Western Cape.

Experience little Italy in Hermanus at Rossi's Italian Restaurant. 

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