Hermanus is one of South Africa’s most charming coastal towns, known for its spectacular ocean views, laid-back atmosphere, and vibrant food scene. From cosy cafés and artisan bakeries to fresh seafood restaurants, wine bars, and local favourites, there’s no shortage of great places to eat and drink. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or sunset drinks by the sea, there’s always something new to discover. To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite spots around town.
Just a stone’s throw from never@home Hermanus, Ficks Pool Restaurant is the kind of place you’ll probably end up visiting more than once during your stay. Perched above a spectacular tidal pool on the edge of the ocean, it’s one of the best spots in town to settle in with a drink and enjoy the view. The menu is small and fairly simple, but that’s not really why people come here. We’d recommend ordering a cocktail and sharing a few tapas plates while soaking up the scenery. If you’re looking for a memorable meal, there are stronger options in town, but for drinks, tapas, and a relaxed oceanfront setting, Ficks is hard to beat.
Only Specials Café is much more than a great spot for coffee and brunch – it’s a café with a heart. Run in partnership with the Sluyter Foundation, the café provides hospitality training and work experience for young people with intellectual disabilities, making every visit part of something truly meaningful. Expect excellent coffee, delicious breakfasts and lunches, homemade treats, and warm, friendly service. It’s just a short walk from never@home Hermanus, so you can enjoy a great meal while supporting a local initiative that’s making a real difference.
Gecko Bar & Restaurant is a warm, family-friendly local favourite overlooking the Hermanus Harbour, with beautiful ocean views and a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home. Known for its relaxed vibe, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a reasonably prriced meal, share a few drinks, and watch the sun go down over the water. Live music on Friday and Saturday evenings adds to the atmosphere, making Gecko a great place to spend an easy-going night out in Hermanus.
Theo’s Taverna brings a little taste of Greece to the heart of Hermanus. Expect authentic Greek flavours, generous portions, and the kind of warm hospitality that keeps locals and visitors coming back time and time again. From sizzling souvlaki and fresh seafood to classic mezze shared around the table, Theo’s is all about good food, good company, and a lively atmosphere. And in true Greek style, don’t be surprised if the evening ends with a few plates being smashed as the celebrations get underway.
Black Medicine Coffee Co. is a must-visit for coffee lovers and one of Hermanus’ most popular breakfast spots. Known for its excellent coffee, fresh pastries, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to fuel up before a day of exploring. Their legendary Marmite and cheese croissants have developed something of a cult following, so if you want to get your hands on one, get there early – they sell out fast. Whether you’re grabbing a takeaway coffee or settling in for a slow morning, Black Medicine is well worth the stop.
If you’re after one of the best meals in Hermanus, Pear Tree should be at the top of your list. Right on Village Square with outdoor tables overlooking Walker Bay, it’s the perfect spot to settle in with a cocktail and watch the world go by. The menu is packed with fresh seafood, creative sharing plates, and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, so there’s something for everyone. We’d recommend ordering a few dishes for the table and sharing them – that’s where Pear Tree really shines. It’s a little more of a splurge than your average backpacker meal, but if you’re treating yourself while you’re in Hermanus, this is money well spent.
Perched on the rocks beneath Hermanus’ famous Cliff Path, Bientang’s Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar is one of the coolest spots in town to grab a drink. Built into a natural cave overlooking Walker Bay, it’s the kind of place where a quick beer can easily turn into a whole afternoon. While the seafood and local favourites are worth a look, we’d recommend Bientang’s more for the ice-cold drinks, unbeatable ocean views, and incredible location than for the food itself. Prices are a little on the steep side, but when you’re sipping a cold one while watching whales cruise past the coastline, it’s easy to see why this place is a Hermanus favourite.
Tucked away on Hope Street, just a short walk from never@home Hermanus, Onshore Eatery is one of Hermanus’ hidden gems and a favourite among locals who know where to find a good breakfast (or lunch for that matter!). The coffee is excellent, the pastries are baked fresh, and the wood-fired oven turns out everything from flaky croissants to some seriously good sourdough and pizza. We’d recommend grabbing a coffee and settling in for breakfast, but don’t leave without trying one of their famous pastéis de nata! It’s not as well-known as some of the waterfront spots, but that’s part of the charm. And once you’ve been, you’ll understand why so many people keep coming back.
