Dutchies Hermanus with seafood, jazz and beachside views

The whimsical family eatery has a newly revamped look & menu

Last updated: Thursday, 29 January 2025

For over a decade, families have gathered under milkwood trees for cocktails at sunset, impeccable sushi, and free jazz nights. And after a stylish revamp and new dishes, Dutchies, which is across from blue flag Grotto Beach, is ready for the next 10 years.

Dutchies has the ocean on one side and a gorgeously green mountain on the other. Image: Dutchies

MUST-TRY DAY TRIP

You can see Grotto Beach from the courtyard and the newly revamped terrace, which is scattered with low wooden benches (perfect for wet bottoms and sandy feet after a day at the beach). 

It's here that friends relax with cocktails beneath the shade of an old milkwood tree, and when the sun sets, fairy lights twinkle and set the mood for a magical date night. 

As evening falls, candle lights glow inside the restaurant, where families gather over fresh hake, calamari, and sushi. The interior is Dutch coastal charm with abalone shell inlay floors and high ceilings. 

The newly revamped terrace with ocean views. Image: Dutchies

DUTCH CUISINE & FRESH SEAFOOD  

The menu is fresh and ever-changing, with new specials and dishes. 

Some of the latest additions include mussels steamed in white wine and served with a garlic, whiskey and mustard sauce, and beetroot and orange carpaccio with whipped cream cheese and honey-mustard. ⁠

Dutchies is also famous for its classics: Ethically sourced seafood and Dutch comfort dishes that reflect owner Joke Gonggrijp’s roots. Like wentelteefjes (apple French toast), bitterballen (crispy meatballs with mustard), and erwtensoep (hearty Dutch pea soup).

Garlic shrimp and avo crostini is one of the starters at Dutchies. Image: Dutchies

SOMMELIER AND 20+ COCKTAILS 

The sommelier can help you select from the long selection of labels, with estates like Diemersdal, Hasher, Iona, Gabrielskloof, and Hermanus-based Domaine des Dieux on the wine list. 

There are also more than 20 classic and original cocktails, like sgroppino (prosecco, vodka, and lemon sorbet ice) and the pineapple sunset (vodka, pineapple and orange juice). 

Visitors love a sundowner in the courtyard with its twinkling fairy lights. Image: Dutchies

FREE JAZZ EVENINGS

On the last Friday of every month, Dutchies comes alive with jazz evenings.

They have performances by artists like Palm Springs, which covers classics from Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and Nina Simone, and Simon and Friends, a soul-funk saxophonist who blends in the rich sounds of the marimba.

Music is performed while families enjoy their meals, and runs from 6pm to 8pm. The jazz evenings get busy so it's best to make a booking. 

Jazz evenings tend to fill up fast, so booking ahead is a good idea. Image: Dutchies

WHERE TO FIND IT & PARKING

Dutchies is opposite Grotto Beach in Voelklip, Hermanus. There’s a small parking lot to the right of Dutchies, which is shared with Grotto Beach. 

You can also find plenty of parking anywhere along Grotto Street, the long, winding road that leads to the beach. 

Find it opposite Grotto Beach. Image: Dutchies

VISIT THIS WHIMSICAL EATERY

Owned and run by the Gonggrijp family for over 10 years – and now awarded the tender for 10 more – Dutchies is a place that draws regulars year after year. 

Whether you’re sipping cocktails after a swim, catching sunset jazz, or gathering with family after a walk on the beach, this is a must-visit when you’re in Hermanus. 

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

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MORE SEASIDE SPOTS & THINGS TO DO

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

Looking for more seaside spots? Here’s our list of restaurants with a sea view.

You can visit Hermanus for whale-watching, art, mountain biking and more.

Here’s our list of 7+ things to do this weekend.

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