The Cape Overberg Region is a special part of South Africa’s Western Cape province. Here, unspoilt beaches, rich birdlife, rolling farmlands and impressive mountains reign supreme.
Add to that warm hospitality, charming Overberg towns and fun outdoor adventures in one of the Cape’s most diverse regions and you have a fun holiday or outing indeed.
In this post, we share ten of the best restaurants in the Cape Overberg, based in whale-crazy Hermanus, beautiful Swellendam and other great Overberg towns.
Here, in no particular order, are the top ten restaurants in the Cape Overberg Region:
#1 The Gallery Café & Deli Food Store
This Hermanus gem is the go-to place for a wide range of delicious eats. It offers everything from memorable breakfasts to vegetarian cuisine and some tasty baked goods too.
With friendly staff, great service, lovely seating areas and more, this dog-friendly spot (provided they are leashed and well-behaved) is sure to win your heart – and tummy – over instantly.
Visit The Gallery Café & Deli Food Store if you are in and around Hermanus.
Contact: +27 (076) 837 4231, emiliaknight@gmail.com
Website: www.appetiteknight.co.za
Address: The Gallery Café & Deli Food Store, Hermanus, Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#2 Manor House Restaurant
Situated at the excellent Standford Valley Guest Farm, Manor House Restaurant is one of the Western Cape’s finest food offerings. Here, guests can enjoy contempory cooking in truly gorgeous surroundings.
The food itself is wholesome, fresh and inviting, while the setting offers dreamy mid-century modern decor touches, tasteful art and stunning views of the local Akkedisberg mountains.
This popular Overberg restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Thursday to Saturday and for breakfast and lunch on Sundays. They are also open to group bookings (minimum 15 guests) any other day of the week.
Note: Walk-ins are welcome but advance reservations are advised to avoid disappointment.
Contact: +27 (072) 198 0862, manorhouse@stanfordvalley.co.za
Website: www.manorhouserestaurant.co.za
Address: Manor House Restaurant, Standford Valley Guest Farm, Standford, Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#3 Thyme at Rosemary’s Restaurant
Here, in Main Road, Gansbaai, guests can enjoy experiencing incredible South African, country-style cuisine in a beautiful, unique setting.
Thyme at Rosemary’s Restaurant offers amazing food, excellent local wines and an unforgettable romantic, candelit setting out in their organic secret garden.
Visit them for a special meal in the Cape Overberg Region.
Note: Thyme at Rosemary’s Restaurant has a strict no children under 12 policy after 18:30 pm. Also, bookings are essential.
Contact: +27 (028) 384 2076, lollirizza@telkomsa.net
Website: N/A
Address: Thyme at Rosemary’s Restaurant, 13 Main Road, Gansbaai,Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#4 Betty Blue Bistro
This popular Hermanus eatery, namely, Betty Blue Bistro, offers a vibrant, fun and flavourful food experience.
The colourful bistro offers the very best in expressive, delicious food and a light, cheerful setting that pops with colour and charm.
Whether you are craving tasty sweet or savoury pancakes, a hearty breakfast, adventurous salads or even a great burger, it’s hard to go wrong at Betty Blue Bistro.
Note: They do not accept reservations due to high demand.
Contact: +27 (028) 125 0037, info@bettyblue.co.za
Website: bettybluebistrohermanus.com
Address: Betty Blue Bistro, 126 Main Road, Hermanus, Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#5 Drostdy Restaurant
Situated over in beautiful Swellendam, Drostdy Restaurant is a popular local gem that is big on great food, excellent service and meals you remember long after you have left.
With stunning mountain views and an indigenous, on-site garden, which even features an impressive giant wild fig tree, this historic Cape Dutch restaurant is as beautiful as it is charming.
Award-winning chef, David Godin, brings his own unique French flair to every dish. The menu itself caters to a wide range of dietary requirements and palates, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free.
If you are looking for a special place to enjoy an amazing meal in the Cape Overberg Region, look no further than Drostdy Restaurant.
Note: Bookings are essential.
Contact: +27 (079) 645 5312
Website: www.visitswellendam.co.za/drostdy-restaurant
Address: Drostdy Restaurant, 28 Swellengrebel Street, Swellendam, Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#6 Abbey Rose Restaurant
Tucked away in blissful Greyton, Abbey Rose Restaurant is a family-run restaurant that offers the best in country dining.
Here, you can enjoy warm service, a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere and top food, with a variety of dishes. The owners give their own unique spin to a range of specialty South African dishes, including oxtail, kudu pie and curry to name a few.
To complement your fine meal, add a glass or two of top local South African wines from their substantial wine list.
Best of all, their garden setting makes for a truly special part of your dining experience.
Contact: +27 (028) 254 9470, andre@abbeyrose.co.za
Website: www.abbeyrose.co.za
Address: Abbey Rose, 19 Main Road, Greyton, Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#7 Mez Karoo Kitchen
Over in Barrydale, we have the gastronomic delight that is Mez Karoo Kitchen. Here, guests can savour a spectacular array of Mediterranean and local flavours in this charming Route 62 restaurant.
Guests can choose to sit indoors in the house, out in the garden or in the garden room – either way, the setting is lovely and adds to the general dining experience.
Locals and travellers alike rave about Mez Karoo Kitchen – and once you sample their cuisine for yourself, you will surely see why!
Contact: +27 (082) 077 5980, mezberry246@gmail.com
Website: N/A
Address: Mez Karoo Kitchen, 24 Van Riebeek Street, Barrydale, Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#8 La Sosta Restaurant
Another Swellendam favourite is La Sosta Restaurant. This charming eatery offers guests an unforgettable culinary experience.
With a rich history, contemporary style, gorgeous interiors and creative food, La Sosta offers the very best in sustainability, quality, flavour and seaonality.
If you are looking for impeccable food, great, classic service and an all-round memorable restaurant, head to La Sosta.
Contact: +27 (028) 514 1470, lasostarestaurant@gmail.com
Website: www.lasostarestaurant.com
Address: La Sosta, 145 Voortrek Street, Swellendam, Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#9 Diesel & Crème
Famed for their gourmet milkshakes (sure to leave you in a food coma…), Diesel a& Crème is an unmissable Route 62 attraction and popular spot in Barrydale. While it is not strictly a restaurant, it is well-deserving of a mention on any top ten foodie post.
Although the variety, flavours and masterful taste of their milkshakes is worth a visit alone – this quirky, fun place also offers some tasty burgers, friendly staff and good service and plenty of vintage décor inside and out for visitors to enjoy.
This venue is child-friendly, bicycle-friendly and motorcycle-friendly so everyone is welcome.
Note: To avoid disappointment, advance reservations are advised.
Contact: +27 (028) 572 1008, social@dieselandcreme.co.za
Website: www.dieselandcreme.co.za
Address: Diesel & Creme, 2 Tennant Street, Barrydale, Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
#10 Mezz and Co
Last but by no means least on our quality list, we have Mezz and Co. This Hermanus restaurant is loved for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Mezz and Co is big on food, good service and unique dining. Their aim is to “unify cultural cuisines through our original style and locally sourced ingredients”.
If you are looking for a fun, flavourful and special food experience in Hermanus or the Overberg, add Mezz and Co to your top picks!
Contact: +27 (028) 313 1178
, info@mezzandco.co.za
Website: N/A
Address: Mezz and Co, Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa.
These are just ten of the most amazing eateries you can enjoy in the Cape Overberg Region. Which are you adding to your eat list?