Hermanus is one of South Africa’s most charming coastal towns, known for its spectacular ocean views, laid-back atmosphere, and vibrant food scene. From cosy cafés and artisan bakeries to fresh seafood restaurants, wine bars, and local favourites, there’s no shortage of great places to eat and drink. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or sunset drinks by the sea, there’s always something new to discover. To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite spots around town.
Just a stone’s throw from never@home Hermanus, Ficks Pool Restaurant is the kind of place you’ll probably end up visiting more than once during your stay.
Perched above a spectacular tidal pool on the edge of the ocean, it’s one of the best spots in town to settle in with a drink and enjoy the view. The menu is small and fairly simple, but that’s not really why people come here. We’d recommend ordering a cocktail and sharing a few tapas plates while soaking up the scenery. If you’re looking for a memorable meal, there are stronger options in town, but for drinks, tapas, and a relaxed oceanfront setting, Ficks is hard to beat.
Only Specials Café is much more than a great spot for coffee and brunch – it’s a café with a heart. Run in partnership with the Sluyter Foundation, the café provides hospitality training and work experience for young people with intellectual disabilities, making every visit part of something truly meaningful. Expect excellent coffee, delicious breakfasts and lunches, homemade treats, and warm, friendly service.
It’s just a short walk from never@home Hermanus, so you can enjoy a great meal while supporting a local initiative that’s making a real difference.
Gecko Bar & Restaurant is a warm, family-friendly local favourite overlooking the Hermanus Harbour, with beautiful ocean views and a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home. Known for its relaxed vibe, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a reasonably priced meal, share a few drinks, and watch the sun go down over the water. Live music on Friday and Saturday evenings adds to the atmosphere, making Gecko a great place to spend an easy-going night out in Hermanus.
Theo’s Taverna brings a little taste of Greece to the heart of Hermanus. Expect authentic Greek flavours, generous portions, and the kind of warm hospitality that keeps locals and visitors coming back time and time again. From sizzling souvlaki and fresh seafood to classic mezze shared around the table, Theo’s is all about good food, good company, and a lively atmosphere. And in true Greek style, don’t be surprised if the evening ends with a few plates being smashed as the celebrations get underway.
Black Medicine Coffee Co. is a must-visit for coffee lovers and one of Hermanus’ most popular breakfast spots. Known for its excellent coffee, fresh pastries, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to fuel up before a day of exploring.
Their legendary Marmite and cheese croissants have developed something of a cult following, so if you want to get your hands on one, get there early – they sell out fast. Whether you’re grabbing a takeaway coffee or settling in for a slow morning, Black Medicine is well worth the stop.
If you’re after one of the best meals in Hermanus, Pear Tree should be at the top of your list. Right on Village Square with outdoor tables overlooking Walker Bay, it’s the perfect spot to settle in with a cocktail and watch the world go by. The menu is packed with fresh seafood, creative sharing plates, and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, so there’s something for everyone. We’d recommend ordering a few dishes for the table and sharing them – that’s where Pear Tree really shines. It’s a little more of a splurge than your average backpacker meal, but if you’re treating yourself while you’re in Hermanus, this is money well spent.
Perched on the rocks beneath Hermanus’ famous Cliff Path, Bientang’s Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar is one of the coolest spots in town to grab a drink. Built into a natural cave overlooking Walker Bay, it’s the kind of place where a quick beer can easily turn into a whole afternoon. While the seafood and local favourites are worth a look, we’d recommend Bientang’s more for the ice-cold drinks, unbeatable ocean views, and incredible location than for the food itself. Prices are a little on the steep side, but when you’re sipping a cold one while watching whales cruise past the coastline, it’s easy to see why this place is a Hermanus favourite.
Tucked away on Hope Street, just a short walk from never@home Hermanus, Onshore Eatery is one of Hermanus’ hidden gems and a favourite among locals who know where to find a good breakfast (or lunch for that matter!). The coffee is excellent, the pastries are baked fresh, and the wood-fired oven turns out everything from flaky croissants to some seriously good sourdough and pizza. We’d recommend grabbing a coffee and settling in for breakfast, but don’t leave without trying one of their famous pastéis de nata! It’s not as well-known as some of the waterfront spots, but that’s part of the charm. And once you’ve been, you’ll understand why so many people keep coming back.
