The best-kept seaside secret, just off Hermanus

It overlooks a pristine lagoon, and has sushi and ramen

Last updated: 6 May 2024 

Hermanus, loved for whale watching, is one of the best destinations in the province. What most don’t know about is the hidden town Onrus, just outside it. Its crown jewel is Milk on the Beach: A restaurant where sandy-toed kids devour loaded hotdogs, fries and waffles; early evening surfers retire with beers; families dine on spiced sesame calamari, sushi and ramen. 

Milk on the Beach is an unforgettable highlight of any family holiday or day trip. Image: Milk on the Beach 

ONRUS, A HIDDEN CLIFTON 

Onrus is like Clifton, without the crowds and posers. The hidden town was a semi-finalist in Kwela's Dorp van die Jaar awards in 2021.  

It’s easy to see why: Onrus has a pristine beach and lagoon (popular with families for the warmer, calmer water) and on its edge is Milk on the Beach. 

It’s best to arrive at Milk early and spend the day exploring. The parking lot, shared with Onrus Beach, gets packed in peak summer season.

Milk on the Beach, and the Waffle Shack downstairs, is right on the water’s edge. Image: Milk on the Beach

JUST OUTSIDE OF HERMANUS 

Milk on the Beach lets the view speak for itself. From almost anywhere in the restaurant you can see the surrounding mountains, Onrus Beach and the kid-friendly lagoon. The interiors are simple (it would be difficult for any decor to compete with the view), paired with pops of colour from quirky furniture and eccentric Frenchie and Pug portraits.

There's a fireplace and the deck closes up in winter, making Milk super cosy. Image: Milk on the Beach 

You’ll find all sorts of locals popping in and out, from elderly ladies drinking afternoon tea out of colourful china to families coming in fresh from the beach. Or friends catching up over drinks – there’s a daily happy hour from 5pm to 6pm. 

Kids dash between the main restaurant, where their parents sit, to the beach (you can keep an eye on the kids playing), and to the waffle shack downstairs. 

Dogs love it, too, thanks to the bowl of treats left at the entrance of Milk. 

You can visit Milk after a long beach walk with the dogs. Image: Milk on the Beach

RAMEN AND SUSHI IN ONRUS 

A beachside restaurant has to have fresh fish, of course. Milk is the only place in Onrus where you can get sushi. Spiced sesame calamari with peppadew mayo or oysters with spiced apple salsa are some of the other seafood choices. 

Ramen, prepared in the traditional style, is the latest addition to the menu. There’s tonkotsu shoyu (made with pork belly, nori and shitake mushrooms, with a pork bone-based broth) and niwatori miso (chicken and prawn in a miso broth).

Milk is the only place in Onrus where you can get sushi. Image: Milk on the Beach

COCKTAILS, CRAFT BEER & WINTER WARMERS   

There’s nothing better than cracking a cold one after a long day at the beach. Milk has two must-try local beers on tap – the Old Harbour Lager made by Hermanus Brewery and the Onrus Ale made by Honingklip Brewery (you’ve got to drink an Onrus Ale in Onrus). There’s also decadent hot chocolate and coffee for cosy colder days by the fireplace. 

Besides warm drinks and cocktails, there’s also a long list of local wines. Image: Milk on the Beach

PLUS, A WAFFLE SHACK DOWNSTAIRS

The Waffle Shack, which is directly beneath Milk, is truly an adventure for both kids and parents. It stretches along the lagoon, with bright pink, blue and yellow bar stools, and a BYO waffle counter. 

The Waffle Shack’s deck stretches along the lagoon. Image: Milk on the Beach

If you prefer savoury, then the loaded hotdogs are indulgent after a long day at the beach. Like the “Chihuahua” hotdog smothered in crushed nachos, jalapenos and guacamole. Or for something lighter, there’s poke bowls and sushi. 

It also serves beer, wine and cocktails for a quick drink at sunset. Read more about the Waffle Shack in Onrus.

The loaded hotdogs are cheekily named after dog breeds. Image: Milk on the Beach 

VISIT MILK ON THE BEACH 

Milk on the Beach is open: Daily, 8am - 8pm
Find it: 1 Atlantic Drive (by the main beach) | Onrus River | Onrus
Contact on: 028 316 1516, @milk_onthebeach, Milk on the Beach website

By Julia Rowley

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