Dutchies, the whimsical family eatery with a sea view

Dutch cuisine, fresh seafood & jazz evenings

Last updated: Tuesday, 18 February 2025

Hermanus is easily one of the best destinations in the province. And mere metres from its blue-flagged Grotto Beach is Dutchies, which has made its name as a local must-try. Families make special memories over fresh seafood; couples linger over a bottle of wine on romantic date nights; and locals pop in for jazz evenings. Here’s why it's worth the visit.

Dutchies overlooks Grotto Beach in Hermanus. Image: Dutchies

MUST-TRY DAY TRIP SPOT 

Dutchies has been an unmissable family day trip spot for over 10 years. Part of its charm is how close it is to Grotto Beach, which you can see from the laidback courtyard. 

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 and families gather over fresh hake and calamari. 

Dutchies is for family, friends and lovers. Image: Dutchies

DUTCH CUISINE & FRESH SEAFOOD  

Dutchies is famous for its incredibly fresh seafood. The tuna is sourced from Mauritius, while the rest of the fish comes from local waters in Hermanus and Gordon’s Bay.

The menu also reflects owner Joke Gonggrijp’s Dutch roots, with dishes like Wentelteefjes (apple French toast), Bitterballen (crispy meatballs with mustard), and Erwtensoep (a hearty Dutch pea soup).

Vegetarians have plenty of options too, from aubergine curry with potato gratin to a creamy ratatouille risotto made with herbs, parmesan, and crème fraîche.

The chef prepares a range of special dishes every day written on the specials board. Image: Dutchies

CLASSIC COCKTAILS, BOOZY MILKSHAKES 

Dutchies has a mix of classic and creative cocktails, like the Pineapple Sunset (vodka, pineapple and orange juice). They also have boozy milkshakes like Cookies & Crazy (made with cookies and cream liqueur) and Marshmallow Dreams (with pink marshmallow cream liqueur). 

Wine lovers are covered too, with a long selection of labels like Diemersdal, Leopard’s Leap, Gabrielskloof, and Hermanus-based Domaine des Dieux.

Dutchies has mocktails like Roy Rodgers Cherry Cola. 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, who’s played with the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra, covering classics from Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Nina Simone. Or Simon and Friends, a soul-funk saxophonist who blends in the rich sounds of the marimba.

The night also welcomes local musicians to showcase their talent. Music is performed while families enjoy their meals, and runs from 6pm to 8pm.

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

For over 10 years, the Gonggrijp family has been at the heart of Dutchies, a favourite spot for locals. And they'll be there for 10 more (they’ve just been awarded a tender for another decade). 

It’s the kind of place where people unwind under the milkwood tree after a swim, sip cocktails in the afternoon sun, and spend lazy evenings while kids play and families come together. We highly recommend a visit.

VISIT THIS WHIMSICAL 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

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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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